As I type this post, the time is closing in on 2010, so I will take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe, healthy, happy and prosperous 2011, with many hours to create beautiful things, AND to share them with friends.
Many of you know that very often in my part of the world we lament the lack of rain. Of course, many of you know too that at the moment my district is experiencing the highest flood levels on record. We are in no danger of course, but all of the people in our little township have had to be evacuated and spend time away from their homes. I feel for them this New Year's Eve and hope they are home again soon. A number of times we have been told about the river heights, ie where the water rises, etc., and a number of times I've remarked that I'd really like to see that!! Well, take it from me - be careful what you wish for. The photograph above is still not the end of the story. It has risen since this series of photos was taken. I decided to try the Stitch Photo part of my program, and this panoramic view of the rising water is the result of some fun playing on the computer. My little camera also has a Stitch Assist function which I've used to capture consecutive frames. It's an interesting exercise.
Hello again to everyone. I decided I'd change the pace a little with this post. I will have higher water to photograph, as it is STILL rising, but will leave those photos for a few days, and go back to some of the needlework I do. The table centre in the above photo is one I did a few years ago. The pattern was in an Anna magazine. It is done in #20 crochet cotton, and about 30 inches in diameter. We have a very glossy cream top on our dining table, with brown upholstery on the chairs, so I thought this might make a nice piece for the table [it is hardly ever used, and the table is used for 'stuff'].
Over the years, I've done lots of things in crochet, learning when I was only about nine years old. I particularly love working around handkerchiefs. This is another Anna pattern [and an Irish Linen handkerchief]. I use this handkerchief myself, hence it's slightly used appearance [does Blogger have an embarrassed face to use??].
This is another one I use a lot, so do apologize if it is not in pristine condition. Again, an Anna pattern, with the monogram design from the little book by Christine Harris, Embroidered Initials. For some reason, every edge pattern I've used from the Anna magazines has just fit perfectly into the handkerchief edge, with no 'fudging' to get the corners nice. This is a tad smaller than the one above and a pure cotton.
Hopefully these closeup shots will allow you to see the monogramming. The embroidery is done with a single strand using my favourite DMC colours, 225/224 pink, and 523 green. All of the edging has been done using #100 crochet cotton.
Thank you again to everyone for sending good wishes to us because of the flooding. Thankfully, we have nothing to worry about, we are on a high area of the property, and we have sufficient food supplies for a number of days, and most definitely enough needlework supplies...........LOL.. I put these pictures on to show people just how much water actually spreads out on this flat river country. My husband tells me it is higher still this morning. It appears to be going to break the 1942 record at the bridge in Condamine. We won't see that, as several small backing up lagoons will be too high for us to cross. The sun is out now and it's drying out in the paddocks. When the water recedes there will be fences to be seen to, and the levy bank has broken, so lots of repairs. I am sure there are others who will have much more damage than we have here. For those people, all I can do is offer my sympathy and hope they recover quickly from this devestation.
It's finally happened. We can see water from the Condamine River - through the window in the spare bedroom!!! The houses on this property are built on a sand hill, with the river flats starting to look like inland lakes as I type, and more water still to get here. The ducks seem to be having a ball. It's extremely hard to get any sort of photograph which gives any indication of the impact of this event. Even for us, who know these paddocks, find it difficult to comprehend where it is running in. If you look closely at the above photograph you will see the tops of some fence posts, and the country behind the water has been planted to cotton................ it will be ruined I'd say.
This shot shows the water coming in and around some higher ground. Over the years, levy banks have been constructed in order to protect farmed areas. The tree line at the back is 'the river'. Actually, we are three kilometres from the river, as the crow flies.
This is another small pocket of farming land under water. I hope you can see the flowers in the foreground. These bulbous plants are everywhere at the moment. I am not sure of their correct name, but have been told they've been dubbed The Darling Lily [this water finds it's way into the Murray-Darling system and into South Australia eventually]. They look like a large crocus or a small crinum [again, hope I'm right on the 'classification'].
As promised, I managed a shot showing the water over the bridge. This was taken after lunch yesterday, the reading approximately 11.5 metres [the bridge is 10 metres]. I have been speaking to people in the township this morning. It is now over 13 metres and still rising. We are unable to get to town, but still okay as far as food is concerned. My biggest worry is running out of milk [we freeze it these days]. But, if that happens, I suppose I still have nothing to complain about compared to others who have been through rough times.
Thank you to all who have shown concern, and thank you too to Shirley for the cider vinegar hint. I had not heard that one before. It's on the grocery list.
My heart goes out to the people who have had to leave their homes. Theodore to the north, and Chinchilla to the north-east are the worst in our immediate area. Both our sons are Civil Engineers based in the Shires where all of this damage is happening. The nightmares will begin soon enough when it's time to repair damage to roads and creek crossings.
I have one amusing story about Sunday's deluge. Our son who lives in the Tara district saw a lot of water quite close to his home on a small acreage. They were picking up yabbies on the side of the road, in drains, etc. Guess what they had for lunch. For those who are not familiar with the yabby [crayfish], I've included a small image. They are very nice to eat [a lot of waste], and abound in our inland silty dams. Obviously the dams were full and overflowing, and the yabbies had to go somewhere!!!
I'm sailing fairly close to the wind with my Christmas gift making, but it's all done now, except for the wrapping. These are the second set of placemats and napkins I've made for the family. I forget how long I've had this fabric, but I liked it and as usual, purchased a few metres.
Actually, these projects take quite a deal of fabric, so to make sure I had everything a good size, I used a toning but different fabric on the back of the placemats, and something different again for the bindings. These all came from my stash, nothing purchased especially. I even used a white stiff lawn inside the placemats, something I 'inherited' after my mother-in-law passed away. I think I like the stripe better than the fruit/vege side!!!
