Chookshed challenge complete.

 Yep! Here we are on the third day of the month and my April Chookshed Challenge is complete. I know, I know, I was swapping it out for number 5 which is going to Scrub Stitchin' with me, but yesterday I got all caught up in it and POOF! Now I have a finished quilt top. LOL

I don't think I'll add borders, I auditioned quite a few bits and pieces, but nothing felt right. I did find the perfect backing for it though.

Quilting and backing were not included in the challenge and they will have to wait anyway.

April Chookshed challenge complete.

Thanks for getting us organised Deanna.

*

In other news, I've also been making progress on the latest EPP squirrel. The pile of hexie flowers is growing.

Tony has almost completed his last day of work for a while and tomorrow we pack our cases and head for the big city.

Two more sleeps until we get onto the big airplane.

I might go sew some more hexies.

I'll be back in a couple of weeks with lots of news. 

Chookshed Challenge April.

I mentioned a post or two ago that I had found some orphan blocks that would be used for the Community quilt to be made at Baradine, but another look at Raewyn's instructions this morning changed my mind. I went digging into the tub of brights and pulled out something completely different, and in no time I had my two blocks made.

While I was digging about looking for just the right whiteish fabrics for the borders of block A, I came across the fabrics that were intended for my Chookshed challenge #4. And off I went! Yes I know I said I was swapping out as #5 is due to go to Baradine with me for Scrub Stoitchin', but the fabrics were there and they spoke to me. In no time I had a bunch of 5 inch squares cut then set about looking for some brighter fabrics for yet more borders. I had hoped to find them in the strips drawer.

Plenty of fabric here, but not what I need, so I pulled out my character fabrics tub and hit Gold.

I sewed and sewed until lunch time.

Shuffling the blocks about on the design floor,

Trying to find just the right layout.

I'm not sure I found it yet, but I have plenty of time to play. 

I'm settled in my armchair now and plan to play with Hexies all afternoon, but I might make some more blocks tomorrow. And who knows, I might even remember what it was that I saw and wanted to copy with these blocks. LOL

*

3 more sleeps until I get on the big airplane. 

The March Roundup.

 I feel like I did do quite a bit in March, but a lot of it can't be shown until after I have been to Scrub Stitchin'. I guess I'm not the only one with that issue. Here goes with what I can show.

I went on an Heirloom Adventure, completing a tablecloth that my lovely Mum started to embroider 70 years ago. I'm happy to say it is now completed.

The other items in that bundle will get their turn one day.

*

My Chookshed Challenge for the month was to work on and hopefully quilt the Papaver quilt top. Well I added a border then had issues when I set off quilting it on my domestic machine. So I put it onto the frame and started working on it there, I got about half way down then hit a wall, I've been procrastinating ever since. I need to get it completed and move it though as I have several other items that need to be quilted. 

Did I complete at least one Christmas Ornament?

No, I didn't, but I'm not stressing about it. This years ornament is quicker to make than recent years and I'm already ahead of the game.

*

Did I sew or crochet for 15 minutes every day?

Nope!

Didn't do that either.

*

Did I walk every day?

Nope!

*

Did I start Pretty Little Pots?

Nope!

*

Did I share a new recipe?

YES!

Just when you thought I was on a roll of No's in pops a yes. LOL

*

As I mentioned above I did do a bunch of secret stuff and right in at the last minute I sat with Chooky and girls on Zoom on Saturday and played with Hexagons. That was fun, thanks Chooky.

Deanna has given us next months number for the Chookshed challenge. 

It's #4, which would be a new start, but I'm swapping it for my #5 which is all ready to go to Baradine with me.

Speaking of Baradine....

5 more sleeps until we get on the big airplane and meet up with Janice and Mick.

But only one more shift at work.

I went in today, thinking that I was all better after whatever bug caught up with me last week.

I don't think I'm quite there yet. Gotta get rid of it before Saturday!

*

I'm off to tweak my monthly goals. They are just not working for me this year. 

Well today Zoomed by!

 After an awful night, I slept in this morning and when I awoke a zoom session was already in progress. So what's a girl to do? I sat down and joined in of course.

I had some EPP prep at hand so picked it up and set off sewing.

By the time we said goodbye I had made eight more flowers and had also basted some more hexies to add to the collection.

