‘autumn love’ by suriyadesigns

Earthy Layers Iron Rust Wate… TheMudPlace $240.00	Wool Scarf/ Crochet Leather … NervousWardrob… $45.00	Rustic fall colors orange ru… bomobob $30.00
1920s CLOCHE HAT in ‘New… Orizu $49.00	Trapeze Dress in Burnt Orang… margerydaw0 $189.00	Spools Boo25 $25.00
Silverlake in Burnt Orange laresident $250.00	Mustard, Olive, and Burnt Or… BlissStreet $30.00	Nature Photography, Burnt or… moonlightphoto… $27.00
Fringe trim necklace – burnt… bohemiantown $32.00	Copper Hoop Earrings – Hand … ElementsbyJuli… $22.00	Wall Sculpture – Autumn Wood… Orangutate $150.00
Bohemian headband in fall co… TutusChic $24.00	Succulent Crassula “Cam… tobieanne $5.00	Autumn Accessories, Rusty Or… JennaBelleDesi… $52.00
Sentimental Journey – Autumn… EyePoetryPhoto… $30.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Fresh Blueberry Treat for Summer!

With blueberry season upon us once again, I couldn’t resist making some fresh blueberry muffins. These are a wonderful on-the-go breakfast solution and Sunday morning favorite. My easy to make blueberry muffins are high in fiber, low in fat and low in sugar. I can’t even describe how yummy these blueberries smelled coming from the oven. They are super delicious and taste even better when served in my handmade pottery dishes! Ok, so I made that part up…but they seriously are more fun to eat on handmade pottery. Please enjoy and feel free to share or print this recipe.

Wheat & Oatmeal Blueberry Muffins

Low fat, Low Sugar, High Fiber

Ingredients:

1 ½ cup rolled oats

1 Cup whole wheat flour

2 tbsp. milled flax seed

1 tbsp. vital wheat gluten

1/3 cup honey or sugar

½ tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. baking powder

½ Cup unsweetened apple sauce

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 egg

¾ cup fat free milk

1 cup fresh blueberries

Method:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 2 6 cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line with muffin baking cups. Combine all dry ingredients and stir together in mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and stir until moistened. Fill cups ¾ full. Bake for 17-20 minutes.

Yield 1 dozen muffins

Easter Meerkats by NiftyKnits

After the warm response to my pottery yarn bowls by the knitting community, I wanted to offer a fun project for knitters on my blog. There is only one problem. While I am proficient in crochet, I don’t know the first thing about how to knit! Luckily, a very talented knitter, Heather of NiftyKnits, was kind enough to share her pattern and allow me to post it here. Thanks so much Heather! Please enjoy her pattern for these absolutely adorable Easter eggs. Check out her blog for more free knitting patterns, including a striped Easter egg pattern.  More of Heather’s meerkats are available at her Etsy shop here>>  I hope you will enjoy making a festive Easter table and share this link.

I had such fun knitting these teeny weeny eggs for the meerkats that I thought you might like to have a go too! I used two different methods, one using short row shaping, the other uses K2tog to decrease. By using garter stitch, stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch I got various different results.  

As you can see, they really are tiny, only about an inch (2.5cm) so you only need tiny scraps of yarn (I used double knitting which is apparently between sports and worsted in US, but it really doesn’t matter – they haven’t got to “fit” and bits and pieces of embellishments. I used UK size 10 needles (US 3 or 3.25 mm) but again – it really doesn’t matter too much)   

Red and purple garter stitch eggs using short row decreases.  

If you haven’t used short row decreasing before, there are many good video instructions available by googling. Basically, instead of knitting to the end of a row, you stop partway, turn and work back – in effect, a short row. Easy! Slipping the next stitch and passing the yarn around tightens up the work and prevents a tiny hole – but again, it doesn’t matter too much for this project.  

Cast on 7 stitches
1st row: knit 3 (slip next stitch across on to your right hand needle, pass yarn around, return stitch to left hand needle, turn) knit 4
2nd row: knit 4 (slip next stitch across on to your right hand needle, pass yarn around, return stitch to left hand needle, turn) knit 3
3rd row: knit 5 (slip next stitch across on to your right hand needle, pass yarn around, return stitch to left hand needle, turn) knit 2
4th row: knit 6 (slip next stitch across on to your right hand needle, pass yarn around, return stitch to left hand needle, turn) knit 1  

You’re halfway there – you should have a triangular shaped piece. The cast on edge is on the left of my picture:  

 Continue:  

5th row: knit 5 (slip next stitch across on to your right hand needle, pass yarn around, return stitch to left hand needle, turn) knit 2
6th row: knit 4 (slip next stitch across on to your right hand needle, pass yarn around, return stitch to left hand needle, turn) knit 3
7th row: knit 3 (slip next stitch across on to your right hand needle, pass yarn around, return stitch to left hand needle, turn) knit 4
Cast off, cut yarn leaving a long end for sewing up.  

