Addressing those stitching questions, and a giveaway...

(the new blog face is still under construction, but we're almost there!! Thanks Keren!)

I get asked a lot about doing a series of tutorials on embroidery stitches, and even though it can seem like a great idea, I have this thing about re-inventing the wheel. You see there are some great tutes already out there, and one of the best is Helen Stubbings' "Stitched Sunday" series.

Visit HERE and scroll through her "Stitched Sunday" posts for step by step photos of a huge variety of embroidery stitches, plus you'll have a project at the end!

Now, because I am a visual person, and I learn by seeing things done, I understand why many of you desire to learn the same way. Just the other day after dropping Blossom at work I found these great books teaching basic styles of embroidery...

 ...and I thought to myself, "You could offer these as a giveaway!". So I bought them for just that purpose!

 

 

 Lookee here, a wee elephant...

 ...and lots more inside.

Would you like to win a copy for yourself? Just leave ONE comment below. 

I'll post the books anywhere in the world, but draw the line at Mars. ;-)

Two winners will be drawn on Sunday 21st, the day after Kezzie's wedding. 

Only five more sleeps until my big girl changes her name from Miss Reynolds to Mrs Allen. \o/ 

It's all VERY exciting!!

*****

In the sewing room I have been busy finishing the basting, quilting, and binding of "Promises & Borders". Oh my, its lovely...

I've decided that the blocks for this quilt will remain on my blog as a permanent FREE gift to all my readers. The Lord blessed us with those promises, and He gave me the creative skill to design and stitch the borders, so 'to Him be the glory' always and forever. 

*****

My time lately has also been spent in the kitchen. Winding down my magazine means more time for me to prepare the foods that we love; the foods that nourish our bodies, and bring smiles and good health to my family.

I love doing the morning prep! Today I have Chia Coconut Pudding 'gelling'...

All those little chia seeds become transparent by the end of the day, reminding me of the sago/tapioca puddings I used to make.

I also have blueberries thawing to serve with it, and a bowl of falafel mix ready to cook into balls and wrap with salad and raita inside fresh chapati breads when Blossom comes home from work...

 Lastly, I made a Banana & Date loaf...

...but it's still in the oven. 

If there is any left tomorrow I'll show you a pic, but knowing how popular it is with Mr E and Blossom I wouldn't count on it. ;-)

*****

My sewing room blind died months ago and ever since I've had it hand rolled and pinned so I could have light in there, but now the fierce tropical sun has arrived for an early summer I have had to avoid the room as much as possible. 

Until last Thursday!! The odd jobs man finally got permission from our landlord to replace the blind, and it's a venetian this time. I have a working sewing room again!!

Did I mention that I use it for household planning as well??

Friday was planning day for menus, grocery shopping, bill scheduling, and Bible study.

I even changed the room around and was surprised that it worked so well. More light, more room - perfect. 

Have a lovely week. Do something wonderfully unexpected for a loved one, 'just because'...