I recently scored these 2 large ceramic bowls. They were on offer through our local LETS group (Local Exchange Trading System) for the equivalent of $12.
They are in perfect condition and exactly what we had been searching for. The larger one is big enough to mix the full quantity of sourdough mix that GMan uses for 2 loaves of bread. He is so pleased with it.
There is something particularly thrilling about finding just what you need through a variety of secondhand avenues.
I finished the piece of patchwork I was working on and that is now with a lady who will quilt it using a longarm machine.
I then turned my attention to a bit more tidying up in the sewing room which seems to be a continual work in progress. I noticed a couple of pieces of Christmas fabric along with some fabrics which had a definite Christmas feel to them.
So, I made these two tote bags.
I am not sure where they will end up but I think they are rather gorgeous.
My storage space is definitely not well-organised but I keep living in hope. These cube shelves were repurposed from their original location in our walk-in wardrobe and a lot of fabric was simply unpacked from boxes and shoved in to spaces wherever it would fit. I know I can do better and I am working towards that goal.
The previous owners also left two unused glass shelves for these cubes and I added them which makes the size of the cubes more functional for small baskets and other items.
Here is a close-up of one of the glass shelves.
I have decided to get get 4 more of these from IKEA next time we are in Melbourne so watch this space for future improvements.
Meanwhile, I continue to work on various sewing projects with the goal of using up some of my stash.
These pieces will become a couple more tote bags for our local Community Pantry.
Deadlines are not something that you would generally associate with being retired. Most of the time I coast along comfortably and do what needs doing in a timely manner, often with the aid of a list.
However, now and then I find that I have a project with a completion date that I know will not be met if I continue to just do a bit now and then. So, patchwork is taking priority at the moment.
Here is the work in progress.
This is the first stage of laying out the blocks in preparation for creating Disappearing 9 Patch blocks.
Here is a detailed description of how it is done.
Time to do some more sewing.
Today I have completed 2 sewing tasks that I have been working on recently.
The first is a shirt for my daughter using a pattern and fabric which she provided. The linen fabric was a delight to work with as was the pattern which came together beautifully. I am really pleased with the result.
The other was a skirt which I spotted at the op shop a few days ago. The colours caught my eye initially and although it was supposedly my size the waistband was much too small. For $3.50 it was definitely worth buying and refashioning. I removed the side zip and recreated the waistband with it flat at the front and elasticated at the back. I am looking forward to wearing this as the weather warms up.
Yesterday we went to Castlemaine which is a larger town about 15 minutes drive from home. GMan needed to buy more bread flour and pick up a reserved book from the library. We also visited the hardware and landscaping supplier to check out our requirements for upcoming projects but more on those another time.
As we had plenty of time and no deadlines to meet we also wandered through 4 different op shops. Some yielded nothing but I had a couple of wins.
Two different pieces of fabric.
This one is earmarked to make a polo shirt for GMan. I used to make them all the time but haven’t done so for a number of years. He really likes the colour and it is a nice weight fabric.
Another piece for my red and black patchwork project. It is probably more than I will need so will be good for making bags.
I could not pass up a blue and white summer top.
The whole lot set me back $7 and it is always fun to poke around and check out what is available.
In other news, the work on the pantry is progressing and the replacement of the front fence will be starting tomorrow too. There will be updates and photos later in the week.
Today we did some grocery shopping in Bendigo as well an appointment I had to attend. I took the chance to check out a couple of op shops. Additionally, we went to Castlemaine to the library and a couple more op shops there, too.
GMan scored this spotless single cup percolator for $3. Apparently you cannot own too many devices for making coffee. I would not know as I do not drink coffee.
I found this sleeveless summer dress for $5. It is 100% linen and has pockets – perfect for when the hot weather strikes.
This is a men’s shirt but I am planning to remake it into a cool summer top for myself. $3 for the lovely strong cotton fabric is a bargain.
I also picked up a couple more shirts and a doona cover which will be perfect for one of my patchwork projects. I won’t need all of the doona cover so I will be able to use it in making carry bags which I am making for the local Community Pantry. It is good to be able to offer people a strong reusable bag when collecting some essential groceries.
A couple of days ago we took the dog for a walk. There was nothing out of the ordinary about this and we were following our usual route when we spotted an outdoor lounge on the footpath with a note offering it to a ‘good home’.
There is a tiny bit of wear and tear evident and of course the cushions are faded but we decided that it was too good an opportunity to pass up. GMan headed home to get the ute while I waited with the lounge. I even met the gentleman who had offered it.
A short trip home and here it is set up on the front terrace outside the lounge room.
I am not 100% sure whether this will be its final location but it will do for the moment. Landscaping of the front yard and terrace is still a work in progress so I won’t always look quite this drab.
This is not the beginning of the pink quilt that I have been planning for some time.
This is another possible project that I am considering. I made these blocks as I begin to play around with some ideas. I do like the red and black theme.
Fromm time to time I stumble across interesting sounding recipes on Facebook. I generally ‘save’ them on Facebook and often forget to go back and look them again. However, a few days ago I saw one that I could not wait to try out.
This is for a vegan ‘sour cream’ made from sunflower seeds. Sounds a bit ridiculous? That was my thought, too.
VEGAN ‘SOUR CREAM’
1 cup sunflower seeds
1¼ cups water
⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ onion
1 large clove garlic
1 teaspoon salt
Place all ingredients in a blender and blitz until creamy. Makes about 500ml.
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze portions for later use.
NOTE: I have not tried freezing it as yet.
NOTE: You could also try adding additional spices or nutritional yeast to alter the flavour a little.
I know it sounds improbable and ridiculously easy – it really is that simple.
This is the result, although some has already been used. I would say it is a bit like a cross between sour cream, yoghurt and mayonnaise.
This was my lunch today with a generous serve of my new-found dressing.
Please note that this is not GMan-approved but I am happy to have found an easy and tasty alternative.
However, he is still raving about one of my other homemade sauces, a bechamel-style sauce made using cauliflower instead of flour and butter as the base. We have successfully grown cauliflower this winter and the last 2 became another batch of the sauce. The recipe is here and it freezes really well.
I think I have managed to collect enough suitable fabric for my next patchwork project.
This was a fitted bassinet sheet that I spotted in the op shop yesterday.
I unpicked it and salvaged the elastic.
My basket of new and used elastic of various types and lengths. It is surprising how often it yields just what I need.
Some of the squares have been cut up and added the collection and I will do the rest tomorrow.
The newest pieces are in the bottom right-hand corner. I am looking forward to making a start on the sewing before too long.
organised castle 