Country Escape

Every year on Boxing Day I escape Melbourne for the fresh country air of northern Victoria; time out from the city and the day-to-day stresses. It's time to sleep, read, watch tv, eat amazing food, drink fabulous wine, and finish up a quilt or two.

The colour of sunset is pretty amazing here.

There's been some yummy food and wine; pork croquettes, steak, and chocolate cake.

The set-up at the winery was just beautiful, as they were preparing for a wedding.

I've also bee around to all the farms buying fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, and my favourite white cherries.

Only two more days in the year; it didn't start out as my best year but I'm really loving how it turned out.

Christmas is Coming

It's the crazy last week leading into Christmas and everything has shifted into overdrive. I've been trying to squeeze in time with as many friends as possible, while also finishing off two quilts and just generally taking in the Christmas spirit.

I had dinner with my oldest friend during the week, and was lucky enough to sample a selection of her amazing Christmas cookies. I do love having a pastry chef for my bestie.

I managed to get binding on both quilts I'm trying to finish. There was a little panic when I realised I hadn't actually bought fabric to bind Star Blossoms (below), but a quick rummage through my stash fixed that with a little Vintage Modern.

I remembered last night that I had other Christmas decorations stashed away, and hung the star light and paper chains. Bella is just checking things out, and waiting for me to leave so she can crash-tackle the tree.
 

A quick little baking session this morning before I head out for today's festivities. I love my shortbread recipe.
 

Just a reminder that the shop will close at noon on the 24th of December, and re-open on January 3.

New Goodies

With AQM the other week, there are lots of new goodies arriving in the shop at the moment.

I've got in stock a limited number of the fabulous Clover binding clips, which can be bought in bulk or in lots of 10.
 

There are also some gorgeous owl prints from Ann Kelle's Urban Zoologie range. I adore these ones.

And some great fat quarter bundles from Riley Blake; Boy Crazy and  Hello Sunshine.

Last but not least, a great bicycle print from Studio Green, and a panel which is a great quick quilt project.

Sunday Morning Jam Session

I feel like I've been neglecting my blog lately, and I'm sorry...but its definitely that time of year! Fabric is coming in and out of the shop at a ridiculous rate, there are social events to attend, food to make, and quilts to finish. The last week vanished before my eyes between being in Hobart for the weekend, then in Queensland Wednesday/Thursday. I promise I've finished all my travelling for the year.

This mornings job was apricot jam; last summer's batch disappeared way too early in the year. So I bought a huge bag of the yummiest fruit and set about turning my kitchen into a super-sticky mess. But so worth it!

I've posted the recipe before, over here; it's the Stephanie Alexander one and I wouldn't use any other. It has never failed me.

 

Now I'm off to hide the finished product before anyone else gets their hands on it....

Hobart Weekend

I did a quick weekend in Hobart this weekend just gone; 20 people, for a weekend of food, wine and activities. I arrived on Friday night and quickly headed to meet up with the group for a few glasses of wine.

Saturday was started off with the Salamanca Markets, then onto the ferry to visit MONA.

The art on the gallery was fascinating, my favourite being the lights that beat in time to your heart.

After the museum I went back into town to do a last lap of the market, then enjoyed some time on the lawn.

Them the main event; dinner at Smolt. There were nibbles, entrees, three amazing mains including the most divine, melt in your mouth lamb, then dessert. Food heaven.

Sunday morning was breakfast, a tasting at Lark Distillery, then fish and chips by the water.

Then it was time to head home, and back into another busy week.