Kelly Casanova Weaving Lessons

Kelly

Crafty Mamas get together

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There were only a few of us but we had a great day. We met at Nat’s quaint and lovely home where she has an upstairs room devoted to sewing (yes, we were jealous!)
Above you can see Nat and Claire hard at work on their dolls.
Zofia and I marvelled at Nat’s beautiful sewing machine- computerized and so quiet and smooth.
Nat took to doll making like a duck to water.
Claire made a doll for her eagerly awaiting daughter.
We all determined it was a lot of fun and something to definitely do again.
Many thanks to Paul for his enthusiastic help with the children, he did a brilliant job.

Ooh, wow, thanks!

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99 followers, how cool is that?! I wonder who number 100 will be?…

Thanks for following!

I’ll be back with photos of tomorrow’s Crafty Mamas get together. I’m also running a series of interviews with crafty women in business – very exciting, so stay tuned!

Kitchen Tips

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How many times have you gone to the fridge to use the tomato paste only to find some unwanted fuzzies on top because you haven’t used any for a while? I wasted a lot of tomato paste until I came across this tip:

After opening your jar and using the tomato paste pour a layer of olive oil on top and evenly distribute. Replace the lid. The next time you use the tomato paste there will be a layer of solidified oil that is white, don’t worry – it’s only oil, just use the paste as normal. Do this after each use. Tomato paste lasts for absolutely ages in the fridge using this trick.

Funny things happen while you’re away…

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The garden was fairly dry when we left but apparently Melbourne had a lot of rain and we’ve come back to a jungle – like backyard complete with giant zucchinis. The one at the front weighed in at 2.9 kilograms!!  Unfortunately they’re not really edible at this size (I’ve tried!)

I’m working on a few things at the moment. Actually, I just want to plonk myself in front of the sewing machine after my week away, but there is so much else that needs my attention! I’m hoping to finish off a new doll this week, start on a custom order and organise myself for the Crafty Mamas get together on Friday where I’ll be teaching doll making for the first time (gulp).

Better get back to it…..

Sigh. We’re back.

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I must admit, I’m not all that thrilled to be home.
I could have stayed. For good.
That’s me half way up a sand dune, full of energy, breathing that gorgeous fresh air blowing right off the ocean.

What a stunningly beautiful place.
Going away from home has added fuel to the fire. We feel suffocated in the suburbs, we don’t want to bring our children up here. We’re racking our brains as to how we can afford to get back to the country. We need open space, fresh air and clean land. We’ll get there somehow, God willing.

New baby knot dolls

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I’ve been making some more baby knot dolls, they are so cute and soft. I think I’ll enjoy making these as winter sets in, the wool warms your hands while the little face warms your heart.
The burgundy striped baby is already in my Etsy shop, which is surprisingly well stocked at the moment (well, for me it is anyway!)
And the blue spotted one already has a new owner…….

                                   The all important chomp test…………….  approved!

Out of the woodwork all ye lurkers!!!

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Gill had a post some time ago now about the fact that so many would visit her blog yet so few would bother to leave a comment. There are many reasons for this happening – people don’t have time to comment, they’re not interested enought to comment, they don’t care enough to comment….

So, for today I would love for you who lurk here to stop and introduce yourselves. Whenever I get a comment from an unfamiliar blogger I go to check out their blog too. Even if you’re visiting for the first time today, a quick Hi! would make my day.

And thanks so much to those who do comment here regularly, you make me feel it’s all worth it šŸ™‚

Yoghurt cheese or spread

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As promised, this is how to make yoghurt cheese or spread from your home made yoghurt (see last post).
You need a piece of muslin (I think it’s known as cheesecloth elsewhere), a rubber band, and a bowl or roundish container.

Place the muslin in a double layer over the bowl and secure around the rim with a rubber band. Spoon in the yoghurt. Place on a plate (the muslin takes up a lot of liquid). Stick it in the fridge. The length of time you leave it for is up to you. If you want it spread consistency a few hours will do it. If you want it thicker you can leave it overnight.
When it’s really thick you can roll it into balls, coat with herbs, paprika and the like and keep in good olive oil in the fridge.
You can use it to spread on bread (home made of course!!) then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
You can use it in place of sour cream, make a dip – the uses are only limited by your imagination.

That’s even easier than making the yoghurt, right?