frayed at the edge

Oh my poor feet .....

...... and my poor legs!!  I must have walked for miles today, helping to set up Abbey Quilters exhibition.  But the thing I find most tiring is constantly going up and down stairs ...... having lived for most of my life in houses with no stairs,  my legs don't half complain when faced with mutliple trips up and down!  There is a lift in the building, but it's a very small thing, which is really just a platform which goes up and down (there are no internal walls, just the outer lift shaft).

Unfortunately my camera battery ran out, but here is a selection of the photos that I took.  I'll have more tomorrow, showing you the whole exhibition

 

 

 

 

The next three photos are of the colourful display of Linus quilts, which have been hung in the coffee shop.  It is always wonderful to see the amount of work that the makers put into these quilts ..... and their generosity in donating them

 

 

 

I did take another three photos this morning, which I can't show you, but I can tell you about them.  During the morning, a woman came into the room I was in, asking if anyone had a camera.  When I said I did, she asked if she could borrow it, as hers wasn't working. Ah, well ..... I wasn't going to hand over my camera to a stranger, but I said I would be happy to take the photos for her - and I am so glad that I did.  I went with her into the Adult Learning Room, where three students were being presented with certificates, having completed an Adult Learning Course.  It was lovely to see their delight at receiving their certificates, and share the happy moment.  I have already emailed the photos to the delightful Laura, the Adult Learning Worker.

Rather tired!

Just a quick post tonight, as I am a bit tired after a  long day out!  I also had a busy time at Anne's - so busy that I didn't take any photos.  It was a wrench to hand over Lilly Pilly ...... but I still have the pattern, and fancy doing it in stark tones of grey, or in my favourite autumn colours.  I helped Anne to make up the Lilly Pilly kits - there has been so much love for it every time I post photos, I am sure she will sell them all.  To ease the pangs, I came home with this new pattern - as you can see it is by the same designer

 

I am going to make it in these fabulous linen fabrics, with the spotty one for the background and the cream one for the tree

 

I also got the fabrics to finish the "Night before Christmas" wallhanging.  The pattern shows the quilt worked in red and white Christmas fabrics, but as Anne didn't have a wide enough selection of these, we chose instead these red, white and green fabrics, which will give the quilt a lovely fresh, lively look

 

I did get a little bit of sewing done today, handstitching the binding on my block keeper.  I have to apologise to Lucie , who designed the block keeper, as I forgot to give her a mention up to now!  She is a longarm quilter, and is going to be quilting the "Life is Beautiful" quilt top (the one that I pieced and appliqued, and Anne did the stitcheries)  I am looking forward to seeing it finished!

 

For those of you who requested to see Stuart in his kilt ....... I have passed the request on to him, and he will have a look for a photo!

 

It's a grey rainy evening, so I think we will have another sunny photo from yesterday's walk to finish!

Home alone!

I used to be home alone a lot, when Malcolm was away on business trips, and I got used to it (I think the longest was eight weeks on my own).  But this is only the second time that I've been alone in this house, and it feels quite strange!  But then, there is the compensation of being in charge of the tv remote, which is sitting on top of a rather large pile of magazines and books.  I think it is time I tidied my table

 

I bought the Craftseller magazine at the weekend, not just because it is a good magazine, but also because it features two patterns by the lovely Tracey.  She has made a very good start to her new full time craft/design career, and I wish her continued success.

 

At the weekend, I finally remembered to do the last little bit of work on Lilly Pilly ....

 

....... adding the eyes to the birds.  I used a sequin and a bead for each eye

 

 

I also did more work on my block keeper, finishing the machine quilting

 

 

the next stage was to add a large pocket on one side of the inside

 

and then to add a divided pocket to the front of the large pocket.  I just popped the nearest things to hand into the sections to show what they could be used for

 

then today I added the two triangles which will hold the blocks in place to the other side of the inside

 

I stitched on the binding

 

 

and made the handles.  Not much more to do now

 

 

and now for something completely different!  Stuart and Alison were at a wedding at the weekend, and Stuart sent me this photo.  Alison exceeded her budget by rather a lot for her dress  - but it was worth every penny as she looks gorgeous!  Stuart doesn't have such worries, as he wears his kilt to weddings - I must remember to ask him for a full length photo

