KEEP CALM

Had a bit of fun on this site which lets you generate your own sayings http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/ I love the ones I have produced.

Handmade Bibs

Thought I would have a go at making some baby bibs.  They are very easy to make.  Firstly traced around a good shaped bib.  Used some nice fabrics for front and used some plain fabric for the back.  Cut up an old thin towel for the middle of the bib.  Stitched the layers together, left an opening.  Turned them the right way and slipped stiched the opening together.  Stitched on some velco fashening and ironed them.  I am quite pleased with the results.

Baby Cot Quilt

For many years I have fancied having a go at making a quilt.  Before I started on a bed quilt, I decided it would be a good idea to have a practice on making a cot quilt for my baby daughter.

I was determined to use what I have already got at home as I already have a large collection of fabrics.  Firstly I picked out six coordinating fabrics in pink and green.

24 x 7" squares were cut out.  I laid the squares out to check the pattern.  For the inner I used a double layer of soft flanette sheet.  I backed off the quilt with pink polka dot fabric.  Even sewed on a quilt label.  I am very proud of my first attempt.

Halloween

Been busy yesterday cutting out this pumpkin, looks great in the dark.  We also had fun making some biscuits in the shape of ghosts, bats and witches for a party we were attending.

Favourite Things

These are a few of my favourite things, they are in the conservatory which I have painted a pale green.  Most of the ornaments are either vintage or country style in either green or cream.  It is  now starting to look lovely and I am pleased with the results.
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Just love these old fashioned roses, they smell so nice, also picked some flowers and other plants grown in the woodland part of the garden.

Love this little metal bird, looks cute in the bird feeder.

Love this cute feed birder and felt it is too nice to put outside and instead I have placed the cute little bird inside and placed it on the window sill.

Brought these coasters while on holiday, love the old vintage scenes and match the colour of the walls perfectly.

Also love this metal jug, perfect for displaying flowers.



My collection of old bottles,  I have now displayed them differently, will show you in a few days what I have achieved.

Love this vintage style metal sign, it looks good on this green wall.

My favourite newgate clock, it has an antiqued face with a metal cream casing.  

I hope you have enjoyed looking at my ornaments in the conversatory. 

Elderflower Champagne

Now is the time to have a go at making elderflower champagne.  We had a go at making some today and I was surprised how easy it is to make.  Here is a really simple recipe.

Making elderflower champagne is easy:-

• Go pick half a dozen full elderflower heads ideally on a sunny day when they are most fragrant.

• Half fill a clean bucket with 2 gallons of cold water (thats 10 Litres for my Euro chums)

• dissolve 2lbs (1kg) of white sugar into the water

• shake any debris and insects clear from the elderflower heads and immerse in the water

• Cut two lemons in half squeeze juice into water and throw in the squeezed halfs

• add a splosh (4 tablespoons) of white wine vinegar

• stir gently and cover with a clean tea towel

• leave for 24 hours stirring occasionally

After 24 hours, sterilise plastic carbonated drinks bottles – 10 x 1 litre lemonade/pop bottles are ideal – and strain jugfuls of the liquor through a sieve or muslin cloth into the bottles and screw the plastic tops on firmly.

Leave for a week and the naturally occurring yeast on the elderflower heads begins to ferment with the sugar creating a very weak alcohol content but lots of carbon dioxide.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let is Snow.

Surprised to see some snow yesterday afternoon.  We thought it wasn't going to touch our part of the country.  These were taken this morning.  I love looking at it, but must of admit hate having to drive in it.