Sweet Mary

Last Post

2012-02-12T12:42:00.004+13:00

Damson plums.

Amy Butler fabrics.

Last post - for a good while anyway. I have struggled with my blogging for quite a while now so have decided to give the whole thing a long break. I am not sure for how long but off the top of my head, maybe till next spring. Come back and have a look September time.

In the meantime I will be sewing and making simple quilts for the joy of making.

I may make a few damson plum crumbles too as I bought that lovely lot (top photo) at the Farmers market this morning.

Mid-Week

2012-02-02T16:24:00.007+13:00

Mid week in the Sweet Mary house and not much to blog about so I have just uploaded a few random photos. Parcels arriving at my door always cause excitment, especially when I am expecting new fabric. This little lot came from the US and is a lovely collection of reds and greys. Pretty greys, the ones I actually like, are hard to find so I am pleased with this lot. Its a grey day here today so its fitting to wash my new fabric and hang it on the line for a splash of colour. A little part of me wants to leave it there forever as I like the look.

Last night I made risotto - Jamie's recipe and I just happened to have all the items listed so only took half an hour. Maybe its in his "30 minutes" book. Anyway, this one was online and if you are interested in having a go, click HERE. I put the courgette in but actually think peas would be nicer. Be careful not to overcook as I did a wee bit. It should have more of a sloppy texture.

Lastly, a photo of the set of beautiful rose plates I bought when out on my impromptu Op-Shop trail with Nic of Nicola's Daisies and Coulter&Coulter. They are painted white glass and in excellent condition.

Patched Hearts

2012-01-26T15:20:00.006+13:00

Two patchwork lavender hearts, two of the many Sweet Mary items now for sale at Coco and Co in Hastings.
I have also listed a few more items in my Felt shop - click HERE.

The Wool Story

2012-01-24T16:49:00.008+13:00

Te Koha organic, biodynamic wool, fresh from the sheep.

Cleaning and sorting the wool to use in my lavender and wool filled pincushions, see the previous post.

One gorgeous pile of the softest, sweetest smelling wool for me to use.

Now to the story which my friend Bev, of "French Street Plum Jam" fame, told me last week. I have typed it out exactly as it was written:

I was five years old when my mum invited me and my five siblings to go wool picking and the wool would be made into half-quilts for our beds.

Mum would make a picnic of fresh homemade bread, butter from our churn and delicious plum jam made into sandwiches and a bottle of cordial for each child which we stuffed into our leather school bags and slung over our shoulders. In our hand we each carried a sugar sack to gather our wool in.

We walked up hills and around the fence lines picking the wool off the barbed wire fences where the sheep had stopped to scratch, leaving behind little tufts of wool snagged on the sharp wire. The sugar sacks quickly filled with wool and for the smaller children the sack was heavy to carry but the thought of stopping soon for the picnic spurned us on.

Time for lunch and how we scoffed those delicious gooey sandwiches, licking the last of the jam off the wrapping paper, the jam staining our lips. The cordial had already been opened earlier as we had got thirsty so we finished off the last of it.

Some time later Mum said it was time to get going home as Dad would be home from his farming chores and be wanting his tea. It was hard to get going again as the nearly full sacks were heavy and it was harder to pull them back to the homestead. It was a slow walk now.

Next day Mum handwashed the wool with soap and hung it in the sun to dry then combed it to fluff it up, making it bulkier. Mum cut up squares of leftover material that had been gathered over the years - pretty florals, old curtains, too-small dresses all cut to perfect squares with no pattern in mind to make half-quilts for the girls. Little embroidered rosebuds scattered over the plain material embellished some patches and these were all sewn together and stuffed fat with the wool to put on our beds.

The boy's quilts were more masculine looking made with coarse cotton, khaki serge and even pieces of old blankets and how thrilled they were with the warmth on those frosty, frosty nights.

Thankyou Mum.

I love that story, thanks for sharing it Bev.

Coco and Co

2012-01-20T17:25:00.009+13:00

If you walk down to the left, outside Bay Espresso in Hastings city centre (Market St. South) you will find a fabulous shop called Coco and Co. Its the latest venture by Jess and Jo of Fruit Bowl Craft Jam.

The contents are an eclectic mix of vintage and vintage style homewares, clothes, gifts, toys etc.

There is just so much to look at and bring a smile to your face.

Shop hours are 10-3 on Thurs,Fri and Sat. each week. Click HERE to see the website.

From late next week I will have some Sweet Mary products for sale at Coco and Co., including these beautiful pincushions stuffed with wool and lavender. There is more of a story about the wool but that is for my next post in a day or two.

Jam Making

2012-01-17T08:07:00.007+13:00

Yesterday turned into a jam making day as I had not been able to resist these two pots of freshly picked blackcurrants at our local organic growers shop. Click HERE to go to their website where they also have a link to a short YouTube video - the little shop is right at the end of the video. I call in every few days to see what they have and if you go there, buy the juice, its delicious. They also have wonderful looking garlic at the moment and apple cider vinegar. I love that little shop.

I used THIS recipe but cut it down to quarter measures as I only had 500gms of blackcurrants.

I also used raw sugar as thats what I have and didn't do the initial washing, just picked them over followed by a quick rinse. Warm homemade jam is something else and I know this because I ate quite a bit of it yesterday.

Monday Morning

2012-01-16T10:15:00.006+13:00

Its Monday morning and fortified by one of my husband's excellent coffees, I am now at my computer writing this. My favourite beans are Mojo from Wellington and my personal barista produces a fantastic cup every time on a very basic machine. Nothing fancy here, its all done in the hands of a natural coffee extractor. Although, I did give him a burr grinder for Christmas which has improved the brew and the authentic sounds within the coffee lovers home.

Yesterday I made two new Sweet Mary hearts, lavender filled, to put in my Felt shop. Click HERE to have a look.

Whilst finishing the lavender hearts with some hand stitching I decided to watch this DVD I had bought a while back. Sophie Dahl is famous in her own right but what most attracted me initially was the memory of the wonderful books that her very famous grandfather wrote. We all loved these books as our children were growing up, not only to read but to play on long car journeys. The joys of the BFG ! The D.M.D's DVD was gorgeous as only the delicious Miss Dahl could be but what I enjoyed the most and kept rewinding to look again were the views into her "vintage" home. A delight.

Strawberry Love

2012-01-13T12:29:00.008+13:00

Remember when I planted up my strawberry bags last November? Well, here are the strawberries, growing well, fruiting fairly well and tasting very, very good. I pick about this amount each day which is enough to top our breakfast muesli or add to a fruit salad after dinner.

The very pink bags faded quickly in the sun and of course were pretty soon covered in the greenery. It was a great idea to put the bags on top of the old day bed and my husband artfully arranged bamboo sticks around to hold the bird proof netting.

All this "strawberriness" puts me in mind to make something for my Felt shop (see Felt icon to the right) but I will need the weekend to think about what that might be. So, have a happy two days and see you back here next week.

Tablecloths

2012-01-12T16:46:00.004+13:00

I have just listed some tablecloths for sale in my Felt shop - click HERE to have a look.

