Manitoba Co-operatorArticles by Eva Krawchuk - Manitoba Co-operator

Paperless gift bags

Eva Krawchuk — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:18:30 +0000

The colours, textures and designs of fabric allow you to get creative, and even the smaller pieces are useful. Recently, a friend brought me a large bagful of remnants of the most delightful designs, one being plastic bandages! I was able to make three bags in different sizes from the piece. Now the first sick friend or relative will get a little gift “wrapped” in one of these.

All the really small remnants are passed along to a friend with a passion for quilting.

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Thankful for the simple things

Eva Krawchuk — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:27:21 +0000

Some of the most simple things in life are what bring joy and warmth. I had been reminiscing and telling my granddaughter about the good old days and how my mother would grow her own corn for popcorn, dry the cobs and then with a wringing motion, remove the kernels that would fall into a small metal pail, later to be popped.

My granddaughter was wide-eyed with surprise. “You mean you can grow that stuff?”

In spring, I searched through seed catalogues. A heritage seed grower had it listed and the order was sent.

The crop was good, cobs have dried, and I’m reliving the past as my granddaughter and I wring the cobs, remove the kernels, and make a batch of fresh popcorn.

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Make a Snipcatcher

Eva Krawchuk — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 17:29:04 +0000

This little container can be at your elbow whenever you’re sewing. Thread ends and bits of fabric inevitably land on the floor no matter how carefully you aim for the larger garbage container. The weighted pillow allows you to place it anywhere on your sewing surface. Sizes can vary to suit your preference.

• Two 5-1/2 x 3-1/2-inch pieces of fabric for the pillow

• Two 4 x 2-1/2-inch pieces for the straps

• For the body — two 6 x 8-inch pieces and a strip of same fabric — 12 x 1-3/4 inches for the facing

• Stiffener for facing

• Strip of plastic for the circle — about 1/2 inch in width and 12 inches long. (I used a “retired” plastic belt and it worked well.)

Sew long edges of straps, turn. On one pillow piece, position straps to pillow, right sides facing — 1 inch from outer edges. Sew the two pieces together catching in straps, leave opening for turning. Turn. Sew bag pieces together; mitre corners. Mark centre of one bag section. Right sides facing, place free end of straps to bag 1-1/2 inches each side of centre. Sew facing strip, right sides together, to bag. Turn to inside of bag, press and stitch leaving an opening for inserting whatever stiffening you will use. Work stiffening piece into facing until edges meet. Hand stitch opening. Fill pillow with grain or dried beans and there you have it!

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To Mothers

Eva Krawchuk — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:49:30 +0000

Mother has the sweetest sound

Of all the words we know.

Tell her she is special and

How you love her so.

Each flower brings a message that you feel richly blessed

Roses sweetly scented — flowers say it best.

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Growing A Weigela

Eva Krawchuk — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The weigela might be one of the easiest and most eye-pleasing shrubs to have in your flower bed, with its upright growth, heavy blooming and being almost maintenance free. Weigela is drought tolerant, although on very hot days it will need watering as leaves must be hydrated. Flowers range from white to ruby red, and leaves are dark green, variegated or bright yellow. The shrub is a favourite of butterflies, and hummingbirds are attracted because of its funnel-shaped flowers. It benefits from pruning which should be done right after blooming. It can be trimmed to a desired shape, but pruning is done mainly to encourage new and stronger branches. After flowering is finished cut back a third of the oldest branches, making sure to cut them back to where two branches meet. Remove excessive leaves and mulch from base of plant as it likes its roots near the surface.

To start new plants, cut a healthy new branch, dip in rooting hormone, plant in soil or sand and keep moist. It will root and you will have another weigela.

– Eva Krawchuk writes from Winnipeg

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Proudly Canadian – for Jun. 30, 2011

Eva Krawchuk — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Maple Leaf forever Such pride those words arouse Head out to the fabric store Sew a true Canadian blouse.

