Friday Chat Day

 Hello friends

Happy Friday!

Hope you are all well and you've had a good week so far.

Crochet:

Something a little different - I made a pin cushion, 

it could easily be confused with a foot stool for a small animal!

I used a hook that was too big and the wrong yarn

but I still like it and I'm unlikely to lose it.

The pattern is lovely, very easy to follow and available here. 

Also - not a blanket (shock!) is the beginnings of a cushion cover.

I am determined to try to use up some of my yarn leftovers.

When you are a papercrafter you have scraps,

when you are crocheter you have leftovers - cannot escape it.

I'm at the stage of sewing all the little squares together -

going to be a total of 36 each side.

Let's just say the crochet part is a lot more fun.

And this is Lily who you probably don't see very often, she's quite timid but

loves yarn.  She makes crocheting challenging.

Recipe:

Cheating this week and sharing Christmas Cake progress.

And here it is - the Christmas Cake is finally marzipanned. 

Don't look too closely - it is thinner in places and my joins are a little off.

I went with the knowledge: 'no-one sees this under the icing!'

Also there were some very delicious offcuts.

I will certainly not be entering Bake Off.

I will be embarking on icing at the weekend - a simple snow scene is calling me.

This week was Christmas duvet week, yes I've made that a thing and 

I have festive/winter design covers - the boys refuse them now sadly.

Each time I change the covers I have a pristine bed for about ten minutes -

 then this happens...

She knows she should not be there but she is equally safe in the knowledge

that I will not move her - totally soft.

That face! 

Telly:

 Dickensian - BBC iPlayer

 Very happy to see this available on BBC iPlayer.

Fictional characters from famous Charles Dickens novels come 

to life when their paths cross each other in 19th century London.

A Dickens 'mash up' if you like!

Worth watching if only for Pauline Collins playing Mrs Gamp - very funny.

The Prom - Netflix

Down-on-their-luck Broadway stars shake up a small Indiana town 

as they rally behind a teen who wants to go to the prom with her girlfriend.
Starring James Corden, Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep.

It's a musical, it's cheesy, funny and comes with an important message.

Other news:

I am pleased to report that our Covid tests came back as negative, phew.

We are still being very cautious - here in Kent we are in tier 3.

Like many we are celebrating Christmas very differently this year.  

As a family we have chosen not to be together.

I am meeting my sister next week in a park to do a swap

over of gifts (the drop and run as we are calling it)

and having spoken to our parents we feel all eating

together over Christmas is far too risky.

It is so hard for everyone but ultimately it is the safest decision.

Here's to new normal next year.

Thank you to those who have sent wonderful handmade cards,

all on display and looking gorgeous.

I confess I did not make cards this year, I did a lot of clicking

on Etsy and supported small businesses.

And talking of Christmas ... this time next week is Christmas Day!

I will not be doing a chat day next week, instead I will be back the following

week - New Year's Day with a double dose of chatter.

It remains for me to say: 

I wish you all the best Christmas possible and please be safe.

Thank you so much for stopping by each week and reading my ramblings 

and natterings - it means a lot.

Much love,

Friday Chat Day

 Hello friends

I hope this week's chatter finds you all well.

Recipe:

It has been a funny ol' week here in the Emberson household.

I had planned to show you a marzipanned Christmas Cake,

(thrilling eh?!) but I didn't get around to that so apologies.

It is a recipe free blog post this week,

the cake excitement can wait!

I can reveal what has caused this household restlessness.

For the last three months I've been going through a redundancy consultation

process with my city job.  It has involved assessments and a Zoom interview.

The last interview I had was 20+ years ago so I was anxious (understatement).

The results  were being relayed to us this week, I would finally 

find out whether my job was safe or not.

6pm Wednesday an email arrived - it said...

this may give you a clue.

A weight the size of a boulder has been lifted from my shoulders.

But with my good news there has been the sadness of some of my colleagues,

who are dear friends, that did not pass the assessments and will now be redundant.

I'm still trying to come to terms with that.

And also on the day of my job news this happened...

Mitchell's manager at work proved positive so a round of isolating has begun.  

Incredibly frustrating because we have done so much to keep safe,

with both my Mum and Elliott being vulnerable it was imperative.

Sadly not all people are careful.

For any of you who have had to take the test - 

let's just say, it's not pleasant.

We should have the results within a few days.

