Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

Kelly

Pork and pepper casserole

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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

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Courtesy of Flickr.

Three Kings Behold the Star of Bethlehem by encouragement

                                                                     encouragement

Vintage pink christmas ornaments by eg2006

True Christmas by AM Fotografia

                                                                
                                                                  AM Fotografia

Real christmas tree by Gudmann

                                                                     Gudmann

Hand dyed top for the boy

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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.

Mohair is just so pretty!

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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.

Mud pies with worms for dessert anyone?

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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!