Beginning a Podcast

I started my podcast a few weeks ago and I have discovered a few things. First, I began recording with my iPad and I loved the quality it produced. The thing that I found frustrating was that it filled up fast and I could not see myself or a light while I was recording. This led to many frustrating nights. In addition, the sound was okay, but I felt it could be better. After spending a few weeks recording this way, I talked it over with my hubby. We brainstormed using my MacBook Air to record the video because it offered me a few options. I could see when the video was recording and I could use an external microphone for the audio. The downside is that I gave up the HD recording. I recorded my podcast this week with the new equipment. I absolutely love the sound quality, but I'm still up in the air on the video. I will continue to work on solutions, and I welcome any suggestions that you may have. In the meantime, I have included this week's show notes here. Thank you for checking in and watching my podcast.

Episode 3 Show Notes:

Thank you for joining me for another episode of my podcast. Tune in to see the projects and topics I discuss this week. In addition, if you follow me on my Instagram or Facebook account you will have little peeks into what is going on.

Ravelry: Everything Jenni group

Instagram: everything_jenni

Facebook: Everything Jenni Page


Etsy Shop: Everything Jenni


Website: www.everythingjenni.com

Getting Podcast Ready

1. Start with what you have
2. Invest in sound equipment
3. I started with my iPad and now I’m using my MacBook Air.
4. I’m using the Samson Go Mic for sound.

Works In Progress (WIPs)

• Coziest Memories Blanket (Junkyarn)
• UPDATE: ordered yarn from Praefatio Yarn on Etsy (set of 6 mini skeins in spring colors)
• Are any of you working on this project? If so, please share on Everything Jenni Ravelry group page for the WIPs thread. Tell us if you are you using the same weight of yarn or the same pattern? What size needles are you using? How many squares have you decided to do? We love to see what you are working on.

• PurlSmith: Stitch Markers (Sterling Silver and Freshwater Pearls)

• Whispering Pines Shawl
• Notes: Making slow progress, but it’s looking great! 

• Hiker Socks
• Notes: I’m making the men’s size medium, so I cast on 60 stitches. I finished the first sock and am getting ready to cast on the second sock. These will be really warm and snuggly.

• Cruiser Mittens
• Yarn: Madelinetosh Vintage
• Colorway: Tannenbaum
• Needles: US 6  or 4.00mm
• Cruiser (Cailyn Meyer of dailyskein.wordpress.com)
• Notes: I just cast on this morning for the first mitten. I love the colorway.

Sewing Projects

Medium size project bags and DPN Holder Project Cases available in my Etsy Shop now

**UPDATE: I have a Valentine bag and an Earth Day bag in the shop now.**

Finished Objects (FOs)

• Miscarriage Blanket
• Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby
• Size G Hook
• Shell Pattern
• Notes:  About the size of a washcloth, super soft

Patterns I Would Like to Try

I’m still looking for some shawl patterns using 400 yards or less of fingering/sock weight yarn.

Love Notes Postcard Project #lovenotesjb

www.jenniferbelthoff.com

Thank you for stopping by. I would love to hear what you are up to this month. I hope you join me for my next podcast.

Hugs,

Jenni

Busy Week: Episode Two Podcast

I have created my second podcast! I want to thank all of those people who subscribed this week. I love receiving an email that says I have a new subscriber. It brings a smile to my face. This week I was overwhelmed with projects that did not involve yarn. I spent a great deal of time prepping and teaching a GATE workshop (Painting With Picasso) to third through eighth graders. It was a lot of fun seeing the students create superhero paintings in the cubist style of Picasso. When I wasn't working on the workshop I was busy sewing and creating medium sized project bags and DPN holder project cases. I was able to get some of these posted for sale in my Etsy shop last Friday. Here is a sample:

I would love for you to grab a cup of coffee (or any beverage) and join me for my latest podcast.

As promised, I'm including my show notes here.

Episode Two: 1/25/16 Show Notes

Ravelry: Everything Jenni group
Instagram: everything_jenni
Facebook: Everything Jenni Page
Etsy Shop: Everything Jenni
Website: www.everythingjenni.com

Works In Progress (WIPs)

Coziest Memories Blanket (Junkyarn)

• UPDATE: ordered yarn from XrayAnn on Etsy (set of 8 hand-dyed mini skeins in the autumn sampler color way)
• Are any of you working on this project? If so, please share on Everything Jenni Ravelry group page for the WIPs thread. Tell us if you are you using the same weight of yarn or the same pattern? What size needles are you using? How many squares have you decided to do? We love to see what you are working on.

