Cooking again

Recently I was asked to help out at the country market with the savoury food they sell as the main provider was going on holiday. I have to say although a little apprehensive I really enjoyed myself.

Firstly I had to get a Hygiene and Safety catering certificate which I did online and surprised myself by passing easily. Then I set to work making a variety of quiches and cottage pies.

We ended up with a good spread that Liz would have been around of

This is something I will probably do again - but perhaps some cakes next time. If anybody has any good recipes for savouries - please share with me.

Sue x

Party time

Party dresses and bunting

While my sewing space is been transformed I am still busy making so I don't get withdrawal symptoms. It is one of my granddaughters birthday next week so I have been busy making hungry caterpillar bunting for her new play house ( a transformed building in her garden but new to her).

I was also inspired to use up my Frozen fabric and make a party dress which I took to the country market and ended up with orders for more of the same - not something I had ever thought of doing but as it is for friends I am happy to help out.

House alterations

Since we moved in July we have done very little with the house but now that my husband has retired the work has started!
My sewing space has gone from a kitchen

to this - watch this space for the final result !

and this is was the scene in the lounge last week which unfortunately can't be fixed until August as we have to put in a new window but at least we will be water tight!

I will keep you updated with further developments and finished results

Tuscany in the sunshine

Sorry for the quiet spell over the last few weeks and the delay in publishing your wonderful comments from last few blogs

We have just had a week at Stigliano in the Chianti region of Tuscany. This was our second visit to this area but this time we went with my son, daughter in law and the grandchildren.

We had a fabulous time making the most of the weather finding time to swim, walk and play boule

Grandad taught MJ and LJ to play boule  - photo from Lilyjean blogspot

Photo taken by C on Lilyjean blogspot

Sienna cathedral 

We also managed a few visits, firstly to Sienna and spent time in the square enjoying a drink and visiting the cathedral

San Gimignano which is famous for its towers and spectacular views

Montalcino a wine making region where we tasted the local produce

It was a fabulous holiday!  

Kate dress

Those of you who know me well will be aware that I am a big fan of the Kate dress. It is probably one of my favourite patterns and I have several in different fabrics and lengths.

Kate dress

As I am off on holiday in a couple of weeks, I decided that now was the time to use one of the pieces of fabric lurking in the cupboard to make a new dress for myself. Now I can't wait for the warmer weather to wear it.

Sarah Coat

While down in Stratford upon Avon I not only purchased fabric at SMS but I also attended a 3 hr workshop. As usual there was lots of lovely coffee and cake as well as friendly company and lots of talking.

Cleverly cut pattern

 The session was to make a Sarah coat this was so simple and easy to make because of the clever pattern cutting that Jules had done.

Sarah coat

The finished result looks really amazing and all completed in 3hrs and what is even better I get to bring the pattern home so I  can make more in other colours and fabrics.

Busy week

Sorry for the silence but life has been very busy recently. I have been away for a few days catching up with my Dad who lives in the Cotswolds  and friends at Sew me Something (SMS) which meant more fabrics I can't resist the fabulous selection in the SMS Emporium!

Before I went away I was busy making as usual. A couple of skirts for the granddaughters and a top for the youngest granddaughter. and a couple of fabric books for the country market.

I also attended a workshop at Liberty Bell in Chester to make Bettina Bunny something completely different for me but I really loved it and now need to get the fabric to make more - the question is when!