I’m sorry to say I’ll be away for the next week, relaxing in our favourite coastal town – sigh, such is life!
See you all when I get back.
God bless, keep well!
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New baby knot dolls
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!!!
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 š
Giveaway on Magic Onion
A beautiful blanket giveaway from TLC Blankets and Things. These blankets are so cute, I think it’s about my turn to win something!!
Go take a look at The Magic Onions to enter.
Yoghurt cheese or spread
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?
Could be Goldilocks?
Doll making tips
I certainly don’t consider myself an authority on making dolls, but here are a few tips that experience (and repetition) have taught me:
* Wash your hands thoroughly before starting. This may seem obvious but even the natural oil from your skin can affect your skin fabric, remember – your doll will have been held a lot before she is completed!
* Use quality materials. Costly, yes. Worth it? Yes! This includes your threads.
* Use small stitches. Whether you hand or machine stitch your dolls you don’t want them coming apart at the seams.
* I like to keep all my work tidy, even the parts that won’t be seen. It helps to develop quality workmanship and good habits.
* When embroidering facial features don’t pull the thread tight, just let it sit comfortably on the surface – no puckers.
* I use doubled quilting thread for sewing on limbs It’s particularly important when making dolls for children that the doll is strong.
* Sink stitches back into the body when finishing for tidiness.
* If your dolls legs and body are one piece, double or triple stitch the groin area, as it’s vulnerable to coming apart or ripping.
* For corners (around hands, feet, etc) use the stitch, stitch, turn method.
* Don’t rush! Enjoy the process and take time to be careful. As you become more practiced you will also get faster.
Hope you find something helpful there!
The fairy queen?
She looks rather queen like don’t you think? I was asked to custom make a fairy outfit and this is what I came up with. A beaded wool felt crown and velvety cape.
A sparkly rainbow fairy dress.
And of course, a fairy is not complete without her wings!
I really enjoyed making this outfit.
This little one has a new dress with a wool felt cape and boots and is heading far away to her new home in the U.S.A tomorrow.
Make your own yoghurt
Yoghurt is getting really expensive in supermarkets and it’s really easy and much cheaper to make your own. Did I mention it’s also delicious – it is! You’ll need some store bought natural yoghurt with live cultures and a cooking thermometer to start. This is for a small quantity, you can easily double the recipe for a larger batch.
I start with 2 cups of fresh full cream milk and heat in a saucepan to about 85 degrees celsius.
It’s best to heat slowly to prevent burning.
Cool the milk to about 45 degrees celsius, then stir in 1/4 cup of the store bought yoghurt.
Pour the mixture into a large jar that has been cleaned with very hot & soapy water. Any utensils should also be pre – cleaned in this manner.
Put a lid on the jar. Wrap the jar with a towel and secure with rubber bands. You can fill another jar with hot water and lid it to keep the temperature in the esky more even if you like, I’ve found the yoghurt sets really well doing this.
Pop your jar/s in an esky and close the lid. Leave overnight (about 12 hours) then refrigerate. How easy is that?
Reserve some of your yoghurt for the next batch to use as the starter.
Next time I’ll show you how to make yoghurt cheese or spread! Mmmmmm!!!
My giveaway on Grosgrain!!
Yes, I’m having yet another doll giveaway, but this time it’s not here. Go check it out at Grosgrain!
And if you’re a foodie, or just a Mum providing meals for her family in a simple, nutritious and frugal way, go and join up my new blog Nourish from Scratch.