QUILTING AND SEWING

Good Afternoon to you,

I have been busy in my Button room this week, sorting and organising my materials. Placing beads, into their new little compartments, which I have to tell you took quite a while, as I have lots and lots of beads. When I needed to stop to make supper, George took over.... which was kind of him.  He does love doing anything which is fiddly.

Now then, I can hear you asking, what is a Button room? Well I will tell you, as I am not sure if I have mentioned my Button room before. It is the name we have given my sewing room. My Button room used to be in one of our smaller rooms, but I have moved into a much larger room, so I have more space to work with.... which is wonderful.

So after working hard, transferring everything from room to room, I thought I would take a break and have a look on Pinterest, to find a little inspiration and I was not disappointed, as I saw some beautiful rooms. Some were perfectly co-ordinated, with white walls and white furniture, some rooms filled with delicate lace and dried flowers and oh so perfect..... beautiful to look at, but have you ever visited an elderly aunt, whose home is pristine. When you arrive you are offered a cup of tea, but you don't know where to place the cup and saucer, because everything is so perfect..... well that is what a lot of the images reminded me of..... not a look I go for I'm afraid..... neatness is not something which applies to me when I am sewing. In a perfect world, this would be the type of sewing room I would love, but I have to be realistic, I would never be able to keep the room looking as beautiful.

After enjoying all the beautiful images, I decided to be sensible, and not get carried away. First on the list of things I needed was a cutting table, so I found our old kitchen table in the garage and it was the perfect size, perhaps not the perfect height, but George is going to fix that. Feeling inspired, I arranged the table beautifully. Lovely boxes filled with needles, embroidery threads, pin cushions, filled with brightly coloured pins, my tambour needles and my bead catcher placed on heart shaped plates.... the table looked lovely.... really pleasing to look at, but when I began cutting out material to make a cushion, I realised that I had arranged the table so beautifully that I had not left myself enough space to cut the material.  So it was back to square one for the table.  I removed everything, apart from my scissors, rotary cutters and cutting board. It did not look as attractive, but it worked... and then after a Skype chat with Natasha, the problem was solved.  She mentioned that she uses a tray which she fills with all her sewing 'bits and pieces', and then leaves the tray on her table. When she needs to use the table, she simply removes the tray which takes a matter of seconds..... what is the saying 'a problem shared is a problem halved' that is certainly true..... and  I am pleased to say, that yes, I have the perfect wicker tray to use..... so on Natasha's advice, I am making a pad for the bottom of the tray so that everything sits nicely.....when it is finished I will have such a pleasing table.

The ironing board is set up with the iron at the ready to press seams, which is so much easier. I have everything I could possibly need to hand.  The longer I use the room, the easier it will be to organise myself, because what I have discovered is, that just because something looks aesthetically beautiful, it does not necessarily mean that it will work in the space it has been allotted. So the Button room is an ongoing project.

..... but I have been busy,

I have made a cushion for my friend.  Sorry, I should have taken photographs with the cushion positioned nicely on a chair, but I did not have the time, as I needed to get out of the door and take this gift to my friend as time was running away from me.

Before I show you the second thing I have made, it is time to share some music with you,

the soundtrack from the film 'Chef'.  Now I have to tell you I had not heard of this film and I also had not heard the soundtrack.  But Carol from Art and Sand told me she had been to see the film and she loved it, and the soundtrack was so good, that after she had seen the film she went out and bought the soundtrack.  Now, after Carol's recommendation,  I had fully intended to listen to the soundtrack,  and then I was talking to Natasha yesterday and she mentioned the soundtrack and how fabulous it was, so I got myself into gear and went over to Itunes to listen to the music and I love it. I defy you to listen to the music and not tap your feet.  You will want to strut your Latin moves.... honestly it is that good. I loved 'Oye Coma Va', 'Que Se Sepa', and 'I Like it Like That'.

I really am trying to keep my feet still, so whilst my feet are taking on a life of their own I will show you what else has been happening in the Button room.

It started with one heart,

and then another,

then a few more.

then the borders were added.

and the

binding completed,

so there was 

nothing 

left to do,

but

add a little note to the back

of the quilt.

'Made with Love

for

Jackie'

and who is Jackie?

Jackie is 

Wasanti and Gaja's little girl.

Jackie

will be 1 year old in October.

So once I have finished the little note

to attach to the back of the quilt,

it will be winging it's way to India

as a gift for Jackie.

Whilst I am telling you this,

I have a huge smile on my face,

as

my middle name is Jacqueline

and I have the honour of having

'little Jackie'

named after me.

How wonderful is that.