I continued to glue baste and add more throughout the remainder of the day. It's nearly bedtime again now and I've had enough for today. The collection has grown nicely though.

I have used adopted hexies and scraps as well as some of my own leftovers so there is a good mix. Some of the fabrics had me wondering....?

Why this particular fussy cut? What was she going to do? This fabric features three groups of fussy cut pieces. 

There were also some pre basted hexies.

Some beautifully executed with perfect stitches, and some not so much. I ripped out that 'seam' between the brown and cream, and re stitched it. Was she a beginner? Was she teaching someone? What were the dreams for these fabrics? Are these orphans or leftovers? Where is the lady, or ladies who first owned and worked with these pieces? 

I've had various ideas about what I'll do with them once I get some more made, I might start off by appliqueing some onto this flimsey that I made earlier this year.

I think I want to quilt it first, then add them. And, I want to use the brightest and prettiest flowers. One in each fabric block? Or maybe on the seams?

I'll have a play.

I also have one or two other ideas, I'll keep you informed. LOL

Chooky, thank you for another great zoom session. It was good to sew along and chat.

*

We have grand children visiting tomorrow, so I doubt I'll do much sewing.

*

Six more sleeps until our holiday starts.

Eleven more sleeps until we get to Baradine and Scrub Stitchin'.

I'm excited, can you tell?

Bits of this and that and my Chookshed report.

 I'm off work sick yesterday and today. Aches and pains and a snuffly nose or 'flu like symptoms' mean I am not welcome at work at the moment.  I really don't feel up to doing anything but sit in my chair. I have been playing with fabrics though. Basting EPP papers is good mindless fun when concentration won't come. So I've made up a bunch of mini kits for my Celestial Stars project.

I have all of the larger coloured stars kitted and packed in a bag ready to go into my case, along with a colourful collection of threads so that I'm sure to have just the right one.

I've also spent some time with another EPP project box.

I ran out of papers, so Tony has been tasked with a visit to the Sewing Centre during his lunch break today to get some more. The beginnings of this collection is one of my adoptions and the papers are 1.5 inches, not a size I have used before so none in stock here at home. As well as the beginnings or left overs of someone else's project I have added three bundles of adopted precut fabrics. I have no idea where this is going, so I'll just make a bunch of 'flowers' and figure out how to use them later.

*

My art folder dilemma mentioned in my last post, was solved the very next day. The A2 size I had purchased for my 'Down in the Garden' project was too big for my case, but the next day another one in A3 size  popped up as a give away on a local facebook page.

The new one is half the size and not quite wide enough, but I made it work.

My blocks, the pattern book and a few other items will fit in there nicely.

And the whole thing will fit into the bottom of my suitcase very easily.

Once I get home from our trip I will put the larger folder on to the same pay it forward page.  

Problem solved.

*

I promised a Chookshed challenge report.

This month we were to work on #2.

For me that is my Papaver Pazazz quilt. I pulled it out at the start of the month and added a border to it,

 then set about quilting it.

Twice.

 I also unquilted it twice. Hmm. Luckily I didn't do much so the unquilting didn't take long.

Then I put it onto the frame. Plan, D?, E?, F? was born.....

And stalled.

It's still there on the frame, about a third done.

Have I achieved Chookshed Challenge success? (Try saying that very fast. LOL).

Yes I have. I didn't promise to complete the quilt, only to work on it and I have done that. 

Hopefully it will be completed soon.

Regardless of what number Deanna pulls out for next month, I'll be working on #5 as it is going with me to Baradine. It's that 'Down in the Garden' project that needed a special case. 

*

While I was hunting for EPP papers yesterday I came across a box of orphan blocks and have the beginnings of my blocks for the community quilt we are making at Baradine. 

Blogger, why have you turned my image upside down?

I just need to find two fabrics to make the borders then sew them together. Then they can be added to the growing bundle that is to go into my suitcase next week.

A week today we will be leaving home, we'll stay overnight in Christchurch as we are on the red eye flight on Saturday morning. Seven more sleeps! Thirteen until we all meet up in Baradine for our Scrub Stitchin' retreat.

Preparations....

 In less than two weeks I'll be boarding a big plane and flying to Sydney with my lovely Tony.