 

Just a final mention of being here on my own.  When Malcolm was away so much, I learned to be quite practical and self reliant (although there was the odd panic, such as when I set the chimney on fire when we had sold the house, and the time I found a bat in the bedroom!)  But since Malcolm took early retirement, he has taken over all the practical stuff, so I had to have some instructions yesterday.  First, Malcolm informed me that the bottled gas for the cooker might run out, so I had to learn how to switch to the spare bottle (turn the control knob until the arrow points in the opposite direction, open the valve on the new bottle, close the valve on the empty bottle)  Then the boiler .... it occasionally trips out (and of course it's sod's law that it will happen when Malcolm is away).  This isn't quite so easy, and, I think, demonstrates that it was designed by a man!!  Instead of having a button on the front to reset it, you have to take the front off, stick your hand into the innards and feel about until you find the reset button!

 

To finish, a photo from my morning walk .... when the sun was shining!

On Saturday when we were in Hawick, we had a walk round to where we quite often see a heron, on the River Slitrig.  Yes, there he was, looking splendid, with the river roaring over the rocks behind him

 

after taking a couple of photos, I walked to my right, to take more from a different angle ....... and he turned his head, to face the other way!

 

back home, I got ready to strain and bottle my first attempt at fruit vinegar, lining a nylon sieve with a coffee filter

 

this is the raspberry vinegar, dripping through - it took quite a while

 

all bottled and labelled!  I am reasonably pleased with my first attempt.  I think next time I will use more fruit to increase the fruity flavour

 

Yesterday morning we went for a walk along the river in Jedburgh.  The ducks were all up on the bank, enjoying a brief glimpse of the sun!

 

I always take photos of this old bridge!

 

 

walking back into town we passed one of my favourite places - the John Deere dealership!  I like the way this tractor looks as if it is parked on top of the hedge

 

a brand new tractor - there isn't even any mud on the wheels

 

this engine is about half the size of my car!!

 

this afternoon, we went for a walk in Hawick.  We followed a path through the  Violet Woods ...... but this was the only one that we saw!

 

It was quite  a steep climb, but it was worth it to have these views over Hawick

 

 

 

parts of the path were muddy, and as we reached to to of the downhill section, an elderly man who was walking his dogs advised us to walk down the road, rather than the path, as he said that the mud had made it very slippery, and we would probably end up on our backsides!  However, walking down the road wasn't without its perils, when this horsebox went past with little room to spare

 

We stopped to admire this new wall ....

 

....... and this rebuilt section of dry stone wall

 

I wonder how long it will take until it is covered with moss like this old section

 

the last part of our walk took us through the park, where we stopped at the little tearoom for a cuppa and an empire biscuit

 

this cute little dog is a Border terrier

 

I almost changed my mind about getting a tractor this afternoon, when I saw this wonderful machine.  Just think of the fun I could have demolishing buildings!!

 

I'm going to be on my own for the rest of the week ...... something which happened regularly when Malcolm was working.  However this time he isn't off abroad, to stay in smart hotels.  Tomorrow night he will be staying with Stuart and Alison, then on Wednesday he is driving up to Aberdeen, where he will be staying with David and Mary ...... Malcolm and David were at Birmingham University together, and another of their fellow students will also be there with his wife.  Then on Friday, he will stay with Stuart and Alison again (it's just a bit far to drive in one go from Aberdeen to Hawick).  I should have gone too, but unfortunately the visit clashed with Abbey Quilters exhibition.  I will be busy on Thursday helping to set up the exhibition, and then doing various duties on Friday and Saturday ...... and I will also be busy on Wednesday, when I go down to Longframlington to take Anne the latest batch of samples.  But of course the best bit will be that I will have possession of the remote control for the tv!!

 

To finish ...... a hastily snatched photo of a squirrel, which we saw in a garden this afternoon.  I had no sooner snapped it when it raced off

 

We have had some brief (very brief!) glimpses f the sun this week,but when I was out for my morning walk the other day, I decided to make use of all the puddles, and take some reflection shots!  Hopefully there has been lots of sun elsewhere, and my fellow shadow shotters will post lots of super captures over here, where Magical Mystery Teacher, Rose and Gemma host this fun meme

 

 

 

 

 

When I arrived home this morning, I was decidedly out of breath after sprinting running walking quickly down the last leg of my walk.  Malcolm had assumed that I was gossiping blethering having an erudite and intellectual conversation with a neighbour.  So why was I late home ....... because of this gorgeous deer!

