Tuesday 4 June 2024

June Goals.

 My goals really don't change that much each month. The main change is the Chookshed Challenge.
This month that is #10 and as I mentioned in my last post for me that means I must do some work on a UFO. Papaver Pazazz.
I fell in love with this design as soon as I saw it and bought the pattern. Tony bought the fabrics as a Christmas gift in 2020 and I made a start is 2021.
I didn't get far. There are a lot of bias edges in the back ground which I had thought were awful, I was convinced they had more waves than the pacific, but now they don't appear to be too bad. LOL
The leaves were also a bit of an issue, with lots of wiggly edges. I tried to do blanket stitch and spent a lot of time picking it out. Then I tried just a straight stitch, I wasn't happy with that either, but now that I look again, while not the effect I want, it is perfectly ok so I will continue.
Not the greatest image, sorry it is still dark here but I want to get this post written so had to get a quick photo.
So that is goal number one. Not necessarily a finish, but definitely progress.
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Goal number two.
RSC Kiwi.
Blue this month.
I'm sure I can find one or two oddments of blue. LOL
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Goal number three.
Finish last months secret ornament.
And hopefully get another one done too.
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Goal Number four.
On work days, make one block for my windswept quilt before I go out of the door.
Work at least 15 mins each day on a hand project.
EPP Cross stitch, crochet, what ever. 
And here is a pic of my latest crochet project.
I was given a basket full of yarn all weights and plys some full balls some mere scraps.
I said that I would make up a blanket to donate at work. It's not going to be terribly pretty but it will keep someone warm. I'm using Lucy at Attic 24's Neat Ripple Pattern.
I do like Lucy's patterns and her tutorials are excellent, I learned a lot from her when I was first starting crochet. I have used this pattern before and have to say I'm enjoying working with it again.
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Goal Number five.
Work on a scrap project.
Well my ripple crochet fits in to this category.
I should hopefully be able to attend club this month and I'm the tutor!
I'll be talking the ladies through how to make my placemat design.
I'd like to get some more samples made up and have some kitted ready to sew along with the ladies.
Another scrap project I'd like to achieve this month is to make some bowl cosies.  I have colleagues asking for them. 
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Goal Number six.
Last but not least...
Try a new recipe.
I've been busy on Pinterest. When the carnivore is done with his carnivore diet he thinks he might like to try keto. At least that is a diet I could join him on! So I have been pinning a few keto recipes. I may give some of them a try this month, though Tony still has a few weeks of his carnivore diet to go.
For those who have asked he is doing well, much better than I expected. 

His typical day starts with two slices of bacon and two scrambled eggs with a few shreds of grated cheese.
Lunch today is two cold sausages. (Not strictly carnivore due to the fillings but after a chat with our butcher he decided they would be ok).
For tea tonight he will be having pork fillet and some more eggs.
For snacks during the day he makes jerky.
We looked at shop bought jerky but it all has added sugar and flavourings. So he purchased a dehydrator and makes his own. 1 kg of topside beef per week is thinly sliced then thoroughly salted and peppered and spends 5-8 hours in the dehydrator.
He also has ice cream. We tried making one using our food processor, it was ok but he found it very firm so an ice cream maker was also purchased. The results from that are much better.
No, not bacon or beef flavoured. LOL
We use 500 ml thick cream, 4 egg yolks and a pinch of salt. Tony also cheats and adds a tea spoon of vanilla. In to the churn it goes and 10 minutes later he has lovely looking soft churn ice cream. 

New gadgets aside it is not a cheap diet and not something that we could afford for him to stay on for life. A kilo of beef stewing meat with added veg etc. used to serve us 5-6 meals, now it serves three to Tony. Keto will also have an added cost, those alternative flours and sweeteners are of course more expensive than plain old flour and sugar!
I'll keep you up to date with how things are going and of course I'll try to remember to share any great new recipes I find. 
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Daylight is finally here, I'm off for a walk. 

10 comments:

Jennifer said...

Those diets sound like a lot of work.....

ButterZ said...

Good post Lou. After all this diet has Tony lost some weight. Was this the aim?

Anorina @SameliasMum said...

Sounds like you have a busy month ahead. I like the Ripple Blanket and am yet to try it. One day, for sure!
I'm glad Tony is doing well on his diet. Keto will be easy after all of this meat eating.

Maria said...

Good luck with all your monthly challenges. Will enjoy reading your progress.
The diet seems a lot of work so hope Tony’s lost some weight.

Susan said...

I've been wondering about the carnivore diet...the added bonus of an ice cream maker sounds good...LOL
I think I have that ripple pattern...maybe one day I will get to it.

Narelle said...

Good luck with June goals ... I'm working on a similar patterned crochet rug.

dq said...

The photo does not reveal bias edges at all. It really does look great!
You have a great list of all your goals for the month. I need to post the rest of mine as well. Your Kiwi's have all been fun and cute. I guess I will be doing blue fish.
I love your Windswept blocks and look forward to seeing your progress on them.
Fifteen minutes per day on a hand project sounds like a good plan. Now that it is summer, I should try to do that in addition to my machine stitching - you are a good example.

kiwikid said...

Your quilt and leaves look great to me! I hope you meet all your challenges for the month - I am sure you will! That diet sounds like hard work!! Does Tony feel better for being on it?

Chookyblue...... said...

Goodluck on the cooking front......

Raewyn said...

I hope you are enjoying working on your goals this month :-) Yes I hear you about the costs of different ingredients for different diets. GF flours etc are not cheap either. But if they lead to better health then they are worth it.