Downsizing and Weddings.....These two things are related for me. And = reuse and recycle.

My children are 26 and 27.  They are in the middle of the bunch on my husbands side and they are pretty much all the same age on my side.

We are in the "family wedding" mode on my husbands side.  There were two last November and one this month and a couple of family friends had children marry this year too.  I have often struggled with gifts.  We don't know what to do sometimes.  Registrations often seem impersonal but on the other had young folks might not have similar taste to us.

I am a bowl and pitcher junkie.  I love pottery and dishes of any kind.  I can not resist the utilitarian beauty of pottery.  This year while we were discussing downsizing my husband reminded me that I purchased a couple of items on our motorcycle trip.  He also pointed out the purchasing more was not in line with down sizing.  So generous of him.  (NOT)  So o.k., I know I may have a materialism issue in a couple of areas. (Fabric, pottery, glassware, dishware....)  I am a Libra, balanced, I see both sides of everything.  Sometimes it makes me down right crazy.

So I took a look at and in my cupboards and really had a hard time just giving things to charities.  Then I got a brain storm.  I picked out a special bowl for each niece or nephew getting married, purchased handmade tongs or special salad utensils, packaged them together and gave them for wedding gifts.  At first I didn't tell them because I was nervous that they thought I was being cheap.    Now I think I am pretty smart.  I tell them where the bowl came from and what it means to us.  I tell them about the adventure we had when we purchased the bowl and I wish them love and adventures too.

So you see, I am not cheap; I am sharing my love for travel, happiness and adventure with our next generation.  And well, my husband thinks I still have too many bowls.

With love from your retired FACS teacher,

Jane

People you don't really know can impact your life.

Lap quilt made with Kaffe Fasset fabrics.  Still available.

One of the quilt top that Tammy has purchased and donated.

As those of you that read my blog know, I sew quilts, pillowcases and quilt tops to keep myself busy and pretty much pay for my habit (I mean hobby) of sewing.

This past year my business has grown but not spectacularly. This is not a complaint but a statement.  Sewing feels good.  I love creating items and sharing them with others.  Hopefully once in a while the quilt becomes a family memory or a heartfelt item for a new baby, an elderly grandparent or a person struggling with an illness.

I always say that selling something on ETSY is a bit of a miracle.  There are approximately 60,000 baby quilts listed just on ETSY.  Compare that with the entire Internet and I say a BIG loud "THANK YOU"  to those that have purchased pillowcases, blankets and miscellaneous other items.

Today I want to talk about two people that have impacted my life through my ETSY sales.  One, a wonder woman who wants to be able to create and sew but just can't find her sewing genetic code.  The second about a man in Texas, that I felt in my heart, needed conversation.

Number one, Tammy, is from a Midwest/Southern state.  She belongs to a group at her church that takes blanket request for people going through cancer treatments.  The group that she is a part of are amazing.  They make quilts and tie them for these people.  They pray for them and give them hope for life and a cure for their dreaded disease.  Tammy first ordered a couple of quilt tops and then later came back and purchased a couple of more.  If you don't know what a quilt top is; it is the top of a pieced together quilt that needs to be put with backing and a fabric back.  Tammy and I started conversing and she told me what she was doing.  We got to talking and I mentioned that my brother had a brain tumor and talked about what he had gone through this year.  In talking I mentioned that I was going on a motorcycle trip in her area and wondered if she had any recommended places to visit. She had great suggestions and even offered up her home to us, total strangers.  We did not visit but she still touches my heart often with updates and prayers cards, letting me know where the quilt tops that I sew, and she purchases go.  She is a remarkable person and I appreciate the love and generosity she gives through her quilt gifts.  (Even though her husband doesn't like when she goes over budget. Smile!)

The second person has left a bit a of sadness in my heart.  I started communicating with him last year.  He wanted a couple of bright batik pillow cases.  He asked many questions but was very excited about his purchase.  I knew he was on a budget and I tried to keep things low as he had to wait till certain times to make his purchases.  We sent many messages back and forth and I felt that he might have been lonely.  I didn't want to talk too much but I knew in my heart that sometimes people just need to talk.  Last month he asked me to make a couple of quilts with Kaffe Fasset fabrics because again he just loved the bright colors.  He told me he would have to wait until fall to purchase the quilts but he had hoped I could get started on them.  He messaged me a couple of time a week for updates.  At first it was annoying but then I thought, "hey he is excited about my stuff", so I started sending updates on my own.  For six days I didn't get any response from him and I thought, I wonder what happened?  Maybe he is on vacation, maybe someone in his family is sick.  On the seventh day after my message was sent I received a message from his sister on his account.  It only said that he had passed away.  My heart sank.  I new this was true.  My husband searched the Internet for proof because we are occasionally doubters.  We found his name on a funeral home website with no information or clues as to what happened.  I can't stop thinking about him and pray that he is up in heaven filled with bright colors and happiness.

To those of you that have purchased items from me (and there are more), touched my life, and given me a reason to create with fabric and yarn.....I thank you.  This creating thing is not really about money.  It is about love of design, creating and sharing my little old gift with fiber.

