Crafts and Gardening

I have been creative this last couple of weeks prior to going to see my family in Scotland.  The items I have made have been presents, one for Audrey, who I stayed with and a one for my great nieces first birthday.

This is Audrey's quilt which I have made to go with her room colours of browns, creams and an edging of purple.  

As part of Leah's birthday 
present I made this cardigan for her.  It is crocheted and I have made little crocheted flowers at the hem and on the collar.  The buttons are like little daisy's.  I can't wait to see a photo of her in it.

When my friend Tracy moved back to Dover she offered me this lovely stone crane.  It is meant to go in a pond but I am going to plant trailing flowers in it.  It should look lovely.

Here is the first of my Tulips which I planted in January.  I have them in pots, in the front and in the back garden.  They are a lovely colour but I can't remember if they are mixed colours until they flower

Have you been crafting and gardening just lately

Chutneys, Pickles and Quilting....

The harvest is here and I love preserving my left over veg.  I had loads of green tomatoes and an over abundance of cucumbers.

The tomatoes were turned into lovely green tomato chutney

I added sugar, red wine vinegar, spices, onions, sultanas, ginger and home grown red chillies to offer a little warmth.  I managed to produce 4 jars which will last us through the winter and into the spring



I planted my very first cucumber plants this year and they were so productive and easy to grow, that I wondered why I have never grown them before

After having plenty for salads and for sharing with friends and family I decided to pickle them along with onions, sugar and white vinegar with spices.  This the first time I have pickled them but next time I think I will make a chutney with them.


I am making quillows and teddy bears for my grand children and friends for Christmas, so I have been inundated with projects.  I have concentrated on the teddy bears and have used 2 different patterns.

This is the first pattern I used with the arms and legs separate. I have attached the arms and legs using plastic safety hinges and boot studs for the eyes and nose.  This is for a friends daughter and I shall be doing a quillow to go with it.

This is the other type of bear.  The arms are sewn on and the legs are attached when putting the body together, so no need for hinges.  This bear is able to be posed sitting with its legs hanging over.  




So I have more bears than a teddy bears picnic but I know that each one will find a loving caring home with a little girl (or woman) who will love them forever.

If anyone would like the pattern for the second bear I will post it.

What crafty ideas are you all getting up to or home making Christmas presents

Take care

Welcome to my Blog.......Again!!

I have not posted on this blog for over 6 months so I have decided to give it a makeover and to put it to better use.

I have been extremely busy in those last 6 months....and we have a new family member

Meet Paddy.  He is a puddin' Jack Russell Terrier.  Puddin's have shorter legs than normal Jack's but more often than not they are call Irish Short Legged Jack Russell's.

He is a lovely boy who spends his day chasing a ball, , enjoying his snacks and sleeping on the settee with his dad.

He is 4 years old and has been rehomed twice, both times for good reasons, but now he is in his forever home with his forever mum and dad.

I shall post on my blog about what we have got up to, how the growing season is going for us, the preserves I have made and also about the crafts I am creating. I hope, in a few weeks, to return to an art group which will give me the push to revisit my paints.  I will post pictures of my artistic skills but David Hockney is safe, I only paint for fun.

Today, I picked up a fabulous bargain.  My local Wilko's were selling tomato collars for £1.50 reduced from £2.95.  That's almost half price so I bought half a dozen, 3 for the grow house and 3 for the greenhouse.  I can't let a good bargain pass me by.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog and thank you for passing by....so long for now!!

Easter Teddy Bears

I have 4 grand children one is 13, another 9 and two younger aged 4 and 3.  The 2 younger girls will receive lots of Easter Eggs so I decided to do them something different.  I have bought them each a small egg and made them a teddy bear each.

I used a paper pattern which had been given to me by a very good friend.  I am thinking of enlarging the pattern to do bigger bears 

 As I was doing 2 bears I decided to cut them out at the same time.  Here is the first bear cut out of flowered material.  It has pretty colours so I know my grand daughters will love them

The body of the second one is made from curtain material, while the arms, legs and ears are  flowery material.  

 I sewed the head and body together, leaving a gap in the back to allow me to stuff the bear.  The arms, legs and ears are sewn and an opening left, again to allow stuffing.  These are all hand sewn later.  Here is the curtain fabric bear.  I attached a red ribbon and tied it into a bow to add a little extra finishing.