Balmy Nights

2012-01-11T19:45:00.003+13:00

The really excellent thing about hot days is that they often end in balmy nights. Less than an hour ago we sat down to this meal in our garden and unlike last night, the flies stayed away this time. Maybe they prefer steak to chicken. Or could it be the two delightful but odorous young men who shared the meal with us!!!

New Beginnings

2012-01-03T11:35:00.004+13:00

Happy New Year to you all - family, friends and fellow bloggers.

I do get excited by the beginning of a new year. Its the sense of all the new things you may do or even just think about, a sense of positivity and what may be. Weirdly, I get a similar feeling on Friday nights, thinking about the weekend to come.
We had a busy but fun Christmas with family and friends joining us in the celebrations. Probably a little too much to eat and drink but so nice to sit around and talk and laugh. I personally received all my favourites as presents: books, craft magazines, fabric, Christmas decos, candles, soap and hand cream. Oh, and bubbly and pretty coloured glasses to drink said bubbles from. My husband gave me a new outside chair which lasted 3 days in the rain before the paint started to peel so that went back to the "big red box" for a refund. Refund was then spent at the garden centre on new plants for the garden so not a bad outcome. I'm happy.

Sweetness

2011-12-15T16:26:00.010+13:00

I didn't think I would get another post done before Christmas but here I am again. As I knew it was going to be a rainy day today, I picked all the sweetpeas and filled four vases with their beautiful colours and country garden scent.

Later on in the morning I found Annie tucked under the hydrangeas and pink yarrow. She looked so sweet, all wound up in a ball but came out to see me the second I bent down to take the photo. Still sweet though

I have had a wee run of sales from my Felt shop recently so have just listed two more items including these sweet clothes hangers. Click here to have a look.

For those who don't know, except for the odd one which I will inform you about, I will not be running my Sweet Mary stall at markets from now on. Mainly I will sell online through my Felt shop - click the Felt icon, up a bit on the right.

Christmas

2011-12-13T15:31:00.003+13:00

Okay, I have to own up to neglecting my blog and today only posting one photo (a pretty one though!). No excuses, have just had other stuff to do.
So, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and I will come back in the New Year - have a good one.

Also, just listed a couple of more items to sell in my Felt shop. Click here to view.

Sweet Mary News

2011-11-24T21:01:00.004+13:00

This Saturday, the monthly Craft&Design Market held outside Hawthorne coffee shop, 23 Napier Road in Havelock North takes place between 9am and 12.30pm. It will be the last time for the foreseeable future that I will run my Sweet Mary stall of vintage style handmade crafts. I will still sell Sweet Mary but online only, initially through my Felt site. Click here.
As Saturday will be my last day, everything on the stall will be reduced by 25% for that market day only. Please call by and pick up a bargain, maybe something pretty for yourself or a Christmas present for a friend or family member.

Getting Ready

2011-11-14T10:43:00.010+13:00

Its a rainy day here in Hawkes Bay but the rain and the greyness does cast a certain light that I quite like. Most people would say it was dull but to me it looks a little bit silvery. I can think these happy thoughts knowing that we don't have too many of these "silver" days in our region and after checking on the internet, it will be a sunny warm day tomorrow. In the courtyard, the strawberries are now netted under the "bridal veil" against our resident blackbird family. The sweetpeas are growing up the fence around the apple "stick" which will eventually morph into an espaliered apple tree and I have cut back the rose blooms to encourage new blooms for Christmas. A bit of finger crossing is going on around here.

I have been making more bunting and there are two new ones listed in my Felt shop. Please click HERE if you would like to have a peek.

And right now, I am about to do my final pack up of Sweet Mary handmades to take along to the Cross Hills Country Fair - please click HERE if you would like details. Its a big one!

My friend Nic of Coulter&Coulter will be sharing a gazebo space with me so if you are in the area, come and say hello.

Felt

2011-11-07T14:20:00.002+13:00

I have just added some handmade items to my Felt Shop.
Click HERE if you would like a look.

Bunting

2011-10-29T10:42:00.007+13:00

Yesterday I made bunting for my daughter. I love making bunting especially when you just mix up the colours, no particular theme, it just has to look vintage and gorgeous.

I like it a lot and think I may make some more this weekend and list it on my Felt site next week which has been woefully empty for a while. I can feel a Christmas theme coming on.

My pot of ranunculas have flowered their little hearts out for months now and deserve to be in my blog as a reminder to SMILE! Have a good weekend x

My Garden at Dusk

2011-10-26T14:36:00.009+13:00

Pretty Things

2011-10-19T14:22:00.010+13:00

Three fabric covered wire clothes hangers - so far I only have one set of these to sell. They are the sort of hangers that would be ideal to hang flimsy or strappy clothes from as the cotton fabric stops them slipping off.

The clever couple who are Coulter&Coulter, hand printed lavender stalks onto this soft cotton fabric. I have made lavender filled sachets with this beautiful print (thanks Nic!)and backed them with squares of vintage barkcloth and wrapped them for market in stacks of three.

Don't forget!
Craft&Design Market 4, held around Hawthorne coffee, 23 Napier Road.

Saturday 22nd October.

9.00am - 12.30pm.

CASHandCHEQUEonly.

Finished

2011-10-17T19:23:00.005+13:00

Today I decided, was the day to finish my quilt.Not an obvious thing to do when there are many other needy projects to finish especially with the Craft&Design Market in Havelock North happening this Saturday. See details on the right. I don't use basting pins but prefer to baste my quilt sandwich with a brightly coloured thread. I find this the easiest way as I also prefer not to use a quilting hoop. So, out came the emerald green thread which I rather liked.

Next, I pulled out my collection of leftover or unused binding strips and found I had just enough of my favourite Cath Kidston. It is a blue paisley that Ikea had in stock sbout 10 years ago.

Bound, washed and drying in our sunny Hawkes Bay day. Finished off for five minutes in the dryer to get the "vintage" look I like and its now on our bed. Its the first bed quilt I have actually made for myself and my husband.

2011-10-10T17:43:00.006+13:00

My sewing table over the weekend while making treasures for my Sweet Mary stall and yes, some of them are for Christmas!

These lavender pillows (15x15cm) are filled only with New Zealand grown lavender rubbings from Hauiti Lavender Farm. Made with Cath Kidston fabric topped with vintage lace and embroidered heart, they have a red with white spot base fabric.
These pillows would make a lovely Christmas present for a special friend or family member, to scent the bedroom and help with a peaceful sleep.

I only have 5, so if you just have to have one, make sure you come along to the next Craft and Design Market at Hawthorne coffee shop in Havelock North.

It will be on Saturday 22nd October, 9-12.30pm.

And finally, a bit of prettiness to make you smile. SMILE!

Craft&Design in Havelock North

2011-09-26T15:26:00.014+13:00

Myself and daughter on my Sweet Mary stall

Nic of Coulter and Coulter

Birdhouses from Perry Davies

Beautiful Carabana Vintage Skirts by Sally.

Another successful market - date of next one is: Saturday 22nd October

Break Time

2011-09-12T07:11:00.003+12:00

I am having a two week break but I will be at the Craft&Design Market at Hawthorne coffee shop in Havelock North on Saturday, September 24th. See you there!