Before I go, I just wanted to mention the differing colours in the quilt photographs. I have been all over the house taking photographs, I have had George holding the quilt which I attached to a yard stick, here there and everywhere..... his poor arms were aching.  Then we attached the quilt to the back of the door.... but the problem was the house was getting darker and darker, because we are experiencing heavy rain, so no matter where I went I could not get the right colour.

Sometimes taking photographs can be soooo frustrating.

Take care and I will see you on Sunday.

This week I will be joining,

Fluster Buster Creative Muster

ORZO SUMMER SALAD

Good Morning to you,

Do you ever have 'bits and bobs' left over in the fridge that you have not used during the week and by the time the end of the week arrives, they really need to be used? 

I do.

I am not talking about 'scrumptions' which are tasty little bits and pieces which are left in the fridge for George to enjoy.  I am talking about food, like the odd carrot or tomato.

I hate waste, so each Friday, I empty my fridge to see what is in date, and what needs to be used.  This way, I can make a note of foods which need to be used quickly and also food I need to buy.

The same goes for my store cupboard.  I don't check the cupboard once a week, that tends to happen once a month. 

If I don't check my cupboard on a regular basis, it is amazing what I find, tucked away in the back of the cupboard. George keeps telling me that I should make a list of what is in the store cupboard, pin the list on the inside of the cupboard, so as I use, a tin of tomatoes, I can cross the tomatoes off the list and that way I will know what I have used and what I need to buy.  It is a good idea, and when he mentions it, I mean to do it, but I never get around to it, I think that is because there is always something much more interesting to do.... like sewing, but each month, I can hear George's words ringing in my ears, when I am taking everything out of the cupboard, reorganising the food and then putting the food back into the cupboard..... I have to be honest, I do wish I had listened to George. I really must add this to my 'Things to Do' list..... the problem is, the list is growing and as I mentioned, I would much rather be sewing in my Button Room.

So having checked my fridge to see what needed to be used, I found a couple of carrots, some spring onions, a few sun dried tomatoes and a small jar of black olives.  So with these ingredients and a few more added I made,

Orzo summer salad.  Orzo is a staple which I keep in my store cupboard, because we eat it hot during the winter time, but when summer is upon us, it makes for a lovely salad, as it can be easily mixed with different ingredients.

So it's on with the pinnie and the music I am listening to today is,

Beth Hart and Joe Bonamassa.  I have to tell you, Beth has the most amazing voice and when I first heard her singing, I thought I was listening to Billie Holliday.  I don't mean to compare her to Billie because there is such a special quality to Beth's voice.  Listen to 'I'd Rather Go Blind' and 'I'll Take Care of You' and you will understand.

So while I am listening to Beth's rendition of 'Don't Explain' (which is fabulous) I will organise my ingredients.

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED

TO MAKE 

ORZO SUMMER SALAD

225g Orzo

7 baby tomatoes or

2 large tomatoes

1/2 a large cucumber
4 spring onions

5 sun dried tomatoes

2 large carrots

120g black de-stoned olives

285g jar of sliced mushrooms in olive oil

THE DRESSING

FOR ORZO SUMMER SALAD

1 jam jar with a tight fitting lid

3 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

1 large or 2 small cloves of garlic

sea salt

black pepper

HOW TO MAKE

ORZO SUMMER SALAD

Cook the Orzo as directed on the packet.

Whilst the Orzo is cooking

make,

THE DRESSING

Juice the lemon,

and place in the jam jar,
along with,

the grated garlic,

 the olive oil,

sea salt

and

freshly ground black pepper.

Replace the lid tightly

and 

shake.

When the Orzo is cooked,

drain and rinse

with hot water.

Leave to stand for a minute to allow the

water to drain away.

Place the Orzo in a large bowl

and

whilst the Orzo is still hot,

drizzle over the dressing
and 
toss together.

Set aside for the moment
and allow to become cold.

Meanwhile,

cut the baby tomatoes in half,

chop the cucumber into small pieces,

slice the sun dried tomatoes,

and 
sliced the carrots into ribbons.

Add all the ingredients to the bowl
containing the Orzo and
toss together.

Slice the black olives
and add to the bowl
and
finally,

place the mushrooms on top of the salad.

I do not toss the mushrooms 
into the salad as having been soaked 
in olive oil, they are a little
fragile.

and there you have it,
a delicious Orzo salad.

Whilst eating this salad, you would never know, that it is made up of 'bits and pieces' which are needing to be used.

Now, I have to tell you, I had a little help in the kitchen today...... George, as  he cut the carrots into ribbons for me, using a vegetable peeler. I cannot get the hang of using a vegetable peeler, as I have always used a knife, for cutting vegetables, but I can't slice the carrots thin enough to make ribbons using a knife, so George came to the rescue, as he is quite the master at using a vegetable peeler.

