Two Birds With One Stone.

This morning dawned a bit gloomy but the sun had the upper hand and was soon shining upon us.
I was up with the Lark, after spending yesterday glooping around like something the cat dragged in.
First things first, Kettle on and tea brewing.
A load of washing on, a pot of spiced split pea and veg soup, I put the peas into soak last night, on to simmer and a batch of bread dough to rise.
Kettle back on, thirsty work watching the mixer knead the dough. While it was rising I got the dry mix ready for a batch of sultana scones, No photo needed, 450 G SR flour, 1 tsp Baking Powder, pinch salt and a quick whisk, much easier than all that sifting. Rub in about 120 g butter and throw in around 40 g sugar and as many sultanas as you like, I like lots so 2 good handfuls, I had a lemon with a little zest left on it so grated that in as well.

More tea and a few little jobs done, drag out the instruction book for the Janome 1600P. I am determined to get to grips with this, I want it on the frame and quilting by Monday.

I made the dough into 2 large loaves and once cooked I added 2 eggs and enough milk to make 1/2 pt to the scone mix. I did squeeze a little lemon juice into the milk as it was very fresh.
A light knead and roll out to a squareish block, cut into decent size squares with a knife, on to a tray and brush over with the left over egg and milk. In to the oven 200c for 15 minutes. Burn tongue within seconds of getting them on to a rack.

Once all was well and cleaned up, I walked Ben when the bread went in the oven, I set to with the 1600P. Wound a bobbin, threaded it up, very tight spot to get the bobbin in with my big mitts but I managed it, I may have cast aspersions as to its parentage at one point.
I have decided to do a few simple makes to begin with, this will use some of the smaller bits of fabric and will go into the gift pile. A bonus as all my gifts this year, birthdays as well as Those Ones will be made by my own mitts.

A pillow case, I used the Roll Up method for this and it was very fast.

A pair of lined drawstring bags, I used Jeni Baker's pattern for these and again they were a fast make. I will make something to put in these so they will be part of the gift.

Next on my list are a couple of aprons, and some zipper pouches. they will be tomorrows playtime.

Now the kettle is singing so I am off to make a brew.

                      TTFN                                                Pam