Springtime at The Farm

2011-09-04T16:18:00.015+12:00

Last week I joined a group of friends who were going out to The Farm at Cape Kidnappers to have a set afternoon tea. If you would like to know more about this beautiful Hawkes Bay venue click here - all the information and lots of good photos.

There are a series of "common"rooms for guests to use and as the conservatory had the best views over the Pacific ocean we gathered at one end around the comfy sofas. It was a stunning spring day even though officially spring was due to start the next day.

We choose our individual teas from a varied selection and then waited (not long!) for the incredibly delicious food to arrive.

I can happily tell you that the chocolate maccaroon was mouth wateringly good, followed closely by the smoked salmon sandwiches. I am still thinking about them a few days later.

Another beautiful "common" room.

I took this photo from the comfort of my soft seat while eating my near perfect afternoon tea. I say near perfect because, to me, afternoon tea should include a hot savoury such as a small quiche or mince pie as well as sandwiches. Just a small thing and really did not detract at all from the joy of this highly recommended treat.

Click here to see how Catherine celebrates spring and the gorgeous tea party for two she and her husband shared in their garden.

Vintage Linen

2011-08-26T14:29:00.005+12:00

For the last few days I have been washing, ironing and sorting through my stash of vintage linen. Its an eclectic (or just mad!) mix of inherited pieces and collected by me along the way.
After this weekend I will probably have more.
I am in Auckland over the next few days to see my dear friend Kate and to go to the Vintage Textile Fair. We went for the first time last year and loved it so much we have made a date to go every year if possible. I have my comfy shoes, clothes and backpack packed as its pretty crowded with ladies on a mission. Can't wait.
I may have to make something with my linen stash and thought this idea was pretty perfect.

Thinking ahead ...

2011-08-23T14:02:00.006+12:00

If all goes well these gorgeously pink bags should be brimming with strawberries come summer and especially bountiful for the Christmas table. After dreaming about the trailing harvest to come I decided to raise the bags well off the ground so have sat them on the old day bed. Just what it was made for! Come to think of it, the day bed shape will be handy when I have to net the strawbs from the birds.My husband thinks the bags are a "bit pink" but I have convinced him that the pink will look pretty peeping out from underneath the greenery to come.

There were three strawberry plant choices at the garden centre and after reading the decriptions I settled for Supreme which apparently like fairly tight packing which is just what they have got.

Market and Making

2011-08-17T09:29:00.005+12:00

I have been making oilcloth noticeboards for Sweet Mary although the one below is a special present for my daughter. She has a bit of a black and white theme going on in her bedroom so when I was gifted this gorgeous piece of fabric I had a fair idea what I was going to use it for.
Hope she likes it!

I am away for a few days so a friend is going to run my Sweet Mary stall this Saturday. She is Nic from Coulter&Coulter and will have her stall right next to mine at the:

Craft&Design Market:

Saturday, 20th August

9.00am - 12.30pm

around Hawthorne coffee shop, 23 Napier Rd, Havelock Nth

Cash and Cheques only

Reading

2011-08-09T11:55:00.004+12:00

For the past few days I have been reading. My friend Kerry has written a book and I asked if I could read it. Once I started, I could hardly put it down so just gave in and every spare moment I have been engrossed in the story. Its good and I really hope she can get it published.
Maisy, aka blanket or cushion girl was happy to keep me company.

Good Stuff

2011-08-05T10:33:00.004+12:00

Just picked up the new cards for this month's Craft&Design Market at Hawthorne coffee shop in Havelock North.
Double click (maybe a double click) on the above photo and you should be able to read the list of stall holders who will be there including myself of course and my friend Nic from Coulter and Coulter. It will be the first public outing for the beautiful products that Nic and her husband produce. Fe of Global Piece organises this event and although this is only the second market it promises to be a "must do" village experience.

Sunny Winter's Day

2011-08-01T12:10:00.014+12:00

This morning we had a frosty start that has turned into a beautiful sunny Hawke's Bay day. Something in the air sent me into a frenzy of washing. These new fabrics are from Tone Finnanger's Tilda range and you can buy them here. I am not sure what I will use them for yet but that is always how I operate, buy the fabric first, look at it for ages then decide how I will use it.

I have finally finished covering most of the garden with a layer of peahay/lucerne mix. Its an excellent soil conditioner and as I was unsure how often the soil had been fed in the past I thought it would be a good idea to lay it down. The above bed has a lot of clay so I am adding as much mulch and feed as I can get my hands on in the hope that I will have more success with my cottage garden look this spring and summer.

This vegetable bed will also need an overhaul in the spring but over this winter has been producing a nice range of herbs, lettuce, chard and cavelo nero to keep the two of us happy and healthy.

Random Stuff

2011-07-27T10:09:00.006+12:00

I thought it was time for another beautiful photo of Annie. Not much more to say as the photo does it all. Biased - moi?

Muscari flowers popping their heads up in the middle of our fairly mild winter and now that I look at this photo, I think its time to remove the cat repelling sticks.

We have sunny days again after the wet weekend so not so much of the quiting this week and more of the continuous garden tidy-up.

When I say not so much I actually mean not all day, just an hour here and there but okay to go full out at night time.

I love using the embroidery thread and really love the "vintage look" it gives the quilt. Traditional small even stitches look beautiful but for me this method is easy to achieve and a very relaxing way to stitch.

Nearly forgot - the tree below was decorated by two little boys who visited our house over the weekend. The tree, undecorated except for the lights was still standing after our mid-winter Christmas meal the week before.

Amazing what you can do with a jar of ribbons and a basket of pegs !

Have a good week x

The Quilt

2011-07-22T13:30:00.010+12:00

This morning as I listened to the weather report for the next few days and realised that I would probably not be finishing those last few jobs in the garden, I quickly realised that a rainy weekend would be the ideal time to sit and quilt, maybe get a few good DVDs in as well.
Back in May I blogged about the delights of the "five inch square" and the simple but colourful quilt I was making with these squares. Yesterday I layered the quilt sandwich and basted it with bright green thread, figuring the green would stand out amongst all that colour.
This afternoon I will start on the hand quilting with embroidery thread which is a first for me. I got the idea from here and have decided it will give that vintage look that I so love about hand stitched quilts, especially after they are washed and get that "pumfy" look.

Sunny and Cold with a Big Helping of Craft and Design

2011-07-17T11:23:00.005+12:00

I took part in a very successful Craft & Design Market in Havelock North yesterday. Thankyou to Fe (organiser) and all who braved the very cold morning to come by, shop and say hello. Luckily it was sunny as we were under the eaves but still outdoors - all around Hawthorne Coffee. The next market will be in approx. 4 weeks and I will confirm the date on my blog nearer the time.

A NEW Craft&Design Market

2011-07-14T14:12:00.007+12:00

Hi everyone! I have had an awful cold all week, sniffing and snorting all over the place but not on anything crafty I hasten to add. So nothing much to take photos of except this gorgeous display just outside the living room window.
Cold or not I will have my Sweet Mary stall at this event in Havelock North on Saturday:
CRAFT&DESIGN MARKET
at HAWTHORNE coffee shop
23 Napier Road, Havelock North
9.30am - 12.30pm
Saturday,16th July
Cash and cheques only. In support of Women's Refuge.
Lots of great stalls including: Perry Davies (birdhouses), Homebase Collections, Now & Then, Spats-boots NZ ...

