Scents of Childhood

Have you ever had the flashback associated with a smell or taste that sends you hurtling back to childhood?? Memories of being little are getting dimmer with age, but yesterday I was reunited with my six year old self.
Mum's neighbour invited us to raid her plum tree the other day; which we did with the children (adding an interesting element!).
Yesterday afternoon Mum pulled out the big cast iron pot and set to work making Plum Sauce from an "old faithful" cookbook . . .

This edition (edited by Anne Marshall) was printed 1971 - would that make it retro or vintage?!

Now I know this cover may look decidedly unfashionable today compared to the cool stylings of Donna Hay and Jamie Oliver etc, but sometimes pure gold can be gleaned from these old cookbooks.

The scent of plums, vinegar, nutmeg and other ingredients simmering on the stove produced this heady mix that reminded me of cold winter days at home with pork chops and mum's beautiful plum sauce with its sweet and sour taste.

I was immediately transported back to our childhood home: Mum rushing around the kitchen with her apron on while the heater was blazing in the lounge room and Countdown played on the push button TV.

 

 These days the phrases "organic", "slow food", "sustainable" and "environmental" are bandied about by large companies trying to market their wares.  Yet something good could be learnt from recollecting how our mothers did it in a time when supermarkets were just starting and everybody looked to save a dollar rather than spend one!  Bless our Mums x

Millie's Quilt

When I first discovered Millie was sick with the likelihood of not getting better, I decided to make a quilt in her honour.  Originally I hoped to bury it with her in the hopes that she would give me enough time to make it, but that was not to happen.  I think it will be nice to have a quilt that resembles her comfort to me - a constant reminder of her at home.

This quilt has been quite a different construction.  Rather than working from a pattern and labouring over colour and pattern selection, I walked into the craft store and kind of "felt" my way through the range of materials.

Quite different to my usual choices; I was guided by the idea of creating a rainbow of colours, full of brightness and warmth.

I cut the material into five and half inch squares and experimented with different layouts to find the one I liked the most.  Eventually the quilt materialised . . .

This is a snapshot of the quilt top.  I wanted to create a randomness to the pattern with loads of colour.  I decided to do some larger feature blocks of the material I loved the most.

Even the backing became experimental.  Instead of buying a length of material I decided to use up the material scraps and sew them together in strips.  Very economical! I have bought purple material to sew on each side of the panel, and will be attempting machine quilting for the first time!!

At this stage I am still not sure how the quilt will finish, and as with most things at the moment, I feel numb when I look at it.  But I hope in time it will give me happiness, just like Millie did.

Strawberry Fields Forever

You may remember a post I wrote recently about Sunnyridge Strawberry Farm.  Well while staying with my family over these recent weeks, I thought it would be wonderful to visit again!  Thought I would share these photos . . .

My two gorgeous kiddlywinks, Georgia & Aidan having a feast of a time!  Unbelievably we were all wearing coats and scarves in the height of Summer; it certainly is true about Melbourne having "four seasons in one day".

Now I am no petite-mini standing in at five-foot 9 inches tall, so you can imagine my hands are far from tiny.  But just look at this beauty sitting patiently waiting to be devoured!! And can I just tell you, every mouthful was pure strawberry bliss . . .

Of course we had to indulge in some scrumptious Devonshire Tea (complete with Cappachino - no Traditionalists here).  Can you see the chubby little expectant hands waiting there for a tasty morsel?!

It was a beautifully relaxing day and well worth the trip.  I thought I would leave you with a pretty little strawberry flower, often overlooked  in the search for the elusive giant berry.

Millie

The last two weeks in my life have been one of the toughest periods yet.  My special pooch Millie was diagnosed with Cancer about two weeks ago and she died four days later.

I can honestly say Millie was my best friend and where once she filled my heart, it now feels empty and sad.  Looking at photos of her has been impossible, so writing this post must be cathartic.

This photo was taken about 24 hours before I held her in my arms and made the loneliest decision in the world - asking the vet to put her to sleep.  Quite honestly, if it was a decision for self-protection I would have kept her alive as long as possible. 

Yet when a spirit such as Millie gives you so much unconditional love and acceptance, there is only one right decision to make and that is to end her suffering.

 

. . . So the saying goes that the first child in a marriage is the puppy purchased to cover with love and affection before you give birth to your own. . . To my "furry child", rest easy my angel baby, xxxx. Millie 11/10/2001 - 22/01/2010

Jelly Girl

Here is a quilt I made, that is in the process of being hand quilted. I say "process" but the reality is she has been curled up in a bag for quite a while getting crushed!

The pattern I used is called "Jelly Girl" by Fig Tree Quilts, and the Jelly Roll used is Moda "Spring Magic" by April Cornell.  Never thought I was a floral fanatic, but it is starting to become obvious in the quilts I make. The border I chose is by Lakehouse Dry Goods "Doll Dresses Pearl Rose Trellis".

I bought the backing (shown here on far left) at a separate stage, orginally destined for another quilt.  It surprised me to discover later that it is also a Lakehouse Dry Goods fabric, called "Ticking Stripe Petal".  Now all those creases really should shame me into pulling this quilt out of its hiding place to finish it, don't you think?

I decided to hand quilt using a Perle 8 in a variegated pinks/orange/yellow.  It is really nice to work with. Hopefully I can show you the finished product in the near future!! :)

Japanese Linen Fabric

Thought I would show you some lovely materials.
The first I cannot even take ownership for; I bought it on behalf of my Mum the other day, she saw it in a local patchwork shop and couldn't live without it.

I know it is a cotton/linen blend, and I am sure through surfing the internet that it is a Japanese Fabric, but surprisingly it does not have a printed selvedge with the company name and colours on it.  Strange?! If anyone can tell me where it comes from, I would love to know.

But this is the part I love the most - it is double sided! Fantastic! Being a slightly heavier weight, imagine the possibilities for sewing with a reversible fabric. . .

The material below I did purchase myself on Etsy.

I too have an interest in natural and printed linen, and thought even a fat quarter of this could make up something pretty.  I know it is a also a linen/cotton blend and printed in Japan but its origins I am not sure of either.

Japan really has it worked out for beautiful materials, don't they?!

Needle-Felted Blue Wren

The other day Brett's Auntie was hospitalised due to a car accident and will be in there for quite a long time.  I began thinking about a gift I could make to cheer her up.  I remember my time in hospital having two little babies was quite stifling and dull, and I was there during an exciting time!!
Taking inspiration from Laurie Sharp's book "Wool Pets", I decided to craft a blue wren.  I know when I catch a glimpse of those rare little creatures they brighten my day.
Below I have taken pics of the process so you can see how he came together.

My materials, all the tools you need for needle felting

 

The body parts ready to be felted together.

I used a picture of a Blue Wren for reference.  Not exact, but close!

The eyes are ready to be sewn in (two seed beads), to give my wren some character

So there you have him! I threaded some ribbon through his body so Rosie can hang him somewhere and he can brighten the room for her.  He was fun to make; needle felting is a meditative sport, very relaxing.