Yesterday I was feeling low again, so looked forward to my sewing group in the afternoon. I went to P&D's as usual for a bite to eat and a natter. P can't drive these days so only goes out when D is out somewhere (local). I meant to take them some Crab Apple Jelly, but left it on the side! Dozo. I made another five jars this week and still have another 5 or 6 lbs of crab apples left to cook up.
We had a full house at quilting group yesterday - 17 of us! Many of the people are "new" to me - but then I had a break of several years after moving here, so not surprising. I can barely remember people's names though and wish they had badges! I only made four blocks (and yes, I know, some squiffy point joining in places), but there was lots of nattering, and looking at other people's work - we are all working on such different things - everything from Christmas Angels, to beginners' first quilts - Log Cabin and Maple Leaf. There was a special all day group on Sunday where they made the most amazing folded stars:
I had a bit of a weepy moment when I was talking about Keith to M (who is French, and long time widowed) but she gave me a hug and got me over the bump. Poor lady, she is finishing a hexagon quilt (1970s vintage) which she inherited from an aunty, who she was cursing heartily as she has been trying to work out aunty's intended design around the central ring of flowers. Areas partly stitched but not seeming to be part of any real design as such. NONE of the fabrics available now to fill up gaps of course. Every time I looked up, M was muttering and rethreading her needle yet AGAIN! She does not enjoy hand sewing . . .
Before I left yesterday I made up a feeble curry sauce (to have prawns added later) for my evening meal. It was so feeble it barely justified the name of Korma, but was tasty enough to eat and doesn't seem to have any untoward repercussions. It's such a balancing act - more fibre actually causes me more discomfort. I have just watched an interesting video by an expert (yup, sure there are many) but he said it isn't a one size fits all, but very individual and that some of his clients experienced worsening of discomfort if they ate lots of fibre. You can read so much "expert" information on diet, but it can be extremely contradictory (which I have found). For example, Kimchi is meant to be good for gut health, but NOT if you have diverticular problems - has cabbage and Korean chilli in it! Sourdough bread too can cause problems in some folk - I haven't had any for ages but think I will stick to wholemeal/granary type breads which I know I'm ok with. Wine - now and again, remembering it IS a toxin and the body sees it as such and wants to expel it, so uses water intake to do so (hence when you are drunk you are extremely dehydrated next day - a hangover . . .) So, swings and roundabouts. Touch wood, on an even keel at the moment.
From my walk the other day - empty wasp nests in a friend's hay barn. The biggest one certainly looked to be supporting a big colony.
Today is a "free" day - nothing definitely planned but if it stays dry I really should crack on with painting the kitchen window. I have my flu jab this afternoon. Tomorrow is the Physio. Saturday the Fair. Depends on the weather though, and whether or not the tail end of recent hurricanes etc to our West drop down from Scotland into Wales (poor Scotland always gets it in the neck).
Enjoy your day.
I envy you having a sewing group within easy reach. I went to our local library yesterday to see if there are any craft groups in the area. There is one and it's no use for me as it runs at a very awkward time (5-7pm). I can only assume that the people who attend don't eat an evening meal.
ReplyDeleteWell, not quite "easy reach" as it's 50 miles away! but it's good for my soul, as it's a close friend group. I went there every week when I lived just 3 miles up the road, now it's more sporadic (and weather dependent) but I get so much out of it and Alex - our teacher - is SO positive and helpful, that it gives us all confidence. What a shame the one near you is such a difficult timing.
ReplyDeleteThose stars are fabulous. When I visit exhibitions and see what other people create it makes me think I must do better. I fear our crafty group has lost it's way. Not much crafting going on, more like coffee and cake and a lot of jollity.
ReplyDeleteAlex told me how they were constructed, and I have to say, with her guidance, I could probably do one too! A good way of using up your stash, that's for sure.
DeleteWhat a shame your crafty group has lost it's way. Perhaps you could suggest getting someone in to give a talk/demonstration on something to get it on an even keel again? I know that being led/advised by an expert is much better than just a group of like-minded people doing things. That's why I didn't join a local group after going along to seeing what they were up to. Nothing being made was at all challenging and very "old-ladyish"!
Yes,, those 'folded stars' look easy ... what!! I can't even figure out how it's done. Your jars of Crab Apple Jelly look great, much more up my street. :-)
ReplyDeleteFinding out what you can and can't eat and in what quantities will possibly take a while, but it's worth persevering reading some of the advice and discounting that which you know or feel will make you worse.
I've just found a "how to" short video on You Tube, so it would at least satisfy folks' curiosity on how to do it.
ReplyDeleteThe Crab Apple jelly was made with ordinary granulated sugar, so nothing like as clear as I would like it to be (but MUCH cheaper to make, and perfectly edible. Just not Show material).
"Tummy" feeling good today and because I'm not on the road, I am able to drink lots of cucumber water, which is essential.
Good to have time with a group of like minded folk...worth the drive.
ReplyDeleteI've checked my garden for anything likely to be played with by Amy !
I hope that Amy isn't as nasty as she's made out to be . . . I need to get my loungers away, but with only one properly working arm, will have to wait until Gabby's here on Sunday.
DeleteThe drive truly IS worth it, especially the Breconshire end.
It's good that you know the stars are 'easy' - they look jolly difficult to me and all non-quilters I think!
ReplyDeleteGlad the wasp nests were empty - what whoppers.
They sounded easy when explained, you're mostly at work with an iron, tbh! The video clip shows how to anyway. Even wasps have a part in our ecosystem, and hopefully the hay bales were put away before they got really active.
DeleteAn interesting round up of your news and great comments, agree about craft groups sometimes losing their way, occasionally they'll be a group of folk who only want the chat, coffee and cake - takes a skilled organiser to get it back on track.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I've only been to this quilting group, craft wise. I can imagine if it's more of a knit and natter type group, not led, then things go unfocused after a while. We are all SO keen to learn, and need the help and guidance we get from Alex, so it works well. I'm not the only one coming from a distance - a couple of others travel 25+ miles.
DeleteHave to admire those who have the patience do quilt like that. Seems like too much hassle to make jam, used to watch my Mother make it.
ReplyDeleteI have jam making off to a fine art. It's less faff than icing a cake (which I never do!) The FLAVOUR from home made jam is so far superior to the coloured sugar you buy in the supermarket it's well worth any effort.
DeleteI am embarrassed to say that those stars DO look doable. Disclaimer: Most of my most frustrating projects begin with "I could do that...."
ReplyDeleteWe have Alex to help us if we get stuck. That makes such a difference!
DeleteThose folded stars look wonderful. I do know that I couldn't do them though. I know I am a very basic quilter, where as embroidery, and knitting I do much better.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
If you look at the tutorial - it is basically folding fabric, ironing it into shape, and a dab of glue before moving on to the next bit!
Deletemust be something in the air, as I am sobbing all day long, even when there is nothing to sob over.
ReplyDeleteYou have a reason for it though Debbie, with the Hospice closing. Shame on the Council for not supporting it when it is so needed. You will lose your support system and the friends you have made.
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