6 of The Best

I have completed another six little bears that I have been working on this month - with a few other projects along the way.

I am quite pleased with these, it is the first time I have actually tried making some little girl bears with dresses on, and I am so glad they turned out OK.

Not sure who I will give these little guys to as yet, but I am sure there is some one out there that could really do with a smile and a bit of cheering up.

As I write this, we are on 'grandparent duty' with our three grand-daughters whilst their parents have a trip to the States for a couple of weeks. I managed to organise some of my mini quilt blocks to bring with me which I can sit and hand stitch whilst the girls are at school. So they will be the start of next months projects.

For now though .....

 'Til next time.

Another Challenge!

Pete came to me quite some time ago and asked if I could make a cover/bag in which to put/store the fishing rods we take with us on our fishing trips.

Well .... that set the old grey matter into a spin, and with his input, a sort-of design was hatched.

Off to Spotlight (only store available to buy fabrics these days) and I purchased some lightweight canvas to make said bag/cover. Oh, and for once I remembered to buy some thread to match the fabric.

The cutting table as you can see was in place and measurements were taken - 4 fishing rods rolling around the place did not help, but eventually I managed to get it all worked out (I thought) and off to the sewing machine I went.

As I got further into this project my confidence started to wain, but after a few tweaks here and there, I think I made a pretty fair fist of the job.  The extra fabric on the left (in the photo) is a flap that goes over the rods before they are rolled up. Also from this photo you can see I was down to three rods - the fourth was back down in the shed having it's line replaced ready for an upcoming fishing trip in the near future.

I also added a tie to keep it rolled up and the rods safe, however since the following photo was taken I have added another two ties just to keep it firm.

Have another project just about finished, should complete by the end of the week (I hope), if not certainly by the end of the month.

So it is back to my lounge chair to do some hand-stitching, but for now .....

A First for Me - Relish Making

Last month we were given a bottle of tomato relish by my sister-in-law, and enjoyed it so much I asked her for the recipe for it so I could have a go. Easy as ...... made with tinned tomatoes!! So I set about making a small batch and yes, I had my first batch of tomato relish and Pete loves it. Looks like I may have to make some more. The worst part of the whole exercise (if there is one) was to go scrounging for some small glass jars.

I did make more than this, but they went into a couple of birthday presents that I was very pleased with myself, as all items in the bag I had made - the notebook cover, a folded shopping bag, the relish and a couple of mug rugs.

Next came a batch of savoury muffins from a relatively simple recipe out of the August edition of the Woolies 'Fresh' magazine - again, simple as, and oh so tasty - Pete said they were the best I had made in quite a while, now that is a good recommendation if ever there was one.

Now all this frivolity in the kitchen is on top of what I have been doing in my sewing room, I am all but finished a couple of projects for this month, so will be posting them shortly.

For now though ......

Catch you next time.