Vintage popover, papercrafts and a recipe...

Last weekend when Mr E and I, grande size coffees in hand, drove from garage sale to garage sale in the early morning light, we were sorely disappointed.

 "Slim pickin's again" said Mr E after a 2 hour jaunt around town. 

But all was not lost. At our final stop, where we almost did not get out of the car to have a look-see, I found a vintage child's popover apron for $1.

Mr E gave me a quizzical look as I handed over my lonely coin but once I'd explained my plan to use it as pattern he was rather more understanding - well as understanding as a man who has no interest in sewing can be... 

Blossom on the other hand was VERY excited about my plan and drooled over the vintage find.

I measured it up against Cully May yesterday when they were here for lunch and it just needs to be about 2" shorter, so I've gathered some vintage style fabrics from my stash and hope to have a few made for her birthday on Friday...

Because Bloss shares my love of vintage and retro I've decided that a few crochet embellished pockets will add that something extra to the popover aprons.

We think these will be perfect for our tropical climate. Cully May can wear them over a t-shirt or blouse with a little pair of shorts or frilly bloomers.

If  this works out I may draw up the pattern outline for you?

Last Friday I drove north to visit my dear friend Rosie for a day of laughter, heart-to-heart sharing, good food and crafting.

It had been over six weeks since our last catch-up, far too long, so we had a lot to chat about. I love how easily the conversation always directs itself to home, family, baking, sewing and womanhood - all inspiring topics that we embrace.

In previous visits I've been drawn to Rosie's skill with papercraft, sighing with delight at the beautiful memory books she makes yet never seeing the 'how' of her hobby.

This was all to change last Friday. 

After morning tea I brought out my embroidery ready to stitch and Rosie gathered the bits and pieces for her latest papercraft project and set everything up opposite me on the large dining table. 

She made it look so easy and yet I knew it had taken years of experience to be so deft with every step of the process.

To say I was entranced is an understatement and you can be sure that not much stitching was done on my side of the table.

Rosie has a far more detailed post on her blog and I'd love you to hear about all the extras that are added to her memory books and read why she makes them.

Visit Rosie here.

After sharing my baking last week and earlier this week I've been swamped with requests for the Matrimony Slice recipe as well as the meaning behind the name.

The base and topping are the same recipe but between them is a luscious layer of thick jam...

You press half the base into the slice tray, then spread the jam before pressing the remaining half of the slice mixture over the top.

The base and top are representative of a husband and wife.

The jam in the middle is the love which binds them together.

Matrimony Slice is our family's favourite of all slice recipes and disappears rather quickly. In fact I'm baking more this afternoon.

If you'd like to make it I have prepared the recipe sheets for you in both retro and pastel bunting style...

...with a simple and sweet stitchery design on the last page so you can stitch while your treat is in the oven. 

It's even 'matrimony' inspired.

Download the retro recipe page here.

Download the pastel bunting recipe page here.

I have some popover aprons to sew, a matrimony slice and another loaf of bread to bake so I'd best sign off and let you get on with your own day.

We really like this yummy soy linseed loaf so I'll probably make that again...

Thanks for dropping by and journeying with me in this rather lovely, sometimes challenging, but always life giving gentle domestic life. Even though I work from home in my design business it's the working 'for' home that brings me the greatest satisfaction.

And I believe this is just as it should be. Dorothy was right when she said, "there's no place like home".

Your comments, thoughts, experiences shared and encouragements offered, water the seeds of my own growth as a wife, homemaker, woman, mother, nana and craftswoman. You bless me more than you realise and it's my desire to be that blessing to you too.

I hope today the fruits of your hand and heart overflow with goodness,

hugs