Tuesday, May 3, 2022

Kitchen Crafts Project No 2 plus a giveaway!

 


Did you make the 1st Simple Kitchen Crafts project? Perhaps you missed that post and the companion pattern? You'll find it HERE

This month my Simple Kitchen Craft is a recipe book cover with bookmark. 

I was going to share a lot of my recipes with you this week, all in one file to download, but this is going to take far more time than I imagined so it might be a couple of months before that's ready - however, as I turned page after page of my own recipe file, I could see the loose pages are very stained and torn and forlorn...and of course, that gave me the idea for a fresh, bound and covered recipe book.


I wanted something bright for the kitchen shelf, as well as the opportunity to use up some recycled lemon linen and a piece of fabric which has languished in my stash for far too long. The right choice of thread colours brought both linen and fabric together nicely.

Can you see the little hole in the centre of the jug? It's made the same way as the hole in the String Bag stitchery last month, because I was a bit absent minded when I stitched this pretty jug and thought it was for another string bag. So, if you want another string dispenser bag you could stitch the jug for it, okay?!

I bought a good quality journal for this project, one with sewn in pages so that it could stand the test of time...especially if it's going to be passed down. The pattern has full instructions for the stitcheries and also for making the recipe book cover. I especially like having the bookmark sewn into the cover. 

It is sewn into the back cover...


...and folds over onto the page you're using. 


I thought that if I write just one recipe a day into my newly covered book, that's a task which could be easily accomplished. To imagine writing more than that - well, it just wouldn't happen. Best to set a goal that is manageable, not one which overwhelms you. Besides, with the issues I have with nerves in my right thumb, I would only manage a single recipe at a time anyhow, and I want it all to be neat. Did I ever tell you that I received an award for "The Neatest Books in 6th Grade" when I was young? Sadly, my handwriting has gotten a tad sloppy since typing took over in life. Sigh.



Having a pretty recipe book is actually a good incentive to keep your handwriting neat, don't you agree?


Use the link below to download the pattern. And would you mind pinning it to Pinterest for me? 

DOWNLOAD Simple Kitchen Crafts Recipe Book Cover pattern

My Pinterest 'P' has disappeared from my blog photos since the latest blog-makeover, and I haven't had time to fix it. Again, sigh. Eventually I'll catch up with things, but I really am enjoying having hubby home right now, so time with him is a priority for the next fortnight.

Now, a giveaway!!

My friend Xanthe, of Wife-Made, is a very clever quilt designer who also dabbles with a variety of other patterns for her shop. I absolutely love this younger sister-in-Christ, who is married with four children, and works her design magic from home, for she has the funniest sense of humour and is the kind of woman who puts you at ease immediately. 

Well, recently Xanthe offered me one of her brand new oven mitts, made from recycled woollen blankets and gorgeous fabric linings. Bless her heart, I said yes please...and it's in the mail and on the way to me now. Squeal of delight!

But Xanthe also offered to give me one of her oven mitt kits for a giveaway here on Elefantz!


The kit will not be the same as the oven mitt in the photo above, because all of her kits are unique and made from different woollen blankets and fabrics. In fact here's some pics of the oven mitts designs she has...






Xanthe sells KITS and PATTERNS for her Oven Mitts in her shop so if you'd like to jump in and start sewing now, use the link below. 

VISIT the WIFE-MADE SHOP

But let me show you a few more of her patterns, because if you're not into oven mitts you just might like to sew a set of beautiful wings for that special little girl in your life...


...or start piecing an Espalier quilt?!


You can follow Xanthe HERE on Instagram or use @wifemade

Okay - the giveaway...all you need do is leave a comment on today's blog post (the one you're reading right now) and be sure to leave an email address if you're anonymous or don't have an email attached to your usual comment profile. 

I'll draw the winner on Tuesday May 17th (Australian time) and if your name is drawn out but I cannot contact you, then I will do a redraw - so please leave contact details.  

The winner will receive one of Xanthe's Wife-Made Oven Mitt kids, and the giveaway is open internationally. 

Now why don't you pop over HERE to her blog for a visit?

Bless you all, I'm actually a bit under the weather today with a sore throat and achy all over so sitting here typing all this up was much easier than washing all the floors. I mean, they'll be there tomorrow, right? But today, feet up and lots of lemon balm, honey and ginger tea...and maybe an afternoon nap. 

Hugs


79 comments:

Chris Royal said...

Hi Jenny. Thank you so much for a lovely new project! I've been stitching your designs for many years now and always enjoy them. I'd love to receive the kit if I'm lucky enough! Chris Royal

Magda said...