 

I was so glad that I had put the big lens on the camera, and was able to zoom in, as she stood there keeping a wary eye on me

 

 

 

I spent quite a long time just standing watching her through the camera ........ her ears kept twitching as flies buzzed round her.  It was only as I resumed my walk that I realised that I had been so engrossed that I had been standing in the middle of the road, on a bend ....... so it's just as well there is hardly any traffic at that time of the morning!!

 

At patch'n'chat this afternoon, Anne S had just finished this very striking quilt top

 

Katy was working on another miniature quilt (when she wasn't showing off the latest photo of her adorable new grandson Aaron)

 

Maureen was somewhat concerned about hanging this stunning peacock wallhanging in her home, as she had been told that it was unlucky to have anything to do with peacocks in the house (my Mum believed that).  But then she was told that it would be fine as long as she hung it next to a door, as the bad luck would be reflected back out the door ........ aren't we funny with the things we believe!

 

Annette wasn't in the shop today, so we were concerned about our Friday afternoon cake ...... but she had left us a delicious dumpling, and some of her daughter's wonderful shortbread biscuits.  For once I was good, and only had a piece of dumpling despite being twice offered the biscuits

 

 

It's Abbey Quilters exhibition next Friday and Saturday, so over the weekend I will be sorting out my entries, making sure that they are all properly labelled and writing out the information cards.  I will be helpingto  set up the exhibition on Thursday, then undertaking various duties on Friday and Saturday.  However, Malcolm won't be at home missing me, as he will be in Aberdeen ...... I'll tell you all about his trip next week!

I'm not going to mention the weather, but simply hope that you all have a good weekend ........ I shall be bottling my first attempts at fruit vinegar!!  Love Anne

......... but there was definitely a bit of colour in the sky as we headed to bed last night!

 

 

and there was a wonderful colour this morning ....... blue!!

 

this ewe looked much happier, surrounded by DRY grass

 

and the view over to the Mintos was even clearer

 

I think this Jacob's ewe was probably in a show, as she is clean and clipped

 

the cows in the same field are very keen to pose at the gate!

 

 

recently, despite the fact that I don't bake, I seem to have acquired several books on the subject (I blame Sainsbury's, which sells them at half price!)

Marion used baking to fight off depression

 

the delightful Rachel with her take on classic French recipes

 

the very skilful Jo

 

the king of baking, the gorgeous Paul

 

but now, I really will have to knuckle down and actually bake cakes, instead of just drooling over the pictures, because I have just bought this beautiful glass cake cloche and stand (from here)

 

until I have a cake to put in it, I have put it on the dining room windowsill

 

and next to I have put a little glass butter dish, which is Italian ....... but I bought it in Jakarta!

 

there are other things on the windowsill from Indonesia.  This is a becak (pronounced bay-chack), a bicycle taxi

 

this chicken man is carved from a single piece of wood

 

with amazing detail on the man's face

 

and on the chicken

 

to finish ........ I'm used to encountering large lorries out on the main road when I go for walks after lunch - but I was suprised to meet this one this morning!

 

I had just taken the photo, when the lorry stopped and the driver jumped out.  Oh dear, was he shy and didn't want his photo taken?  No, he was lost!!  He was looking for our neighbour Billy the Farmer.  I had to tell him that unfortunately he had passed Billy's yard ...... and he would have to go a mile up the road before he would be able to turn!  It's just as well that he was unlikely to meet anyone else on the road that early, as he took up most of it

........ for about five minutes this morning, and for the first time in days, the Mintos weren't hidden by mist and low clouds

 

but the Eildons were only just visible

 

I stopped at the church to take photos of the new information notice (click on the photos to enlarge them)

 

 

and here is the man himself!

 

since the morning that we saw the fawn, I have kept a lookout as I have come past that field, and this morning I was rewarded with a glimpse of an adult deer in the long grass

 

I must have made a noise as I leaned on the field gate to take photos, as the deer's head came up, and I just had time to snap one more photo before it leapt off back to trees

 

the new owners of the neighbouring farmhouse are having some groundworks done.  Does anyone know how to hotwire a mini digger ......

