Random thoughts

I have been busy in both garden and house, lots of seed sowing, plant watering, weeding and some digging, not to forget planting and molding up of potatoes.
Nasty things like washing, dusting, cobwebbing and ironing have happened, in a somewhat desultory fashion. 
No Crafting Whatsoever, Boo, Hiss.
I thought that you may like to see my version of Bara Brith,

It is not merely speckled with fruit but positively bursting with sultanas, apricots and prunes. I used what I had, there were also dates in the cupboard but I want them for a date and walnut loaf. I like to put plenty of fruit in, there is nothing worse than playing "hunt the currant", I would rather have no fruit at all. To make 2 large loaves I used 1 Kilo of bread flour, half white, half wholemeal, 3 rounded desert spoons of mixed spice, 900 grams of fruit, 3 tsp fast yeast, 40 grams brown sugar, 2 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 40 grams butter and enough milk to make a soft dough.

I also indulged in some chocolate, I saw this written up in my local paper, there are more flavours, I also bought Flame roasted hazlenut and Apple and Cinnamon Curd. The hazlenut is very tasty although the nuts have been pulverized but the curd was not very nice at all. I am reluctant to try this as I suspect to be disappointed.

I love chocolate, from Dairy Milk to "How much" from Fortnums, but this, to me, is very much a nothing chocolate that should have cost 50p from a corner shop. Well you live and learn.

I am now off chocolate again, until I see something worth bothering with.

I have a sewing pile a mile high so tomorrow it will be "pedal to the metal" sew to speak.

I have been watching some random sewing videos on line and have treated myself to a set of bias tape makers and a foot that sews the tape on, both sides together. That will save hours of stitching and sucking of perforated fingertips. I did look at a foot that attaches binding to front and back of a quilt in the same way but I like the method that I use now with no visible stitches. I made sure to check that the foot would fit my MC 8200, I had to pay a bit extra but it will be worth it.

I was out on Wednesday and saw a little jacket, exactly the same shape as the ones that I made with bias bound edges, that will be on the agenda once I have finished what is on my cutting table now.

I looked for a full circle slip to wear with the skirts that I made. All the ones I saw were frothy and scratchy with net and tulle. I wanted something to support the skirt but not make it stand out, I used some reclaimed curtain lining, it does the job perfectly. I also did not want gathers and elastic so used the same pattern as the skirt, just shortened it and put a bias edge on the waistline and a button and ribbon fastening, no need for a zipper. Sorted.

Now it is time for more tea and a walk for Ben, it is too warm for his usual lunchtime walk, much better now.

Have a good weekend.

                          TTFN                                     Pam