On my hook ......

Oh wow, has it really been that long since I've posted??   I have good intentions of writing, but life is so, so busy and most days I run out of time, so for now I'll fill you in on what's been on my hook;

Crochet bunny comforter - this little cutie was made for my gorgeous nephew who is now all of 6 weeks new.  I made this with natural undyed cotton and for the ears and face I used a bamboo yarn, so he's lovely and soft and all natural. The only trouble I had with this project was embroidering his eyes and nose! I had to unravel it a few times because I just couldn't get the expression right.  I was going for a sweet serene look, but unfortunately my embroidery skills are somewhat lacking and he was looking either very angry or maniacal.  After a few attempts I finally managed to get it right.

These sweet little wrap around booties were made for the wee one, complete with wooden buttons. 

This ribbed pixie bonnet is the latest off my hook.  The colour in the picture doesn't quite do it justice - it's actually a deep, rich wine coloured red.  Just gorgeous.  It's a tad too big for her, but I love it.

I've also made some basic slippers for myself and my big girl.   I'm not fussed on the colour she chose (think green camouflage) so I won't be posting a picture of them. They have a cute popcorn style stitch on top and just plain double crochet underneath.  Super cute and super warm!!  I did ask the boys if they'd like a pair but crochet slippers made by your mum apparently aren't the cool thing to be wearing this winter. Huh? Says who?

What's next, you ask?? Well I'm linking up with Kate from Foxs Lane and making a granny square hot water bottle cover.  Pop on over to her blog and have a look at a couple that she has finished.  They're are lovely.

What have you lovelies been hooking lately??

tina

Ps These photos have been taken with my IPhone;  partly because my phone is always handy and quick and partly because I'm doing an online photo course (more on that soon) and the first part of the course focuses on taking pictures with your iphone.

in my kitchen - July

I missed last months 'In my Kitchen' posting, so this is a combination of May and June.  I contemplated not joining in anymore with these postings because I feel like a bit of an amateur compared to some of the fabulous food blogs that contribute each month.  I really like sharing my little adventures in the kitchen though, so here we go... another a small peak at what's been happening lately ........

In my kitchen this month there's been;

 Ginger, honey and lemon tea for sore throats and headcolds,

stunning white roses,

 
another unsuccessful attempt at making Sauerkraut but a
very successful first attempt at Raw Blueberry Cheesecakes - oh my they were good!!

...and picking the Cumquats off my trees and making Marmalade with them.  I used honey instead of sugar and added some freshly squeezed orange juice for the liquid.  I'm very happy with the way it turned out - it has a sticky jam like consistency with a lovely delicate taste.  It goes very well spread thickly on sourdough rye with a strong cup of tea!!



tina xx

I'm joining in again with Celia at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial and taking a peak in to kitchens all over the world. 

Returning to work....

In less than two weeks, my maternity leave ends and I will be returning to work.  It is only for two days each week but I have mixed feelings about it.  Mostly I am sad and apprehensive.  I love being a stay at home mum, love pottering around the house, at my happiest when I'm baking, playing with the littlies and nurturing my family.  I am worried about how I will pull it all together, the long work days, being away from the little ones, the general stress of having another ball to juggle.  I have started to mentally prepare myself and make lists on what needs to be done to ease the transition.  There is no other way around it though, I have to go back, so I am determined to focus on the positives.  

tina xo

PS Where did that time go?

 

Photos: Fog surrounding the Pecan tree and Winter daisies

 

Road trip

Last weekend, we packed up the family and went on a road trip to the Southern Highlands, New South Wales.  My sister in law was having a 50th birthday lunch at Berrima so we decided to make a weekend of it.   It was a little cosy for the 6 of us (plus luggage) in the car but I have to say I love a road trip!  Not only did we get to explore new country but it was also a break from routine; a break from the laundry, the meal preparation and the everyday chores that take up such a huge part of our day.  For the most part I am a home body and these everyday chores are comforting and satisfying for me, but I also love the little breaks to our daily routine where I can spend every minute of my time with my family; no interruptions, no keeping an eye on the time, nothing to be done other than be completely in the moment with them.