Good afternoon Jennifer, sorry to hear that you are not feeling well but your plan to cope with it sounds great. There is always time for a nanna nap! It would be great to win the giveaway which means that I could christen my new office/craft room with a brand new project. magda.kvn@gmail.com. Wishing you all the best. Magda

Anonymous said...

Jennifer,. Thank you for the lovely recipe book cover pattern. All of your designs are so lovely. I enjoy your newsletter very much, as well.
lindamclark1961@gmail.com

Sharyn said...

Hi Jennifer. The oven mit looks lovely. I am a big fan of recycling old fabric and the blanket material sounds lovely. Hope you are feeling better soon.Sharyn
sharynwhiting@hotmail.com

Pink Rose said...

Hi Jenny lovely post and bookmark ,you sure have been busy ,well done you are my inspiration for the home and what beautiful designs Xanthe has and what a wonderful giveaway,thankyou to you both ,take care lovely lady πŸ’•πŸ€πŸ’•

Valeri said...

Hello Jennifer! I absolutely love your blog. Such a blessing to read your musings or see your garden or what you’ve baked. And your grandchildren are so precious. The mitt looks like a wonderful & useful project. I, too, enjoy a good “up-cycle.” Have a blessed day & Happy Mother’s Day to you!
Tvarhea@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

What a lovely gift you are receiving. Surprise gifts are just the best. adlopez77@gmail.com

sewingnana said...

You always have such beautiful projects!

Anonymous said...

It is always nice to have a new oven mitt. |When you cook a lot it wears out...thanks for give away
Phyllis
okiepm@sbcglobal.net

Rhonda said...

A nice new oven mitt for the month of May. I’ve just finished a “spring” clean and thrown out my old mitts.

Kay said...

The recipe book is such a great idea, because it is in your own handwriting and so will be treasured one day. I have a file with all my favourite recipes in plastic sleeves but this looks much prettier. I am still getting over a broken wrist so haven’t been able to write or do much at all for the last six weeks, thank goodness for being able to type with one finger on my other hand.
Thank you for a lovely giveaway too. X

Vickie Bell said...

Very impressed with all your stitcheries! I have followed all of your posts for the last several years since I retired and would love to win the repurposed blanket oven mitt kit!

Anonymous said...

Bless you, Jenny, for all the inspiration you bring to us! I love reading your blog and embroidering your designs. I especially love that Christ is at the center of all you do!
mpainter@zoominternet.net

nannystitch said...

Thank you for wonderful blog posts & patterns! I love to read your inspirational treasures! They are wonderful & are often just what I need to hear!
Christine

Mimi said...

Just discovered your blog so I'm going to plan a few hours to get enjoy it today and follow it.
I love hand embroidery and so glad I found you through Pinterest.

Unknown said...

Hi Jennifer, I always love your patterns and reading your posts especially recipies and anything about embroidery in general. I really love the family recipie cover and bookmark in this post and will have to give it a try! Thanks, Kerri Mitchell

AlisonC said...

Hi Jennifer, lovely patterns as always, I'm looking forward to making the recipe book cover. (Have you had chance to try the Cheese Pie recipe I sent you yet? ) Fingers crossed for the Giveaway 🀞X

Terry said...

Hi Jenny…Hope you feel better soon. I love your blog and you inspire me with your patterns. Take care. TerryπŸ’

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny, thanks for all your beautiful patterns.

cerato said...

Hi Jennifer. Thank you for the lovely recipe book cover pattern. Your designs are so lovely. I would love to enter in the giveaway.
Hugs,
Pilar (Cerato)
cenefasdeflores@gmail.com

knitster said...

I love the little grabbers and the idea of using old blankets. I also love her sun and moon pillows. I have a great niece who will be 2 later this year, those wings may have to find their way in her Christmas present. Thanks for introducing us to a new "crafter." Feel better soon.

kupton52 said...

What a clever use of old blankets! The oven mitts are are wonderful. Thanks to you and Xanthe for a chance to win. Jenny....I can't imagine your handwriting being anything but beautiful---the very first thing I admired about your designs when I found you YEARS ago was the neat and lovely lettering on them. Blessings from WV/USA. Hugs....

kupton52 said...

....and I forgot to say thanks for the lovely Journal Cover pattern...it's sooooo lovely!

Anonymous said...

A recipe book hand written is such a nice idea. Thanks for sharing the idea and pattern. I will visit Xanthe on Instagram and her shop. Thanks for continuing to encourage.