 

....... or even better, a big dumper truck!!

 

by the time I got back home, the rain was on again, and this spider web in the front garden had captured some raindrops

 

later in the morning, we drove up to Selkirk, to have lunch at Lochcarron.  The closer we got to Selkirk, the heavier the rain came down, so a large bowl of spicy Thai chicken soup with delicious bread was very welcome

 

back home, we settled down to watch cricket on tv ..... the West Indies v New Zealand.  They were playing on the island of St Kitts, and we delighted in seeing lots of blue sky and sparkling seas!!  While Malcolm wrestled with the crossword, I got on with my knitting, finishing the body of the tea cosy

 

the pencil is through the steek stitches for the spout

 

I have just pushed the steek through to the inside, but it gives you an idea what it will look like once it is cut to make the opening

 

the next stage is to work another vikkel braid, before shaping the top of the cosy,then finishing the edges with i-cord ...... and there should be enough wool left to make one in the reverse colourway!

 

to finish, I assumed the sheep in the old orchard were ewes (they are usually lying down when I see them), but after taking this photo this morning, I'm not so sure .........

...... for the "biggest worm ever" contest!  I encountered these three beauties this morning

 

I made the collage here, and at the same time I made this one of raindrops hanging like diamonds on plants in the verge

 

This snail was in danger of being washed away on the wet road

 

but these heifers were happily grazing in the field with the Jacob's sheep (you will recognise the gate!)

 

 

 

I got my trainer rather muddy  .........

 

....... but I wasn't worried, as I knew it would be cleaned up ......

 

...... when I walked through this on the way home!

 

at the weekend, I finished Stuart and Alison's oven gloves and potholder

 

 

last night I finished the last piece of work for Anne

 

 

 

so, hooray, I can do some sewing for me!!  I have made a start to the block keeper (I got the pattern from Anne last time I visited her shop) using my Ghastlies fabrics, including the ones that Judi (no blog) gave me

 

instead of the owl applique, I decided to fussy cut squares from two of the  Ghastlies fabrics, using a cardboard window template so that I could mark the cuttting lines

 

 

the pieces cut, ready to get started

 

the first block, part sewn

 

both blocks pieced

 

and sewn together - which took two attempts, as I forgot to turn one upside down the first time!

 

I chose this fabric for the lining of the block keeper

 

and layered up using a polyester wadding to give a firmer finish

 

I have quilted all the background (white) areas

 

 

good progress!  After I finish the quilting, the next stage is to make various pockets for the inside.

....... had helped Andy Murray win.  I wore this stupid hat - folded up from a page of yesterday's newspaper - all afternoon in the hopes that it would have some magical influence on the result.  Ah well, there is always next year

 

Moving swiftly on!  When we were walking through the Saturday market in Hawick, we saw that the fruit and veg stall had some very cheap strawberries, so on Saturday afternoon I started on a marathon of jam making, which finished today!

 

This is basic strawberry jam, looking good in my fancy jars that I got here

 

I also made strawberry and nectarine jam - delicious

 

I make jam in small batches in a large glass bowl in the microwave

 

using a pound of fruit and a pound of sugar.  I use jam sugar, as I find it gives a better set

 

today I made strawberry and pear, and strawberry and melon - and still had a pound of strawberries left!  So I finished with another batch of plain strawberry jam, which I put into smaller jars to give away to friends

 

I bottled the new batch of sloe gin, and also sloe port, which we had made with the sloes from the first batch of gin.  This is the gin being strained

 

When Stuart and Alison tasted the first batch of sloe gin, they immediately demanded said they had better get another bottle or else said please could they have a bottle from the second batch (sorry, this is a poor photo!)

 

the rain stayed off long enough yesterday morning for us to go for a walk.  We thought we would go somewhere different, and walked up the road that passes the back of the donkey sanctuary.  There is just something so appealing about donkeys .... it is hard to pick just a few photos to share with you!

 

 

 

 

 

the road took us down to the suspension bridge over the River Tweed, which was running full and hard

 

 

usually we approach the suspension bridge from the other side of the river, coming down this road

 

on the way back to the car, I paused to take one of my favourite arty shots

 

I wan't so lucky with the weather for my walk this morning - yes, more rain!  This leaf had obviously had enough of the dreadful weather and dropped off the tree early!