With love from your retired FACS teacher,
Jane

AAFCS conference has ended and things are looking ......interesting.

I did not attend the AAFCS conference this year.  Mostly because I told myself I was going to take the year off.  Now is the time that I should be getting back into things as the conference marks the year.

I gave myself a break because I had left the classroom and I felt myself feeling less connected.  Sometimes we work so hard at something that we feel like we spread ourselves thin and do not do an adequate job at all that we try. 

Personally I hope that my ramblings about FACS do a bit of good and maybe sometimes get things moving and people thinking. 

Here are some of my random thoughts:

1.  One thing that I loved about the conference was the daily, regular use of social media by the staff of AAFCS. I think that this communication really let people, at the conference and those members not attending, see what was happening during that time. 

2.  I was very happy to see teams working on the promotion of the FACS day for 2016.  I can not wait to see the promotions for next year.  A wonderful solute to our profession.

3.  I have been squawking about the shortage of Family and Consumer Sciences teachers for quite some time and I hope that those of you the are in the classroom are promoting your profession and the work that you do in your community.  There are so many young people that are talented, energetic and full of ideas to better the FACS profession.

4.  I absolutely love the Facebook pages for Family and Consumer Sciences.  If you have not joined them and you are in the FACS profession please look them up.  They are so inspirational and helpful to each and everyone involved.  These are both groups and you need to be sponsored by someone in the group to be accepted into it.  One is "Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers" the other is "Share the FACS."

Happy trails.  Please enjoy your summer, take some time for yourself to find peace and relaxation. 

Personally I am becoming very good with the relaxation thing!  I highly recommend it!

With Love, from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

After a million years of sewing I finally figured out thread quality makes a difference!

The other day I was sewing through several layers of fabric.   My machine had a mind of its own.  It skipped stitches, then would sew fine, skip again and then the thread would break.  I cursed my machine,  rethreaded it on the top, the bottom and repeated that crazy business several times.   I was beyond irritated.  

As a last resort I changed the thread from the inexpensive garbage that I occasionally  use because I can't stand the price of notions these days, to some higher quality product.

Well of course every educated seamstress knows the problem stopped and joy filled my heart as the project continued in peace with success because of the quality thread. I learned a good lesson in my old age and experience.

I also purchased a large quantity of quality thread the next week.

Moral of the story, the thread you use while sewing really matters.

And...keep sewing in your curriculum because it is a strong STEM component.

With love from your retired FACS teacher.

Jane

Why should you join and or support the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences

I have been retired from teaching for a couple of years.  I keep in touch with my field because I love what it stands for and good that it creates in our communities, schools and homes.
Family and Consumer Sciences was 100 years old in 2009.  It began with roots of Science in the home.  It has gone through many transitions of highs and lows.

In the past few years the national organization has struggled with membership and keeping it.  During that time obesity prevention has become a national issue and many who have not realized that "Home Ec" has never died but changed its name have called for "Home Ec" to come back.

This call for bringing back Home Ec and what I will now refer to as FACS has caused a shortage of FACS teachers in almost every state.  So, while many professional have been fighting to keep their jobs at the same time we have had a shortage due to bringing back FACS.

It is hard to understand how these two things can be happening at one time but it is and it is ironic.

FACs teachers have so much going on in organizing and helping others that they sometimes forget to help themselves.

Two young women that have just recently entered the field of FACS have started two separate Facebook pages dedicated to Family and Consumer Sciences.  These Facebook pages have made it possible for educators to work together and help each other, console each other and share cooperatively about their field.  There are countless testimonies about how wonderful these Facebook tools have enriched and inspired FACs educators.

If you are one of the many educators that have been apart of these Facebook pages and are not a member of AAFCS please think about joining this organization.  Imagine going to a conference and working with others just like you to better your field and share.  Take time to understand the organization and what it has to offer FACs professionals like you.  Be aware of your professional group and participate in its body of work.

Below you will find a link to AAFCS

http://www.aafcs.org/

here is a link to the membership page of AAFCS:
http://www.aafcs.org/Membership/index.asp

As group of educators Family and Consumer Sciences has been through many ups and downs and ins and outs.  It is important that we support each other and the organization's leadership as a group with strength.  If you are a member of AAFCS please remember to keep it up to date and participate by volunteering and working with your national, state and local group.  If you are not a member please consider being a part of the organization and support its work.

The history is rich and the future is promising.

With love from your retired FACS teacher.

Jane

Are you interested in my pieced quilt tops? Prices have been reduced! and a very serious note...for FACS, CTE funding!

For those of you that have looked at my quilt tops.  I have reduced the prices on etsy (by at least $10.00 on larger quilt tops).  Gotta move them!  :-)

Here is a link.....

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilHansDesigns?section_id=14218282&ref=shopsection_leftnav_3

On a very serious note it is important for each member of society that cares about the common sense and career education for our children please write your U.S. Legislature members about keeping the CTE (Career and Technical Education) funded appropriately.  FACS falls under this category.  Every year we seem to go through this and our funding is not holding steady. 

