A finish....

 I finished the stitching on Mums tablecloth yesterday. After a busy start to the day in the kitchen I settled myself into my arm chair and completed the last two flower clusters.

Not the greatest image and yes it's got lots of creases but it is done.

I even signed it for both of us. I should perhaps have written on before sewing, but didn't.

I just went for it.

If mum was eleven when she started it, that must have been 1955.

And I completed it in 2025.

70 years in the making.

It got a good rinse when I was done, and I left it soaking with a colour catcher all night, it is currently in the washing machine, once it is dried I will give it a good press and make a decision about one or two unintended marks that are on the fabric. 

While working on it I found three long red hairs which I am fairly sure were Mums.

I have put the remainder of the threads to one side for now. I think I may be able to use them when it comes time to do something with the other heirloom items.

While I was sewing yesterday the last of this summers tomatoes were bubbling away in the cauldron. I was using up a few bits a pieces to make a relish. No recipe, I was making it up as I chucked stuff in.

A few unripe tomatoes, a few over ripe tomatoes, one onion, a couple of capsicum, some chilli peppers and a small courgette. Add salt, curry powder, mixed spices and vinegar. Right at the end I added brown sugar substitute and a little flour to thicken it.

It smelled good, I hope it tastes good too.  

No such fun today, I need to go grocery shopping and do a few other quick jobs in town, before I get to play. Then it will be either my Chookshed challenge, quilting the poppies or I might just pull out some more stitching. I have more than a few hand sewn projects I could be getting on with. LOL And I seem to be in a hand stitching mood at the moment. I'll keep you informed. LOL

Club Day and some recent Aquisitions.

 Today I spent most of the day sat on the sofa at Timaru Patchworkers club where I didn't sew a single patch, but I did do some embroidery. I wasn't the only one, there were a few of us with hand work rather than sewing machines this month and the promise of more next time. LOL

I was able to complete a whole cluster of Daisies on Mums table cloth while I chatted with the other ladies. I have to say I'm happy with my progress.

There are two and a bit clusters left to complete. Then I'll have to move on to the clothing items and make more of a plan for those. I was chatting with some of the girls at club and we have added a little more to the basic plan that Janice helped me to come up with. Let's say watch this space.....Because holding your breath  might have health implications. LOL 

So that was my day at club.

I promised some aquisitions.

I had told myself that I wasn't going to buy anything while I was out with Janet on Tuesday but when I spied this item I knew it was a must have.

I really, really want to have a go at making this little guy.  He is adorable. Made with wool felt and some pretty stitching.

Here are the Inspiration Magazine details if anyone else is interested.

It's one of last years issues but I'm sure you'll find a copy.

And finally for today I was perusing facebook the other day and saw another must have item.

Somebody in an EPP group was using these and you know how it is....

Monkey see, monkey want.

I ordered it right away and was delighted when it turned up on my doorstep less than 48 hours later. 

I'm sure I can make good use of these cute wee motifs and I already have a whole book full of others for the one day pile, which is being held down and kept under control by a 'roundtuit'. 

That's my news, not much I'm afraid, but better than none at all. 

Janet's visit.

 As some of you know, our very own Rogue Quilter, Janet and her husband Greg are cruising around New Zealand. On Tuesday they were here in my home town. We agreed to meet at 08.30. It was a grey misty day which I was sad about, I wanted Janet to see how beautiful we are in the sunshine.

I arrived early and spied Janet easily looking at the stalls at the 'cruise market' that was set up near the wharf. I got the biggest hug when we got face to face. Janet's husband Greg was going to take an excursion to a sheep station, but sadly that was cancelled. I was happy to have him join Janet and I for our wee tour, though he is a pretty tall chap and I did feel sorry for him folding himself up to get into my wee car. LOL 

First stop was the Timaru sewing center which was literally right across the street from the market. Then we went for a little drive through some of town and the scenic reserve where I love to walk and then on to the highway and out to Geraldine for a look around and a visit to the Pin Tin. Janet helped out the local economy in both of the sewing stores and she also found a few items in the gift store. Next stop was an ice cream store.

Yes they have gluten free flavours which made her very happy. 

Greg mentioned that he would like a true kiwi meat pie, I knew just the place and stopped there as we made our way back in to Timaru. The U Bake store is owned and run by one of Tony's school chums, he's also our neighbour, living just a few doors along. 