Hearts to Eat

2011-07-08T17:37:00.003+12:00

The French Baker of Greytown fame has opened Ya Bon Cafe in Hastings and I am very happy about that. My friend Bev of "French Street Jam" fame called by today with these beautiful heart shaped Palmiers for us to share over a tea and chat.
Tomorrow, weather permitting I will have my Sweet Mary stall at the Art&Craft Market in the Village Court, Havelock North.
It starts at 9am and finishes early afternoon.

Today

2011-07-06T14:17:00.002+12:00

Today I am very happy because the wallpaper that I bought two years ago has finally found a home. At this very moment a very nice man is hanging this prettiness. I keep popping my head around the corner to have another peek.

Frost

2011-07-05T15:57:00.003+12:00

Yesterday, after a cold night we awoke to a light frost tingeing some of the plants in our garden. It all looked very pretty and I was quite glad as my vegetable garden has been plagued with unwanted bugs throughout our mild Hawkes Bay autumn.
Thankyou all who came out on a grey Saturday afternoon to the Ladies Shopping Event at 'Endsleigh'in Havelock North. Its always nice to see familiar faces and to meet new friends. Not a big sales day for me but you can't have everything!
My Sweet Mary stall will be in the Village Court, Havelock North this Saturday.
I will post details later in the week.

Patchwork Hearts

2011-06-24T16:52:00.004+12:00

I have been making patchworks hearts this week in pretty colours and fabrics.
These new Sweet Mary handmades will be for sale at the "Ladies Shopping Afternoon", details below.

Ladies Shopping Afternoon, Saturday July 2nd, 2 -4pm

"Endsleigh"

16 Given Street

Havelock North

Remember:
Cash/Cheque only. No EFTPOS.

Shed Sale

2011-06-20T14:33:00.007+12:00

Here is something that you might like to do:

The Shed Sale:

Furniture & Decorative Items at The Shed,

430 Napier Road.

Fri 1st July 10 -2pm

Sat 2nd July 10 - 2pm

Previously loved vintage pieces.

NO Eftpos, Cash or Cheque only.

Spot the difference ?

2011-06-12T12:38:00.006+12:00

Lacking something...

Much better.

As a stall holder at the Art&Craft market yesterday it was lovely to see so many people visiting and shopping. Keep coming and so will we!

Pincushions for market

2011-06-10T12:21:00.008+12:00

I have been making pincushins. A patchwork top and a stripe or check bottom. They are filled with wool and lavender and finished with a vintage style button. All packed up and ready for:

The Art&Craft Market tomorrow, 11th June, 9am - 2pm.
It is held on the 2nd Saturday of the month in the Village Court, Havelock North.

I may not be there every month but will always post on my blog when I am.

Also, as my product depends on fine weather, I cannot attend if it is raining.

The forecast for tomorrow is fine and sunny!

Break Time Over

2011-06-09T13:29:00.007+12:00

Hi everyone ! I am back and really enjoyed my break. I have been catching up with lots of crafty things and one was to edge this lovely dotty oilcloth for my mum's dining table. You can buy oilcloth fabric by the metre in Havelock North this Saturday 11th June from Anna who runs her Dotty Oilcloth stall at the Art & Craft Market in the Village Court. Anna sells oilcloth bags and doorstops and you can order the cloth from her there, to pick up a day or two later. All very easy and so pretty in taupe, soft blue and raspberry red.
Click here for hints on how to sew oilcloth if you want to edge your own.

Also, this is a message to my fellow bloggers. I am sorry I am not commenting at the moment. I have a problem. Not sure what it is but I just can't get some comments to be accepted. As soon as its fixed you will know!
Hannah - I appreciated your lovely comments and hope you are having a good time. x

Mini Blog Break

2011-05-23T12:19:00.003+12:00

I feel like a wee break from blogging, just for a few weeks, maybe three. So come back again, sometime in June.

Announcing !!!

2011-05-17T14:56:00.003+12:00

Please click here and have a look at the beginning of Coulter and Coulter, a design team to watch.
My friends, Nic and Peter are the brains behind this very exciting enterprise.

Tablecloths

2011-05-12T15:23:00.000+12:00

This is my favourite tablecloth and today I edged it with this beautiful Liberty fabric bias binding. To my eye it sets it off beautifully.

This is my favourite corner of my favourite tablecloth - imagine living there!

I have four tablecloths in this collection and only one left to embellish: the sweet rose on blue dot given to me recently from Nicola.

Don't forget the Art and Craft Market in the Village Court, Havelock North.

Saturday 14th, 9am - 2pm.

Art & Craft Market

2011-05-04T15:28:00.003+12:00

Just found out about this art and craft market that has started up in Havelock North on the 2nd Saturday of the month - next one on the 14th May. I am hoping to run a Sweet Mary stall there in June.

The Five Inch Square

2011-05-02T13:40:00.011+12:00

The five inch square can be a wondrous thing especially when you have the fabric stash to supply many five inch squares - 256 to be precise. Except for the sample quilt that hangs above our bed, I have never actually made a quilt for my honey and me. Thats not to say that I haven't made a fair few quilts over the years but always for others but this one is all mine (or ours).

The colour plan I started out with soon gave way to squares cut from all my favourite fabrics with a few scraps (lots of memory scraps) thrown in because they needed using. I staggered the cutting out over the last month or so inbetween other stuff going on. I sewed in strips randomly putting in what I wanted but making sure I spread the red around as I figured that would be the dominant colour.

All sewn together and white borders added, ready to sandwich together with the filling and backing. I like to hand quilt in the ditch and for the first time will do this with embroidery thread. I will let you know how I get on at a later date.

I received this lovely book last week for my birthday and was delighted to find this "recipe" for a Vintage Linens Quilt inside and even more delighted to realise it was a pretty close match to the vintage quilt I bought last year at the wonderful Vintage Textile Fair.

Remember to left click on any photo to enlarge.

Will and Kate

2011-04-29T10:42:00.003+12:00

I can't tell you about my "fabric thing" today as I have to get ready to watch THE wedding. So I am leaving you with a photo of the Royal Wedding teatowel that was kindly sent to me by my friend. Thanks Maddie! Will be back over the weekend sometime.

Happy Easter !

2011-04-22T11:36:00.005+12:00

I will be back next week to show you what I have been doing for the last few weeks. As usual it involves fabric, scissors, thread. etc. etc. etc.

Double left click on the photo if you want to see what those pesky caterpillars have done to my geranium leaves.

Sweet Mary Stuff

2011-04-10T14:37:00.008+12:00

Making and........

made.

One order finished and already delivered to Redcurrent in Havelock North.

Mirror Love

2011-04-04T14:52:00.008+12:00

I love these old mirrors and was truly amazed by the magnificent collection in the Mirabelle Cafe on the high street in Carterton. The photo probably only shows a third of what is on display. We stopped there for lunch last week and I had a serious case of mirror envy while eating my delicious French bistro style lunch. If not to see the mirrors at least drop by for something very good to eat. Click above, on the name, for a link.

And this is my sparse collection!

Over the past 3 years I have only found three that have been in good enough condition to buy and one kind donation from a friend.

