This weeks baking....mam showed me how to make cheese scones.
I am valuing this routine of making something each week. And it's nice to have a lovely treat to eat at the end too. I have been able to do so little during my more poorly years, that to get a sense of having achieved a task like this is a big thing to me. It is worth more than just the simple act of baking.
Coming out the oven and cooling
And ready to eat with some apple chutney...yum
Love Kathryn x
hi lovelies,
there has been quite a buzz about the country for the Queen's jubilee this weekend.
its a lovely feeling to be part of something thats such an achievement for her and our country as a whole. i'm really quite proud of the queen and how much she does for us, to have a figure to represent us on a world stage, who is so gracious and dignified in her role & part of a loving family privately, is something to cherish. It seems all the more poignant given what is happening in countries such as Syria right now. It makes you realise that the freedom to joyful celebrate an occasion such as the Jubilee, out in the cities and villages across the country, is so much a part of what life here is about. It can only take place because of what we have built together, this peace and diversity we can take for granted but is something to celebrate in itself.
I think too, its lovely that britian has been able to show the Queen how much they appreciate her, through all the turn out for the celebrations marking her 60 years service on the throne.
As many of you who visit me regularly here will gather, i wasnt able to get out and partake in the celebrations, (actually had to spend much of the weekend in bed) so it was important to have some small ways to mark the occasion. I have always taken the view that to ease any pain of missing out on occasions of any sort,(birthdays,christmas,new years...) its best to do something in the home, however small, just to have a little bit of nice-ness in the day and a photo and some memories to look back on.
Luckily i have a wonderful mam who agrees and has been up to baking this year again, and she made us this maderia cake, which she cleverly put a union jack on, isnt it fab, and some iced buns, which she decorated in red white and blue sprinkles too. And they were delicious.
This was me just in my pj's in my room and some of the bakes on my bed..
a pic i dug out of little kathryn at a street party in 1977 for the Queens silver jubilee
and below some of the coverage of the pageant on the River Thames that i watched on tv, here's Kate, William and Harry
This pretty tea towel is up on my wall, it was from John lewis online, and i got a matching mug as well, i am not really a red and blue person as you'll know, so i was happy to find something in pink! (smiles)
happy Jubilee everyone, love kat xxxx
Sewing Made Simple is a book packed full of instructions and clever tips, it demystifies the subject and provides a wealth of know-how that will give you the confidence to make and customise clothes and home furnishings.
It is a beautiful book, the illustrated steps are concise and clearly thought through. I feel it instills confidence in both the beginner who may not know where and how to start when sitting in front of their new sewing machine, and also those at the intermediate level of sewing, who may want to broaden their capabilities and feel ready to tackle bigger projects.
· An indispensable guide to everything you need to know about sewing, starting with the essential items for your sewing box through to the core skills that will enable you to make your own cushions, curtains, clothes and more
· From stitching neat seams and inserting zips to basic quilting and embellishing, key techniques are presented in an accessible way
· Practical advice and tried-and-tested tricks that will help you to achieve professional results
· Beautifully illustrated with colour photographs and step-by-step illustrations
· Includes 20 specially designed projects that will give you the confidence to try your hand at making anything
The author, Tessa Evelegh, is an expert in her field with over 30 titles to her name and a previous career at the British magazine Family circle, her work has also been in Ideal Home and Homes and Gardens magazines. She learnt to sew as a child and has continued to make clothing and soft furnishings to this day.
Where other sewing books i may have bought in the past focused more solely on inspiring projects, this is a real how to book, taking you through the practical sides, with pretty pastel drawings, that are easy to understand and a wealth of explanation on various topics such as types of materials to choose and how to measure for and use a pattern.Then there are some projects towards the second half of the book, for things like curatins, cushions, tablecloths and dresses.
Here is a overview of what's covered....
The first five chapters introduce you to all the tools, equipment and materials you will need for sewing success.
‘The Sewing Box’ explains different threads, needles, pins, scissors and other haberdashery must haves
‘The Secrets of Sewing-Machine Success’ guides you around your machine and its accessories, and includes a useful section on troubleshooting.
‘Stitch Craft’ teaches you the essential hand- and machine-stitches – the building blocks of any sewing project.
‘The Paper Pattern’ explains how patterns work and how to use and adapt them for expert dressmaking.
‘Fabric Choices’ reveals how to select the most appropriate fabrics for your project, taking into account colour, pattern, composition and weave.
The last chapter, ‘Basic Sewing Skills’, shows you how it’s done, with the essential techniques for making almost anything explained in plain and simple terms – from sewing on buttons and stitching darts to appliqué and piping.
Interspersed are 20 gorgeous projects that will help you to consolidate your skills. The projects range from a simple bias-cut skirt and tailored cushion to a more complicated apron and lined tote, and include useful basics such as a curtain, blind, child’s dress and customised T-shirt
The publishers Jaqui Small, who gave me a copy to review,
have also kindly offered one as a giveaway to Secrets readers who live in the UK.
So to be in with a chance of owning your own inspiring copy all you have to do is
leave a comment on this post
and i will use a random number generator to pick a winner.
The giveaway will close a week today, good luck! And do remember its Uk only
Find Sewing made simple by Tessa Evelegh on this link at amazon
love
Kat x
These are the gingerbread unicorns, swans and fairies!
I can't tell you how nice it was to have these...
Mam made the biscuits as its a bit much for me yet,
though i hope to have a go once i'm stronger,
but happy to say, i decorated them with the icing,
and they really were delicious.
I thought you might like the recipe, it is from a book i gave Mam for Christmas called Avoca Tea time, its a beautiful little book, and all the recipes are simple and very effective, (if you click on the recipe it, it will come up larger.)
Remember the cutters in a whole host of shapes are from Cakes Cookies and Crafts Shop
with love
I had a lovely birthday. I felt better than i had over Christmas.
And we had a little tea party with some homemade bakes.
These Tete a tete brought a touch of spring.
And i received some lovely cards & things from friends.
Thank you to everyone who sent me mail & messages, it was so kind. xxx
I have more baking to share another time... a biscuit recipe :)
love & sunlight
the banner and cake stand, and the cake toppers
are all from Talking Tables, they do such beautiful ranges for celebrations
Posted with Blogsy