The legs and arms are sewn on by passing a needle through the arm (or leg), through the body and out through the other arm.  I do this a couple of times to ensure it is secured tightly.  The arms and legs still move.  I would normally sew through a button on either side but not when the bear is for a small child.

Here is the flowery bear once again had a red ribbon added to it.  The bears stand 14" high and are a lovely present.  I know my grand daughters will love them and I shall be making them as part of their Christmas presents as I am aiming to hand craft all presents this year.

Quilted Bed Runner and Cushion Covers

I was asked to make a bed runner and cushion covers in turquoise and cream for a Christmas present.

I used a zigzag pattern on the runner which was made by cutting out 9" squares, putting opposite colours together, right sides facing, sewing them all around and then cutting them across diagonally, twice

Once sewn and cut each triangle was opened and sewn together.  By doing this a required length was reach.  After each length was reached, I sewed the lengths together.  I continued doing this until I reached the size I wanted.  I added wadding and a backing.

Here you see the finished bed runner  which has been folded in half.  It is for a double bed.

The order included two cushion covers, so I did two in the Somerset pattern.  My friend had seen them and wanted them included.

Quillows

This is a quillow, which is a quilt folded into a pillow.  I have used the somerset pattern for the pillow which is one of my favourite patterns

I used the disappearing 9 square pattern which was good doing. I enjoy this pattern as it is interesting and looks like you have sewn small pieces together.

The pillow part looks wonderful and I am so pleased with it. The pillow can be made into cushion covers, which I am going to do for my lounge to match the quillow.

Purple Quillow...A First

I went to a sewing class where people were making quillows and as I had no idea what they were I decided to do some research.  They are a quilt inside a pillow and are ideal when you have unexpected guests overnight or for a lap quilt.  I was intrigued to see how it was made and decided to have a go at making one.  I used a quilt cover from a charity shop in purple and lavender which cost me £1.99 for a single quilt and 2 pillow cases.  A real bargain as the material was in excellent condition.

Firstly I made the pillow part of the quillow using a somerset pattern, which is also called a folded star pattern.  I started with 4 purple triangles, added 8 lilac triangles, then 8 purple, all in size 21/2" x 11/2".  I followed this with 2 rows of lilac in 5" x 21/2".  I then cut 2 51/2" squares in lilac, in half diagonally and attached a 1" strip of purple material to the longest end.  

Using a ruler, I measured 31/2" from the center 4 times and squared the pattern off.  The 1" strip and triangle were sewn to the straight lines just drawn.  To border the star I cut 2 11" and 2 14 1/2" strips of purple fabric and sewed it to the squared up edges of the lilac triangles.  I then backed the pillow with the same material I was going to use for the back of the quilt, in this case lilac.

 This is the reverse side of the quillow where the pillow is attached.  It is sewn back side facing so the pattern is inside.

This is the front of the qwillow.  I. cheated a little by doing diagonal lines, with a square in the centre

And here is the finished article folded up.  To fold the quillow you lay it face up and fold the edges into the centre using the pillow lines as a guide.  At this point you pull the pillow through so that the pattern side is showing, fold the quilt from the bottom in thirds and fold it into the pillow, straightening the corners as you go along.  I enjoyed this so much that I have started my next one.  These are going to be Christmas and birthday presents for family and friends but this next one is for me.

Garden Bargains

We went to the Garden Center today and picked up some bargains

The most expensive was this cyclamin which cost £2.50 but I'm not bothered about that.  I have always wanted to have cyclamin growing under the tree and it will look lovely around the apple tree.

I have always loved primulas and this white one looks a lot better in reality than in the photo.  I have 2 in the back garden which were from my mum's grave when we had a little garden for her but the church made us take it apart.

.

 I love this purple one as well although it again looks better in the flesh LOL.

This is a viola which, with the primulas will go in the front garden.  I may even split this one to get a few plants out of it as it is rather big.  I can see this in the garden.  They are good growers and don't have any problems with soil.  My main problem is going to be the dreaded SLUG!!!!!!!!

Have you found any garden bargain just recently?

Happy New Year...

Happy New Year

And

All the best for 2013

12 Sided Star

This is a project I have been doing which is taught by Linda Woodfield, Textile Artist.

It is a 12 sided star which is a lovely.  I have done it in reds, greens and Christmas fabrics, which have been sewn together after being stuck down on cardboard.  I placed little bells in the centre of each star.