And, just to prove I am totally batty, I have to show you that I found these matching tea towels in the cupboard. I bought them somewhere because I liked them, and they go so well with this set. The kitchen where these will 'live' is quite neutral, so the maroon will be fine. I also found some bottle green checked tea towels as well, which will go with the chilli set. I hope the family like what I've made.
All seems to be in order for our day out tomorrow. We have spent a few anxious hours worrying over the river height, but we have been told by several people that the bridge should not go under water, so I suppose we'll just drive over it and not look back. Hopefully, when we arrive there tomorrow afternoon, we'll be able to get back home.
I know most people are busy doing their last minute preparations, and won't be around their computers, but I take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful Christmas, and thank you all sincerely for taking an interest in the things I am doing. I appreciate each and every comment. Take care all.
Last Friday I received a lovely package from the UK. Each season I receive a hand made card and small gift from my dear friend Isabell, and I would just like to share these with everyone. Thank you so much Isabell for always putting so much thought and time into your greetings. I do appreciate it so much, as I know this year has not been easy for you. The camera didn't want to take a good photo today. For some reason, the contrast in colours causes a few problems. The background is the fat quarter that Isabell sent. It is a Jinny Beyer print [my very favourite fabric designer!!], in varying shades of green. Enjoy.
I am trying to finish another set of napkins and placemats, as well as starting a new piece of Hardanger. I need to finish the napery before Christmas, so hopefully will have some photographs to share in a few days.
Thank you most sincerely to all who read my blog and take such a keen interest in my ravings.
I am fairly sure almost every town in Australia has one................an abandoned Bank of New South Wales [now Westpac] building. Thankfully, when the decision was made to relocate the bank business to an instore branch in the town's drapery store, the building was purchased by one of the local businessmen. It is now used for several purposes, ie recycled. The front area of the building is office space, the upper floor a living area - 'apartment', and the back of the building had a huge make over, giving us a much needed coffee shop. Of course, due to it's location, without the 'sandwich sign' many visitors would pass by without knowing where to find it.
The entrance has been given a cool look with the addition of a water feature and some greenery, whilst the plant lined walkway through to the back is a delight. The new cafe proprietors have put their own stamp on the business, making it a pleasant retreat from the summer heat, and a welcome warm spot on a cold winter's day.
It's getting close to Christmas now for all. I did say I would share a recipe, so will get this posted today. I know for those of you who are feeling somewhat cold at the moment, this sort of fare is quite far down on your list of would-be 'delights'. For us here in Australia, cold fare seems to be the in thing, and I've often found that this is well received.
Thank you all again for commenting on my most recent needlecase, and also for becoming part of my life. People have been so supportive, it has given me so much encouragement. I do so appreciate all this kindness. I will also take this opportunity to wish one and all a safe and happy Christmas, wherever in the world you may live.
I have this in an old cookbook I bought in the 70's, published by the Ladies' Show Auxilliary for one of our small country towns here, ie Tara. It's simply called the Tara Tucker Book. Okay, enough.
Delicacy Salad -
½ cup hot water
3 dessertspoons gelatine
½ cup cold water
½ cup vinegar
1 dessertspoon lemon juice
4 tablespoons sugar
pinch of salt
a few drops of green food colouring
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup well drained canned crushed pineapple
Soften gelatine in hot water; add sugar, salt, cold water, vinegar and lemon juice. Place on very low heat on stove, stir until sugar and gelatine is well dissolved. Colour pale green [just a few drops!!]. Allow to cool slightly in the refrigerator and when the mixture is beginning to thicken a little, add the cucumber and crushed pineapple. Place in your favourite mould container. Refrigerate overnight. To serve, unmould onto serving platter and decorate. This can also be set in small individual dishes, as single serves.
I have included this photograph to show a 'slice' ready for serving. I find this is not for everyone. I know my husband will not even try it, so I always warn people to take a small piece first as it may not be to their liking. It has a slightly tangy flavour, and makes a welcome addition to a buffet table. Enjoy.
I've finally finished my needlecase challenge for 2010. This month I decided to try another counted thread stitching technique that was relatively new to me. I have seen some references to this type of work, ie Hapsburg Lace stitching, but very few patterns. There are kits available on Tanja Berlin's Website, more of the 'sampler' kind, and on canvas. I set this design out in a quad ruled pad, roughly, and began stitching from the top right hand corner. I've used Lugana 25ct, and stitched with Finca Perlé #16. I hope this photograph gives you an indication of the overall pattern. The fabric I've used for the background is my inner lining, with hot pink wool felt for the needle pages.
There are only a few simple stitches for this technique - Smyrna stitch, round eyelet stitch, and a mosaic filling [which is essentially a double running stitch, slanted].
The raw edges have been turned under, corners mitred and finally I've stitched Antwerp edging stitch to finish the needlecase. The lining has been inserted in exactly the same way as November. I really like this technique, and feel I would do more in the future. Thank you again to everyone who has followed the progress of this challenge, and made the time to comment. I have not had a moment to catch up on my usual blogs, so please bear with me my friends. Cheers.
Hello Everyone, I have done the draw for the scissor fobs. The winners are Karyn, and Isabell. Congratulations girls, and thank you everyone for showing such an interest in these little things. Karyn and Isabell I will get the gifts in the mail ASAP. I have your addresses, so all is well.
A little bit wet here for us, not flooded out, but wet enough. I have not had a moment to get to Blogger, so have nothing of note to talk about, unless you would all like to hear about my house cleaning efforts....................... It's big news in our household, because it doesn't happen all that often!!!!
