Bicycle Trivia

Baron Karl Drais von Sauerbronn - Early BicyclesThe German Baron Karl Drais von Sauerbronn invented the "Laufmaschine" or "Running Machine", a type of pre-bicycle. The steerable Laufmaschine was made entirely of wood and had no pedals; a rider would push his/her feet against the ground to make the machine go forward. Sauerbronn's bicycle was first exhibited in Paris on April 6, 1818. The celerifere was another similar early bicycle precursor invented in 1790 by Frenchmen, Comte Mede de Sivrac, however, it had no steering.

Penny FarthingThe Penny Farthing is also referred to as the 'High' or 'Ordinary' bicycle, and the first one was invented in 1871 by British engineer, James Starley. The Penny Farthing came after the development of the 'Hobbyhorse', and the French 'Velocipede' or 'Boneshaker', all versions of early bikes. However, the Penny Farthing was the first really efficient bicycle, consisting of a small rear wheel and large front wheel pivoting on a simple tubular frame with tires of rubber.

Photo from http://thegraphicsfairy.blogspot.com/

information from http://www.about.com/

Embroidery- An Age Old Craft

Emroidery is a very old craft. I know my mother did it,my grandmother did it, their mother's did it and so on.

I found these instructions and pattern on http://www.tipnut.com/

Right click pattern & save to your hard drive.

Enjoy!

This pattern contains motifs to be worked in cross stitch with applique or in cross stitch with outline stitch to be used on kitchen towels.
All applique patches are given.
Linen toweling should be used for towels, percale, gingham or a similar material for applique patches and six strand cotton for embroidery.
The motifs are to be done in a variety of colors or in one color.

1 yard of 16 or 18 inch material
Six strand cotton in each color to be used
Small scraps for applique patches
Please remember these are copies of my vintage transfers that were meant to be ironed on face down (mirror image). Depending on what transfer method you choose, you may have to flip the image before printing.
When working in plain embroidery disregard applique patches.
Hem each towel end.
Cut the motif from pattern. Pin it securely in place on towel and transfer.
Transfer applique patches on contrasting material when working motifs in applique.
Plain Embroidery:
Follow Color Suggestions and work crosses, cross stitch; continuous lines, outline stitch and single lines, single stitch.
Applique:
Follow Color Suggestions and cut out patches on outer line; the inner broken line is the finishing line. Slash edges on small lines at right angles to outer line. Turn under edges and baste in place on motif. Catch patch to article with outline stitch; work rest of motif following directions for Plain Embroidery.

For working in Plain Embroidery or Applique work fruits in their respective colors; leaves, green; large crosses, deep green, brown or black; or work all in one color if desired.

Minus 37 degrees!

Yes that's right ! It was 37 degrees below zero here during the night!
A water pipe broke at my Mom's house- plumbers are at a prmium as everyone has frozen pipes- the plumber I did find says he will still get it fixed tonight.
The tempertures broke a record!

Look at my header now!

It is now in Sepia tone which I think gives it an older more authentic look to go with my blog name.
A big thanks to my friend Holly at http://penniwigs.blogspot.com/ for creating it for me!
Please leave a comment & let me know what you think of it!

The Woes of Winter!! Praying for the Kitty!

Wednesday morning we woke up to 6" of new snow- we already had about 18" on the ground.
This maorning the temperature had fallen to 21 degrees below zero!
I have been feeding a stray cat that wondered in about a month ago. The garge door has frozen shut with just a small opening so the cat can squeeze in there to get out of the wind but there is really nothing for her to snuggle down into for warmth. Yesterday I threw a baby sized fleece blanket through the crack- but I can't tell if she is burrowing into it.
She was alive & wanting to be fed this morning- but it is supposed to get down to 30 below zero tonight- I hope she is waiting to be fed in the morning!

Surprised By the Poll Results

I want to thank everyone that took the time to participate in the handbag poll.
I was a little surprised by the poll results.
The leather purse won the poll hands down.
I had thought that fabric purses would have a bigger vote as there are so many cute ones out there nowdays.
The leather ones on the other hand are probably more durable & easier to clean.

Warm Winter Wishes

It is very cold & snowy here in the Midwest!

Hope all of you in cold climates are staying safe , warm, and dry!

This is another great free graphic from http://penniwigs.blogspot.com/

Please Participate in My Handbag Poll...

it is located at the top right side of the screen!
Thanks!

Words to Live By...

Motivation is dreams with work clothes on.
Author Unknown
Now is a good time to start working on your dreams!!

Calamity Jane

( 1852-1903)
Calamity Jane was a famous woman scout of the Wild West, pony express rider, and known for dressing like a man at a time when women could be fined for wearing men's clothing!
Her famous quote: " I was considered the most reckless and dangerous rider and one of the best shots in the Western country".

Prairie Prim Soap

I have finally made some more soap! It is made to resemble the old handmade soap that the pioneers made- so it is not cut exactly even and has a chunky look to it.

It contains goat milk & other ingredients to soothe your skin.

Looks great in an old prim bowl on your sink!

This great soap can be purchased at

http://www.brandyannescandlesandprims.com/

Great Spring Graphics!

This wonderful Spring gazing ball graphic came from Penniwigs! Isn't it beautiful!

She kindly gives away free graphics on a daily basis! Right now she has wonderful

Valentine & Spring graphics up. Drop on over & pay her a visit!

http://www.penniwigs.blogspot.com/

New Year- New Items

I have been busy adding new products to the website- the seed bags are great for storage and match our Prairie Bonnets- the rice cozies are great for winter or anytime you need a little heat for aches & pains or just to warm up.
New Prairie Prim soaps have been added also.

All items are darker in color than shown.
http://www.brandyannescandlesandprims.com/

My Olde Homestead in Winter

These photos wre taken Christmas day this year. Some of the icicles are around 3 foot long- a typical Midwest winter!

Happy 2009 to all my blog Viewers!

May the New Year bring you good health, peace & prosperity.