From Retro Mummy – some beautiful fat quarter packs! Pop over and check it out.
Hand painted scarf
I really enjoy hand painting on silk, particularly at the end of a busy day when I’m desperate to do something creative on my own. I find it really relaxing.
I took inspiration from the ocean to paint this silk habotai scarf.
In keeping with the ocean theme I used sea salt resist to represent movement of bubbles.
In my Etsy shop now.
Pork and pepper casserole
It may be Summer here in Australia but it’s been very cool the past week so it was a pleasure to have the oven running yesterday with the aroma of this beautiful casserole drifting through the house.
The recipe is from here and I think I’ll be revisiting this site – all that comfort food!
This recipe made enough to feed our hungry family of six with leftovers for tonight (I served with rice).
And the all important question: Did the children like it? They sure did!
A few beautiful Christmas scenes
Hand dyed top for the boy
I don’t sew all that much for the boy – It’s not like you can make a 10 year old boy the cute little outfits you could have when they were little. I do like to make his basic pants and things though.
The pattern is Jalie 2918 which I have also used for my husband with excellent results. I started with white Stella and dyed it what I thought would be a sky blue. It came out awfully light and washed out which I now realise was probably due to a too low temperature in the mixing and curing.
I gave it another go with cobalt blue and better temperatures and it came out perfect! I love this colour on my blue eyed boy.
A few pictures from our weekend sojourn
Mohair is just so pretty!
This doll is a custom order for Christmas. The customer sent me some fabrics with specifications for clothing. I’ll admit I was a little skeptical about the colourways but I think they’ve come together beautifully.
The pants are bamboo velour, the top is a knit and the pinafore a cotton print. She also included the green wool felt so I made a bag with that. She has other outfits too but in my haste to send her off before Christmas I haven’t take extra photos.
The customer also requested mohair for the hair. This is sewn on piece by little piece until the whole head is covered. It takes a long time!
This dyed mohair is from Stokesay Mohair farm in Victoria, it is really beautiful stuff and gives such a realistic look to a doll.
“Little Star” winner
Congratulations NELL – you’ve won a hardcover copy of “Little Star” by Anthony DeStefano.
Hopefully it will be in your possession before Christmas. Thank you to all other entrants, better luck next time š
Mud pies with worms for dessert anyone?
Here is a fun holiday activity for the children – and the best part is it’s edible!
We got the idea from “God’s Design for Life – The World of Animals” by Debbie and Richard Lawrence (a most excellent set of Christian science books).
First, mix a packet of chocolate instant pudding according to the instructions on the packet. I don’t usually go for this pre – packaged stuff, but it is quick and easy. You could substitute with home made chocolate mousse or similar if you don’t like the packet stuff.
Crush some chocolate cookies (we used Chocolate Ripple biscuits).
Place some of the cookie crumbs in the bottom of a clear plastic or glass cup. On top of this, place a gummy worm so that it sits up a little.
Spoon the pudding mix in dollops and add another gummy worm if you want. Sprinkle a thick layer of cookie crumbs on top.
Refrigerate until set, then watch them disappear into waiting mouths!
Spiral dyed circle skirt
A new item in my Etsy shop! I made this full circle skirt from cotton lawn, then dyed a spiral with deep magenta and sky blue. The result is a beautiful berry swirl!
It’s so good for twirling! I’ll be making more of these – they are so pretty and drape gorgeously.
SOLD – Thank you Lesley!
Don’t forget the book giveaway ends tomorrow!