Charity Kits:

Thank you, as always, for your response to this month's kit.

There is just one, yes ONE kit left - if you missed it please click here.

I always get a bit nervous on kit day, will you like it etc?

And then I see the response and I beam, I probably look ridiculous 

with a big smile on my face whilst printing postage labels!

Crochet:

I've been doing quite a lot of crochet, you're not surprised are you? 
I cannot show you a certain project as it is a Christmas gift,

I'll be sure to take photos to share in January.

Before then, I can show you these...

It's NOT another blanket!

It is going to be a cushion made up of little squares,

with a snazzy border.

I intend for it to be in my Folksy shop but I'm beginning to fall 

in love with it already.

The colours are more vintage than in the picture, 

the light has been truly awful for photos recently.

Telly:

Kirstie's Handmade Christmas

Channel 4/Channel 4 on Demand

My run up to Christmas wouldn't feel the same without Kirstie.

Each year, like many, I have a giggle when they say:

"simple, fun and affordable crafts which can be achieved in just 45 minutes."

Nonetheless it is always enjoyable, I glean some festive ideas and 

suddenly wish for items that I never knew existed.

In stark contrast to Kirstie - The Mandalorian - Disney+

We've got Disney+ on a free trial again.

 (I'm not sure what technical magic my boys weave!)

It has allowed me to watch this series, part of the Star Wars franchise.

A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches of the galaxy, 

far from the authority of the New Republic.

The fact is has a baby Yoda gives it a cuteness factor.

Now I could say I watch this stuff because I have sons but truthfully,

I've been a Star Wars fan since the first film which I saw with my Dad.

And that wraps up my week again.

This weekend, staying at home of course - I intend to wrap

Christmas gifts and marzipan that cake! 

Take care friends - keep safe.

Charity Kit Day - December 2020

 Hello friends

Welcome to this month's Charity Kit Day.

Thank you for visiting.

Each month a donation is made to a different charity and this month

it is Last Chance Animal Rescue who rescue, rehabilitate and re-home dogs, 

cats, rabbits and guinea pigs.

To keep track of charities there is a tab at the top of my blog 

here.  It is now updated with the 2021 chosen charities, clickable links and 

there's general kit info there too

And here is this month's kit:

it is a festive Thank You card, perfect to send after Christmas or even before

to anyone that needs festive thanks.  

If you prefer, it could be switched out to be a Christmas card 

just be removing the Thank You and stamping/writing your own message.

Included in your kit:

White 6 x 6  heavy linen card - feels nice!

White envelope

Matte silver card mat, white card mat

Die cuts - Florence Medallion x 2 (white/silver), white square,

lattice square, square with stamped sentiment,

poinsettias x 6 (to create 3 flowers), leaves x 2

Full instructions

(Items you will need: adhesive, foam pads, pearls/gemstones)

The kits are packed in recyclable paper bags and sent in a 'do not bend' 

envelope so they arrive in pristine condition. 
To make up the kits you just need a basic craft kit, everything is pre-cut.

The kit cost is £5.85 that's the total payment -

inclusive of postage and packing.

Payment is via the PayPal link below.

If you wish to purchase but would prefer not to use PayPal, 

please email me:

hope-chances@live.co.uk  

I'm happy to help with alternative payment arrangements.

It is possible to purchase multiple kits,

there's an option for that too.

In case you missed last month's Autumn inspired kit, 

there's some still available...

Please click here.

If you would like to support the kits but do not need one right now,

there is a 'Ko-fi' button', at the top of the blog, it's not really for coffee...

all donations enable me to purchase card blanks, envelopes, the paper bags,

sticky labels used each month.

I am very grateful thanks to those of you who help through Ko-fi,

it makes a real difference.

Thank you so much for your valuable and truly wonderful  support.

Take care friends, enjoy your Sunday, 

wrap up warm if you pop out for a walk.

Friday Chat Day

 Hello friends

Hope you are all well.

Brhhh - certainly a change in the weather this week, it is enough to make you seek out comfort food which brings me neatly to this week's recipe - Chocolate Puddin' Cake. It's a little more dense than a regular sponge, may have something to do with quite a lot of chocolate...

Recipe:

175g softened butter, 175g sugar, 3 eggs,

150g dark chocolate (75g melted/75g chopped)

175g plain flour, 3tbsp cocoa, 1½tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line a large loaf tin.