Whispering Pines Shawl

• Yarn: Manos del Uruguay Alegria
• Colorway: Antigua
• Needles: US 6  or 4.00mm
• Pattern: Whispering Pines (Molly Klatt of A Homespun House)
• Notes: I just started, but using this yarn I can see that I will not see the snowflakes well, but the pine cones and trees will be awesome.

Hiker Socks

• Notes: I’m making the men’s size medium, so I cast on 60 stitches. I’m still working on these, but did not make much progress this week.

Sewing Projects

• Medium size project bags and DPN Holder Project Cases available in my Etsy shop now
• UPDATE: I have been busy stitching away on my sewing projects. I hope to have Valentine project bags available by the end of the week. I’m also in the development stages of a few surprise projects.

Finished Objects (FOs)

Christmas Eve Socks (Little Bobbins Knits)

• Yarn: Madelinetosh Sock
• Colorway: Clematis
• Needles: Karbonz Circular – Size 1
• Pattern: Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes
• Notes: I used the “eye of partridge” heel flap and the rounded wedge toe.

Casting On This Week

Rustling Leaves Beret from Coastal Knits

• Yarn: Woolfolk Tynd
• Colorway: Color No. 3
• Needles: Size 2 and 3 circular 16"
• Pattern: Rustling Leaves Beret (book: Coastal Knits)

New Yarn Purchases

• Yarn/Colorway:  The Lemonade Shop in Harvest Moon
• Yarn/Colorway:  Paca Peds in Mermaids go Walking

Patterns I Would Like to Try

• Pattern/Designer: Cruiser/Cailyn Meyer (dailyskein.wordpress.com)

Art

• Artwork Behind Me
• Artist: Christopher Burgan
• Title: Hanging Onto Time
• Medium: Oil Paint on canvas
• Subject: Early 1900’s era everyday tasks by everyday people
• Website: http://www.chrisburgan.com (artwork coming soon)

Love Notes Postcard Project #lovenotesjb

• www.jenniferbelthoff.com

Recipe

• Recipe:  Loaded Chicken and Potatoes from Tip Hero on FB
• Notes:  Recipe calls for hot sauce, but I used my own seasoning mixture and a white gravy. I omitted the bacon.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you join me for my next podcast.

Hugs,

Jenni

My First Video Podcast!

I have put off the idea of creating a video podcast because I truly felt no one would want to sit and watch me talk. However, I have had several requests recently to get out there and post one. The holidays were just too busy to think seriously about what I was going to talk about. With the start of the new year, I decided I would try this new approach to blogging. I have been working on organizing and setting up a space in my creative room to film my podcast. I finally got it together and jumped in. I welcome you to my newest form of blogging: video podcasting.

Welcome to my new podcast - Everything Jenni.

I mention in the podcast that I would provide show notes in my blog. So here there are.

Ravelry: Everything Jenni group

Instagram: jenniburgan

Facebook: Everything Jenni Page

Etsy Shop: Everything Jenni

Website: www.everythingjenni.com

Works In Progress (WIPs)

Christmas Eve Socks (Little Bobbins Knits)

• Yarn: Madelinetosh Sock
• Colorway: Clematis
• Needles: Karbonz Circular – Size 1
• Pattern: Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes
• Notes: I used the “eye of partridge” heel flap and the rounded wedge toe.

Coziest Memories Blanket (Junkyarn)

• Yarn: various fingering weight/sock weight
• Colorway: various
• Needles: Hiya Hiya Sharps 16” Circular – Size 2
• Pattern: Junkyarn

Hiker Socks

• Yarn: Neighborhood Fiber Company
• Colorway: Druid Hill
• Needles: Karbonz Circular – Size 3
• Pattern: Ragg Hiker (Two At-A-Time Socks Book)
• Notes: I’m making the men’s size medium, so I cast on 60 stitches.

Sewing Projects

• Medium size project bags will be available in my Etsy Shop soon

Finished Objects (FOs)

Shawl

• Yarn: Madelinetosh Chunky
• Colorway: Tart
• Needles: Knit Picks Harmony Interchangeable Circulars – Size 10
• Pattern: Boneyard Shawl by Stephen West
• Notes: I changed yarn and needles to larger sizing. The Elizabeth Zimmerman sewn bind-off is fabulous, but requires a lengthy tail to sew. It can be time consuming.

Slippers

• Yarn: Malabrigo Rios
• Colorway: Arco Iris
• Needles: Knitter’s Pride – Size 4.0 mm DPNs (pattern calls for 4.5 mm)
• Pattern: South Marysburgh Slippers
• Notes: I changed my cuff to be a K1, P1 rib stitch for four rounds instead of the seed stitch cuff. I am also adding the Fiber Trends Suede 2-Piece Slipper Bottoms in size medium and charcoal coloring. I had enough yarn to make two pair, but on my second pair I am using a different colourway to add a much taller cuff for a winter slipper.