 Sew the diagonal edges together, stuff (I used toy filling but a scrap of cotton wool would be fine) and then pass your needle through the row ends on the base and draw through. If your egg is a bit carrot-shaped at this point, just make a few stitches through from top to bottom.  

The green red and yellow eggs below were worked to this pattern, the pink and turquoise eggs were worked to the same pattern but in stocking stitch (right side row knit, wrong side row purl)  

 Have fun! Please don’t copy this pattern to sell yourself, but feel free to share the link.

Chili Bowls with Handles by The Mud Place

Leslie’s Homemade Chili

Here is my recipe for a crowd pleaser chili. It is big on flavor but has just a dab of heat. This recipe can easily be adjusted for a bigger kick, for those who like a spicier chili. For busy families, I am also including directions for making this in a crock-pot.

Ingredients:

Handmade Potholders by OriginalsbyLauren

1.5 lb. ground beef

1 medium onion diced

2 cloves garlic minced

½ green bell pepper chopped

1/4 cup dried green or red lentils, rinsed

¾ cup water (to reconstitute lentil moisture)

2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz.)

Chili Peppers in a Row by TheJoyofColor

1 can chunky crushed tomatoes (15 oz.)

½ teaspoon coriander

2 tbsp. Chili powder

1 tsp. Ground cumin

1 tsp. Italian herb seasoning

1-2 Bay Leaves

Salt & Pepper to taste

*Optional ¼ cup green chili peppers minced and/or your favorite spicy ingredient for more heat

Stovetop Method: In large pot, brown ground beef on medium heat. Drain fat. Add onion, garlic and green pepper and cook until onions turn clear, stirring frequently. Add dried lentils, water, beans, and tomatoes. Bring to slow boil, stirring frequently. Add all other ingredients, adjusting spices to your taste. Reduce heat, cover and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally for 1 ½ hours. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with rice, cornbread or garlic bread.

Crockpot Method: In the morning, brown ground beef on stovetop. Drain fat. Add onion, garlic and green pepper and cook until onions turn clear, turning frequently. Add beef mixture to crockpot along with all other ingredients. Adjust spices to your taste. Cook on High heat for 6-8 hours. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with rice, cornbread or garlic bread. Serves about 6

Pattern and Images by Leslie Nieto, Copyright 2011 The Mud Place

Easter Egg Cozy Miniature Basket

This petite basket with woven detailing will be treasured by young children and parents. It will make a delightful addition to your spring décor or Easter festivities. These would make great inexpensive party favor solutions for baby showers, egg hunts or even handmade weddings. They are quick and easy to make. These little vessels are handy for many storage uses in the home and office, so they will be used over and over. Best of all, they can be made from just some of your scrap pieces of yarn!    

1.  Ch 4. Sl st in first chain to form ring.
2. 8 sc through center hole of ring. Sl st in 1^st sc. Ch 1, turn. (8 st) 
3. *2 Sc in next st. 1 Sc in next st* repeat from * around. Sl st in 1^st st, ch 1, turn. (12 st) 
4. Repeat row 3 (18 st) 
5. Repeat row 3 (27 st) 

Sides

1.  Sc in back loop of each st around, ch 1, turn (27 st)    
2.  Sc in each st around, ch 2, turn. (27 st)    
3. HDC in next 26 st. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Ch 2, turn. (27 st)
4. HDC in next 26 st. Join with sl st to top of ch 2. Ch 3 turn. (27 st)    

1. Sl st in next st. Turn
2. Sc in first sc space, ch 1. Turn
3. *Sc in st, ch 1 turn* repeat from * 8 times. Sc in st
4. Join handle with other side of basket with a sl st in 13^th st from other basket handle. Ch 3
5. With outside of basket facing, join handle and basket rim with sl st in next sc on basket rim    

Finishing:   Sl st around entire rim and both sides of handle. Weave in ends.      

With first accent color, thread yarn needle with a double strand of yarn. Weave both strands through posts of the top row of HDC’s fasten and trim. With second accent color doubled and threaded in yarn needle, weave strands through posts on bottom row of HDC’s, fasten and trim. Weave in any loose ends. Sew buttons onto basket handle ends.      

Filling: The photos may give you some ideas for filling the baskets, though any small holiday or occasion themed candies or treats would work. Try pastel candy coated almonds, wrapped hard candies, or home baked cookies or chocolates. I used some chocolate covered malted milk balls in one photo, and a large hardboiled egg in another. These would also fit jumbo eggs. The filler I used is made from some shredded craft paper confetti. For a fancy party favor, add craft gift tags and secure with satin ribbon or raffia bows.

‘Serve it Up!’ by malibuquilts

Enjoy!