 

but even on a wet grey morning, there is always something to brighten the day!

 

 

 

ps, when we were on the way home yesterday, we saw three different means of travel

horse power

 

pedal power

 

easy rider!

 

A very handsome fellow!

On Saturday when we were in Hawick, we had a walk round to where we quite often see a heron, on the River Slitrig.  Yes, there he was, looking splendid, with the river roaring over the rocks behind him

 

after taking a couple of photos, I walked to my right, to take more from a different angle ....... and he turned his head, to face the other way!

 

back home, I got ready to strain and bottle my first attempt at fruit vinegar, lining a nylon sieve with a coffee filter

 

this is the raspberry vinegar, dripping through - it took quite a while

 

all bottled and labelled!  I am reasonably pleased with my first attempt.  I think next time I will use more fruit to increase the fruity flavour

 

Yesterday morning we went for a walk along the river in Jedburgh.  The ducks were all up on the bank, enjoying a brief glimpse of the sun!

 

I always take photos of this old bridge!

 

 

walking back into town we passed one of my favourite places - the John Deere dealership!  I like the way this tractor looks as if it is parked on top of the hedge

 

a brand new tractor - there isn't even any mud on the wheels

 

this engine is about half the size of my car!!

 

this afternoon, we went for a walk in Hawick.  We followed a path through the  Violet Woods ...... but this was the only one that we saw!

 

It was quite  a steep climb, but it was worth it to have these views over Hawick

 

 

 

parts of the path were muddy, and as we reached to to of the downhill section, an elderly man who was walking his dogs advised us to walk down the road, rather than the path, as he said that the mud had made it very slippery, and we would probably end up on our backsides!  However, walking down the road wasn't without its perils, when this horsebox went past with little room to spare

 

We stopped to admire this new wall ....

 

....... and this rebuilt section of dry stone wall

 

I wonder how long it will take until it is covered with moss like this old section

 

the last part of our walk took us through the park, where we stopped at the little tearoom for a cuppa and an empire biscuit

 

this cute little dog is a Border terrier

 

I almost changed my mind about getting a tractor this afternoon, when I saw this wonderful machine.  Just think of the fun I could have demolishing buildings!!

 

I'm going to be on my own for the rest of the week ...... something which happened regularly when Malcolm was working.  However this time he isn't off abroad, to stay in smart hotels.  Tomorrow night he will be staying with Stuart and Alison, then on Wednesday he is driving up to Aberdeen, where he will be staying with David and Mary ...... Malcolm and David were at Birmingham University together, and another of their fellow students will also be there with his wife.  Then on Friday, he will stay with Stuart and Alison again (it's just a bit far to drive in one go from Aberdeen to Hawick).  I should have gone too, but unfortunately the visit clashed with Abbey Quilters exhibition.  I will be busy on Thursday helping to set up the exhibition, and then doing various duties on Friday and Saturday ...... and I will also be busy on Wednesday, when I go down to Longframlington to take Anne the latest batch of samples.  But of course the best bit will be that I will have possession of the remote control for the tv!!

 

To finish ...... a hastily snatched photo of a squirrel, which we saw in a garden this afternoon.  I had no sooner snapped it when it raced off

 

Shadow Shot Sunday

We have had some brief (very brief!) glimpses f the sun this week,but when I was out for my morning walk the other day, I decided to make use of all the puddles, and take some reflection shots!  Hopefully there has been lots of sun elsewhere, and my fellow shadow shotters will post lots of super captures over here, where Magical Mystery Teacher, Rose and Gemma host this fun meme

 

 

 

 

 

Running late!

When I arrived home this morning, I was decidedly out of breath after sprinting running walking quickly down the last leg of my walk.  Malcolm had assumed that I was gossiping blethering having an erudite and intellectual conversation with a neighbour.  So why was I late home ....... because of this gorgeous deer!

 

I was so glad that I had put the big lens on the camera, and was able to zoom in, as she stood there keeping a wary eye on me

 

 

 

I spent quite a long time just standing watching her through the camera ........ her ears kept twitching as flies buzzed round her.  It was only as I resumed my walk that I realised that I had been so engrossed that I had been standing in the middle of the road, on a bend ....... so it's just as well there is hardly any traffic at that time of the morning!!

