I always start out with such good intentions to do a post twice a week, and then I skid to the last day and find it hasn’t happened. So not much of a theme to this post, rather an eclectic mix of happenings.
On Monday, I went to Norwich Deaf Centre, where I had a long standing booking for a needlefelting class for the Craft Group. Good fun was had by all…
The felting needle related injuries were minimal…
..and everyone was very happy with their own needlefelted cupcake pincushion!
Good enough to eat!
Talking of eating, has anyone else made sour dough bread? I’ve been wanting to have a go for ages, but chickened out of the little pot of bubbling goo thingy that you have to go through to make it. Any way, I consulted Mr Fearnley-Wittingstall here, and started out on my scientific experiment a couple of weeks ago.
(I put a little label on the lid saying don’t be scared ‘cos last time I tried I threw it away in a panic!)
Anyway it sat for nearly two weeks bubbling away while I fed it and this week I decided to actually make the loaf. It starts off overnight as a spongy batter, then with more flour added and kneaded in it progresses over the day…like this…
And the verdict? Well, I’ve not had sour dough bread before so I’ve no idea how it compare to the experts’ version. It’s tasty, with an extra edge, a slightly sour tang like lemon juice or vinegar, without the flavour. It’s good with cheese, and toasted with lemon marmalade. It seemed to go dry quite quickly, almost as it cooled, but that could be a fault in the making. But it was fine toasted. I’m fairly confident T will NOT be impressed, being a fan of the sliced white or 50/50 loaf so it’s quite faff for one person, but I’m glad I gave it a go. I’d love to know if you’ve tried it. How did you get on, and what did you think?
I’ve been creative in other ways too. I had a special commission, a present for a small boy who isn’t really into birds, or sheep or frogs, but really likes his bike. So let me present,
The Biking Bear, complete with cycle helmet…
And I’ve also been working on a new Bluebirds of Happiness project…
What do you think?…
And finally, I’ve been doing a little dressmaking. This week I came across this lovely blog, Sew Scrumptious and Louise, who is currently collecting little dresses for Dress a Girl Around the World. You can can read all about it by following these links, and it’s such a lovely thing to be involved in. today I made my first dress…
It’s a really easy pattern which you can download, and with a brilliant tutorial here, even a novice can turn out a beautiful dress to make a little girl happy!
It would be lovely if you could join in too, what better way to use up all those pretty scraps of fabric you can’t bear to throw away, but don’t know what to do with?
See you soon! x
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Thanks so much for the mention. Your dress looks gorgeous! I love the felted cupcakes too. So pretty. Really appreciate your support. Louise x
Love the felted cupcakes and the bluebirds of happiness.
Thank you for the link to Louise’s blog, I shall have a look at the tutorial and hope to join in the dressmaking, really excellent idea.
Carol xx
Oh my. Well, first, I have been the owner and caretaker of sourdough. Mine came from my brother who is Mormon and they got from one who said it was like 150 years old. 🙂 I ground my own wheat and used a duck egg and goats milk and make 2 long French loaves at a time. Honey too. So, I do hope you keep your sourdough, it’s a neat “pet”. And I adored your story of your kitty. Bravo to you for rescuing him and loving him so long. And I love your felted bear!
((hugs)), Teresa 🙂
Jeepers Penny how busy you have been! I love sourdough bread toasted but have never attempted to make my own, I think yours turned out pretty amazing (I think Andy might have thrown out that not very pleasant looking pot!) Love your beautiful birds they are my favourite and it’s brilliant that you are getting commissions. You are onevery talented lady xox Have a fabulous week and hugs to Higgins x
Hi Penny! New follower here! Just found you via ‘Crochet with Raymond’…and so glad I have..the little cyclist bear is so sweet!
Jill :)x
Good to see a post from you Penny when you are so busy. I’ve tried several times to make a sourdough starter but whatever it takes to start the bubbling seems to be missing from my house. Perhaps I’ll try again?
Love the bicycling bear and the blue birds, the dress too. I used to make all my clothes and those of my family but haven’t done so for years. I still have lots of patterns though and some fabric so perhaps…
Hi Penny,…Thanks for the information on dresses for girls. I had heard of it, but now I have a link (and I have bookmarked it). I’m an avid sewer with sewing friends and I look forward to sharing this with them. You do such wonderful things…inspires me. Give Higgins a loving pat from me in Kansas.
Val
I love the little cupcakes pincushions. They make want to make/eat them! And the dress is great, well done. Such a pretty dress for a relatively simple pattern, and all for a good cause.
Hi Penny,
Like Jill, I found your blog via Crochet with Raymond. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, & will be adding it to my looong list!
My hubby has been making sourdough since christmas (bought him Bourke St Bakery (Aus) cookbook – his request). He has rye & white starter bubbling away, and has also made croissant pastry from scratch, making us croissants and danishes. The danishes featured custard using backyard chook eggs, and home grown rhubarb. Divine.
The breadmaking is lots of fun, but does cut into crafty time. I suggest you get your hubby to do the baking, so you can craft away to the wonderful smells wafting from the kitchen! 🙂
Sarah.