Gail said...

Thank you for the wonderful projects and homemaking ideas you share. The recipe book cover is great, and would make lovely wedding gifts for some young ladies I know. The oven mitts would be a great add-on gift.

Wendy said...

What a fun giveaway! Love your blog!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the patterns you share and the inspiration from your life and family, blessings. Please enter my name for the mitt giveaway and thank you. pwillson49@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Always such lovely designs here--truly feeds the soul. Love the recipe book! rebeccamcknight@verizon.net

Deb E said...

What a lovely new project - I've been thinking that I need to assemble the best recipes from my mother, my grandmother, my Australian Mum, and mine, for our 2 children. Someday they will appreciate the gesture, I know, as I've been asked time after time for this or that recipe. What wonderful hot pads! Today is our wedding anniversary (not long before the 50th), so fingers crossed! Enjoy the time with your hubby - its a nice hint of what is ahead once he retires and you have the rest of your lives together. Take care of yourself! Deb E mdenders@msn.com

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

All the different styles of oven mits are amazing. I never thought of using wool blankets for making them.

Brenda H said...

Jenny, you have blessed my life with your blogs and your patterns, and I have shared many of my projects done from your designs with friends around the USA. I would love to receive a new designer’s items and plan to do some sleuthing throughout her page. Thanks so much for sharing your God-given talents with the rest of us.

Vallie said...

Thank you for pattern of mitt. Cute for shower gift.

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, always reading your blog, Durlinger several years. I love to read what you have to tell us. Not only about your patterns, your daily live, your grandchildren etc., but I love your story about your love for Jesus and what He means to you. I feel blessed that I once foutdruk your blog. I love it. Please enter my name for the give-away. (r.vanderveen07@knid.nl)

Susan said...

The recipe book would make a lovely bridal shower gift or a housewarming gift. My mom had guests she invited to my bridal shower write one or two recipes on 3x5-inch cards and put them in a little notebook. I still use that. Some of the cards I had to redo as they got smudge as sometimes happens when one is mixing ingredients. I have problems with arthritis in my hands and so I usually type out recipes now and paste them into books. It also allows me to just email a recipe to someone who asks for it and I know that it will be readable for them. I have a friend who is sight impaired and typing them allows me to be able to do one in a much larger font to make it easier for her to read.

Thanks for the pattern and instructions for making the book cover. I pray you feel better soon. Also thanks to Xanthe for change to win one of her kits. I visited her website and signed up for her newsletter.

Anonymous said...

Sorry for the misstakes written in my text above. Durlinger has to be during; foutdruk has to be found.

Lee said...

So sorry you are under the weather and pray for quick healing for you! Thank you for the lovely book cover pattern and all the bookmark patterns - I want to make some for my lovely daughter who is a librarian. I always enjoy and look forward to your posts - so uplifting! Thank you for the lovely giveaway!

Fran said...

What a brilliant use for old woolen blankets. I have a couple that I’ve used for projects and was wondering what to do with the smaller scraps, so thanks for this! I’d love an opportunity to win.
I really enjoy your ideas and designs, and have used many over the past few years. Thanks so much for what you do and share.

CarolE said...

You have such lovely designs and I look forward to seeing a blog post in my email from you. I would love to win this prize! Thank you

Melissa said...

What pretty patterns and I love your friend's use of repurposed wool blankets!

Carol said...

Jennifer-
What a lovely gesture on Xanthe helping you have a special gift to give away and for you to share her website. You both are so talented in of course different ways. You have been my favorite embroider for so many years now. I have done several of your quilts and projects, keep them coming. Thanks for allowing me to be your friend in America.

Samantha said...

Hi Jennifer! Thank you for another great blog recommendation. I love your blog posts, they lift me up. I also love your patterns. Thank you for giving so many away free.

Feel better soon.

With love and prayers,
Samantha

wendy said...

I really need to replace my oven mitts they are all worn a grubby looking. I like the idea of using the old blankets. Thank you for another cute embroidery design and I love the cute doll blanket. Hope you are feeling better soon! sewgood414@hotmail.com

Michelle said...

What a nice post and giveaway. I want you to know that I've been praying for your health. Thank you for all your inspiration in the home and stitching. Recently, I have especially enjoyed hearing about the time you've been spending with your grandkids and helping to homeschool them. I finished homeschooling several years ago and hope to eventually help in some way with my grandkids.

e said...

As always, your designs for my lifestyle perfectly. Thank you for continuing to design and share, and an opportunity to win a prize. I heading over to read your friends blog.

