Knitted Shawl

Graphic from Ravelry - The Crow Maltz Shawl

As soon as I stumbled across this beautiful knitted shawl designed by Juji Vail I just knew I had to make it. Trouble was my mind immediately began doubting my knitting skills, I had never attempted something like this before. I had always considered myself more of a "one jumper in 2 years kinda girl". But the more I looked at the lovely detailing, the more I imagined it snuggled around my shoulders this winter and so I pushed on.

By the way this gorgeous knitted shawl pattern is free on the Ravelry website. I ordered the wool that was recommended  from Loop, one of my favourite wool and knitting websites. The wool is hand dyed from The Old Maiden Aunt range which gives that amazing subtle variation in the colour.

Graphic from Loop

Thankfully a trip home to Mum boosted my confidence. While there we sat together and cast on my first stitches, a while later the first sequence of the lace pattern had emerged and I was off and running. A few more weeks in and the first side of the lace edging was complete. Although it involved immense concentration on my behalf and the training of my family to not interrupt me mid pattern sequence.

Even more weeks in (I told you I was slow!!!) and I have progressed to knitting the actual body of the shawl which is an unusual Slip stitch that is new to me as well. My excitement is building  knowing that I will indeed indeed have this knitted shawl finished for this winter.

I promise to keep you posted on my progress and will undoubtedly be showing off my knitted shawl when it is finished. Warmly Lenna

Best Rhubarb Relish Recipe Ever

I 've just been out to the garden to pick some beans and rhubarb because I have come across the best Rhubarb relish recipe ever!

Truth is, until a few weeks ago I had never thought of using Rhubarb for relish. I usually make the usual tomato relish, but this year when my rhubarb plant decided to double in size I knew I had to find some other recipes besides Rhubarb and apple crumble.

Thankfully I stumbled across a recipe for Rhubarb relish over at Melissa's blog and so decided to give it a try. I also tried a recipe for Rhubarb jam, but I have to confess that it did not come close to the relish!

The Rhubarb relish is delicious on all meats, and is very quick and easy to make. So if you have Rhubarb growing in the garden, head on over to Melissa's blog for a copy of the recipe

Click here for the best Rhubarb relish recipe ever!

Christmas Project in Homespun Magazine

If you are looking for some last minute Christmas projects to make, check out Homespun magazine.I'm excited to say that I have a featured project.

I designed these cute little Christmas boxes to match my Christmas in Italy quilt. As always Homespun magazine has done a wonderful job photographing them.

Hope you like them.

Noah's Ark Quilt by Little Green Cottage

Months in the planning and sewing, my new Noah's Ark quilt is now ready to enjoy.

Take a few moments to watch this special video presentation I have put together for you.
Enjoy!



Head on over to the Stitching Cow website for all the details about how you can retell the story of Noah and the animals stitch by stitch. Click here for information about my Noah's Ark Quilt

Little Green Cottage at Melbourne Wholesale Quilt Market

Wow the last few months have flown by and I have to confess that my blogging has taken a back seat. Much has been happening behind the scenes at Little Green Cottage. One of the biggest being our attendance at the Melbourne wholesale Quilt market.
There we were excited to launch lots of new designs, including my new Noah's Ark block of the month quilt.

Here I am with my helping angel Janice.

Things are in full swing now filling orders and getting patterns out to shops. And just to make things a bit more stressful my Miss 12 reminds me each day how many days until Christmas!!!!

Project for Little Green Cottage Workshop in Tasmania

Over the last few days I have been busy creating a new project for a workshop planned for The Fabric Parcel in Wynyard, Tasmania. The Appliqued Sewing Box was designed with some beautiful fabrics and Cottage Garden embroidery threads that Mandy had in stock. Aren't the colours lovely?

The full day workshop will be held on Friday 28 September, 2012 and I will be covering needle turn applique, hand embroidery techniques and fabric box construction. There will also be a half day beginners class on Saturday 29th for those that would like to learn how to make a patchwork Christmas stocking embellished with some simple Redwork embroidery.

I'm looking forward to a trip up North and hope that I all the Tassie readers are able to drop by the shop to say Hi!

For more information about this workshop contact Mandy at The Fabric Parcel

The Ark is about to Embark

All the animals are aboard and the Ark is about to set sail.

Noah and his wife are just rounding up the last of the animals.

The storm clouds are gathering.

Pattern and kit details available next week so stay tuned!