We'll make our way to Bathurst to meet Janice and Mick. Then onwards to see Chooky and Baradine and the other Scrub Stitcher's. To say I'm excited would be an understatement. I've waited two years for this.... So I've been making preparations.

There are swaps,

And gifts to be completed.

And I have to take along some projects to work on. I could bring along a current WIP, or maybe I could take along something scrappy.

I pulled this box of precut pieces and some papers.

Or maybe I'll take something brighter.

That decision is still to be made. I do want to bring along a UFO.

Just one small problem...How to transport these blocks safely?

Last week I purchased a cute artists case.

That works! The prepared blocks all fit nicely. The folder with the patterns and instructions and my hoops will fit into the pocket. Yay! But as soon as it was delivered I had some doubts....

Erm,    Ooops!

That ain't gonna fit. 

I'll figure it out.

But right now I'm going back to glue basting hexies. LOL

Back to work tomorrow. 

Only five more shifts.

EEP!

😄

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.

Heirloom Adventures.

 Very late in February I was having problems sleeping, my mind was being kept busy with a bundle that came my way some time ago, someone was nagging at me to make some progress. After three very restless nights I pulled out a box of precious items and sent a plea to Janice, asking for some help. We bounced a few ideas around in messenger and came up with a plan for some of the items. One or two still need more thought. One thing was very clear, I really, really need to record this stuff.

So here goes. When mum was diagnosed with Leukemia back in 2013 she started to have one last big sort out. Many items came my way and many of them are used here in our home daily, some were gifted to my children and some I chose to hang onto with a plan to do 'something'. Those items are what I'm sharing today.  

This cute wee bib was made for my sister Fiona, who sadly died as a very young child. Myself and my other three sisters all wore it too, on very special occasions only. It's been around since 1967. I'm not one hundred percent about who made it. Maybe my Gran? Or maybe my great grand mother?

The Hedgehog bib was made by my Great grand mother when my brother was born, it's been around since 1965.

This little yellow jacket was made by my Great, great grand mother for my mum when she was born, in 1944.

It is pure silk and all hand sewn.

This little white jacket was made at the same time.

This yellow romper suit was my brothers and the cute wee pink piggies were added when my sister Fiona wore it. I'm sure myself and my sister Kirsty also wore it.

This last item of clothing mine from when I was a tiny baby.

My younger sisters and my own daughter also wore it.

That's it for the clothing items and after my wee brainstorming session with Janice I know where they are going. A plan has been born. It needs a tweak or two but I have the basics.

Thank you Janice.

Also in the bag of goodies were some items of table ware.

This wee set I remember well. My Grandmother made it.

It lived on her dressing table. The big oval was in the middle, a tray lived on it with a beautiful brush, comb and hand mirror set. The two smaller pieces were sat on either side. Sometimes they would have a vase of flowers or a small pot plant on them.

I didn't know the provenance of this next piece. I don't recall it, but mum assured me it was made and used by my Gran.

This tray cloth came from a set that was mums. I remember the table cloth that matched it, I'm don't know where that went, but I'm sure one of my siblings is keeping it safe.

There were also six or eight serviettes, I hope they are with the table cloth.

These two serviettes were also in the bag.

I really do not know where they came from and don't recall asking mum about them. But, Tony has a table cloth that he purchased in China and has a set of napkins matching it. These two very closely resemble that set. They may end up together.

And finally. 

A wee table cloth that Mum started to embroider when she was eleven years old.

Tucked into the bag along with it were the threads she was using stored in an old cigarette box! That would have been Her Aunt Effies. (My Grans sister, Great Aunt Euphemia, but we all called her Aunt Effie.).

 and Mums hussif that she had made herself.

My chat with Janice convinced me that I should complete the embroidery. 

Some of the motifs needed very little to see them finished while others are not even started.

Two French knots were all that was needed here.

A little more this time.

After two sessions I have only the middle motifs left to sew.

Yes it is stained and I can tell that my mother was an inexperienced embroiderer. But as Janice had to keep reminding me, it just adds to the story and provenance of the item. It is after all 70 years old, when I reach that age I'm sure I will have a few blemishes too.

Thank you Janice for helping me sort these items and set my mind to what needed to be done.

That particular night visitor is now letting me get some rest. I wonder which one of my ancestors it was keeping me awake?

I plan to add a new page at the top of my blog and use it to record progress for this particular collection.