Bonnie58 said...

Bless you, Jenny. I have followed your blog posts for a few years now and love the way you put your health and family as priority in your life. Thank-you for showing the rest of us how to slow down and listen to our bodies.

Sherry said...

I commented earlier and realized it was anonymous. As always, I enjoyed your post and I love the idea of the handwritten recipe book with the beautiful cover. Thanks for sharing about Xanthe and her patterns and blog. I will make a visit.

Annette H. NSW said...

As always Jennifer, love, love your blogs, designs, patterns etc. I have old woollen blankets….this oven mitt pattern would be absolutely perfect. I am always on the lookout for new ideas to help the older people in my life…..this would be it!,
Hope the month of May is as special as you have discribed….you have a lot on! Enjoy the month! ❤️

Lori said...

Thank you for the pattern, Jennifer! The book cover with bookmark looks delightful! journyoffaith@gmail.com

PilarΓ­n said...

Muchas gracias Jennifer por este nuevo proyecto tan bonito del libro de recetas. Es una maravilla!
Muchas gracias por tu generosidad y por la generosidad de Xanthe que puede permitirnos tener un kit precioso.
Voy a tentar mi suerte y participar en el sorteo.
Mucha suerte para todas!
Besos desde EspaΓ±a,
PilarΓ­n

mammacarol said...

I love your blog you are a woman after my own heart. The saying on one of your recent stitcheries, "Use it up, wear, it out, make it do, or do without" is on that my mother taught me whe I was a little girl. It has been my mantra my whole life.My husband calls me his pioneer girl because of it. Anyway, please enter me into the contest. Thanks and greetings from Salt Lake City, Utah. --Carolyn

Christine M said...

Your recipe book cover is lovely. How gorgeous are the oven mitts. I love Xanthe's fairy wings. Maybe one day I'll have a granddaughter and will make her some. Hope you're feeling better soon Jennifer. Hugs, Christine xx

Anonymous said...

Jenny, thank you for this opportunity to maybe win a kit for a new oven mitt. I was wondering how to get a new one. Mine need to be thrown out. Do take care and I like the idea of writing one recipe a day into your new book. Take care, Helen
hstitt@optusnet.com.au

Mary said...

I love the recipe book. Potholder win would be great.

Small Joys said...

Hello, Jennifer! Just a note to say thank you for your blog. I look forward to it arriving in my inbox. It feels like a friend has come to visit. I loved the idea for a recipe book cover. God bless, and get better soon, Joy

marcia said...

Bom dia, sou do Brasil e hΓ‘ muito tempo acompanho seu blog. Gostaria de participar muito do sorteio!
A paz de Jesus esteja na sua vida e de sua famΓ­lia.
Bjs, mΓ‘rcia

Farm Quilter said...

I'm so sorry you aren't feeling well, Jennifer, but I am glad you are taking care of yourself and not "powering through" all your house jobs - you know you have done that in the past!! You are right, it will be there tomorrow. Love the idea of the new recipe book cover. I made recipe books for my girls, writing down all the family favorites, old and new, and gifting them to them about 10 years ago. Beautiful oven mitts! I like having long mitts because I'm always reaching in the oven and I've burned my arms using short mitts and pads. Praying you are well soon!

Nancy in IN said...

Thank you for all the embroidery patterns. I love to do but don't get many done. Love the recipe book you gave today. In my head I keep thinking of recipes I should write down. I have so many on papers.
Thank you
Be safe

Unknown said...

GOOD EVENING Jenny, I have been a follower of your blog for many years now and I love it that you are a Christian too. I have just bought a new sewing machine with a small inheritance I received from my dear dear father, who passed away nearly 12 months ago at the ripe old age of 99, two months before his 100th birthday. Please put me in the draw for your oven mitt kit. Thanks from Maryanne Patteson

JES said...

Such a lovely giveaway! Count me in ♥️

Nancy Page said...

Thank you for this great giveaway! Love all of your patterns and your blog. It gives a person a chance to find peace and contentment. Thank you for sharing so much with us. Have a great day!

Debbie said...

Thank you Jennifer for always being so positive with your blog. LOVE your beautiful patterns, especially the one that includes scripture. Bless you!

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jennifer for your generosity and always being an inspiration. I really appreciate your posts and all the patterns you share!
Thanks for the opportunity to participate in your giveaway and keeping my fingers crossed. In case I happen to be the lucky winner my email address is craftysaritaatyahoo.com

Mary-Louise said...