My next job is to make smaller ones so I can have a few about the room.  I am going to do them in reds and creams which are the colours of my lounge.

Tuesday 13th November

I have been tagged by Dreamer of Living a Slow and Simple Life.  Dreamer was tagged by Robyn  at EssexHebridean.  So just for fun we are passing this around and would like people to participate.

The rules of the game are as follows:

• Write 11 things about yourself.
• Answer the 11 questions set by the person who tagged you
• Set 11 questions for the people you will tag
• Tag other bloggers (with less than 200 followers)
• Don't back tag.

11 things about me

1  I have a HNC in Business and Finance as well as IT qualifications

2  I have only been composting and frugal living for about 2 years but am loving every moment of it

3  Although I have poor health I don't let it dictate to me and I live my life as best as I can

4  I am well traveled, Singapore and Malaysia being 2 of my favourite places to visit.  I have a son who 

    lives in Bermuda so I visit there as well.  We scrimp and save to enable us to travel.  I never had

    the chance when I was younger so I'm making up for it now that we are both retired

5  I can see spirits, feel spirits and hear spirits.  They used to scare me but I now feel privileged to

   have such a gift

6  I have 3 brothers, 3 sons and 1 grandson.  God has blessed me with 3 grandaughters

7  I am fascinated with the Napoleonic wars and the Duke of Wellington

8  I am an avid reader, love painting, although I haven't done any for a while and I love creating be it 

   either home made jewellery or working with fabrics

9  I am terrified of heights but have gone up on a rope to 500 meters twice and 1000 meters once.

   Never again!!

10 I used to teach children how to play guitar and we have appeared on stage.  

11 I did my family tree and got back to 1616, I also did my husbands who are all from Ireland. 

     Records are difficult to access in Ireland and I ended up paying for some research professionally

     done

Dreamers Questions for me

How many siblings do you have and what was your position in the family?
I have 3 brothers and I am second in the bunch
What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Egg Mayo
If you could invite anyone to tea who would it be, and why?
The Duke of Wellington: I have a fascination with the Napoleonic wars
What would you cook for them?
Fish Pie
Given the chance to choose a different name for yourself what would you choose?
Kathleen
What one thing would you not like to live without?
John and if he doesn't count, my car as I couldn't get out without it
Which zodiac sign are you?
Capricorn
Who is your favourite author?
Georgette Heyer
If you could be a character in a film who would you be and why?
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks
Chocolate or crisps?
Crisps
What is your favourite Christmas film?
Scrooge

My Questions

1  Who is your favourite personality from history and why

2  Chocolate or Crisps

3  If you could live in another time in history, when would it be and why

4  If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why

5  what is your preference in music

6  Who is your favourite author

7  Do you collect anything

8  sweet or savoury 

9  Cat or dog

10 Do you have any children

11 Favourite food stuff

I have tagged Dan at  FrugalUK http://frugalityuk.blogspot.co.uk/

Lest we forget

A couple of special poems to bring the meaning of today into focus.  I have been saddened to read on a social network words of disrespect for our fallen HERO'S, two of which I claim as relatives

Ode to Rememberence

They went with songs to the battle, they were young.

Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.

They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,

They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

My First Marmalade

 I have helped my dear friend Dreamer to make marmalade but this is my first go on my own and I am really happy with the results.  I bought this tin online which was on offer, buy one get one free.    Love a bargain

 I added the ingredients of the tin to the pan, followed by 3/4 pint of water and 4lb of sugar.  Once it was at a rolling boil I reduced the temperature and after 15 minutes it had reached the setting point.

I bottled 7 jars, some of which I am using for Christmas presents with red onion chutney and pear chutney.  Before adding the lid I dropped some brandy into the marmalade.  Mummmm yummy. I know they will be welcomed as a lovely present

Red Onion Chutney

 

 I have decided to make a selection of Red Onion Chutney, Pear Chutney and Brandy Marmalade as Christmas presents for friends and family.  As I wanted a small jar for each of the preserves I decided to purchase ASDA Smart Price Mint Sauce as they were only 24p a jar, rather than spending a lot of money on jars.  

I re-heated the mint sauce to boiling and re-bottled the sauce in steralised jars to be used later.  My son and daughter in law will have a large jar as they use quite a bit of it.