If you are the same as me, but you don't have your own 'George' on hand to help, just slice the carrots as thinly as you can and then chop into small pieces.

What are you doing today?

I am having a lazy day, today, as I am going to my 'Button Room' to do some sewing room.

Take and I will see you on Wednesday.

This week I will be joining,

Lisa from Flour Me With Love for Mix It Up Monday

A LOVELY SURPRISE

Good Afternoon to you,

Do you remember, when I told you that I had been featured in the Woman's Weekly Magazine?  Well Lynne, from Irish Garden House mentioned to me that she hoped she would be able to buy the magazine in America.... unfortunately it was not available to buy, so we swapped addresses and I sent her a copy of the magazine, a long with a couple of other items I thought she would enjoy.

Lynne received the gifts I sent and in return, she told me to look out for a surprise which would arrive in the post.  

Now we all love surprises don't we,

..... and take a look,

at what I received.

This packet dropped through

my postbox

and when I opened it,

look what I found inside.

A beautiful card,

and

some lovely photographs

of Lynne's garden.

Take a look at her beautifully green, manicured lawn
and

how wonderful to be surrounded by so many trees.

Lynne must hear some wonderful bird song during the day.

.... and how lovely are the flowers in Lynne's garden.

At the top left  of the collage, you can see

 some beautiful irises.

Lynne wrote that the original plant was

one which belonged to her mother

from 40 years ago.

The top right you will recognise

as a Rhododendron.... it is a beautiful shade of pink.

The bottom left is a Hibiscus, a plant I grew in Cyprus,

in fact I would go so far as to say it grew like a weed,

because the conditions were perfect.

...... and finally the bottom right, 

a lovely Bleeding Heart,
isn't it pretty.

...and what do we have here? 
 a little rabbit taking a nap.

Do you think he is dreaming

of carrots?

Look at the vibrant pink of these

Cosmos.
Lynne placed these beautiful flowers in a white vase,
 such a pretty flower arrangement.

After admiring all the lovely

photographs of Lynne's garden,

I discovered,

some beautiful notelets.

This is my perfect garden,

lots of plants and Alyssum filling

the cracks in the pavement.

....I am almost there,

I am creating this type of garden myself.

The Tulips look so romantic

and the Black Eyed Susan's are a riot of colour.

The card in the centre has the most 

gorgeous window

and the window box is overflowing with

beautiful plants.

I just know that friends who receive these cards.
 will be very happy.

The next two cards are lovely,

this card is called

'Sit Tight' Ruffed Grouse

and

Indigos.
Look at all those luscious blackberries.

..... and these little fellows I just love.

It would be so much fun to take a walk with them.
On second thought,

I think I would have to wear my running shoes 
 to keep up with them.

If you are admiring 

these two pictures and thinking they are cards,

well I have to tell you, they are photographs

which Lynne took of her garden during the winter

last year.  You can be forgiven for thinking they

are a Christmas scene, because that is what they

look like.  The Red Cardinal perching on

the tree which is ladened with snow is a

triumph of a photograph.
I was amazed to see such a colourful bird
sitting on a snowy branch, I would
have thought it would have flown south for the winter.

....and as lovely as all the photographs and cards are,

I have saved the very best for last.

For those of you who read Lynne's blog,

you will be very well acquainted with Snickers,

who is absolutely adorable,
just look at those eyes.

It was so very kind of Lynne to send me all these wonderful presents. The cards are so lovely that I think I will have to keep them for a while.... so that I can  admire them and the photographs... I am going to place in my album.

I think most of you will have read Lynne's blog 'Irish Garden House', but if not, pay her a visit and say hello as I know you will be given a warm and friendly welcome.

Take care and I will see you on Sunday.

This week I will be joining,

Natasha In Oz for Say G'Day Saturday

POTATO SALAD WITH GARLIC, OLIVE OIL AND RED ONIONS

Good Afternoon to you,

I turned the radio on the other morning,  to discover, Jeremy Vine from Radio 2, was just starting an interview with a Lincolnshire Farmer called Robert Carlton, also known locally as 'Farmer Wink'.

The reason for the interview, was Farmer Wink had travelled by train, for the very first time.  It turned out that Farmer Wink hardly ever left his small holding, travelling no more than 30 miles from the village where he lived.... well apart from a couple of occasions when he delivered 'taties' (potatoes) by tatie (potato) wagon, to Covent Garden.

Farmer Wink told Jeremy that he lives on a small holding in Minting,  near Horncastle and that he has worked his small holding for 48 years.  He rarely watched television, but when he did, he liked to watch the evening news programme. 

When Farmer Wink spoke, he spoke in the broadest of Lincolnshire accents, which I have to tell you, took a lot of concentration on my part, to understand what was being said. Interestingly, Farmer Wink said as a child, when he attended school, his teacher tried to change his Lincolnshire accent, as it was much too broad.  He was given many lines to write out as punishment during his time at school, but he said he never wanted to change his accent.

