Picking Fuji Apples

This is the first year that I we have large Fuji apples and it is all thanks to our bees.  Of course, there are small apples as well, but many of the apples are larger than one might find in a grocery store.  We still are fight the effects of the coding moth.  This year, we set up traps, which has also help with the fight.  I found a useful site, which I can assure you, that I will be using some of these methods next year.

Last night, I started picking the apples.  It is early, but the apples are still tasty at this stage in their life.  Not only do we have problems with the Coding Moth, but the squirrels find the apples tasty as well.  The squirrels start going after the apples when the apples are young, and you can bet that their eyes get big, when they see those large apples. 

There are plenty apples for homemade apples sauce, which I use for several recipes, and especially when I just want to eat apple sauce.  We use a lot of apples in baking, for use in pancakes, cakes, etc.

I just need to get out the tall ladder in order too reach those apples that are too high for me to reach.  Now, I am not one to be on a ladder, as I have a fear of heights.  Long story, but to sum it up, my brother saved my sister's life when he caught her by the hand and pulled up her up.  She would not have had the life that she had, if it were not for our brother.

Steam Juice Extractor-californica Roger's Red Grape

I am taking time off for sewing for now.  It is time to pick the Vitis californica grapes, also known as the
californica roger's red grape.  The thing about these grapes are that once the grapes have reached a certain size (before turning red), the grapes do not require water.  Not watering the grapes, creates a small, yet very sweet red grape. This year, we harvested 77 lbs. of Rodger's Red grapes. The first picking,we picked 18 lb. 9 oz., with a whopping 59 lbs. the second time around.

The Vitus californica grape is red through and through, but contains many small seeds.  We decided to plant this grape plant years ago and the plant has proven year after year to be a huge producer of grapes. Each year, we harvest the crop and I make fresh grape juice and jelly.  Each year, I try to find better ways to get as much juice out of these grapes as possible.

Last year, I found some information on juicing the grapes.  The site suggested using a juicer like you would use for making carrot juice.  The only problem was that I had to pluck off these tiny blueberry size grapes.  The juicer did get a lot of juice out of the grapes, but I was left with a mushy pulp mixture, still rich in juice.

This year, I discovered the steam juice extractor.  The nice thing is that I don't have to pluck off those grapes and I can put the whole stem along with the grapes in the steamer. This gives me some time to do other things.  Problem is, it is over 100 here in California, so this limits the time that I can cook.  I just don't want to heat up the house.  The evenings are cooler (around 74 degrees).

Grapes when first put in the steam juice extractor

This image shows what the grapes look like after cooking for a while.The grapes needed a little of help from a potato masher.  This type of grape is thick skinned.  After using the steamer for the long after the recommended time, showing amount of juice, we used a potato masher, which helped to open up the grapes, thus releasing more of the fine juice trapped inside.

Still hoping that this would be my solution, I was still stuck with the same mush at the end of the cooking. From research, it was discovered that some have pressed the grapes several times, which resulted in quite a bit of grape juice.


I placed the remaining leftover seeds and pulp in a strainer like my mom used.  I pulled out the stems, leaving me with just the seeds, pulp, and juice. All of the other batches produced more juice and less mush.  I was able to use a potato masher at the end using the large top section of the steam juicer, instead of using the funnel strainer.

Although there was still a lot of juice trapped in the pulp, I did manage to get a lot of juice out of the grapes using the strainer. As I do each batch, I change how I do it.  For example:  If I do smaller batches, which by the way are just smaller than the recommended (it cooks faster), and fill the bottom half way instead of all the way too the top with water(with our stove, the water bubbles all over the stove) and use a potato masher while the grapes are at the end stage (instead of using the strainer), all is well. It is about the same amount that I got using the juice machine that I used last year, but I didn't have to pluck off all of those grapes, leaving me more time to do the things that I enjoy. Well, for the time being that is.  I have about 8 plus batches to put in the steam juice extractor, and then comes making the homemade jelly, which is popular.  I have been told that the jelly made using these grapes, is better than the store brand.  Even people who don't normally eat grape jelly, love the jelly.

This year, we will have more jelly than we know what to do with.

We do not have an arch, but the bush underneath the grape vines provides support.  The grape vines provide shade and shelter for the underlying bush and since we don't water the grape vine during the summer months, we don't water the bush.  This is saving us on our watering bill.  Although it is a challenge to get some of the grapes, with the underlying bushes, we still manage.

Any ideas, please comment.

New Vintage Canning Aprons

I truly like this vintage style apron.  The vintage canning apron is perfect for protecting your clothes, whether you are working outdoors or prepare a favorite family meal. We have added 3 new canning aprons in size large.

This gorgeous apron, has fall leaves, pumpkins, fruit, and flowers.  The burgundy floral print goes so well with the colors in the apron.

Down on the farm, is this lovely country theme canning apron. The red and white gingham print really adds an added touch of country.  The pockets have a white ric-rac border.

The colors come alive in this Fall country theme canning apron.

