Catching up with projects

Last week was a bit of a washout. A cold that worsened to a chest infection was not what I needed just as the weather got colder. I'm now feeling much better but I didn't have much energy for doing anything. The thought of doing any quilting made my arms ache without doing anything and even reading my favourite blogs took a lot of effort. On Saturday I pulled out my embroidery and spent a little time stitching. I didn't do very much but I'm happy with what I achieved.

Over the weekend I completed the knitting on the front of my jumper and I cast on the first sleeve. I spent yesterday evening knitting and watching TV with two dogs at my feet. Twiglet was a bit miffed that I wouldn't let him sit on my lap but unfortunately he wriggles too much and gets tangled up with the yarn.

Today I'm working from home as I have marking to do. That means I have no travelling time so I decided it would be the perfect opportunity to make my Christmas cake. I like to make a rich fruit cake and it takes a little time to get it all set up before you can start the mixing. First I lined the cake tin.

Next there is a lot of weighing out of the dried fruit. I had bought whole glace cherries and so I had to cut them and I also cut up the almonds as I could only get whole almonds. Eventually everything was ready.

The mixing is very quick and then the cake has to cook. It takes 3 hours and so I got on with my marking, just checking the cake at hourly intervals. The smell is delicious as it cooks. Once it's cool I will wrap it in foil and store it. I usually add brandy once a week which makes the cake very moist. I do warn everyone that it has alcohol in it. The cake is also spicy with cinnamon and mace in it.

We love Christmas pudding as well and on the weekend of Stir up Sunday I will make three Christmas puddings, one for us, one for older daughter and one for a friend. Stir up Sunday, which is the last Sunday before advent ( November 24th this year) is the traditional day in the UK when Christmas puddings were made. Traditionally Christmas pudding are steamed to cook them but you can also cook them in the microwave which is much quicker. However steaming does ensure they stay nice and moist.

Since neither John or I were feeling well we decided to get out a jigsaw. This is a new puzzle which we started during last week and this afternoon, once I'd finished work, we got on and finished it.

There is just so much to look at in this puzzle. Lots of birds.

and I love the deer and other animals.

This evening I want to do some planning as I have a baby quilt to make for a friend of older daughter. The baby is due in early January and she knows she is having a boy. If I had time I'd also like to make a toy, well two so that big sister has one as well. I need to spend a little time going through my fabrics and decide on the design.

I'm hoping to feel more like sewing by the weekend as I have two quilts that need quilting. I also have a blouse cut out and waiting to be stitched. Now I think it's time to take a nap.

Take care

Lyndsey