Sunday, 23 February 2014

Chateau hexagon and balls of yarn

I finally finished the row of flowers for my Chateau Hexagon block seven so I was able to join it to the quilt and add the row of hexies.  A poodle button goes on this block too in the gap among the flowers.  Only one more block to go for this quilt but I will put it aside for a while as I have some gifts to make.
My dear mum's wool winder came in handy this week.  I had a bit of fun turning hanks of yarn into usable balls and started on a new knitting project. I am loving the bright summery colour! And isn't my couch companion cute, Holly perches on the arm of the couch right beside me. Wendy xx

Friday, 14 February 2014

Thrifted fabric and Valentine's

*My time to sew has dropped off dramatically with the rush of February: back to school routines for the kids, back to work for me, and all my extra duties started up again.  Last week, while waiting to pick up Charlotte and Josh from the school bus drop-off, I popped into my local thrift shop.  The owner had just been given two boxes of fabric from an old tailor and she let me have a rummage through them.  This navy satin with white spots caught my eye immediately and I knew it would make the perfect Jasmine blouse which is a Colette pattern.  It sewed together easily and goes well with the navy skirt I made in December last year.  I have been following along with Colette's Wardrobe Architect series, with the idea of planning and building a wardrobe that suits me and works well together, very interesting!
*Paul's cactus has been flowering prolifically and looks beautiful against the morning sky.
*We don't really "do" Valentine's day but I enjoy making a special dessert for Paul and the kids to remind them how much I love them.  I found an easy Chocolate Mousse recipe with only three ingredients:

Three Ingredient Chocolate Mousse
200g 70% dark chocolate
2 cups cream
1 cup marshmallows
Carefully melt the chocolate, 1 cup of cream and the marshmallows together. (I do this in the microwave.)  Allow to cool to room temperature.  Beat remaining 1 cup cream and fold through the chocolate mixture. Pour into bowls and refrigerate until set.  Recipe from Annabel Langbein.

Enjoy! Wendy xx

Monday, 3 February 2014

Summer loves

Visiting our local zoo on Monday; thrifted picture (love the quilts hanging on the line); second hand books bought on holiday; fresh eggs every day; delicious cherry tomatoes; home grown corn; a new little doll to sit on our piano; so much to be thankful for.  Wendy xx

The doll is Charity from Homespun magazine, Volume 13.7.  I thought it was such a cute pattern I made a second one as a gift.