Food Dyes Unhealthy-Causes Hyperactivity

Now, I don't eat Kraft Mac N' Cheese, but there are many people who do.  This interesting blog, depicts the behind story of getting the message across to Kraft and people around the country.  Food Babe, depicts her adventure, with interviews and taste tests.  It is a very interesting article to read.

Our family has chosen to change our eating habits.  I am not knocking the company, but people are concerned about their health and for the health of their children.  Our family has chosen to eat a large portion or organic vegetables as a part of our meals. 

Cherry And Plaid Vintage Waist Apron

We have a new handmade vintage half apron at countrynmore.com.  This vintage waist apron was made using a black and white checked or gingham print fabric.  The cherry pockets with the polka dot look fabulous against the plaid fabric.  We also used the cherry print for the waistband, while the straps were made using a polka dot print. 

See, I told you it was cute.

Vintage Canning Apron Sale At Country N' More

Country N' More is having a sale on the vintage canning aprons, embroidered kitchen tea towels, and grocery bag holders.

Canning aprons come in small, medium, and large. Sale ends April 13th.

We have added new waist aprons to Country N' More store.  This year, we are trying to add more of a selection of vintage aprons.  The new waist aprons are just fabulous.

Rose floral waist apron, with light pink pockets, waistband, and straps.  Item No. WA041

Red and white gingham apron, with watermelon pockets, waistband, and straps.  Item No. WA035

Gorgeous pink and white gingham apron, with floral pockets.  Item No. WA002

Here is the same gorgeous floral that was used on the pockets in WA002, but instead it was used for the main part of the apron.  We used the light pink floral print for the waistband and straps.  Item No. WA040

Pretty floral teapot print, with pink floral waistband and straps.  Item No. WA036

Vintage Aprons Our Town Play

Recently, I was asked if I would make two vintage aprons for the play "Our Town." The designer is someone who I have known for only a few years.  We went over the design,I was given the fabric, trim, and the sketch, showing the measurements:  I then created the pattern for each apron.

1) One apron was to have a finished size of 34 inches (measurement from bottom of waistband to the bottom of the hem, with a width of 32 inches and a waistband size of 19 inches.  The other apron was to be 32 inches in length x 26 inches wide, with a waistband size of 17 inches wide.
2) I was given the measurements of each pocket.

Here are the two aprons:

Cobbler Apron In One For The Money Movie

It has been a while since I have posted anything.  Our family was watching the movie "One For The Movie," when there was a cafe or restaurant scene.  The waitress was wearing a blue floral apron.  I did a double take, and said, "I think that I made that apron." They had a closer shot, and I knew that it was something from Country N' More, so I checked my records, and sure enough, it was one of our aprons.  You can imagine how ecstatic I felt seeing the apron in a movie.  I remember the customer telling me back in 2010, that the apron was for a movie, but she wouldn't reveal the name of the movie.

Here is the apron.  The picture makes the fabric appear to be darker than it really is. Of course with the cobbler aprons from Country N' More, there are two sides.  The production company chose to just use one side. The above picture is the side that they chose not to use.

Apron for Show

I was asked to make a couple of aprons for a show in Santa Barbara, called "Food Confessions." The show sounds terrific from what I have heard.

Here is the cherry apron that I made.

I am happy the way that it turned out. I only get credit for making the apron. The other credit belongs to Marcy, who is the costume designer for this show.

New Fall and Holiday Aprons

We have some gorgeous new Fall and other theme cobbler aprons to be listed soon at countrynmore. These new aprons will be listed the week of September 10th, plus new aprons are almost ready. Choose from Fall, country, garden, floral, bird, and Christmas theme cobbler aprons.

Canning Aprons Now Available in Small and Medium

Finally had the chance to make up the canning aprons in smaller sizes. Remember, I had them made up in large size only. Well, there are only a few in sizes small and medium, but they are fabulous. There are still more aprons to be created and listed. We did list some more of the canning aprons in large. Here are some pictures of the new aprons:

Vintage Canning Aprons Size Medium

Well, there are only 2 canning aprons made up right now, in medium size. I really like the prints on these. The small rose canning apron, has vintage crochet lace, which was added to the pockets and along the bottom edge of the apron. More to come at countrynmore.com

Wildflower Canning Apron:





Vintage Look Rose Floral Canning Apron:

New Vintage Amish Canning Aprons at Country N' More.com

These vintage canning (link to vintage aprons) aprons are not only gorgeous, but they provide full coverage. All of the aprons are pre-shrunk. Just added some more new vintage canning aprons to www.countrynmore.com. These aprons can be worn while working outdoors, or in the kitchen either preparing your favorite meal, or canning your fresh vegetables or fruit.











Some of our new vintage canning aprons are trimmed with vintage lace. They are just gorgeous in every way. Here is one of the aprons: This apron has both vintage lace and a floral trim.









I like the added touch that the vintage lace adds to the vintage canning apron.







Currently, we have the canning apron in Large, but we will be adding smaller sizes to our online store in the coming months.