At this time very year I have to start letting a few things go. I am letting go of the dream of making elderflower cordial. The fact that the flowers are now turning into berries helps a little on this. However there is still time for cordial. This was my first attempt at making rhubarb cordial. the recipe was taken from this month's...

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This week I put the finishing touches on this embroidery. While it may appear to be a small thing, its completion marks the end of something bigger. This is the last piece that I will stitch on the train to work.I am trading the commute that sees me leaving home at 6am only to return at 6pm, travelling almost 2hrs door to door,...

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I indulged in some colour co-ordinated decorations for the kitchen. Purely frivolous, I know. However, I didn't realise quite how taken Little E would be with them. For her it wasn't the colours, instead the mere thought that she could make one too.She took up her crayons and started drawing. Each branch and decoration was narrated with delight. Once the picture was finished,...

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I find it really hard to cut into someone else's embroidery. While admiring the works that other people have made out of thrifted embroideries, my inner Nana gasps at small acts of crafting sacrilege.Perhaps it was beyond help. Perhaps this is better that being holed up in drawer. I tell myself little consolations and move on, admiring the crafter's daring and bravery.This tray...

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I have always wonted to give chicken scratch embroidery a go. Occasionally, I find a table cloth or apron in the opshop with the distinctive stitched gingham.After finding this darling dress, I felt it needed a little something to look less like a school uniform. The chicken scratch pattern is from Alicia Paulson's* "Embroidery Companion" and was originally meant for shelf edging. While...

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As part of the Small Hands Christmas Swap, we needed to find some simple cards that everyone in the family could make. We decided on these Pipe Cleaner Christmas Tree Cards. I know it's a bit of a mouthful to say, but so much fun to make.To make your own you will need:Card stock (we used red, obviously)Ice block sticksPVA GluePipe cleanersBeadsPliers (for...

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We have been indulging in a little unpacking lately. The tree is up and lights on and the kids buzzing. ...

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