Jennifer thank you again so much, my dear friend Daphne who has bone cancer enjoys your blogs an ideas so much also! She is a very positive lady and loves the Lord Jesus also. My email is gosford91@hotmail.com

Bobbie said...

Jennifer, I so love your blog. Thank you for encouraging women everywhere in the “wifely arts”. For many years I felt out of place because being a homemaker was what I really wanted to be in a world where women were encouraged to be anything else but. I guess that was what happened to a lot of us baby boomers who were part of the original “women’s lib” era. (I’m 69) But I was able to follow my heart for many years before I needed to work full time and now I am retired and get to be the homemaker again. Continue what you do and God bless you in your efforts.bobbie

bezaz said...

Hi Jenny, I always enjoy your posts, all your patterns and photos are caressing for my soul.

Tammy said...

Dearest Jennifer, Good morning what a lovely blog post. Your friends patterns are exquisite. Love the butterfly wings especially...If my Savannah was still a little girl. I would indeed need to make a pair or 2 for her. But sadly no longer s little girl. I will head over to check out her blog. Love the oven mits....What a great idea to make from woolen blankets. I love the new recipe booklet cover and book mark....Very nice indeed. Thank you so much for sharing it with us all. Have a blessed day Dear. And I hope you are beginning to feel better.

Anonymous said...

Whata lot of fun things are in your email and blog post today! I’m planning (read:hoping) to make all of them! The Dolly quilt will be first, I think! Then it would be fun to meet make your friend’s oven mitts! It would be delightful to win the kit from her as I’m sure her fabric choices are different than mine! Thank for all the creative ideas and patterns you share with us!
Sincerely, Linda
BadurekL@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny, I have followed you for several years now. (I've gleaned from from all that you share and thoroughly enjoyed the embroidery patterns.) Thank you, Joni Otto
joniann.otto@gmail.com

Laura said...

I've always wanted to learn how to make an oven mitt! It's so cute and cheery.

Wendy said...

Jenny your posts are always inspiring! Thank you for all you share and thank you for the opportunity to win the beautiful oven mitt. Be sure if I don’t win it, I will definitely be purchasing the pattern from Xanthe!! Thank you again and now I’m headed to follow her at wife-made.com …. Thank you!!

Laura said...

Love your designs! I hope to really use them after next year when I retire from teaching next year. I plan on making some of the hot mitts for my paraprofessionals for Christmas this year.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear that you have been feeling poorly but glad to hear that you are nurturing yourself. Would love to be considered for this lovely giveaway. Blessings to you, Jennie xx
jenniebrewster@hotmail.com

Julie said...

Hello dear Jennifer. So sorry to read you've been feeling under the weather & hope you're improving each day. Your recipe book is delightful & Yes, I struggle with keeping my printing neat too. I am "late to the party" as have just today returned from Mum's but please may I enter your Giveaway draw ... gosh Xanthe's patterns are just beautiful!! Happy Weekend to you dear Jen. xx

Jill said...

Hi Jennifer, This blog was quite timely as I have just purchased a journal to record recipes for my newborn grandson. I would really love to cover it so that it will keep clean for when he is older and starts to cook. It might be nice to include one or two of the oven mitts of Xanthe as well. I have my "family favourites" recipe folder so now all I have to do is start writing. Thank you, Jill at unicorn95@tpg.com.au

Viv said...

Thank you for sharing so many creative, beautiful projects! You've given me many ideas for embroidery projects...too many to accomplish any time soon!! Haha! Thanks for your sweet Godly encouragement as well. Vmyak50@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I always enjoy your posts and today's comment about looking forward to cooler temperatures in May made me smile. We in the upper midwest of USA are looking forward to warm temperature and rain.
I would love winning Xanthe's oven mitt and what a beautiful name she has!
Judy

Anonymous said...

I have enjoyed your blog very much!
You are very talented.
And the oven mitts are a win!
shawm@rogers.com

Carol Andrews said...

Hi Jennifer. I love and appreciate the perfect idea for your recipe journal. It’s just what I have been looking for to make recipe books for each of my 4 granddaughters and my sweet new great granddaughter. Thank you and thank you and Xantha for the Han effort to win the beautiful potholder.

crochetgirl said...

Hi Jennifer,
I look forward to reading your blog each week. It is always so inspiring! And this month is special to me also, as it's my son's birthday as well as mine, so it would be extra special if I was able to win the oven mitt. Thank you for being the kind, beautiful woman you are, led by your Saviour, who is also mine! Lynn