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Sunday, January 15, 2012

Slowly Settling Into The New Year


I am slowly getting back into a routine, sort of, after the hype of Christmas. I have managed to do a little applique - yes Phebe has reappeared and I am very proud of these little flowers! I have absolutely no vision when it comes to fussy cutting and even less patience with fiddly little pieces so I am sure you will understand how happy I was to get these little darlings stitched down.

I also made a cover for the ironing board.  When I had the Friday Girls over to make our little quilts (the I'm not going overseas quilts) back in October, I was very embarrassed at the state of the cover.  It has only taken me 3 months to replace it!  This is the first time I have made one and although it is a little rough around the edges I think it looks pretty good and next time I will have a better idea on how to have a better fit.

I've been sewing some clamshells too.  I think I only have about 7 rows to go so may decide to put my all into it and get it finished.  It would be nice to actually have something finished for a change...

I also managed a little fabric shopping at Needles & Pins at Warrandyte.  I had to go down to Melbourne on Friday with Nicholas to pick up his Drift car.  Its a bit of a long story but was down there getting a specialist tune up after the motor getting rebuilt.  I took him down, he was going to drive his car back  and I planned to do a bit of shopping before coming home.  Anyway, turns out there was a last minute problem with the car and Nic couldn't take it home so, off I headed to Needles & Pins with Nic in the passenger seat.  We get there and he says to me "Please don't be long, I have to be back home before tea tonight".  I replied "Don't worry, I don't know anyone at this shop".  I walked in and who do you think was there - Di Ford - of Phebe and countless other beautiful quilts fame!  We had a great chat.  Di and the Secret Sisters are featured in the next Quiltmania due out so make sure you get a copy.  

This week also saw the family get together for dinner to say goodbye to Nic.  He has headed back to base now after having a month off.  That's him above with Chris and Amy.  All major dinners in this family have to be a roast and Nic's favourite dessert is Pavlova.  Now I don't make pavlovas - my father has always made them and this Christmas there was a lot of discussion as to how to make the perfect pav.  I decided to give it a go and make one out of the Donna Hay magazine.  I was quite ambitious as it is a double layer pavlova (two cakes) but I was so happy with how it turned out, that I am claiming bragging rights for quite a while.

There was no beading or weeping, the crust was silky smooth, tasted divine AND

look at all that marshmallow in the centre of it!  I also made raspberry coulis (another 1st for me) and everyone had two helpings.  I hate to think how many calories are in it...


Even Buddy was wanting to see what was happening up on the table!

Sue-Anne xxx

21 comments:

Susan said...

Great job on the pav. I can see why everyone wanted seconds. The clamshells look good too. I have a packet of papers from ages ago, but haven't started anything. Can't wait to see yours finished.

Janet said...

What a lovely post and a great catch up. I think you should be very proud of your sweet flowers, they look gorgeous. Lucky you going to the quilt shop at the right time. Your pav looks amazing, I think you can say you make great pavs now. Waving to Buddy, cute photo.

Julia said...

Now that's a Pav...looks so good Sue-Anne.
Your flowers look gorgeous, loved reading your post, lovely to see all the pics.
Julia ♥

Anonymous said...

Oh please sue-anne ! Another siting of the famous pav ! You are really playing with my mind ! Your stitching as always looks wonderful and how lovely to have the family gatherings !

Elyte said...

Congratulations on the pavlova success. You know that you will have to make them all the time now. It looked sensational.
Good to see you start with the sewing again, looking good.

Shirley said...

Hmm, now I am just going to have to hop on a plane and come right over to taste this pavlova. I am a bit partial too. Love the fussy cut flowers. I have my copy of Quilt Mania and it is fab. How lucky to meet Di Ford.

*karendianne. said...

Oh my! Those fussy cut appliquéd flowers are just amazing. Ama-zing. What a fun post and I smiled when I read where Nic says "please don't be long…" knowing full well from experience what happens in one of those quilt shops. hee! That dessert looks yummy. I've never heard of it.

Buddy is just too darn cute. Just never see enough of him! Joyful post. Thanks for taking the time to share.

Frances Leate said...

That pavlova is making my mouth water and glad you had a lovely family gathering. Great stitching. Take care.

Susan In Texas said...

I had it all ready what I was going to write you, then I saw the Pavlova and it wiped all other considerations out of my head. Oh my! I've never tasted one of those and now I'm drooling for it....

Oh yeah,

Phebe! Haven't seen that one in awhile. And clamshells too. 3 months is nothing to wait for an ironing board cover, mine took 12 years. lol

Take care, (still drooling)
Susan in Texas

Brandie said...

First you show us those beautiful petite flowers, which are absolutely perfect. Then you move on to gorgeous fabrics. And then leave us with our mouths watering! I'm still wiping my chin. Yummy!

Stina Blomgren said...

Wish you a fantastic new 2012...
with lots of new and wonderful projects made... at least I wish for that!! :O)

Siobhán said...

I hope you don't think of me as a pervy cougar, but I have to say--your sons are gorgeous!! ;) Your quilting is, too, though! ;) And Buddy. And the food. So there--it's all wonderful. ;)

Happy new year to you and yours, Sue-Anne!

Terry said...

Nice newsie post. The family looks good the pav is to die for and stitching as well . You are getting going this year . Well done enjoy yourself.

Meredith said...

Love your new ironing board cover. I need one. Mine is only seem by me and I cringe. Did you follow a pattern or tutorial?

Lurline said...

Beautiful applique and oh, that pavlova, may I blog about it please!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Barb said...

what a fun post! I love your fussy flowers they are lovely and your stitching is beautiful!
The photo of the kids is great and I'm speechless over the dessert. How on earth does one make one of those?
What a masterpiece.
You've inspired me to think about recovering my ironing board - it looks great.

mary-myneedlethead.blogspot.com said...

oh your Buddy is too adorable!!!! Look at that face!!! And your desert looks fabulous!!!! Hugs, Mary
Your family is really beautiful too! :)

Kiwifruit-Shiree said...

oooh I am loving the clamshells, super!!!Buddy is looking pretty darn cute too..

Leanne said...

Impressed with that Pav. It looks yummy. Your new ironing board cover will last a lot longer than one bought from the shops. Lovely family snap.

Daniëlle said...

Your little flowers are looking just great!! Love the fussy cutting you did on them!! This reminds me of my English Basket Quilt which definitely needs some stitches hihi!! Oh Donna Hay, we have a new programm here in Holland called 24Kitchen and Donna's recipes are shown every once in a while! Mouthwatering Pav!! Buddy looks great, naughty head though hihihi!! Hugs, Daniëlle

Flávia e Cristiana said...

Olá! Gostei muito de suas publicações! Um abraço.