 

At patch'n'chat this afternoon, Anne S had just finished this very striking quilt top

 

Katy was working on another miniature quilt (when she wasn't showing off the latest photo of her adorable new grandson Aaron)

 

Maureen was somewhat concerned about hanging this stunning peacock wallhanging in her home, as she had been told that it was unlucky to have anything to do with peacocks in the house (my Mum believed that).  But then she was told that it would be fine as long as she hung it next to a door, as the bad luck would be reflected back out the door ........ aren't we funny with the things we believe!

 

Annette wasn't in the shop today, so we were concerned about our Friday afternoon cake ...... but she had left us a delicious dumpling, and some of her daughter's wonderful shortbread biscuits.  For once I was good, and only had a piece of dumpling despite being twice offered the biscuits

 

 

It's Abbey Quilters exhibition next Friday and Saturday, so over the weekend I will be sorting out my entries, making sure that they are all properly labelled and writing out the information cards.  I will be helpingto  set up the exhibition on Thursday, then undertaking various duties on Friday and Saturday.  However, Malcolm won't be at home missing me, as he will be in Aberdeen ...... I'll tell you all about his trip next week!

I'm not going to mention the weather, but simply hope that you all have a good weekend ........ I shall be bottling my first attempts at fruit vinegar!!  Love Anne

Perhaps not quite a sunset ......

......... but there was definitely a bit of colour in the sky as we headed to bed last night!

 

 

and there was a wonderful colour this morning ....... blue!!

 

this ewe looked much happier, surrounded by DRY grass

 

and the view over to the Mintos was even clearer

 

I think this Jacob's ewe was probably in a show, as she is clean and clipped

 

the cows in the same field are very keen to pose at the gate!

 

 

recently, despite the fact that I don't bake, I seem to have acquired several books on the subject (I blame Sainsbury's, which sells them at half price!)

Marion used baking to fight off depression

 

the delightful Rachel with her take on classic French recipes

 

the very skilful Jo

 

the king of baking, the gorgeous Paul

 

but now, I really will have to knuckle down and actually bake cakes, instead of just drooling over the pictures, because I have just bought this beautiful glass cake cloche and stand (from here)

 

until I have a cake to put in it, I have put it on the dining room windowsill

 

and next to I have put a little glass butter dish, which is Italian ....... but I bought it in Jakarta!

 

there are other things on the windowsill from Indonesia.  This is a becak (pronounced bay-chack), a bicycle taxi

 

this chicken man is carved from a single piece of wood

 

with amazing detail on the man's face

 

and on the chicken

 

to finish ........ I'm used to encountering large lorries out on the main road when I go for walks after lunch - but I was suprised to meet this one this morning!

 

I had just taken the photo, when the lorry stopped and the driver jumped out.  Oh dear, was he shy and didn't want his photo taken?  No, he was lost!!  He was looking for our neighbour Billy the Farmer.  I had to tell him that unfortunately he had passed Billy's yard ...... and he would have to go a mile up the road before he would be able to turn!  It's just as well that he was unlikely to meet anyone else on the road that early, as he took up most of it

It stopped raining ......

........ for about five minutes this morning, and for the first time in days, the Mintos weren't hidden by mist and low clouds

 

but the Eildons were only just visible

 

I stopped at the church to take photos of the new information notice (click on the photos to enlarge them)

 

 

and here is the man himself!

 

since the morning that we saw the fawn, I have kept a lookout as I have come past that field, and this morning I was rewarded with a glimpse of an adult deer in the long grass

 

I must have made a noise as I leaned on the field gate to take photos, as the deer's head came up, and I just had time to snap one more photo before it leapt off back to trees

 

the new owners of the neighbouring farmhouse are having some groundworks done.  Does anyone know how to hotwire a mini digger ......

 

....... or even better, a big dumper truck!!