Using a mixer/whisk, cream butter and sugar.

Add eggs gradually (add a little of the flour to prevent 

curdling if needed). Add melted chocolate.

Fold in flour, cocoa, baking powder.

Once combined fold through chopped chocolate -

reserve a little bit.

Spoon into tin. Scatter remaining chopped chocolate on top.

Bake for 45  minutes, 

check with skewer (if clean when removed then it is done).

Delicious warm with cream.

Click here for the recipe printable.

This and all previous recipes can also be found on the Recipe page

at the top of my blog - there's quite a few now.

Crochet:

I've been trying my hand at crocheting snowflakes this week, these are from

Bella Coco's YouTube channel, her videos are nice and easy to follow.

I chose to use a white cotton and a tiny hook! 

And a tiny bit of cursing - little bit fiddly.

   

And I've finished the Winter/Vintage Harmony Blanket,

So now THIS one is my favourite!

A combination of Autumn shades with mauves, blues and pinks.

It is such a lovely pattern and crochets up to be nice and soft.

I am parting with it, it is available for sale on my crochet page here or I have listings on

Folksy - link at top of my blog.

Home:

I made a little purchase with my birthday money, this festive Hyacinch arrangement.

Little fairy lights make everything so much nicer don't they!

My first attempt at bulbs indoors, well they should be squirrel free!

Telly:

As mentioned a week or so ago, at this time of year I give myself licence to 

watch anything sentimental and cheesy so I give you...

Virgin River on Netflix

Seeking a fresh start, a nurse practitioner moves from Los Angeles to a remote 

Northern California town and is surprised by what -- and who -- she finds.

Two seasons are available to watch, it's very easy going and lovely scenery too,

actual scenery not the dashing gentleman!

Charity Kit:

This Sunday is Charity Kit Day, the last one of this year and then we

start with 12 new charities next year.

This month's chosen charity is Last Chance Animal Rescue,

more details on Sunday but before then here's a sneak peek...

Please stop by on Sunday, blog post goes live at 7am and then I splash

it all over social media.

Take care friends - I'm not dwelling on the fact that we are Tier 3 here in Kent,

weather is so awful who wants to go out anyway! 

And this one is totally unaffected... it's her dreaming face.

Have a lovely weekend, keep safe, keep well.

Much love,

Friday Chat Day

 Hello friends

Welcome, hope you are all well.

We are nearing end of November and I would normally be thinking of putting up the Christmas decorations in a week or so but instead the tree and garlands are up!  

Like many we were in need of some pretty lights and distraction.

Although I don't think the festive memo has reached all of us...

Lots of thanks for all the birthday messages last week. I had a quiet lockdown birthday

and it was very enjoyable, yummy food and drink. 

Facetime call with my sister and the boys treated me to beautiful gifts.

I also received some gorgeous handmade cards from my crafty group 

up in Milton Keynes, here's a few.

I miss our monthly get-togethers, we will have masses to catch up on eventually.

Right - let's get this nattering on track, here goes...

Recipe:

This week it is scones - I've shared a cheesy scone recipe with you before but this time it is all in one speedy scones.  Definitely eat these on the day of making, they got a little rubbery/chewy the next day!

(Let us just ignore that misshapen one in the tin...!)

2oz butter – chopped small, 8oz self raising flour, 

1tsp baking powder, 1oz caster sugar, 

3oz sultanas (optional) 

7 tablespoons of milk

 

Preheat oven to 180C. 

Place all ingredients into bowl, mix with a wooden spoon

until it forms a soft dough.

Roll out to 1” thick, cut with fluted cutter.

Glaze with milk or egg.

Cook for 15 minutes.

Cool on wire tray, best eaten same day.

Recipe printable is available here.

Crochet:

Whilst going through my photos I discovered my first piece of crochet - February 2019

and I recall being really pleased and sending photos to friends!

I've progressed somewhat and this week my crochet skills have

turned to this...

A Pokemon Pokeball.

A request from Elliott, he did ask me to make as many as possible - he wants to have

them as tree decorations, his very own Christmas tree in his flat.

But I confess this one took ages and it came out far bigger than expected so

it is now an ornament, "it's a statement piece" I convinced him! 

But I'm not mean, I've been online and bought him some glittery 

Pokeball baubles - try saying that fast!