The beautiful heart shaped one below hangs in the holiday home we sometimes stay at in the Wairarapa. Naturally I covet it and hope that I will find my own, one of these days.

Pretty

2011-03-30T15:33:00.004+13:00

Pottering and making presents for friends on another gorgeous autumn day. The afternoon light in the garden and through the open door is amazing.

An Autumn Day

2011-03-28T17:16:00.012+13:00

A lovely autumn day, just right to plant up a few pots of spring bulbs with "guard" satay sticks included. My cats love fresh soil to dig in so I must protect, but the sticks will also provide an extra bonus as supports when the bulbs are up and thinking about falling sideways.

An autumn lunch was also had. Bread from Entice, Gernot's morello cherry jam, walnuts and a golden queen peach. all from our excellent Farmers Market. Blue cheese is Kapiti Kikorangi, my favourite.

The girls thought it was the perfect day to sleep...alot.

Mum

2011-03-18T14:51:00.019+13:00

A friend kindly gave me her lavender clippings from a tidy up day in her garden. I was delighted with the large bag of already dry English lavender as its my preference to use this lavender in Sweet Mary products. It drys hard as opposed to the soft but 'oh so beautiful' French lavender and has the most intense fragrance. I have not yet planted lavender in my new garden and although happily using quality rubbings from here, I am very pleased to have this local lavender in my stash.

My mum is visiting for a few weeks and because of her macular degeneration finds her creative urges very curtailed. Its hard to see detail so no more fabulous paintings, sewing her own clothes or embroidery but I think the worst thing is not being able to read a book. Vision Australia have provided her with a DAISY machine so she can listen to talking books. She is listening to The Book Thief this week and I find myself hanging around to listen as well - its very addictive. While listening she has been stripping the dried lavender from the stalks and has nearly filled a the large red bowl.

I took this photo of one of the many paintings that decorate my home, all of them painted by my mother. Its of the lavender fields in Jersey and she has put my children (as toddlers) in it, harvesting lavender. It's a treasured painting, as are each and every one of them.

This week I listed a Heart cushion for sale on the NZ craft site, Felt. Click here to have a look. I can send overseas, the postage is very reasonable, just ask.

The Spare Room

2011-03-03T16:49:00.004+13:00

My mum is arriving tomorrow to stay for a few weeks of R&R, so the spare room has been transformed from a dingy coloured boy's room to a peaceful retreat. Its all been done in a week with the help of my friend Bev who is a wall painter supremo, my husband who painted the old pine bed and me to do the other stuff.

Its now light and airy and waiting for mum who may just re-arrange everything!

The Christchurch Earthquake

2011-02-25T19:09:00.006+13:00

I have been so sad all week and really don't feel like writing this but would just like to direct you to two very good blog posts that have been written about the devastating February 22nd Christchurch Earthquake. If you would like to donate money please read this post and follow the link. Click here for the other heartfelt post, its what I would have written if I could.

Art Deco Weekend

2011-02-20T15:29:00.007+13:00

Its Art Deco weekend in Napier again.
Lots of pretty ladies and vintage cars to look at on a perfect sunny Hawkes Bay day.

Hearts

2011-02-08T15:12:00.007+13:00

A pretty lavender heart made up from scraps of the fabrics below. A friend in the UK requested that I make some Sweet Mary hearts from these special bits of fabric cut from favourite items of clothing. This is the easy way to order many lavender hearts - I make them and the buyer fills them with lavender local to their area.
I made the filled heart as a thankyou for the order.

Below - three filled hearts for sale in my Etsy shop. Click on the Etsy icon to the right.

Tomato Chilli Jam

2011-02-02T12:42:00.006+13:00

There are lots and lots of cherry tomatoes growing in our garden so I knew it was time to make Tomato Chilli Jam again. I first blogged about this delicious recipe nearly two years ago. I cut the recipe out of a local newspaper but I think it originally came from a book called Grow It, Cook It by Sally Cameron.

Its really easy to make and absolutely delicious with cheese and well, just about anything really.

Here is the recipe: Makes 4 x 330g jars or 6 smaller ones.

4 fresh red chillies

1 kg cherry tomatoes

1 kg sugar

2 lemons, grated zest and juice.

1 tso sweet paprika

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

Deseed and chop chillies - wear disposable food gloves and clean knife and board well after use.

Put tomatoes, sugar, zest and juice in a large heavy based pot.

Bring to boil slowly, stirring and simmer 5 mins.

Stir in chilli, paprika and balsamic vinegar.

Return to rolling boil, stir every so often, for 30 mins.

You can test for setting point here but I don't as the 30 mins seems about right.

Remove from heat, let settle few minutes. I add a small knob of butter to absorb any residual foam.

Ladle into hot sterilised jars and seal - I found these cute jars in a local shop.

Ready to eat when you are!

Cooler Days with Colour

2011-01-22T15:29:00.012+13:00

On a wet day the different shades of green in the garden are highlighted by the rain and seem to shimmer... my eyes are drawn to it throughout the day. It makes me dreamy and thoughtful.
I am not keen on the very hot days we have had recently here in Hawkes Bay so these few days of rain are much enjoyed before the heat returns.

More colour to feast on in the form of Amy Butler fabric pieces that have arrived very promptly from here along with a charm pack of Tilda fabric by designer Tone Finnanger.

With the cooler weather I have been able to complete my summer project ( a secret for the meantime) and also list a few items in my Felt shop and Etsy shop. Either click on those words to take you there or use the links on the right side of this blog. I have also updated the look of my blog with the help of my multi-talented daughter and very pleased with the look so far, with just one or two improvements yet to be made.

Jess's Bread

2011-01-13T11:06:00.005+13:00

Look at the beautiful foccaccia bread and rustic rolls that my daughter made for us yesterday! She used the Basic Bread Recipe from Jamie Oliver's Happy Days with the Naked Chef. Using Jamie's recipe was not a surprise as said daughter just loves Jamie.

New Post for a New Year

2011-01-12T13:02:00.005+13:00

I am easing in slowly to this new year of 2011- hope its a good one for you all. Since my last post before Christmas my time has been spent totally immersed in family time. We had visitors for Christmas including our daughter as the BIG bonus, home, just in time for the 25th. All the way from London but via Manchester to make sure she got a flight out of the UK after terrible weather had closed Heathrow airport. After the initial flurry and excitement we have settled into mooching about quite happily. Lots of baking has been done and as I write this I am awaiting home baked bread from the oven. Since leaving home and coming back again our daughter has surprisingly turned into quite an impressive cook.
The above photo was taken a few days ago at the end of a very hot day - I think the temperature hit 33 celcius. A nearly finished bottle of home-made elderflower cordial, plums just bought from the local organic roadside stall, an empty punnet of strawberries, the last of the sweet peas, prawns defrosting for paella and plum muffins cooling.
A picture of our lazy summer day.

Best Wishes

2010-12-16T17:35:00.002+13:00

Its time for me to sign off for the year and wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for all the comments over the past year and thanks also to the lovely people who visit me on my Sweet Mary stalls. Your continued support is most welcome.
Have a good one!

