QUILT!

A fine day to finish a fine quilt, my first ever. It was surprisingly straight forward and that includes a sewing machine initiation!

The colours and textiles I chose were inspired by Spring and I beavered away so it could be ready in time for this spring which we are now in the throws of, and isn't it brilliant to see things grow again?! Although really I am being rather hen like and making myself more of a nest than a practical bed cover - it's too warm for a damn padded quilt! A bed just doesn't look the same without a patchwork however...

Not put off by the year long process (think how expensive that would be if I charged for time), I've been thoroughly inspired to make another one, but this time I think I may try and do something more like a wall hanging, hmm....Does anyone else make quilty things? Perhaps this is absoloutely the wrong season to be asking this?!

New Adventures

There seem to be a lot of my friends who are moving house at le moment so I made this little card to wish them all luck in their new homes :)

I'm sure they're gald they're not moving to a ridiculously tall ligthouse with a door no man could fit a decent sofa through, however it's pretty to look at!

I went for my first cycle of the year today, I love cycling! I was warm enough, there were a couple of highland coo's and the Tay river was still and silvery. It did mean I had less time to doodle but life's too short when the sun is out in Scotland!

VANILLEKIPFERL

These little biscuits are traditionally given for Valentines day in Germany, although I'm a little belated in my efforts, they are known as Vanillekipferl which translates as ' Vanilla mountain tops'.

I found this recipe in my new Bible, Rachel Allen's 'Bake'. Although this recipe was very very easy her book is actually a tad more challenging than most of my recipe books - which I love!! If any one would like this recipe please let me know...

These little moons go so well with fresh coffee, which is exactly what I did this afternoon, yum!

It is now so spring like in small subtle ways, I just love it when things start to come back to life. I even saw my first primroses and daffodils today. So inspired by spring and potential daffodils that I surprised myself and bought a bright buttercup yellow dress. If you see a blonde lady in bright yellow frolicking by you any time soon it can be no other than my spring-self!

This one's for Jen

Ever so sorry I have been hibernating this winter and as such have done very little in the way of artistic adventures.

However, having had such a relaxing and generous festive period/birthday I thought a small thank you card to my nearest and dearest was in order. I made this inspired by a baking book photograph, a little different from my usual people pictures I actually really enjoyed doing this one :)

My next challenge is a patchwork...Dum dum dum! My mama bought me a sewing machine for christmas which I am thrilled with and terrified of in equal measure. I'm trying to make a spring based one, in time for spring!? I'll keep you updated on my no doubt sloooooow progress.

It's all in the wrist

Recently I was victim to a knitting injury-yes, knitting induced! These mittens were harmless enough but when I enthusiastically began the next purple pair I sprained my dear right wrist. So I will just have to wait until part two of the mitten ensemble and make do with mittens-one, a lovely autumn sky blue colour. And they really do keep your paws toasty.

Has anyone noticed the sky recently? I havn't been out in the afternoons as much as I would like, which is everyday :) but I have been out and about often enough to see a few good skies. The Sidlaws is a secret hilly haven for walkers. I discovered them last Sunday where I found this:

A wispy, mitten blue sky with a bit of fire thown in. It sounds like a bad wine, or a dulux gloss...? Nevertheless you should try and stumble across one, good for the soul no doubt...

Gone Boating

We LOVE Autumn!!

I'm a bit of an autumn geek, I love the food and colours this time of year. Chris and I went to Faskally woods yesterday near Pitlochry and took it upon ourselves to have a 'boat-out', which I won :)

He who builds the best boat wins and it must be from natural materials. Here is Chris' 'Majesty'. His re-fashioned and more successful version. You may note that he copied my vertical sail idea!

My little boat was christened Chopper, after the rabbit we met later that day. It was such a relaxing way to spend a sunday, although our peaceful but competitive walk was followed by pretty mangy food from Pitlochry, those chips were ming! And the fudge was even worse!

However, this morning I baked a cobbler for a friend at work who has never lived (having never tasted let alone heard of a cobbler). It's similar to apple crumble but instead of the crumble topping you make simple scone like dollops with ground almonds, resembling a cobbled path. Apples are used mainly but brambles, blaeberries, rhubarb and plums would taste yum in this too. As soon as this photo was shot the whole plate had been devoured! I love stewed apples, mmm.

It's another of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's recipes so if anyone wants it let me know and I'll send it on...

Never ever use elderberries! I was so excited about baking with them as there heaps of them around about my flat but my word they are bitter. I was so dissappointed as they looked so pretty with their little garnet coloured berries. I later read somewhere that they are best used for jams and cordials etc, typical!

Go Forth and Make Jam!

Tis the season of the harvest, so I have made an enormous batch of plum and cinnamon jam. I had no idea it would make such a ridiculous amount, be warned!

But look at the colour-Mmm! This time of year is my absolute favourite, the colours of late summer/autumn are too beautiful. In the countryside the fields are maturing to a deep, relaxed ochre and the trees are beginning to turn their annual ambers and crimsons. It's enough to turn a girl romantic!

I am certainly mostly looking forward to the stodgy food of autumn, and the excuse to make plenty of fruit pies. Chutney is next on my list, a first timer to making it I hold no high expectations :)

Before I go, here is an image to remind us of the fading summer days before Autumn is completely upon us...Aaah Harris. This is Horgabost where we spent a few days camping on the dunes. This view is sorely missed as it was so refreshing to wake up to. Go to Harris!