Here is the recipe I used

2kg Red Onions
I cooking apple grated
375 mls red wine vinegar
375 g sugar
3 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
100 g sultanas
2 teaspoons of mixed or all spice
Salt & Pepper
Olive oil about 3 tablespoons for frying

I (or rather the OH) chopped up the red onions and fried them in the olive oil for about 1 hour.  I added all the other ingredients and brought it to the boil and reduced it to a simmer for a further 1 hour or until the liquid has reduced and the mixture has thickened.

When the the chutney is ready I bottled it and I managed to get 7 jars of chutney.  When they have cooled I will label them and they'll go away until Christmas.  Lovely with cheeses, cold cuts or even added to gravy.  I am rather pleased with myself as this is my first attempt and I know it tastes lovely.

Bird Mobile

I had come across this template for a bird in one of my friends sewing book and as we have two babies, in the family, due in the near future, I decided to make my first bird mobile.

I found, in a charity shop, a baby lamp shade so I sacrificed the large ring to make my mobile.  

I cut out the template, making sure I had a few.

I then cut out different fabrics using the templates, including wadding ensuring I had 24 sides to make 12 birds.  I sewed the wings on with a zigzag stitch, using this to also attach the wadding.

Once I had done this with all 24 sides, I attached the birds right side to right side and sewed them leaving a small opening to enable me to turn them right side out.  I hand sewed the opening, adding ribbon for them to dangler by and made eyes using a sequin and a bead on both sides.

To finish the mobile I hand sewed ribbon around the hoop, setting the birds in place and did the same across the hoop, leaving extra ribbon to allow for hanging.  I am very pleased with my first attempt and I may make another for the other baby

Cinnamon Apple Butter

 

 Part Two....

To recap...we received a bag of windfall apples, peeled and cored them, sliced them into the slow cooker and placed the peelings etc in a large pan.

To the apples was added sugar, cinnamon, all spice, cloves, a dash of nutmeg and a small amount of water.

 The apples were set on high in the slow cooker and left to soften down, with the lid on and occasionally stirring them.

When the apples were dropping they were whisked with an electric hand whisk and left on low for a few hours with the lid raised.  

When ready we put the jars through a dishwasher cycle to steralise them.  When they were ready we bottled the Cinnamon Apple butter and we got 4 large jars out of a bag of free windfall apples.  All we paid for was sugar and the spices which were already in the cupboard.....yum!!!!!!!!

Posted 1 minute ago by Holiday Girl

Economic Apples 

 I have been in Scotland for a few days and someone gave my friend a bag of windfall apples.  My friend decided to make apple butter (instructions to follow) and apple jelly and as I haven't made either of these before I was interested in the technique.

The apples were peeled and cored, and then chopped up, added to a slow cooker with sugar, cinnamon, small amount of water and nutmeg.  This has to be left overnight to cook slowly.

Apple jelly is so economic, costs very little and is really lovely either as a jam or with pork or cold cuts.  It is a very versatile preserve.

The peelings and cores were placed into a large pan and covered with water on a high heat.  They were left, stirring occasionally until they were very soft and the fluid had started to reduce. 

 The apple mixture is then poured into a jam making stand with a large bag attached, over a large bowl and left to drip.  Occasionally press the mixture down but DO NOT squeeze the bag as this makes the jam cloudy.  When the mixture has ceased to drip, discard the peelings mixture and pour the liquid back into the pan a pint at a time.    

 Add a lb of sugar for ever pint of liquid.  Then add 100 mls of lemon juice.  Stir the mixture until the sugar has desolved and let it come to a rolling boil, stirring regularly.










Place a small plate or saucer into the fridge for a few moments until cool and spoon some of the jam onto it to see if it has reached setting point.  You will know if the jam is set as it will wrinkle on the plate when you move it with your finger.

Ensure that your jars are steralised by putting them through a dishwasher cycle or heating them in an oven or microwave.  Fill each of the jars and ensure that the lids are fastened very tightly.  Be very careful as the jars will be very hot.  The jam will be ready to eat in a couple of days and can be stored unopened in the a cool dark place for as long as you wish.  We got 7 jars of apple jam out of the cores and peel of apples which is usually thrown away or composted.  It cost just the price of 3lb sugar and some lemon juice.

Instructions for the apple butter to follow.

Posted 13 minutes ago by Holiday Girl