Telly:

With the tree and decorations going up I've indulged in a few favourite 

festive films including:

Scrooge - Amazon Prime

1970 musical version with Albert Finney, in my opinion the best

adaptation - who doesn't want A Christmas Carol

with foot tapping songs?

Dr. Seuss's The Grinch - Netflix

My first time watching anything 'Grinch' was last year.

I had dismissed it so many times thinking I wouldn't like it,

how wrong I was.  This animated version is wonderful, makes you feel

very gooey inside!  And keep an eye on the dog - cute! 

I'm not sharing any photos from my tiny garden this week,

everything is damp and dull. I do think my daffodils are peeking through 

though, these would be the few that Squirrel Biggs has left me with,

much excitement ahead!

 And that is another week, where does the time go?

Next week I will be busy preparing the next

charity kit - first Sunday in December which is the 6th. 

Still a few kits left from last month - details here.

I think I got a bit carried away die cutting last month.

Take care friends, may you be safe in whatever tier you may be in! 

Much love,

Friday Chat Day

 Hello friends

How you are all? And how has your week been?

Thanks for stopping by and let's get the nattering started...

Recipe:

Apple and Coconut Cake

I noticed I had apples going a little soft in my fruit bowl hence this cake.

Definitely worth cutting the apples into quite large pieces, it makes a nice texture.

175g softened butter, 175g sugar, 225g SR flour,

1tsp baking powder, 2 eggs beaten, 1tsp vanilla extract,

½ tsp cinnamon, 50ml Greek yoghurt, 75g dessicated coconut,

2-3 eating apples, peeled, cored and diced.

 

Preheat oven to 180C. Grease and line a large loaf tin or 8” round tin.

Using a mixer/whisk, cream butter and sugar and vanilla extract.

Add eggs gradually (add a little of the flour to prevent 

curdling if needed).

Fold in flour, baking powder, cinnamon and yoghurt.

Add apple and coconut – mix well.

Spoon into tin and level. Bake for 60 minutes, 

check with skewer (if clean when inserted then it is done).

Leave in tin for 10 minutes before turning out to cool on wire rack. 

Delicious warm with custard or cream and also yummy cold. 

Please click here for the printable.

Crochet:

Vintage/Winter Harmony Blanket

The joining has commenced, I think I have now mastered the 'join as you go' method,

it's only taken three blankets to work it out and not keep checking the pattern! 

Each time I make one of these blankets they become my favourite,

so many colourways work so well.

And this is my crochet trolley.  Invaluable when I'm organising squares,

that's the same blanket just the other end.

It enables me to file everything, out of the way of little paws!

The 'Crochet' lettering is from The Label Lady - 

if you like customising items her website is a delight.

The drawing of Bella is from the fabulous Lisa Galley Illustrations.

Reading/Telly:

I treated myself recently to two books.

I normally have a couple of books on the go, fiction and non-fiction.

Carole's follow up to Happiness for Beginners, just look at that gorgeous cover!

Christmas for Beginners - a delve back into humour and naughty animals.

Nala's World - having discovered Dean and Nala (1Bike1World) on Instagram

some time ago I couldn't resist reading much more.

The Crown - Netflix

I eagerly anticipated Season 4 of the Crown having enjoyed all the previous

seasons immensely, this new season brings us to the 1980's - 

Margaret Thatcher, Lady Diana et all.

And now I'm watching it I confess to feeling a little uncomfortable.

I remember the events they are depicting so be shown a possible 

(and let's remember fictional) alternative is somewhat discombobulating.  

Like many, I wonder if the Royal Family tune in,

if they do how uncomfortable must they be feeling?

I also can't help running the word 'treason' through my mind! 

Be interested to know what others think.

 

Garden:

My ornamental pear tree...

The leaves are turning, I know it isn't massively impressive but please

bear with me - my excitement over such a little tree, 

I've never owned trees before.

And finally here's the pooch, she has now come to expect a chair in the 

kitchen whilst I'm cooking.  And of course I pander to all her needs!

Big thanks to all those who have asked after my Mum,

she is beginning to improve, she's made her Christmas cake and 

repotting her Amaryllis bulbs this week - all good signs.

And finally, I'm not working from home today - I've taken the day off to celebrate 

my birthday although lockdown birthdays are very low key,

PJ's and takeaway!  I truly do not mind - always better to be safe.

Take lots of care friends and have a lovely weekend.