Jammin 'n sewin through my day

I am pleased to tell you that I found enough blackberries and crab apples within reach to make 3 jars of jelly this morning. A lovely way to start the day, even if Ben though that his breakfast should have taken priority.

They have Francesca's name on them, she gets the first batch of every jelly that I make, a little spoiling goes a long way.

I have made a curry for the freezer and a Lamb Pastie for dinner, the rest will be fine cold tomorrow.

 Ben has been walked, fed, played with and walked and fed again. He has one more walk to come.

On the sewing front I have killed 2 birds with 1 stone, so to speak. Not only have I raided the stash and made a lined skirt but I used the overlocker for the first time.

A line with pockets, not as full skirted as the last ones that I made, and I really wanted to squeeze the Russian Doll fabric into something, it was a small remnant from Button up and Stitch in Wisbech. I have lined the waistband with it, no one will see but Fran, I just thought it was cute.

Here is the lining, showing my (none too skillful) use of the overlocker.

My tight side came out when I saw how much thread was wasted running off at the end of a seam so I chain sewed, just as I do when piecing patchwork. Result.

The sharp eyed among you will have seen that there are pins in the waistband. I have not quite finished, I just have to slip stitch the lining down and put a hook and eye in. I will show and tell tomorrow, and claim as my next finish in my challenge.

Reasons to be Grateful.

1.  More sun, ripening the berries.

2.  My first batch of jelly for the year.

3.  A present for Fran almost done.

4.  An email from Australia this morning.

5.  The grass was cut for me today.

I do love the sunshine, and at this time of the year I love it even more, seeing the berries ripen and getting ready to jam or jelly them fills me with glee. I do make jelly mostly as Fran does not like pips. the exception is gooseberry, it has to be jam and it should be pink.

Fran has no idea that I am making that skirt, she knows that there are 2 on the way but this is a surprise, she does not read the blog so no danger in showing it.

I had an email this morning from a follower in Australia, she would like to send me some fabric, in exchange she would like a roomy tote bag with lots of pockets to take travelling. I am ready and waiting.

Michael cut the grass this afternoon, it was burning hot and Ben only had a quick whizz out, I did not count it as a walk we were only gone 5 minutes. That was more than enough for both of us.

I am off to tidy the kitchen before settling down with my hand sewing.

       TTFN                                                                Pam