Last night we watched a Christmas cookery programme with the amazing Mary Berry and the luscious Paul Hollywood (although I would prefer him without the beard!). The best bit was when Mary said that you should bake your Christmas cake three weeks before Christmas ....... and that's exactly when I did mine. After all the "what, you haven't baked your cake yet" remarks, it was good to know that I had got it right!
On our way out for a spot of lunch, we stopped in Jedburgh to buy the newspapers. I forgot to tell you that Malcolm had sold one of his driftwood trees to the owner of a small art/craft gallery in Jedburgh. She wanted the tree to display jewellery in the shop window, so we had a little peak to see if it was there - Malcolm was delighted to see that it was. Not the best of photos, as it was hard to get an angle that didn't have reflections
we then headed to Woodside Garden Centre, where I had a delicious bowl of celeriac and pear soup .....
........ and Malcolm had parsnip and ginger - equally delicious!
I was intriqued by this compost ....... but not enough to put my hand in an open bag and feel it
we were rather taken with this planter ........
....... even more so when we then saw this one planted up, but at £125, it would be a major investment for the garden (although it does come with a ten-year guarantee)
and now for the sewing update. The Needle Nookie is finished (except for a little button on the back) The strips aren't squinty, it's just the angle of the photo!
I got buttons for the clamshell sewing keep. They are bigger than those on the pattern, but I just liked them so much I had to have them
the pattern says to stitch two felt hearts on the inside of the flap, but I am reluctant to do that, as the stitching would spoil the appearance of the quilting on the right side. I could perhaps just anchor them at the top and bottom - I shall have to discuss it with Anne. I did notice that the one shown on the pattern doesn't have hearts on it!
what is it about robins that makes them so appealing?
I think this sparrow is practising to become a model - just look at the way he is looking over his shoulder!
whereas this blue tit is obviously channeling Greta Garbo "I just want to be left alone"