Makers Market Weekend

2010-12-08T16:31:00.017+13:00

Looking out from the back of my stall at the beginning of the Fruit Bowl Craft Jam, aka the Makers Market last weekend. It was held in the open plaza space betwwen the Hawkes Bay Opera House and Opera Kitchen cafe. A great venue and a really enjoyable community event. The locals supported it well with a constant stream of people who enjoyed the wonderful array of quality hand made crafts, excellent coffee and food and entertaining buskers.

I managed to get a few photos of one or two stalls:

Jess and Jo organised the event and Jo even managed to set up her stall to display and sell her wares.

Iris from Secret Garden Crafts makes the most beautiful spun wool creatures and further down the line is Jessica of Furchin who is featured in the latest issue of Extra Curricular.

The most amazing wallpapers were displayed alongside Liz's carnival fan magnets.

After the two day event, the only thing that we could possibly eat for dinner was Pipi pizza and next to perfection it was. Anything in a box this pink just had to be good.

Makers Market

2010-12-02T13:53:00.005+13:00

For those of you who can't make it to the Makers Market in Hastings this weekend I have listed a few Christmassy things on Felt today. Click here to have a look.

The Makers Market will run from 12 midday until 5pm, Saturday and Sunday, the 4th and 5th December. It is being held in the "outdoor" area of the Hawkes Bay Opera House in Hastings.

Cherry Jam and ...

2010-11-29T16:59:00.008+13:00

The cherries from Plum Cottage on Brookvale Road are very delicious and definitely our local favourites. I dropped in last week and bought a large bag of seconds for $10 which looked pretty perfect to me. There were too many for us to eat before they were not at their best so I decided to make Cherry Jam. Normally I would sit down and look through my recipe books but as I was a bit pressed for time I googled a recipe instead. Click here.

Its a messy job so cover up well if you decide to make some. I managed to get cherry juice all over some paper work that I thought was well out of range. An hour later I had two beautiful pots of cherry jam to pop away. One for me and one for a special friend.

Most of the past weekend was taken up with finishing the last of a big order for Redcurrent. Today I am back to making Sweet Mary goodies in preparation for my last stall for the year at the two day Makers Market this weekend at the Hawkes Bay Opera House. .

See top left, click on the link and the details will pop up!

This Evening

2010-11-19T20:41:00.004+13:00

Its been a hot, hot day, too hot really to be sitting inside at my sewing machine. I stopped though, around six to have a cool shower then a glass of wine.
After dinner, we sat outside to have our coffee and to admire the roses I picked from the garden a few moments before.

Holly Trail Fete

2010-11-18T12:22:00.009+13:00

A week ago I was all set up and waiting for the start of the Hospice Holly Trail Fete which was held at one of the beautiful gardens and homes open to ticket holders. The fete ran for the three days of the trail and was a great success as usual. There were about 30 stalls with a mixture of food, crafts and homewares. Not everything is home-made but its all of a high quality and a fun shopping experience for the mainly female shoppers!

I sold a few of these and lots of those (below).

One of my five Heart cushions sold so I have a few left for my next two Sweet Mary stalls. I am so pleased with my cushions that I will be very happy to keep them if they don't sell. Thats the nice thing about making stuff that you would love yourself.

I will be at the Hawkes Bay Design Market this Sunday. It starts at 9.30a.m. and is being held at Ormlie Lodge. See the link, top left of my blog.

Pop-up Shop

2010-11-09T13:03:00.003+13:00

I called by to buy some fruit from Catherine today and she handed me this beautifully illustrated leaflet with details of a Pop-up shop. Its on for ONE day only, this Saturday,double click the photo to make it bigger and find out more. I will be running a Sweet Mary stall at the Holly Trail so won't be able to make it - drat!

November already?

2010-11-05T12:51:00.005+13:00

Making Christmas hearts to deliver to Redcurrent in Havelock North. The heavy cotton fabric used for the front is printed with colourful holly leaves and berries. Bright green ribbon, red spot fabric and a Merry Christmas label complete the look. Nearly forgot to mention - they are filled, as always, with New Zealand grown lavender. These hearts will only be available in Redcurrent, Havelock North and not on my Sweet Mary stalls.

At the end of my working day, I wandered around the garden and took a few photos. My husband had picked broad beans from the garden and was podding them at the garden table. We had them later for dinner as part of a pasta dish with red peppers, bacon and mushrooms.

I find these thrown together meals can often be the most delicious ones ( occasionally not!).

Not a great photo to show the bronze to salmon pink colours of these Westerland roses. I love the rich green parsley and red geraniums underneath. This is the view I have from the kitchen window and it is a very pretty one. The wooden satay sticks dotted through the border are a great discouragement to our cats using it as their toilet!

This is my baby, Annie checking out the smells on my skirt while doing a bit of wrapping fluffy body around legs. Multi tasking.
Back to the sewing machine to finish off a few more things for my stall at the Holly Trail next week.

See top left for a link.

October Event

2010-10-15T19:33:00.004+13:00

For the last few days I have been making cushions and so pleased am I with the result that I want to keep them all but instead they will be for sale at the October Event.
This event has now been and gone - thank you to everyone who came along, shopped and chatted.

Flower and Light

2010-10-04T13:28:00.005+13:00

Bit busy sewing at the moment, leading up to my run of craft fairs in November. I did find time however to make two small flowery cushions to sit behind the truly beautiful ones that my mother embroidered many years ago. I have had them hidden away for years due to young children and mucky hands but now is the time for them to sit proudly on the settee.

This week I am making many, many, Sweet Mary 'Sleep Hearts' for my stall. Lavender filled hearts to pop under your pillowslip or leave on top to decorate the pillow.
'

For a long time I have wanted a chandelier and here it is. A bargain price and a small one included for our bedroom too - not up yet though. I have a crystal bowl sitting underneath this one and it looks so pretty when the sun catches and casts Pollyanna prisms.

Bread and Jam

2010-09-20T16:50:00.010+12:00

Over the last few years I have read bits and pieces on blogs about "no-knead bread". The idea of not having to knead the bread is strangely attractive to me. Unusual I know, as most people love the kneading bit and feel they can meditate while doing so. Today, I finally baked the loaf pictured above. I started it yesterday, checking occasionally to see what interesting things were happening. It only has 1/4 teaspoon of yeast so its a slow riser. Its mean't to cook for 30 minutes but it looked so brown at 25 minutes that I took it out early. Its delicious but probably should have had the slightly extra time as it is very moist. If you try this recipe you may need to play around with the timings a bit. The men in my life have declared it a winner though so I will be cooking it again, quite soon. Click here for the recipe but also read Jane Brocket's post on the same bread - find it in her Archives section, August 2010. Scroll down to August 21st and do read more of her blog as its beautifully photographed and written with lots of interesting links.

It was especially good with Bev's French Street Plum Jam. My friend Bev lives in French Street and makes the most delicious jam - type unknown. She gave me 3 jars!!!

In betwwen watching and smiling at my bread, I made a Sweet Mary peg bag for Jane who gave me a pile of Laura Ashley fabric off-cuts. I know this is her favourite pattern so think this will be a good thank you present.

Over the last few days I have been working on this baby quilt for a friend's 3rd grandchild.