Wear it with your jeans or shorts Whichever you would like Walking down a country road Or riding on your bike.

Smile and wave at everyone Sing “Oh, Canada.” Sing it loud Hang a flag by your front step You’re Canadian – and proud.

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The Gift Of Love

Eva Krawchuk — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000

A kiddie conference was held Re Father’s Day in June. “Let’s think about a special gift That day will be here soon.

“He might enjoy a hammock For relaxing at the lake

We could wash and polish up his car Ask Mom to bake a cake.

“Perhaps a book on gardening Or a new seat for his bike Why don’t we ask our grandpa What he thinks our dad would like?”

Grandpa smiled – through tears he said, “Best gift I ever had Wasn’t found in any store

Just the words, ‘We love you, Dad’”

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Just In Time For Easter Dinner

Eva Krawchuk — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

That little someone will feel quite special having their own Easter placemat. It’s very simple and quick to make, too. This one would fit on the tray of a highchair. If larger ones are preferable, simply cut a larger oval, rounding the corners for easier application of bias binding.

Cut two pieces of Easter print fabric measuring 12-1/2 x 7-1/2 inches and one the same size of firm interfacing. For pockets, cut 2 pieces 3 x 3-1/2 inches and one of interfacing. Place pocket pieces together, right sides facing with interfacing on top; stitch three sides leaving top open. Turn. Press. Sew bias tape on top edge of pocket and position it on one of the placemat pieces, approximately 1 inch from side and bottom edges. Stitch in place. With wrong sides facing and interfacing sandwiched between them, stitch all around outer edge working as close to the edge as possible. This gives firmness enabling an easier application of bias binding. Sew on binding using a fairly narrow zigzag stitch.

Happy Easter! – Eva Krawchuk

writes from Winnipeg

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Good Way To Use Up Fabric And Protect Shoes

Eva Krawchuk — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Here’s an idea for using up some leftover denim or other sturdy fabrics. Shoes fit nicely into the legs and socks can go in the pockets at the back. Kids learning to sew might find this an amusing project.

Make a paper pattern and cut four pieces of desired fabric (see photo for dimensions). Stitch centre-back seams. Press under 1/4 inch on pocket edges. Place one on each side of centre seam. This will be the back. Position pockets 4 inches below waist and approximately 1-1/2 inches from centre-back seam. Stitch.

Sew side seams. Starting at the top, stitch 1-3/4 inches, backstitching to secure. Begin sewing again 2-1/4 inches below, once more backstitching. This creates the openings for drawstrings. Stitch to bottom. Repeat on other side. Stitch around drawstring openings, first turning edges inward. Press under 1/4 inch at waist. Fold down 1-1/2 inches. Sew all around forming casing. Topstitch upper edge. Sew inner leg seams including bottoms of legs.

Cut two pieces of cording 36 inches long. With bodkin, thread through casing starting at one opening, continuing around entire waist area to same opening. Tie ends securely. Repeat, starting at second opening.

– Eva Krawchuk writes from Winnipeg

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Don’t Complain About All This Snow

Eva Krawchuk — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Not many years ago we worried and complained about lack of snow. Snowmobiles, toboggans and cross-country skis remained in storage. Now we worry and complain about too much snow with the word, “flood” entering most conversations. We do have choices – we can fret about the arrival of a too wet spring or concentrate on ideal conditions for winter sports. Let’s get out and enjoy what’s there for us.

Snowshoeing has much to offer with basically no learning involved. It’s as easy as walking! Once you’ve purchased a pair of snowshoes (available in various styles, sizes and prices) you just need some warm clothing and some sturdy boots for the snowshoes to strap on to. Poles are not necessary unless you have hills to climb and descend.

Take a quiet trail through the bush and enjoy the beauty of nature or make it a social event and go out with a group. There’s plenty of snow for everybody! – Eva Krawchuk writes from Winnipeg

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