This weekend will be a relaxing, staying at home affair.  It's meant to be raining the whole weekend, so I'm thinking p.j days, crocheting, reading and lots of tea drinking!

Hope your weekend is a lovely one,

tina xo

On my hook - a twisted cowl.

I finished this twisted cowl last week and I know I say it each time I crochet something, but I loved making this, it really was a joy to pick up and work on.  I made it especially for my lovely sister-in-law who celebrated her 50th birthday yesterday.  I loved sifting through the yarn at the local yarn store, picking out the colour I thought she would like, choosing the type of yarn, and browsing online for the right pattern.

The pattern is a fan stitch and done with a 180 degree twist on a 5mm hook so it's nice and chunky.  I absolutely LOVED the yarn too - a superfine Merino (Zara brand) which was incredibly warm and soft, just perfect for wearing around your neck.   The photos really don't do the colour justice - it is such a gorgeous blue and suited her perfectly.

What's been on your hook lately?
tina xo

Creating and Crafting - simple toys

In my efforts to declutter the house and rid ourselves of all the excess 'things',  it was inevitable that I would end up in the children's rooms.  I worked and sorted my way through their toy baskets, the shelves and wardrobes, gathering up toys they had outgrown,  that had parts broken or missing, thinning out the excess;  a multitude of mass produced toys slowly being replaced by a few toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and gentle play.  Slowly, but surely there is more paper, pencils and paints, fabric, thread and simple toys inspired by the natural world.

 Recently we made these little Autumn Acorn gnomes, Walnut Boats filled with beeswax and fabric sails, and tiny sleeping babies wrapped in soft felt blankets. 

tina x

In my Kitchen - May

The two oldest children went back to school on Monday after a two week break over Easter, so I've been on the hunt for some new lunchbox treat ideas.   I came across this lovely blog, The Lunch Lady, which had an interesting sounding recipe for brownies using Zucchinis.  The kids loved them and I'm happy because I can sneak some veggies into their 'treats'.  I don't think my zucchinis were moist enough though, so next time I make these I'll add another one.  I also tried out her Oaty Flapjacks and sprinkled Chia and Pumpkin seeds on top.  Butter, golden syrup and oats are always a winner.

There are always flowers of some kind on my windowsill or kitchen bench.  I love having a little bit of nature inside; sometimes picked from our garden or foraged during our daily wanders.  Today there is some Rosemary on the kitchen window sill - picked from our garden and growing roots.  I'm also experimenting with the end of a baby Cos lettuce.  I've put it in a glass of water, and wouldn't you know it, it's growing some new leaves.

Continuing on with my love of fermenting, I tried Sauerkraut for the first time.  I had high hopes, but unfortunately my first attempt didn't work.  I don't think I mushed up the cabbage enough, so there wasn't enough liquid for the cabbage to sit in.  I'm inspired by the lovely Brydie over at City Hippy Farm Girl blog, so I'm not giving up with this one just yet.

With the cooler weather I have been trying out new soup recipes.  I came across this recipe for Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup at Damn Delcious blog which was delicious.  The juice of a lemon is added just before serving and really gives it a lovely little kick.  I've also made the Cauliflower Chowder from the same blog, which was my favourite; thick, creamy and so very, very tasty.

Its apple and pear season too, so I've been making the most of their sweetness and using them in baking.  I love making the Normandy Apple Cake from Jane Websters book, At My French Table.  This is one of my absolute favourite recipe/travel books.  It has the most stunning photographs, and beautiful, simple recipes.  The pages are thick and textured and it smells like a book should; all papery and lush.  And it's French.  Need I say more?

What's happening in your kitchen this month? 

Tina x

I'm joining in again with Celia at Fig Jam and Lime Cordial and taking a peak in to kitchens all over the world.