Just two more bindings to do and its finished and in plenty of time because baby is not due for a few more weeks.

In the weekend...

2010-09-13T15:20:00.008+12:00

I went to Auckland this last weekend to see my friend Kate. We had a few things planned which involved Kate driving me around alot so I thought she should be the recipient of a Sweet Mary cushion. It turned out really well and there are more to be made but each cushion in this range will be a one off Sweet Mary handmade. I will be selling them on my stall at the fairs listed.

We went to the Auckland Vintage Textile Fair and after a few hours of determined looking and hot flushes we came away with bags of treasures. I found a gorgeous old quilt for $20 !!! and other vintage pieces of fabric, none of which I want to part with. We also missed out on other beauties because we just couldn't make up our minds quickly enough.

Needless to say we have already decided that we will be going next year.

We also feasted on some of the delicious goodies available at La Cigale Farmers Market in Parnell. So much, its hard to choose but we forced ourselves.

Thirty-six hours in the big smoke and I was ready to toddle onto the plane with my very full bags (and stomach!). Nice to be home again after all that excitement.

Spring into September

2010-09-09T13:31:00.007+12:00

All set up and ready to go at the beginning of my four day stint at the CHB Festival last week. Its always a fantastically social event at this first of the spring fairs to be held in Hawkes Bay.
I had a really good spot this year in the Ruataniwha room but unfortunately this excellent spot did not equal excellent sales which means I probably won't attend this fair again as a stall holder. Of course, this means I can go as a visitor and have fun all day. In terms of exposure though its probably a good thing and I got to chat to lots of great people and swap ideas.

My super talented husband took these wonderful photos of the views from the venue.
We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Violets

2010-09-01T17:23:00.002+12:00

Please click on Catherine's name to read her post about the beautiful double parma violets in her garden. I read it and wanted some in my garden too. So, a quick trip over to her "filled with pretty things" house and gorgeous garden and I came away with a boxful to plant in my own.
And plant them I have.

CHB The Festival

2010-08-30T13:55:00.003+12:00

Its a rainy day here in Hawkes Bay and the perfect day to finish the last of my sewing in preparation for running my Sweet Mary stall at the Central Hawkes Bay Festival this weekend. I will be at the Pukeora Estate, on top of the hill just south of Waipukurau, 2-5 Sept., 10-4 daily.

I will have all my usuals: lavender hearts, peg bags, notice boards, wheat bags, dried and bunched lavender. Newish products are ribbon or lace hearts and decorative bunting.
This year I also have small bags of pretty haberdashery scraps for children.

Hope to see you there - I should be in the Ruataniwha Room.

Fresh Vintage

2010-08-27T17:10:00.006+12:00

This pretty little house alongside the railway line in Napier is home to the studio and store called Fresh Vintage. There are two main rooms to look and wonder at. Lots of vintage "stuff" including gorgeous cushions, table cloths, renovated furniture, clothes etc.

The owners have renovated this cute cottage in a truly vintage style. My favourite bit is this fabulous piece of vintage art showcasing old plates, some whole and some broken and used as the surrounding mosaic.

I came away with this treasure which is in pretty good condition for a vintage piece. Usually the flowers are a bit broken but these ones are perfect. It reminds me that spring is in the air which is probably the reason I bought it.

Fresh Vintage is at 49 Carnell Street (cnr Carnell St and Georges Drive), Napier.

Not sure of opening times so call before : 06-835 6660

Lemons

2010-08-09T16:33:00.007+12:00

One heavily laden Meyer lemon tree.

One large bowl of sweet smelling lemons.

One very delicious Lemon Loaf - recipe thanks to Nigella Lawson.

Three jars of Lemon Confit, favourite recipe from Greg and Lucy Malouf's Moorish or click here for recipe and ideas for use.

Felt

2010-07-28T15:11:00.005+12:00

In case anyone is missing my Sweet Mary stalls, which don't run over the cooler months, click on here to see my listings on Felt - Design and Craft Online.

Window Magic

2010-07-28T12:50:00.005+12:00

Found this gorgeous vintage window at the Blue Moon sale. Its very heavy which impresses me for some reason. Each little pane is mirrored and when you open the door there is chicken wire behind. Maybe it was the front of a food safe in another life. Bit by bit our new home is starting to look like a cottage which is just what I want and of course, so does my other half!

Sweet Mary Vintage Style

2010-07-27T07:03:00.003+12:00

A completed Sweet Mary order soon to be on its way to a special customer in Sydney.

Darling Buds of Morocco

2010-07-25T13:19:00.004+12:00

My sister sent me these Moroccan 'buds' from Marrakech. Double click on the photo to see just how beautiful they are. Each cluster is made up of lots of tiny buds wound from fine cotton thread. I have no idea whether they are hand or machine made but they are so tiny that it would surely be too hard to make them by hand. I am busy thinking of how I will incorporate them into my Sweet Mary handmades this spring.

All grown up

2010-07-22T13:20:00.004+12:00

Our baby turned 21 this week. Now we will all have to act like grown-ups!

Home and Garden

2010-07-21T16:18:00.006+12:00

We are settling in very nicely to our new home. Furniture is more or less where I want it and I have managed to unpack quite alot of my "treasures". The garage still houses many more and bit by bit I will trawl through them and find that special something that would look great in that certain place. That sort of thing takes time and I am not in a huge hurry.

The garden looks great even in the middle of winter and that tree looks very interesting to my fluffy baby. Annie is used to the run of an apple orchard but she is coping well with the restrictions in her new home. For the first time ever our cats are having to learn the delights of a cat door. Well, I lie on the laundry door, lifting the flappy door up and call to them. They both sit just out of reach and pretend to sniff something or itch something. Basically trying to ignore me. It will all work in the end I'm sure.

The Sweet Mary room is full to bursting but I have squeezed in and plan to start work before the end of the week. I have a full length glass door and window out to the garden and this is my beautiful view, below.

Happy

2010-07-11T17:50:00.002+12:00

I thought I would move house and then blog a week later in our new home. Was I mad???
The new home is just lovely and we are so happy with it but there are still a number of boxes to be unpacked. This is what happens when you are a collecter and you move from a large house to a small but perfect home. So, no photos today as camera is in the depths of a box somewhere but I am itching to show off a bit - a more interesting blog soon.
I have emptied my bank account to pay for stalls at the spring and summer fairs to come so will also be listing those, with dates, soon. Which reminds me that I had better get sewing again. My new Sweet Mary room overlooks the pretty cottage garden so I will have to concentrate and not get lost in dreamy gazings out my window and door. Yes, I have a door from my room to the garden!
And in case you were wondering, the cats survived the move and seem as enamoured as we are with their new home.

House to Home

2010-06-23T17:09:00.003+12:00

Just the kitchen to do now. Sweet Mary studio all packed up today. Move this weekend.
Will blog next week from our new home. Hopefully the cats will still be with us !

Quilts

2010-06-14T13:06:00.010+12:00

For my birthday this year my sister gave me a book voucher. I knew straight away what I wanted to buy with it so I put my order into our local Poppies bookshop. Within the week this fabulous book by Jane Brocket was waiting for me to pick up. I follow Jane's blog anyway and had read her tantalising snippets about her new book. She has a very special talent with words and pictures. The book is beautifully photographed and Jane writes about quilts in such a way that I found myself constantly nodding in agreement. The front cover is printed to resemble a quilt. Can I say beautiful again?

