Making peach jam

This weekend I was on watering duty for a dear friend who is holidaying with family. This involved checking the chooks and watering the orchard and large vege patch.
In exchange I received a glorious bounty of eggs, strawberries and peaches.

The smell in the kitchen was divine and I felt just like Martha B Rabbit in the book  "The  Fairies Cook" as I made jam. This was one of  Miss 18s favourite books when she was little. Now, just like Martha, I have my pantry stocked for winter.

 

The recipe included cinnamon and mixed spice, which I have to admit concerned me a little. But I went with it and I am pleased to say the jam is yummy! I tried to find the recipe today so that I could link to it but do you think I can find it again. It was online one minute and seems to be now gone!!!

All I need to do is add some labels, which will be a good job for Miss 12 who is trying to get out of cleaning up here bedroom. Then into the pantry they go.

I am on watering duty again on Wednesday, hope the zucchinis are big enough to pick!
Until next time.
Warmly Lenna

Sounds like a plan

It's so refreshing to think of a new year as a clean slate. I've cleaned off my big dry erase board in my studio and I'm ready to start filling it up with hopes and dreams for the year ahead.

via blog.betzwhite.com

Just came across this and thought it a wonderful idea. Instead of pondering what I could have...should have done in 2010, why not just wipe the slate clean and look forward with excitement to 2012. No more beating myself up about unfinished projects, unwritten articles or my lack of blogging.
There's no point is there?

Hopes and dreams for 2012 is much more delicious, thanks Liz!

Jack and Jill Wall Hanging in Creating Country Threads Magazine

Yesterday afternoon on my way to do the school pick up, I noticed this month's issue of Creating Country Threads peeking out of my mailbox. I was even more excited than usual because my Jack and Jill wall hanging features on page 20.

Here it is nestled amongst the wisteria.

This project has been specially designed to compliment my Nursery Rhyme quilt which would make a wonderful set for any child or grandchild.
Here is a close up of Jack and Jill.

And the exciting news is that I have taken all the hard work out of finding the fabrics for you.
I have a limited number of fabric kits available for this wall hanging. They include the exact fabrics I used and can be posted straight to your door. Priced at $48.50, they will not last long and as a special offer postage is free within Australia, so be quick.

To secure one of these fabric kits simply click on the tab below.

Call in to your  local newsagents and pick up a copy of Creating Country Threads. It's the applique yearbook.  Hope you enjoy my Jack and Jill wall hanging.

Warmly Lenna

New Designs for Wholesale Trade Fair in Melbourne

The countdown is now on! I have only a few weeks before launching a new collection of patterns at the Wholesale Trade Fair in Melbourne.

This will be the first time that Little Green Cottage has made an appearance at the Trade Fair and to be honest I am feeling a tad nervous. Janice (my new helping angel) will be attending as well. We have both been super busy sorting out our display for the stand. There's still lots to do, including a few more projects to make, but we are gradually crossing off our "to do list".

I thought I would show you a glimpse of the new collection. It has a Japanese flavor to it and of course there is lots of embroidery and applique. I can't reveal too much at this stage but here is a peek!

I have designed a series of projects to compliment my block of the month quilt pattern Christmas in Italy (which will be on display at the Trade Fair). I'll post a few pics of those next week. In the meantime you may like to grab my free Christmas in Italy block that is currently being offered as part of a Christmas challenge with Quilting Gallery. Check it out by clicking here.
Until next week, happy stitching!
Warmly Lenna

Camping Trip Bay of Fires Tasmania

Recently the family and I traveled to the East Coast of Tasmania to a very special place called the Bay of Fires. Truth is hubby and the kids journed there last year and I stayed at home and sewed all weekend. They had such a  remarkable time that they convinced me that I had to come this year, ever though it meant no shower for 3 days, and sleeping on the ground in a tent.

Hubby was very excited when we pulled up and discovered that the campsite they stayed in last year was free. He motioned to a small walking track amongst the tress and instructed that we start hauling our gear in that direction. As the trees cleared I was lost for words. This is what I saw.

Hubby must have heard my gasp and proudly exclaimed "See I told you so".

This was the most beautiful camp site that I had ever seen, and we had the place to ourselves.
Here is out campsite taken from the opposite direction.You can just see our tents nestled amongst the trees.

 The kids were able to paddle in the lagoon and walking along the beach was pure bliss.

The Bay of Fires is most famous for its stunning white beaches and rocks which are covered in a natural Lichen.You will soon see what I mean when you look at the photos.

 Here are the kids scrambling over the rocks and if you look very carefully one of them is standing on the large rock in the distance.They are just a small speck!

 Here is Miss Eleven on a rock being King of the World!.

But the photo that says it all was captured by Tony (the Dad of the family that came with us). After returning from a day of bush walking and discovered waterfalls we were greeted with this stunning sunset which lasted about 10 minutes. Isn't it amazing!

Hope you have enjoyed seeing a bit of Tasmania, it is an amazing place to live and I feel very grateful.
Until next time.
Warmly Lenna

New Christmas in Italy Quilt Video Presentation

Customize a free scrapbook design

My Doll is in Creating Country Threads Magazine

How exciting, my doll Miss Daisy is in this month's issue of Creating Country Threads magazine. You can see her on the front cover, top left.
It is the magazine's 10th birthday so they have lots of wonderful projects for you to enjoy.

Miss Daisy is lots of fun to make. She has cute little brown shoes and her dress is decorated with mauve daises made from wool felt and then appliqued in place with simple embroidery. So check out your local newsagent and grab your copy.

Congratulations Creating Country Threads magazine on your 10th birthday
Warmly Lenna