Making Me Smile

A happy clappy smiley day today.  My Modern Scrappy Bits Swap package arrived from Becky at Belle+ Bee this morning.  Inside a beautiful rainbow Hexi mug rug, wonderful fabric scraps and some ric-rac and tape.

I also had a  long requested book, waiting for me at the library.  With Bold Needle and Thread by   Rosemary McLeod. Filled with fabulous vintage inspired craft projects, beautiful photos,  history, anecdotes, and old advertisments from different eras   This is one book that will be savoured slowly.

What is making you smile today?

Fine Weather, Fresh Food

Scenes from the coastal reserve where I take my morning walks - today was the most beautiful warm, fine and still late winter's day.  It almost feels as though spring has arrived early.

Fresh flavours - I tried Quinoa for the first time last night and made Quinoa Tabbouleh, which we had with Paprika Chicken.  I was expecting some moaning and groaning from my family, but it was consumed with great enjoyment and praise for the chef.

This morning I made an Orange Lightening Cake, this is a lovely moist cake which is easily prepared in the food processor. 

I am very much missing my sewing machine - hopefully I shall hear soon if it can be repaired, and all going well, will be able to pick it up on Saturday.  Fingers crossed..

Weekending

 

 

 

We didn't get the predicted strong winds and rain, it was actually miild and spring like.  I got crafty with my beads, some copper wire and a small piece of driftwood and made a sun-catcher - this is now hanging inside my sewing room window, where it catches the afternoon sun..

Lots of baking - this bread again - and brioche - filled with strawberry/rhubarb jam or lemon curd - based on this recipe.  I think I have a slight addiction to brioche for Sunday morning breakfast - it does mean I have to get up earlier on a Sunday to finish them off (the dough is made the night before and left in the fridge overnight).  I had a relaxing breakfast with coffee and my latest read when they were finally done.

Currently I am reading Vagabond which is the second installment in the Grail Quest series by Bernard Cornwell, about the 100 Year War between France and England.  Great reads - they certainly make you appreciate life today.

My broad bean plants are so tall now - covered in flowers - I'm just wondering how long it will take for beans to start forming.

What did you do this weekend? What books are you enjoying?

Introducing ...

 ... a fully dressed Miss Posy and her partner-in-crime Ruby Blue.

After six months of procrastination her dress was finished in about 30 minutes. I don't know why I kept putting it off.  Ruby Blue has been completed since January and had also been keeping Miss Posy company in the cupboard.  Both are made from the same pattern, however for some reason Ruby Blue has ended up slightly larger than Miss Posy. They are both very glad of the chance to sit outside and get their ears blown around in the wind today.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Planning, Starting & Finishing

I haven't been sitting idle while my machine is away - tempting as it is to laze around with a good book and hot cups of tea.

Geranium/pelargonium cuttings have been potted up ready to take root for summer planting.  Unfortunately I can't remember what colour flowers each will have so it will be a surprise come summer.

Earlier this year I made a linen rabbit from Helen Phillips book Simple Sewn Gifts.  This poor rabbit has been put away in my cupboard - partially undressed, waiting for me to finish her dress.  I figured if I blog about it - this will give me the motivation to finish her - so watch this space.

I bought a skirt pattern the other day - I have had a small picture of it ripped out and pinned to my notice board for about 6 months,  so I finally got it.  This year I will try sewing clothes for me again - I used to do a lot in my early twenties.  Now just to find some nice fabric for it.

Finally I have been looking for inspiration to use this pretty bundle of Simply Style eyelet fabric - I am looking at making another cushion for me. I keep coming back to either this Paletina pillow or a pinwheel cushion inspired by this mini quilt.