Hearts and hot drinks

The weather has been on the cold and wet side this week, which is why I have spent several hours in the shed complete with hat and coat on!  I fancied making a few small things, hence these button hearts...

hang these up anywhere

I also made a paper lantern ...  

complete with fringe

Instructions for this is a tutorial over at the wonderful
  http://lolanovablog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/pretty-patchy-paper-lanterns.html

I also made a  crochet cushion cover in cheery bright colours...
 

bit of crochet

And for a bit of Winter cheer these two mug warmers, one knitted, the other   using crochet, 

tea for two

should have made the knitted one on right a bit longer!

The instructions for these can be found over at the magnificent Mollie Makes http://www.molliemakes.com/magazine/

I have just completed a years' subscription, with lots of great features, and wonderful ideas! 

A big hello to new followers and readers of my blog, much appreciated! Hope you are keeping warm, and making lots of creations,  Why don't you join me over at Handmade Monday to see the lovely things featured this week. x 

Handmade, aprons, cardigans,and hexagons

Well I was too late to post on Handmade Monday, although I did manage to take a peek at all the handmade gorgeous makes from some very talented people. Please take a look, you'll be glad you did!


I put the stripey fabric I bought at the vintage fair to good use as two large pockets on  a child's apron.

child's apron

The apron is reversible, with the flower pattern  repeated all over on the other side.

reverse side of apron

I really enjoyed making this and have already got a request for an apron with rainbows and cars on!  So I am now on another fabric hunt.

Since I included photos of seasonal apples last week, here is a  recipe for "apple crisp" a long time favourite from an old La Leche league cookbook titled "Whole foods for the Whole Family"

6 to 8 apples sliced
1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
1/3 cup of water
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup butter or oil
1/2 cup brown sugar or honey
2 tablespoons of cinnamon

Put sliced apples in buttered 9 x 13 " baking pan, or oven proof dish. Sprinkle with raisins and water Combine the rest of the ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over the apples. Bake at 350 degrees electric, or 180 gas oven, for 30 to 40 minutes, until apples are soft,  and topping is golden brown. Sere hot or cold. Delicious with ice-cream, cream, yogurt, or custard or on its own. Keeps for a couple of days in the fridge.


I finished the bright pink cardie,
and was quite pleased with the result. I added a fabric rectangle on the inside back, including a handmade with love label from Mollie Makes, then machine stitched the name. I always seem to do more knitting in the Winter.
I feel another cardie coming on, or at least a pair of fingerless mittens!

Finished cardie


I visited another exhibition at the Harris Museum and Art gallery in town, where a textile display consisting of hexagons was pieced together using fabric of importance to the maker. This was done to join in celebrations for The Preston Guild, held once every 20 years.

Pieced Hexagons

Celebrating Preston Guild

I took  the above two photos in a slightly  darkened room, on my mobile,  where  the piece was behind glass,  hence the slightly yellow appearence.

I am thinking of making a hexi cushion for the shed.
It will be delivered during the first week of November, and I am so looking forward to "doing it up". I shall be sat inside it on the first night with an oil lamp, deckchair and glass of bubbly to celebrate.. or cup of coffee and cake depending on the weather!  But that's for another post.

Thank you for reading this, I appreciate your comments, and hello to fellow followers!