Recipe

• Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup from Tasty on Facebook
• Notes: Make sure that your stovetop portion of the recipe is thickened before adding to your slow cooker to cook for an additional 30 minutes. If it is not thickening add a little more flour.

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you join me for my next podcast.

Hugs,

Jenni

Thanksgiving Preparations

When it is possible for the Thanksgiving holiday, Christopher and I like to invite our family and friends to a homestead cabin in the mountains. It is usually brisk and beautiful with changing colors all around. There is a fireplace outside and inside. We get the fire going in both places for people to gather around the warmth being offered. Each year we are able to do this, we plan a potluck and assign items to bring. Christopher and I are not turkey fans, so we usually plan to have chicken or ham. However, we aren't opposed to anyone bringing turkey for the turkey fans.

This year I thought I would make my own cloth napkins. A dear friend of mine gave me a pattern for napkins. It is amazing. I have spent several days washing, cutting, ironing, and sewing fabric. I was even able to purchase fabric at 60% off. Although I'm on a mini vacation and not working on them for a few days, I have no doubt that I will finish them by next week.

I like to bring beautiful tablecloths and a gift for each family that joins us. This year, to be sure my napkins are not accidentally thrown away, I am planning to bring a beautiful basket to put the used napkins in. That way I can take them home, wash them, and store them away for next year.

I love to hear what people enjoy most during the holidays. What traditions do you have for the holiday? What new traditions would you like to start?

Hugs,
Jenni

Loving the Process

With the new year, I have been actively painting and creating. I am absolutely loving the process. When I am not busy camping or helping family I get up, have a cup of coffee, and sit down to paint. I spend my morning watching the sun cross the sky and creating new sketches or painting my drawings. It is a meditative process and I have found that I have grown as a person through this time. I focus on what matters most to me while I let the rest of the world just melt away. It has been truly healing. I'm currently working on a new girl. She is lovely and I just know that you are going to love her. Keep an eye out for an update of when she is going to be available.

Hugs,
Jenni

Crochet Flower Garland

Spring brings out the beautiful flowers in the neighborhood. The birds gather round my bird feeders. This is just one time of year that I get an itch to get crafty. This time I have been busy crocheting flower garlands. I started by making a few for my trailer, but that passion grew into making some for my kitchen. When I get them hung up I will take a few photos for y'all to see.

What springtime project are tackling?

Hugs,
Jenni

Deliciously, Yummy Yarn

I'm working on a project with this deliciously, yummy looking yarn. It is so soft and I just want to wrap myself up in it. I will share when it is finished.

Hugs,
Jenni

Taking on a New Challenge

Welcome to Everything Jenni for 2013!

I decided to start out the year by taking on a serious challenge. I've joined the "Ultimate Blog Challenge." Basically, it means that I will be posting a blog a day for the month of January. I will post links to my blog on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. If you get tired of reading my blog posts, then feel free to ignore me, but my hope is that I will be able to share a little bit about myself that keeps you interested and anxious for more.

So grab that toasty beverage, sit back, relax, and enjoy the reading adventure!

Hugs,
Jenni

Angels Baseball Quilt

Recently I made this Angels baseball quilt for a friend's baby shower. I started out with a pattern and then when I started to cut my materials I changed my mind on the pattern. I ended up creating my own design and just went for it. It was welcomed with joy and I'm told the theme of the baby's room changed to an Angels baseball theme after receiving this gift. So happy I could bring a smile and joy to the happy new family.

Hugs,
Jenni

Knit Nite

As many of you know, my dad passed away in July of last year. After his passing I struggled with my creativity. I felt like I didn't want to be creative or enjoy the process of creating. Luckily that time has passed and I find myself creating again.

Recently I decided to start attending Knit Nite at my LYS (the Purlside). After several weeks of Thursday nights with fellow knitters and crocheters, I am happy to announce that I am feeling more and more like myself again. I find that I truly enjoy sharing stories, patterns and projects with like-minded people. I find myself looking forward to Thursday nights. I'm drawn to the stories of others. Often I find that I'm drawn to projects that my fellow Thursday nighters are working on. I am constantly in awe of those that diligently stick to the large and labor intensive projects. Sharing moments with others about my constant need to not become bored with my projects for fear of giving up is just as enjoyable.

I think that my emotions will always be up and down when I think of my dad. However, I feel that I now have a place to share with others in one of my passions. For all of you that knit or crochet, I would encourage to find a group of people to share this experience with. You won't be disappointed.

Hugs,
Jenni

Looking for Inspiration...

