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