Summer Time 

Hi all,

 I haven't been on this blog for a wee while - things have been pretty hectic !!

I finally managed to finish the advent stockings calender as pictured 

This was fun  and quick to make - just iron some vilene on to the panel - cut out the 24 stockings repeat with vilene and some backing fabric. Cut out 24 stocking shapes - sew the stockings to the backing stockings right sides together - trim and clip curves - turn right sides out press under 1/4" on top cuff and topstitch. Attach to your garland-- simple!!

I have also been planning my summer school - which starts on 18th August. Everyday for two weeks ( not Sundays - you all know I don't work Sundays) I will be laying on a teaching session - there are lots to choose from - and I will be putting them on the website very soon!

 Also at present and for the next couple of weeks - I am holding a Summer sale - fabrics and pre-cuts - very exciting!!

and of course I will be closing the barn for three weeks so that I may have my annual break!!

 So all in all - quite a lot is going on - and I will also be planning Naturesthreads birthday treat for September - it's going to be fun & i'm a going to be busy busy busy!!

 take care everyone 

 God bless 

Sue..x

May's charity quilt 

This is the top of the charity quilt that we made last week - thank you to everyone who came to help!! 

To all of you who couldn't make this quilt sewing day - there will be another gift quilt day next month!!

Til next time 

 God Bless

Sue..x

May's Charity Quilt & a hungry visitor 

Today we had a lovely time making the quilt for Emmaus - not quite finished - but well on its way - photos will follow when it's done!!

 Thank you to those lovely ladies who came along and sewed- I am very grateful!!

Then when I was leaving this afternoon - something caught my eye - I stopped and carefully got out of the car, grabbing my phone as I cautiously hid behind the open door.

 I often see wildlife behind the barn - but very seldom do I get very close before the animal is startled and flees.

 Today i moved slowly and took my time and although she kept looking up she was content for me to be there.

 so here she is a very hungry deer happily munching on the farmers beans. 

 I don't suppose the farmers will be very happy - but I was delighted and I think she was enjoying her afternoon tea!!  Til next time - God Bless  - Sue ..x

PJ's or Jim-Jams?

 I love Jim - jams - I find them so much more comfortable than nighties!!

 when I wear a nightie i t rucks up underneath me or it lays out on the bed and my husband lies on top of it and then I can't move -- Jim Jams or PJ's are so much better and you can lounge around the house in them during the day.

 I made these Jim jam bottoms - shorties - nice and cool for the Summer.

 I'm going to wear the black & white cup cakes ones to a sleepover teamed up with a white t shirt - I'm going to wear the blue with red spots ones around the house and to bed at home and I think I'm going to keep the lilac & turquoise checked ones as cover up shorts for the beach!!

Until next time - God Bless

Sue..x

Lamb Italienne

I am quite particular about the food I eat. I have an organic veg box delivered - I only buy carefully selected groceries and I tend to buy most of my meat from a farmer friend.

 Last month I bought a lamb from my friend and today I made one of my childhood favourite lamb dishes - Lamb Italienne!!

It is so simple!!

 Take 2 carrots - a medium onion -  a couple of sticks of celery - 1 x can of tomatoes and 8 x best end lamb cutlets. 

 Chop carrots, onion & celery - fry gently in a little oil. Place in a casserole- trim excess fat off the lamb and fry in the same pan as the vegetables - when brown place on top of the vegetables - tip the can of tomatoes into the pan add 1/4 pint of water, mixed herbs- salt & pepper and bring to the boil.  Pour over the lamb - cover and place ina medium hot oven - 180c for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Meanwhile - mix 4 oz of S.R. flour with 1 1/2 oz of suet - add chopped parsley - sals and enough cold water to make a sticky consistency . when meat cooked place the dumplings on top of the meat - leave uncovered and return to the oven for approx 20 minutes.

 Serve with potatoes and green vegetables - delicious!! 

I hope you enjoy this!! 

 Til next time 

 God Bless 

Sue.x

Spring herbs & salads 

Don't you just love this time of year - when the herbs are growing in the garden and you can just pop out and grab a handful of wonderful fresh fragrant herbs!!

Then of course there are the lovely new spring vegetables coming in - so as my family are very fond of salads - I made coleslaw - and potato Salad

To make coleslaw - peel & grate 2 carrots - chop 1 small apple and slice 1/2 a small white cabbage - wash and chop a handful of chives and then add your preferred dressing - I mix mayo with salad cream together for my dressing - so quick made in minutes!! 

For potato salad - wash a few new potatoes- boil with fresh mint sprigs until soft - allow to cool wash and chop a handful of fresh chives - stir in your preferred dressing - I always use mayo for this one and enjoy!!

Til next time 

 God BlessSue..x

A new sewing machine cover 

 This afternoon I realized how tatty my sewing machine cover was - it was all torn and it was white plastic & boring - So I decided to make a new one-- 

 I measured the machine added a couple of inches for seams and ease of fitting.

 I dragged out some bright fabric from my stash and some calico and  a spare piece of wadding.

 First I cut out the spotty fabric as wide as the sewing machine is deep and as long measuring from one side to the other.

then I layered up the three pieces and quilted it. 

Then I trimmed this piece. I then cut out the two pieces for the front and back and again layered them up and quilted them. 

I then stitched the front and back  pieces to the central upper strip and bound the bottom.

 Popped it over the machine and threw out the old cover -- very happy now that my machine has a smart bright new cover!! 

 Til next time 

 God Bless 

 Sue.xx