My latest project ..... Lily Pond Blanket

I have discovered 2 amazing blankets that I want to crochet. I really could not decide which to make first but in the end I have decided to make this gorgeous Lily Pond blanket.

The pattern is free and is made in lots of different blocks which are joined together. I just adore it. I bought my wool yesterday for the project and couldn't wait to get started.

I have to say that I didn't really move from my sofa from the middle of the afternoon until I finally went to bed. I did manage to complete my first block though so I am happy about that. I think hubby is dreading this project because the housework is probably just going to have to wait hahaha.  Here is my first completed block.

I shall keep you all up to date with how my blanket is coming along. If you would like to make one too the pattern can be found here

Raising money for The Children’s Hospital Charity ….. please sponsor if you can

 

Good morning everyone. I thought I would let you all know about some fundraising that I am doing for The Children’s Hospital Charity.

I am riding in the sportive (bike race) for the Tour de Yorkshire on Sunday 3rd May this year. I am pretty new to cycling so this is a huge challenge for me. There are lots of hills to tackle and I am more than a little scared. I am riding it in memory of my little boy who died when he was 7 years old. Michael was severely disabled and never knew who I was but I loved him so much miss him every single day.

The charity does so much amazing work for sick children and their families. If you want to read more about what they do you can read about it here.

So, as I have said I am busy raising money. I would be so grateful if any of you could sponsor me by making a donation. Every penny really helps so no matter how small it all makes a huge difference.

You can donate by visiting my Just Giving page or by texting …  ‘MKWR92 £5’ to 70070

Thankyou xxx

Lemon drizzle tray bake -Mary Berry style

Hi everyone. Today I thought I would share some baking that I did a couple of days ago. I have not baked in years but really fancied making something so I had a bit of a browse online and found a lovely looking recipe by Mary Berry. It was really easy to make and turned out gorgeous, even if I say so myself. 

Above is when it was still cooling and absorbing the 'drizzle' mixture. The photo below is of the 2 pieces I saved for hubby - I took the rest of it in to work for my colleagues on the night shift.

I think this has made me want to bake even more so expect a few more cakes and things from me from now on. The recipe and method are below ..... hope you have a go too :)

Ingredients

275g self raising flour

225g butter, softened

225g caster sugar 

2tsp baking powder

4tbsp milk

4 large eggs

grated zest of 2 lemons

For the topping:

Juice of 2 lemons

175g granulated sugar

1. Lightly grease and line a 30 x 23cm tin. Preheat your oven to 160°C.

2. Mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl for a few minutes.

3. Empty the mix into the tin and level the top with the back of a wooden spoon or spatula.

4. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, until golden and the sponge springs back when pressed lightly.

5. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Carefully remove the paper and allow the cake to cool on a wire rack.) Prick the cake all over the top with a fork.

6. While the cake is cooling, mix the topping ingredients together in a small bowl. Drizzle the topping over the cake while it’s still slightly warm. When the cake cools, this ‘syrup’ forms a crunchy lemony sugary glaze.

7. Cut into squares once completely cooled.  (I made 24)

Have a wonderful weekend, hope you have fun whatever you make xxx

Exciting news

Hi everyone, last night Ryan (my son) was on 8 out of 10 cats does Countdown. He had such fun recording the programme. Here is a clip of him on the tv that he recorded on his mobile as it was aired. You can watch it here

See you soon with some more hats :)

Happy weekend xxx

A couple of hats

Hi there. I know I am supposed to have made a card by now but I have been back on nights and a couple of friends asked me to make them a hat each. The great thing with crochet is that I can plonk my bum on the sofa in front of the tv with hubby and just make something at the same time.

I really love this pattern so much. I also think it would look great with a nice big turn up instead of the brim and then pop a great big pompom on the top - maybe I will make myself one like that.

The pattern is available free from Yarn Inspirations here if you want to make one for yourself. 

I have loads of hats to make for people I know so expect a few more popping up here in the next couple of weeks. Have a great weekend everyone ... see you all soon x

Copics have been dusted off

I am so excited ..... I have cleared my desk and dusted off my Copics and Prisma pencils. All I have to do now is decide on an image and see if I can still colour. Efforts will be shared later ️xxx 

Help re challenges

Hi everyone, well I have been out of the card making game for quite a while but I am being tempted back into it at the moment. I have so much stash just sat in my craft room begging to be used.

Ages ago I deleted loads of stuff off my blog including a list of challenges. So I was wondering if you would like to share your favourite challenges with me. I have no idea whats out there now, I am so out of date. My cards will probably look so out of date now, I haven't bought anything new in ages. 

Please be kind as I find me way back into the land of paper crafts ..... I must admit I am quite excited. I am at work all weekend so will probably make a start on Monday colouring (attempting) an image and going from there. Today's job is to tidy my craft room and finish some jewellery.

See you all soon xxxxxxxxxxxxx