Tuesday 24 June 2008

DD Came thrifting with me!

The last couple of times I've been into the charity shops hunting for bargains and useful items my DD came with me. She has found practically a whole new wardrobe and a belief that her mother can perform miracles. I don't mind the odd repair, or taking a pair of trousers up but turning a size 14 top into a size 8!!

I managed it though. It still gapes a bit under her arms, but she is happy.
Her brother heard the camera in action and had to get in on the fun.

Then the other brother turned up and well.....
It all went down hill from there really.

Here's a peek at one of the pairs of trousers she produced and asked me to turn up. The beaded design runs down the whole length of both legs. I really should have another go at getting her to do her own repairs and alterations, but last time she tried it all ended in tears, I think perhaps it's skipped a generation.

She watches me sewing any manner of items, cross stitch, embroidery, repairs, with or without the machine, but when she tries? Birds nests! Which disintegrate the first time she wears what ever it was she sewed. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, my grand mother can sew beautifully, but my mother can't and I seem to remember Gran saying her grand mother taught her to sew, maybe there's something in my skipping a generation theory.

On a quilty note, thanks for all your input on my last post, as it is at the moment the pinwheels are winning. How ever John at Quilt Dad (Yes John, your input is always welcome, I'll have to remember to be more politically correct in future.) did give me a new idea to play with which may work better than any of my ideas, especially as Lynda pointed out, I'll need an odd number of blocks! I'll have a play about later today and see what I get. Look out for more photos.

This morning on my walk, instead of full steam ahead I'll be wandering along a different route in search of Elderflowers, I've had requests for Elderflower Champagne. A very refreshing and tasty drink on a hot summers day, be careful though, it can pack a punch! Each batch will be slightly different as the yeast occurs naturally in the flowers and some have more than others, so some batches will produce more alcohol and fizz than others.

6 comments:

Lurline said...

Of course Mums can perform miracles and they know everything, too, Loulee.
What a fab Mum you are and you look like you are really enjoying it all ... lovely family!
Best wishes - Lurline.

Jane said...

My mum used to make elderflower cordial, I loved it. Elderflower champagne sounds delicious

Jeanne said...

Fun picture of the three kids!
Jeanne :)

Anonymous said...

I love thrift shops and just have to get my DD into them too....
My neice got 5 jackets (all name brands) for $50.....
I've got to get to them on the weekend.
The top looks lovely and those brothers.......

Anne Wigfull said...

Lou, I have two recipes for elderflower champagne, neither one says *when* it's ready to drink. Any idea? Should we wait for it to clear, strain it off the must etc or just guzzle it down at the earliest opportunity?

Gene Black said...

I fully believe in the "skips a generation" theory. My Grandmother sewed and quilted. My mom made marvelous bird nests when she tried to sew. (never any decent results) Now here I am sewing and enjoying it so much. So just wait for a grandchild. He or she will love to sew with you.