Sunday 7 July 2013

Crochet in the Garden

Hi everyone - how lucky are we to have this lovely spell of weather at a weekend?  I have been making the most of it and sitting out in the garden to craft, read and use the laptop.  I was outside until after midnight last night, and it still wasn't quite dark!

I have finally finished the crochet tissue box cover for my mum-in-law (good job as my brother in law is due to visit and he will be taking it to her on my behalf).


The squares that make up the box are a bit different to the usual Granny, I really enjoyed making them as each round was different to the one before.  I have to admit that I get quite bored making the usual Granny Square (yes, that is a terrible admission from a Crochet Addict but its true).


The pink flower is actually the first few rounds of the pattern that makes up the square


It wasn't as straightforward to actually construct the box as I had thought, I unpicked my first attempt!  But I think it looks alright now...



So after that I decided to flip through one of my favourite magazines, Martha Stewart Living.  I have really cut back on buying magazines, as the cost was getting silly - and often they can be quite repetitive.  But I just cant do without MSL.  I just love the photography they use - look at the deliciousness on the cover this month:


And these ice creams had me drooling


The recipes however say that an ice cream maker is needed - and I don't have one of those.  Do any of you lovely bloggers have any tips regarding how to get around this?

Each issue is crammed with recipes, homemaking tips and crafts.         This 4th July craft idea would have looked great last year for the Jubilee celebrations - it uses a decoupage technique with old wooden trays and tea towels:

 
It could work well with other tea towels, I reckon I'm going to have a go at this if I can source some old wooden trays (look out charity shops, here I come!!)
 
Well, enough MSL eye candy for today, I have got to go off and do some much needed housework.  But before I go - just look what Darling Daughter has made for dessert (its a Death by Chocolate Cheesecake!!)
 
 

Yum yum - good job I will be working up an appetite!!

Have a wonderful Sunday

Helenxx

10 comments:

  1. Your crochet looks great! Hope the weather holds out :)

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  2. Your crochet is so pretty. I love that shade of pink.

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  3. That's a pretty crocheted square pattern! I keep meaning to make a tissue box cover.
    I used to be an avid subscriber to MSL but the adverts just became too much for me in the end. It is a gorgeous mag, though, I agree on that! Jennifer Causey is one of my favourite food photographers.

    Re the icecream - I don't have a machine, either. You can technically make the icecream and skip the churning all together, or you can keep removing it from the freezer ever 1-2 hours while it's hardening and mix it up with a fork - which will make it softer for scooping.

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  4. Isn't summer lovely? Well as long as it doesn't get too hot.
    Love your new Kleenex box cover--the pink with the white is SO pretty and girlish!
    I have heard you can make ice cream in a Ziploc-type bag (I would have included a link, but wasn't sure if you like that or not--so just google it and you'll come up with directions). I am dying to try it being a sorbet and ice cream lover myself:)
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  5. Oh my goodness.. what I wouldn't give for a piece of that lovely chocolate concoction! I make a chocolate cheesecake, but it's only got sour cream topping.. but all that yummy chocolate buttercream.. oh la la! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  6. You did a fine job on the tissue box cover. I don't buy magazines much anymore, except Mollie Makes and a few decorating ones when we go to Dubai. At least they don't censor magazines there and they are less expensive. I made ice cream with my kindergarten class using a coffee can before. You have to roll it all around and shake it quite a while. :) Fun for 4 and 5 year olds. There are many recipes for creamy popsicles you could try -- I've found some vegan ones using coconute milk I would like to give a go. You can find just about anything now. Have a great day. Tammy

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  7. Hi Helen! Bet your MIL was thrilled with her tissue box...so pretty. I know what you mean about the cost of mags! I buy my subscriptions with my Tesco Clubcard vouchers now and that makes them loads cheaper xxxxxx

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  8. I really want to make some coconut milk ice cream!!!
    I have been a bit quiet but still checking in with you :)

    Ramadan Mubarak dear!
    xxx

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  9. It's lovely to be able to crochet (and sew) in the sunny garden! Love your pretty crochet....and those sweet treats look so delicious!
    Helen x

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  10. Your tissue box cover looks lovely.
    The front cover of the MSL looks so scrumptious, the colours are gorgeous; are those green tomatoes? Like Amanda, I get my magazine fix with my Tesco clubcard vouchers.

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