 

by the time I got back home, the rain was on again, and this spider web in the front garden had captured some raindrops

 

later in the morning, we drove up to Selkirk, to have lunch at Lochcarron.  The closer we got to Selkirk, the heavier the rain came down, so a large bowl of spicy Thai chicken soup with delicious bread was very welcome

 

back home, we settled down to watch cricket on tv ..... the West Indies v New Zealand.  They were playing on the island of St Kitts, and we delighted in seeing lots of blue sky and sparkling seas!!  While Malcolm wrestled with the crossword, I got on with my knitting, finishing the body of the tea cosy

 

the pencil is through the steek stitches for the spout

 

I have just pushed the steek through to the inside, but it gives you an idea what it will look like once it is cut to make the opening

 

the next stage is to work another vikkel braid, before shaping the top of the cosy,then finishing the edges with i-cord ...... and there should be enough wool left to make one in the reverse colourway!

 

to finish, I assumed the sheep in the old orchard were ewes (they are usually lying down when I see them), but after taking this photo this morning, I'm not so sure .........

We have three new contenders .....

...... for the "biggest worm ever" contest!  I encountered these three beauties this morning

 

I made the collage here, and at the same time I made this one of raindrops hanging like diamonds on plants in the verge

 

This snail was in danger of being washed away on the wet road

 

but these heifers were happily grazing in the field with the Jacob's sheep (you will recognise the gate!)

 

 

 

I got my trainer rather muddy  .........

 

....... but I wasn't worried, as I knew it would be cleaned up ......

 

...... when I walked through this on the way home!

 

at the weekend, I finished Stuart and Alison's oven gloves and potholder

 

 

last night I finished the last piece of work for Anne

 

 

 

so, hooray, I can do some sewing for me!!  I have made a start to the block keeper (I got the pattern from Anne last time I visited her shop) using my Ghastlies fabrics, including the ones that Judi (no blog) gave me

 

instead of the owl applique, I decided to fussy cut squares from two of the  Ghastlies fabrics, using a cardboard window template so that I could mark the cuttting lines

 

 

the pieces cut, ready to get started

 

the first block, part sewn

 

both blocks pieced

 

and sewn together - which took two attempts, as I forgot to turn one upside down the first time!

 

I chose this fabric for the lining of the block keeper

 

and layered up using a polyester wadding to give a firmer finish

 

I have quilted all the background (white) areas

 

 

good progress!  After I finish the quilting, the next stage is to make various pockets for the inside.

If only looking really silly .........

....... had helped Andy Murray win.  I wore this stupid hat - folded up from a page of yesterday's newspaper - all afternoon in the hopes that it would have some magical influence on the result.  Ah well, there is always next year

 

Moving swiftly on!  When we were walking through the Saturday market in Hawick, we saw that the fruit and veg stall had some very cheap strawberries, so on Saturday afternoon I started on a marathon of jam making, which finished today!

 

This is basic strawberry jam, looking good in my fancy jars that I got here

 

I also made strawberry and nectarine jam - delicious

 

I make jam in small batches in a large glass bowl in the microwave

 

using a pound of fruit and a pound of sugar.  I use jam sugar, as I find it gives a better set

 

today I made strawberry and pear, and strawberry and melon - and still had a pound of strawberries left!  So I finished with another batch of plain strawberry jam, which I put into smaller jars to give away to friends

 

I bottled the new batch of sloe gin, and also sloe port, which we had made with the sloes from the first batch of gin.  This is the gin being strained

 

When Stuart and Alison tasted the first batch of sloe gin, they immediately demanded said they had better get another bottle or else said please could they have a bottle from the second batch (sorry, this is a poor photo!)

 

the rain stayed off long enough yesterday morning for us to go for a walk.  We thought we would go somewhere different, and walked up the road that passes the back of the donkey sanctuary.  There is just something so appealing about donkeys .... it is hard to pick just a few photos to share with you!

 

 

 

 

 

the road took us down to the suspension bridge over the River Tweed, which was running full and hard

 

 

usually we approach the suspension bridge from the other side of the river, coming down this road

 

on the way back to the car, I paused to take one of my favourite arty shots

 

I wan't so lucky with the weather for my walk this morning - yes, more rain!  This leaf had obviously had enough of the dreadful weather and dropped off the tree early!

 

but even on a wet grey morning, there is always something to brighten the day!

 

 

 

ps, when we were on the way home yesterday, we saw three different means of travel

horse power

 

pedal power

 

easy rider!