The phone rang just after eight this morning, It was Maureen to say that she was poorly, and would have to go to the doctor, so she wouldn't be able to come over for our sewing day. She was very upset to let me down at the last minute, but of course I didn't mind (I deny that I was thinking, oh good, more cake for me!!). I had been expecting a day of hand sewing, interspersed with cups of tea, biscuits and cake, and of course gossiping blethering erudite conversation. So what did I do instead? First, I pressed the latest knitted blanket for Linus
then while the table was clear, I layered up the two brushed cotton baby quilts, using my latest gadget
then I got organised to make more blocks for the black and red quilt (or is it red and black?). I forgot to say that Abbey Quilters' exhibition is in July and I thought I ought to start making some quilts for it!! I looked out these fabrics
and cut lots of strips
which I stitched together
by then it was time for lunch, and I headed into the house. I often mention going out to the studio or into the house, so here is my journey from the house to the studio. From the back door I cross the deck
then go past the garage
round the summerhouse
and into the studio
I had my favourite home-alone lunch (Malcolm doesn't like it)
then it was back to work, cutting squares on the diagonal from the stitched-together strips
having cut four squares, I put them on the design wall
and added some of the black and red squares
then I stitched together more strips and cross cut them into squares, and cut squares from the red fabrics
and turned them into more squares
by the end of the afternoon, I had this on the design wall
and now, the moment you have been waiting for, my Friday cake! This is what it looked like when it came out of the oven yesterday
the recipe says it can be served with or without butter, so I cut my piece in half to try it both ways ...... as I don't eat a lot of butter, I would be quite happy to eat it without it. It is a lovely moist fruit cake, although it has no fat in it. I would say it is a cross between a traditional fruit cake and a dumpling
there is snow in the forecast for the weekend, but hopefully we will still get a walk on the beach. And of course it is Valentine's Day on Sunday, so we will be having a romantic dinner with a glass or two of fizz. Have a wonderful weekend, love Anne