Greg asked about utensils, but I encouraged him to eat kiwi style, right out of the paper bag, which of course he did. I'm sure he enjoyed it.

Janet and I opted for no pies so the next stop was at the Timaru Botanic Gardens. 

They were tired looking, it wasn't the best Summer and Autumn has come early this year, but we had a walk around and stopped at the aviary to say hello to the birds, then it was time to head back to the port and make sure that Janet and Greg were on the courtesy bus to go back to the ship. But first we stopped at the local bar for a cold drink.

Then we had one last hug and said good bye. One of the girls at the bus stop took a last photo.

As I drove home alone the clouds broke and I could see the mountains, then an hour or so later, probably just as the ship was leaving port I looked up and saw this.

I hope the weather is better at the next couple of stops.

We had a great day looking around and chatting together. It was a pleasure to be a part of Janet and Greg's holiday. What lovely people. 

Next they will be meeting Raewyn and Julie. 

Tag ladies, you're up!

Life and work and the Chookshed challenge #2.

 Life has been busy with lots going on at home and away from home.

We've been busy in the garden, making one of the beds butterfly proof. I can't get over the explosion of white butterflies this year and they all seem to be in our garden! There has also been more produce to eat,  preserve or freeze. That has kept me busy. I've taken loads to work for the sharing table too. Speaking of work, there has been extra shifts too, one at a moments notice, just to keep me on my toes.

On Saturday night I was delighted to be invited to a 21st birthday party. The lovely Jorja used to work with me, I mentored her at the beginning of her nursing journey. She is now a fully qualified nurse and making her mark on the world. I'm so happy to have been a small part of that journey. It was wonderful to help her celebrate 21 years.

She was the recipient of the purple zippy pouch which I had filled with essential girly items and a gift voucher.

Phew, it's good to have a couple of days off, though they don't look like being quiet days. Tomorrow morning, bright and not quite so early I'll be meeting Janet at the wharf. Her cruise ship will be docking here in Timaru for the day. Betty, Chooky, Janice and co met up with her when she was in Sydney to start her cruise, now it is my turn. No big crowd, just the two of us. I hope the weather stays nice.

So I'll need to do all of my chores today. The washing is already on the line, the kitchen is spic and span, just the groceries and a little dusting left to complete. 

Then maybe I'll get back to my Chookshed Challenge #2 

I realised that I didn't share it yet. My list says I'm to work on my Poppy quilts this month.

So I pulled them out and set about working on Papaver Pazazz.

The other day I layered and pinned and started quilting, then I unquilted.

Then I layered and pinned and started quilting again, then I unquilted again!

I was trying to do some walking foot quilting on my domestic machine but it just wasn't happening. So I left it alone for a day or two.

Finally I put it onto the frame and made a start there.

I'm still not convinced but at least it got a little further.

The pattern instructions say to layer and quilt before adding the applique......

I wish I had read that bit instead of forging ahead.....

I'll keep you posted, I have a couple more weeks of March left.

I just remembered that I need to make bread today too, I'm off to put the machine on before I head out for groceries.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow. 

Mint choc chip ice cream recipe.

 A new recipe for you to try, and you don't need an ice cream machine.

This is a keto recipe, but that's ok, you could use sugar where we used stevia, it would be just fine.

Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream 

4 cups heavy whipping cream divided.

6 Table spoons butter

3/4 cup of granulated sweetener.

1 Tspn peppermint extract

1/2 Tspn vanilla

1 cup choc chips

10 drops green colouring (Optional).

In a medium saucepan add 2 cups of the cream, the sweetener and the butter. Stir over a medium heat until the butter melts and the sweetener dissolves. Increase the heat and bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer again for 30 minutes stirring occasionally. 

Pour into a glass container and allow to cool to room temperature. (I tasted it at this point. YUM).

Once cooled add the peppermint extract and vanilla. Then add the green colouring a little at a time until you achieve the strength you like and set aside.

In a medium mixing bowl whip the remaining two cups of cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the peppermint mixture then fold in the chocolate chips. Freeze for four hours or longer. The longer you freeze it the more time it will need to sit out before serving. It thaws to a mousse like consistency.

Tony and I did not whip the second batch of cream to stiff peaks, I stopped at a softer consistency then after folding in the peppermint mixture we poured the batter into our ice cream churn.

It had a lovely soft scoop texture which we all loved.

Especially Mr Torstein.

This one is on our make again list.