If we want to continue to education children in the areas of FACS, Tech Ed, Agriculture and Business we must keep this funding alive.  Please assist us with our letter campaign.  The following is a letter from our FACS director requesting continued support.

"As you may know, Perkins is the principal source of dedicated federal funding for CTE (includes family and consumer sciences), which builds the capacity of secondary and postsecondary institutions to offer CTE programs that are academically rigorous and aligned to the needs of business and industry. However, funding has not kept pace with growing demand. Current Perkins funding is more than $140 million below FY 2010 levels. 

 

Currently, there are letters circulating to House and Senate appropriations committees, which ask for a restoration of Basic State Grant funding to the pre-sequestration level of $1.123 billion.

The deadline for Members of Congress to sign in the House is Monday, March 23, and in the Senate is Wednesday, March 25! We need as many Members of Congress as possible to sign these letters to help ensure that the appropriations committees recognize the importance of funding CTE.

Please take a few minutes now to help us in this effort by contacting your Senators and Representative using the tools in the CTE Action Center!

Sincerely,

 

Carolyn Jackson, CFCS

AAFCS Executive Director"

 

Please help the CTE programs in your area!

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

 

 

My Salted Oatmeal Caramel Apple pie for "Pi Day" and some pie hints.

I know we are in a time of obesity prevention but there are certain times that we can tie education components together and "Pi" day might be one of those times.

Math is so very embedded in the food, clothing and housing components of Family and Consumer Sciences, I think that it is o.k. to have fun with it occasionally.

Here is the recipe for my Salted Oatmeal Caramel Apple pie "PI"

I would like to note that last year I did some demo's for pie crust on You tube.  I have since changed my recipe from shortening to butter.  I really do believe that although this much fat is really not good for anyone a source that is not hydrogenated will be slightly better.  I used shortening because it had the least amount of moister in it.  Butter works well too and actually has more flavor even though some say flavor in crust is a no, no.

This is a recipe for 4 crusts.  I like to make single crusts ahead of time so that I have them on hand.  I put wax or parchment paper between them, in pie pans and freeze them.  These work for my emergency quiche meal.  If you do not have many pie pans I often find them at the dollar store.  If I bring these somewhere or donate them I don't care if I get the pan back and they are nice and sturdy.  (I often donate pies to church for their annual farmer's market.)

Also remember that when you make a pastry to always use a pastry blender for a flaky crisp crust.  As you are adding water make sure that you feel your crust.  Two things are key to great crust, the pastry blender and the correct amount of water.  Do not be afraid to adjust the moisture from this recipe.  Believe it or not sometimes flour brands can make a difference. 

Single crust pie

1/3 cup Butter
1 1/4 cup flour
1/2 t salt
use pastry blender to blend into pea size chunks

4-7 Table spoons water (add using pastry blender until moist enough to hold dough together)  Your crust should be moist enough to pinch together.  Do not over mix as this will develop the gluten  (protein in wheat) and make it tough and chewy. 

Shape into ball, roll out so that dough is one inch larger than pan, fold into 1/4s, place in pan, tuck excess dough so crust is the same shape as the pan, Flute.


Pie crust for 4 single crusts

1 1/3 cup butter
4 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 t salt
use pastry blender to blend into pea size chunks

16-20 Tablespoons water (add using pastry blender until moist enough to hold dough together) Your crust should be moist enough to pinch together.  Do not over mix as this will develop the gluten  (protein in wheat) and make it tough and chewy.

Shape into four balls.  Roll out crusts so that is one inch larger than pan and place in pie pans, fold excess dough under to be somewhat round like the pan, flute, stack with parchment or wax paper wrap in freezer wrap of tight container.  (Keep one out for this tasty pie)

Fruit portion of pie

6-7 apples (I use half Granny Smith and Half Gala)
2/3 cup melted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 cup oatmeal
2 Tablespoons flour (to thicken the fruit)
1 t cinnamon
1/8 t all spice
1 t salt

Cut slice and peal the apples (I use an apple corer and slicer and then peel them).

Place half of your slices in the pan and half in a bowl.

Mix topping in a separate bowl.

Melt the butter in a medium size bowl (1 minute in microwave)
Add the brown sugar and mix until all is moist, then add the oatmeal, flour & seasonings.  Mix until all is moist from the butter.  Sprinkle 1/4 cup of mixture onto apples in the pie pan, place the remaining apples in the pie pan and then put the remaining mixture over the apples.  You may have to press down the first scoops to fill the cracks but make sure the top layer has a crumbly look.  Place your pan on a jelly roll pan in case of boiling over.  (Saves the bottom of you oven!)

Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees
turn down heat and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees

Note:  you can used purchased pie crust but there is nothing so tasty as a home made crust and NO Preservatives!  And yes I do notice my oven is not heating evenly.  ;-)

 

With love from your retired FACS teacher,

Happy PI day! Jane