Green Pesto CricCrac $8.00	Simplicity in Blue Whee… TheMudPlace $40.00	Roasted Butternut Squas… zazaspastas $6.50
Vintage Iroquois Ben Se… glasspanic $20.00	Blue and White Milk Pit… soveryhappy $9.00	Pastabilities 4X6 Photo… fosterbk $24.00
Colorful Handmade Servi… Misspottery $22.00	Traditional Italian Spi… TheFoxsGlove $1.59	Custom Double Wedding R… LamaWorks $45.00
Green Serving Bowl /Han… patspottery $24.00	Spaghettiometer TimberGreenWoo… $9.95	China – Homer Laughlin … bythewayside $70.00
Organic Genovese Basil … cubits $3.50	Fireworks – Angel Hair … ParleyShot $4200.00	Types Of Pasta saltboxsigns $87.00

‘Shopping for my Man on Etsy’ by toriska

Lapel Pin – Monogram In… LindenLeafStud… $14.50	White Plywood Chairs Sm… mediumcontrol $36.00	Handmade Beer Soap Cold… SweetSallysSoa… $6.00
Men’s Vintage Moto … onetwosix $29.50	Boots – Gray Durango Le… bytheway $60.00	Felted mittens-ninja wi… Baymut $42.00
Mens wooden necklace – … jennyhoople $26.00	Brown Tweed Wool Cyclin… rocksandsalt $48.00	Peanut Butter Truffle C… nikid $18.00
Unique Handmade Rustic … tinahdee $100.00	Business Card Holder Ha… TheMudPlace $14.00	Grey Mug Cozy, Gray Cup… natalya1905 $19.95
Winter Hearth Scarf ScarfRunner $55.00	Double Circles Necklace… Leporis $22.00	Brown and Cream Wool Fr… Verdade $30.00

Baby Santa Hat, Photo Prop for your Christmas Baby

 Then there is this shawl that I have been drooling over. The colors are stunning and the fingering weight yarn makes it a delicate treat. You can even tell the quality and softness just from the picture – it is the merino wool, baby alpaca and silk blend fibers that put it a spot above the rest.

Burst of Autumn Lacey Hand Knitted Triangle Scarf Shawlette

KnitzyBlonde definitely offers quality craftsmanship and beautiful designs, but I love her work for more than that. It is also the quality materials that she begins with that really make her work outstanding. So now, are you ready for some cashmere? btw, I just love the word cashmere-it even has “cash” in it! I think you will agree this hat is lovely and the story behind its inspiration is very sweet (check it out here). It is made with a hand dyed merino wool and cashmere blend fibers, so you get warmth and softness without sacrificing on style. The scalloped edges with the woven ribbon make this such a yummy addition to any winter wardrobe. Plus, Sandie will make it custom sized for you! Make sure to give her enough time to make it if you need it for Christmas.

Custom Sized Lace Edged Hand Knitted Hat - Hand Dyed Yarn and Ribbon You Choose The Size

Among her diverse talents, we can dub KnitzyBlonde blog goddess and a true Etsy Treasury teammate. The Etteam has been an invaluable source of support for me, and it is no question how. It is because of members like KnitzyBlonde that make the team so strong. Thanks Sandie for being such a great team member and bringing us such lovely gift choices for ourselves and our loved ones!

Congratulations April P!

While these baskets surely make great gifts, the giveaway is for ANY item(s) in my catalog!

I am slowly getting over my fear of blogging and sending newsletters and I would like to celebrate with you! While I do not claim to be the next Shakespeare, I am getting more comfortable with using this blog. I would like to celebrate this achievement with all of YOU and do my first giveaway. Hopefully this is just in time to kick-off your Holiday Shopping!

The giveaway item:  A $25 gift certificate for themudplace.com This can be used towards the purchase of any item(s) from themudplace.com.

How to Enter:  

1st Mandatory Entry – Register and sign up for my newsletter here>> If you are already registered on my site, you may place entries below. 

Extra Entries:
1. Follow The Mud Place on Facebook and leave a comment.  

2. Follow The Mud Place on Twitter and leave a comment.  

3. Tweet the following: ” #Giveaway 4 a $25 gift certificate for handmade pottery from @TheMudPlace. Blog http://www.themudplace.com/blog ends 10/25 ” and leave a comment with the link to your tweet.  You may tweet once a day for an extra entry.  

4.  Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page.  Be sure to leave a comment here with a link to your FB page, so I know to add an entry for you!  

5.  Blog about this giveaway, and be sure to leave a comment here with a link to your blog page so I know to add an entry for you!  

6. Become a follower to this blog.  

Giveaway starts today 10/11, and ends at Midnight PDT 10/25.  Random.org will be used to determine the winner.  

A great big “Thanks” to Sandie from ZaftigDelights for helping me make this happen!  

Thanks, and good luck!