Have you ever had one of those funky weeks where you feel unmotivated and lack the confidence to be creative? I find that when I'm overworked or stressed this can happen to me. I've been experiencing this more frequently since dad passed last July. It can be easy to hide from others, but you know that you just don't feel like yourself. In one of my "funky moments" I decided I needed some inspiration. A trip to my local Barnes and Noble was in order.

I love taking a break from whatever is happening in life to make a trip to the bookstore. It seems to calm me to walk in and be surrounded by inspired words that people pour themselves into. Generally I shop for books on my Nook, but I always enjoy the feel of an actual book in my hands. Yesterday I found myself gravitating to the magazines. I found several magazines to leaf through for inspiration. After spending an afternoon with an icy beverage and these inspiring magazines I feel that I am rejuvenated. There are several art processes that I am now dying to try. Of course I had to ask Christopher if he could show me a few things. I can't wait to work on something and share it with you here soon.

Hugs,
Jenni

Homemade Laundry Soap

About a month ago I was perusing the many blogs I like to follow looking for ways to cut costs and cut out sulfates and phosphates. I discovered a recipe for "Homemade Laundry Soap." After purchasing a $30.00 box of Tide that wasn't so great for my HE machine, I decided I had to give it a shot. All of the ingredients only cost me $10.00 and it made 2 gallons. Yikes!

Thanks to MaryJane at thebeehivecottage.blogspot.com for this amazing recipe.

4 lbs. Borax
4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
4 lbs. Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
3 bars Ivory Soap (original recipe called for Fels Naptha, but I couldn't find it until after I made my recipe)

First, grate the 3 bars of Ivory soap with the small side of a grater. Then, combine all ingredients in a large bucket and mix together. (I used a 5 gallon bucket to mix it and found it easier to mix if I added a little of each ingredient at a time.) This makes 2 gallons of laundry soap, and I bought a 2 gallon plain white paint bucket with lid to store mine.

Depending on the size of your laundry load, you would use 1 - 2 tablespoons of the laundry soap. YES! I said tablespoons. It is amazing! I gave it a shot and not only are my clothes softer, but my whites are whiter. I will never go back to store bought again.

NOTE: If using an HE machine, you can dissolve the laundry soap for each load in a small jar of hot water and then place in your machine. I have found that both ways work for me.

If you decide to give it a try, please let me know how it went. Look forward to hearing from you soon!

Jenni

New iPhone App

I just downloaded this "free" app that makes it easier to create cards to e-mail. Although not as expansive as I would like, it does have some cute cards. Here is a sample of a card that I made for my husband while he is away playing music. You can't tell how much we love each other can you? :)


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Restoration Project

Part of my Labor Day weekend was spent restoring two of these 1950's chairs. They are an adorable addition to my outdoor patio.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Soap Sweater Contest Winner

And the moment you've all been waiting for... the winner of the Soap Sweater Contest was Gayle T. I will be mailing your gift this Monday. Thank you all for your participation. I loved hearing about your favorite summertime activities. Although I am not a fan of summer heat, I do love to BBQ and sit outside in the breeze under the trees. Coming soon I will post one of my favorite recipes. To kick off the new school year, this September I will be having another giveaway contest. Be sure to check back for these exciting updates.

Jenni

UPDATE: Soap Sweater Contest

Things obviously got quite hectic this past month. I finally have surfaced and will be running the soap sweater contest until August 19, 2011. So if you have not already done so, please submit your email on the right side of this page as well as leave a comment telling me what your favorite summer activity is. If you have already done this you are in the running for the soap sweater. If you are unsure about the contest please read the Soap Sweater Contest blog entry found on this blog in June. Hope everyone's summer is going well.

Soap Sweater Contest

With summer getting into full swing, it is blazing hot! Who wants to work on large scale yarn projects? Well, while searching out smaller projects I came across this pattern by Designated Knitter for a soap sweater. I just had to give it a try. The idea is that using the wool yarn around the soap not only creates a scrubby, but felts and shrinks a little with use. It lasts as long as the bar of soap, and it took about a half an hour to knit it together.

If you would like a chance to win your very own soap sweater, just sign up with your email to follow my blog and leave a comment here telling me your favorite summertime activity. I will run the contest until Friday, July 8th. The winner will be selected at random and notified by email. Best of luck to y'all!

Jenni

Revealing Myself

Welcome to pieces of my life. I recently spent an afternoon reading other people's blogs. I loved the idea of seeing a little bit of who my friends are and what they are interested in these days. Although I will post simple news on my Facebook, I realized I didn't have a place to share who I am or what I am interested in today with my friends. Welcome my new blog, "Everything Jenni." I hope that in the days to come you will share a piece of my life with me, and I'd love to hear about your life as well.

Hugs,
Jenni