The day of the interview was a day of firsts for Farmer Wink as he was going to  10 Downing Street for a photo stop.  He was also going to visit the Shard, which is Western Europe's tallest building and Farmer Wink said it would be the highest he had ever been in his life. Later in the day he was also visiting Buckingham Palace. Jeremy went on to ask Farmer Wink if he could list other firsts,  and he replied that he had never been on a bus,  on an underground train or even an escalator, but I wasn't sure if he was going to travel on the underground on the day of his visit..... it was the accent I'm afraid, as I did get a little lost at some points.

Having arrived in London he said there were so many people everywhere. He asked, "Where were  they going and what were they doing".  Farmer Wink said he was enjoying his visit to London, but he would rather be home on his farm.

I am not sure how this visit came about, but I know it was arranged by William Wright from Radio Lincolnshire.

When William agreed the date with Farmer Wink, East Coast Trains donated two first class tickets for Farmer Wink and William. So with the date arranged the adventure begun. William travelled with Farmer Wink, and guided him around London.... remember this was his first visit to the busy capital and with it's hustle and bustle, Farmer Wink was certainly going to need some help.

Listening to what Farmer Wink had to say, really fascinated me, as I have experienced so much and travelled such a lot during my lifetime..... but here was Farmer Wink, only two years older than I am,  who had never travelled,  had never been on a train, until that day.... and yet, he sounded so happy and content with his life.

So it started me thinking, what do we really need to make us happy and content?  If Farmer Wink is anything to go by.... not a lot.

What do you think?

So this is really a co-incidence, as I had not intended making Potato Salad today to link with Farmer Wink's tatie delivery to Covent Garden.  I had intended making custard, but I got side tracked with some sewing and lunch was a little late, so the dessert was left by the wayside as I needed to focus on lunch. Now, you know all about me, and my love of potatoes, so this was not a difficult decision for me. I had a bag of new potatoes in the store cupboard, and I decided to make us a lunch to include,

Potato Salad.  We enjoyed this salad with steamed salmon.... my favourite fish.  The salmon took seven minutes to cook and the small new potatoes fifteen minutes.  So while the potatoes were cooking, I made the dressing and the whole meal was ready in 25 minutes..... pretty good I think.... well to be truthful, on this occasion, I have to add a little more time because of the photographs, but normally this salad does take only 25 minutes to prepare.

So it's on with the pinnie and the music I am listening to, is someone I have recently discovered,

George Ezra.  I first heard  the song Budapest, on the radio, so I listened to a few more of his songs on Itunes which I thought I would recommend. I think you will enjoy  'Song 6', and 'Listen to the Man'.

So whilst I am listening to 'Break Away' I will organise my ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

FOR

POTATO SALAD WITH GARLIC,

OLIVE OIL AND RED ONIONS

1 kg New Potatoes

THE DRESSING

2 cloves of garlic

1 small red onion

1 tablespoon of whole grain mustard

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

2 tablespoons of cider vinegar

sea salt

freshly ground black pepper

4 tablespoons of olive oil

1 handful of parsley

plus

1 jam jar with a lid

HOW TO MAKE

POTATO SALAD WITH GARLIC,

OLIVE OIL AND RED ONIONS

Place the new potatoes

in a pan,

add a teaspoon of sea salt

and enough hot water to cover the potatoes.

Bring to the boil, 

then reduce to a

simmer, until the potatoes are tender.

While the potatoes are cooking,

make

THE DRESSING

Crush the garlic

and place in the jam jar.

Add

the wholegrain mustard,

lemon juice,

 cider vinegar,

sea salt

and

freshly ground black pepper

and

olive oil.

Replace the lid securely

and

shake 

until the ingredients

are combined.

Leave the dressing to stand until the potatoes are cooked.

Meanwhile,

finely chop the red onion

and add to the dressing.

When the potatoes are cooked,

drain the water

and place the potatoes into a large dish.

While the potatoes are hot,

pour over the dressing

and toss very gently.

Allow to cool

When cool, add the parsley

and 

enjoy.

As I mentioned, we enjoyed this potato salad with steamed salmon, but you can also serve this salad, with meat or chicken, or if you really want to keep this as a salad, just add some par boiled green beans and brocolli florets.

Oh yes, I must tell you, that I have no idea why Robert Carlton is known as Farmer Wink..... maybe he winks when he smiles and says hello.  What I do know, is he is a very content and happy man.

Take care and I will see you next week.

This week I will be joining,

Karen from Sew Many Ways
and
Lisa from Flour Me With Love for Mix It Up Monday