Naturally, I am inspired to make another quilt, this time for myself. Surprisingly, I have never made one for our bed although I have made quilts for family and friends. My favourite combination is red, white and blue so I have been pulling out some of my stash to get some ideas. Last December I used up a lot of my red fabric stash on Christmas bunting so I think I may just have to collect some more.

We are nearly upon our moving day so at the moment I am still packing. There has been a lot to sort out as I am a massive collector. I have actually got rid of quite alot but still my friends are wondering where I am going to put it all. Needless to say the new double garage will probably not be used for cars. This is a soft blue sampler quilt that I made 6 or 7 years ago. All the little pieces nearly killed me, well not really but it was pretty trying as I like to keep things simple. I did feel a great sense of achievment though when it all came together. The only regret I have is that its not bigger. Maybe I could sew on a whole lot of red - just kidding

I have finished the quilt for my neices wedding and we would love to be in France for that special day. But our new home and the related costs have put paid to that. Luckily our daughter, who is in the UK this year will be representing our little family.

Have a good week !

Tea Cosies

2010-05-31T16:27:00.004+12:00

Something to brighten any day!
Margaret at Janeff Bookshop in Havelock North knits and sells the most amazing tea cosies.
You can buy one readymade from the eye catching window display or order from the book.

Collections

2010-05-19T14:31:00.010+12:00

Button collection - forgot to include my mother's button tin that I played with as a child.

Country Living (UK)magazine collection- part.

Fabric collection - part.

Pin cushion collection with favourite red one bang in the middle. A very clever lady called Merynn Read has made a few of these. They are works of art especially the two wool fabric ones at the front.

A small part of the painting collection that my mother (in photo) has painted and given to me over the years. Two ceramic hearts from my children.

I have just spent the best day, sorting out my Sweet Mary room, in readiness for packing up and moving. The above photos were taken over the day to highlight some of my favourite collections.

Favourite Breakfast

2010-05-18T15:29:00.005+12:00

Michelle sells very good muesli at our local farmers market in Hastings. There are a few different "flavours" but my favourite is the pear and ginger. Every Sunday now, we arrive at the market early and sit down to our individual serve of muesli, yoghurt and apple compote.
Even though we eat this muesli every morning at home we still look forward to our "fix" at the market.

Tea Towel Love

2010-05-13T14:07:00.015+12:00

A few weeks ago it was my birthday and as usual I received more beautiful tea towels to add to my collection. Now, if any of the givers are reading this and thinking I am having a bit of a moan - I'm not. I am lucky to be given these little beauties, each one is joyfully received. I never buy beautiful tea towels for myself so am delighted to be given them. One in particular from my friend Nic just needed to be remade into something else.

I unpicked all the seams and added rik-rak, sewing it on between the red lines that frame the profusion of flowers.

A thick linen type fabric for the back. I edged the opening in my cream linen bias tape that I bought from here. Then tied the back together with more rik-rak.

I know it looks like a not very well filled pillowcase (it is!) but there is a method in my madness. I could use it on my bed but think I will try it on the sofa for a while. Sometimes its nice to curl up and cushions are just not the right shape for this sort of relaxing.

Two fabulous and eagerly awaited packages arrived in the mail today. One was a birthday package from Hazel and the other was this little lot of fabric from Anna Maria Horner. The fabric is cotton voile and I am not really sure what I am going to make with it but no fear, something will be made. Its just gorgeous.

Back to sorting, avoiding and maybe packing a bit.

A Pleasing Pudding

2010-05-05T10:34:00.003+12:00

I have been making this microwave pudding on and off for years so thought I would share this very excellent Gary Rhodes recipe with you all. That includes you Jess and Janie - hope the ginger crunch turned out okay.

My chosen "addition" is jam and this Famous French Street jam made by my friend Bev is my absolute favourite. I made and cooked the whole delicious thing in 5 minutes and didn't bother to make custard but that would have been nice.

Double click on the recipe photo to enlarge enough to read. I always find that there is a tiny bit of uncooked mixture left around edge after cooking. Don't keep cooking to get rid of this or your pudding will be dry! I eat it but you could just scrape off.

Three Autumn Pictures

2010-05-04T12:21:00.004+12:00

Pale, pale pink, blue and green Chook Eggs on sale at the Links Organics stall at the Hastings Farmers Market last Sunday - double click on the photo to enlarge and read the information.

You know its autumn when the fennel is as pretty as a picture.

There is something wonderful about the intensity of colour in autumn flowering roses.

Jess's Quilt

2010-05-04T07:31:00.002+12:00

This is just a quick post - I have a longer one for tomorrow. I am starting the pack-up of all my treasures. We have finally bought a house and will move into our new home towards the end of June. I have been a very long time without a "home" of my own so it is very, very exciting for me. Like I can finally exhale that long breath I took many years back.

When sorting through the boxes we are storing for our 'overseas experience" daughter I came across the black and white quilt I made for her 21st birthday. Somehow I had neglected to add a label so I sat down there and then to cobble together a record of the event. Had a bit of a giggle afterwards as my embroidery skills are definitely on the basic side but the job is done now and that is a good thing.

Ginger Crunch

2010-04-20T15:50:00.004+12:00

Ginger Crunch - a New Zealand classic with a twist. Lois Daish ( much missed food writer for The Listener a couple of years back) says this version is from the Wholemeal Cafe in Takaka. It is absolutely delicious. Two good sized pieces have been eaten rather quickly already.

Base:

150g butter
2 tbsp golden syrup
3/4 cup soft brown sugar
3/4 cup desiccated coconut
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup plain flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground ginger

Preheat oven to 175C
Line a 20x30cm slice tin

Put butter, golden syrup and sugar in pan and melt gently together.
Remove pan from heat and mix in all the other ingredients.
Press into tin and bake for 15 minutes - I find if I go over this time it goes too crunchy when cool.
Mark into squares while still warm and spread with icing. Leave to cool completely (if you can!) before cutting through icing.

Icing:

60g butter
120g icing sugar
2 level tbsp golden syrup
3 tsp ground ginger

Melt together and beat till smooth.

Fabric Sale

2010-04-16T16:23:00.006+12:00

I went to a fabric sale this morning in the Havelock North Community Centre - its on tomorrow too from 10a.m.

There are many rolls of beautiful fabric including the very pretty Amy Butler ones below.

Easter

2010-04-02T13:09:00.002+13:00

Happy Easter everyone!

Sunflowers

2010-04-01T16:21:00.007+13:00

Two beautiful bunches of sunflowers to enhance our sunny autumnal days in Hawkes Bay.

I put them up high so that they could be seen in all their glory.

While on the sunflower theme, just had to take a photo of the "sunflower" quilt that I am making for a special wedding in France this summer.

Hereworth School Gala

2010-03-26T15:53:00.006+13:00

Packing up for The Hereworth Gala this Sunday - see top left or here for details. Alongside my regular Sweet Mary handmades I have also added a few extra lines: bunting, Easter egg cups and cozies, lavender bunches and ribbon hearts.
See you there !