Coaches Gifts

What a great grand final....after two lots of time on, Miss J's team hit the lead & won by one goal. The above gifts were created for coaches in appreciation of the time taken out of their busy routines to spend with the kids.

Cheers....Jane.

Property Purchase

Back tracking again.....with this property settled at the end of September.  We are busy spending our spare time cleaning & painting.  Fingers crossed we'll be in before Christmas.

Cheers.....Jane

Back Tracking

 

 

 

Seems I've lost October in a haze of  business that has kept me away from posting, so over the next few days I've decided to try back tracking a little, beginning with this ironing board cover.....a little embarrassing that it got into such a state before a replacement was created, but I guess you can say that I got the most out of it!  A new shabby padded cover was created at the end of September.

Cheers.....Jane.

Coffee Corner

During the year I was given some extra furniture, which hibernated in the shed during Winter. Recently we had a bit of a change around at the back of the house & created this little corner, perfect for a relaxing coffee on a sunny Spring afternoon.  The blue spotted pot, once fill with pansies is now home to a succulent & some special rocks collected by Master N during Lapidary at school last year.  The old table (which extends each end) was once covered with paint splashes, has had a good clean (thanks Mr Sheen, you removed all the old paint specks) and now stands ready for many a Summer barbecue.  

Now maybe some sewing time!!

Cheers....Jane.

Sunbonnet Sue

This little lass has been hanging around in the sewing room with a group of ruffian UFO'S.  Now in order for her to keep better company I gave her a makeover, making her a little more presentable.  She now has a new job in the sewing room, keeping it tidy!!!

Cheers.....Jane.

FIS 2011 BOM

 

 

 

Last weekend saw me stipple & bind this little quilt.  It's our on-line stitching groups 2011 block of the month.  I  tried a slightly wavy border for a change, and quite enjoyed it.  Now I can focus on a new project without feeling guilty!!

Cheers....Jane.

Curried Crabstick Pies

This simple recipe is a favourite amongst the curry lovers of our household.

 

First mix to a paste with water,

3 tablespoons of cornflour
2 tablespoons of powdered milk
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of curry powder
salt to taste.

Next add boiling water until curry sauce is a thickish gravy consistency.  Then chop 15 defrosted crabsticks into bite sized pieces & add to your curry sauce.  Mix, then cook for a couple of minutes in microwave on medium temperature.  Now you're all ready to make pies in your machine.  The quantities I've given makes 13 pies, using 6 sheets of puff pastry. Serve with your favourtie homemade soup...delish!!

Tip

You can also serve this curry with rice or mashed potato, just put mixture into casserole dish & finish in oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Cheers....Jane.

Crocheted Necklaces & A Line Skirt

 

 

 

A fundraiser for our local school had my mind busy with ideas for a new outfit.  This was the result,  a couple of crocheted necklaces from the above book 'Modern Vintage' & an easy to sew skirt.

Cheers.....Jane.

Birthday Swap

What a wonderful job Bec did with our 'Cook, Grow & Eat' on-line group challenge, creating these beautiful gifts for my birthday.

 

 

Can you see the buttons in the layering of the ice cream sundae?

 

 

How cute is the lady gardening? She's much tidier than I am in the garden....LOL!!
Thank you again Bec...your parcel was much appreciated & very me!!

Cheers....Jane.

Winter Warmers

With Winter well and truly upon us here in Tasmania, I'm finding the slow cooker a gem for these cold & gloomy days.  Sally Wise has a new recipe book out 'Slow Cooker 2', a fantastic book with heaps of great recipes.  Last night I tried the 'Spicy Tomato Meatballs', which were absolutely delicious, and at the moment the 'Sweet & Sour Pork' is making the house smell amazing.

 

Tomorrow I'll try the Herbed Pumpkin and Bacon Soup.

 

Having the slow cooker cranked up means that dinner and dishes are over and done with early, so I can get comfortable & relax in my chair with some crochet.

 

I have to admire these little Pansies, adding brightness to my Winter garden.
Have a great weekend!

Cheers....Jane.

Crochet Rug

 

 

 

 

This long time WIP is finally finished!  I'm going to miss it, as it has been a been travelling with me for a couple of years, keeping my lap warm at the market, long journeys in the car & at the footy.  I guess I'll have to start another!!
This pattern for this stitch can be found in 'Cute & Easy Crochet' by Nicki Trench.

Cheers....Jane.

Crochet Cushion

 

 

I recently purchased "Cute & Easy Crochet' by Nicki Trench.  A lovely book with lots of achievable projects. This circular cushion is my first completed project from the book, and was quick & easy to do.
I have a few more crochet projects to share this week....it's definitely great crafting weather here in Tassie.
Be well, and stay warm!

Cheers....Jane. 

Slow Cooker Recipe Weekend

Chookyblue is hosting a slow cooker recipe weekend.  I'm a fan of  slow cookers & had both of mine going during the week, cooking up a 2kg batch of curried sausages & a 1kg batch of chow mien.  The aim of the bigger quantities is to have some go into the freezer.  Today I cranked up the slow cooker with a chicken recipe.


Ingredients
2kg chicken drumsticks
6 slices of bacon - chopped
500gms mixed frozen vegies - thawed
1 large onion - diced
2 potatoes - diced
2 tins of cream of chicken soup
spices to suit taste - I used thyme

Dough
1 generous cup of SR flour - sifted
1 TB butter
a pinch of salt
water

 

 

Place potatoes, onions, thawed vegies, chicken & bacon in dish.  Sprinkle with thyme/spices. Add the soup then cook on low for six & a half hours.

 

If you'd like to add dough to your dish, add a pinch of salt to flour, rub in butter then add enough water to make a dough.  Place into dish one hour prior to finish time.
 

Then enjoy!

Cheers....Jane.

Birthday Challenge

My gift to Jenni included,

 doily, mug, mug rugs & rocky road.

 

 

The challenge for our on-line stitching group this year, was to create using the theme 'Cook, Grow & Eat'.
My take on the theme was 'Tea Time'.
A time where you can share a cuppa,
grow friendships,
whilst eating some home cooked treats!

It's great to see how everyone interprets the theme!
Happy sewing!

Cheers....Jane.

Take Time

 

 

 

 

 

As I was putting this doily together it became apparent that an apt name for it would be 'Take Time'.  I think it is important to take time to smell the roses, as it's very easy to forget oneself in our busy everyday lives.  So this lady will be close by to remind me.

Cheers....Jane.

Pink Pinny

A new addition to my market box, a little girls apron. I think I'll do a couple more of these.

Cheers....Jane.

Back to School

With the children returning to school last Wednesday it's time to catch up.....well try that is!!

Having the house painted over summer meant a little time was required to spruce up the garden.

Some strawberries to pick.

Time to take some cuttings from this succulent.

A garden decoration made by Master N in woodwork a couple of years ago....an interesting beehive shape.

Master N has been busy again.....the one that didn't get away....yum!!

Cooking for lunches, choc chip cookies from the 4 Ingredients 2 book, makes a big batch.

Garden Party Top by Monica Poole.

And a few motifs to turn into........

Key-ring decorations.
Have a great week!

Cheers.....Jane.