Disappearing Nine Parch

I had a wonderful time this morning teaching my disappearing nine sampler to Plymstock Patchers.  They are a very talented group of quilters that made me very welcome.

Please insert a new needle into your sewing machine before you start this project.  I cut  5 inch squares.  Sew the squares into rows using a traditional 1/4 inch patchwork seam allowance.  Remember to shorten your stitch length.  Press the seams of each row in opposite direction.

Sew the rows together.  Remember to match the seams at the centre square.  Press the seams towards the centre.  Measure the centre square and divide by half.  For example, my centre square now measure 4 1/2 inches - half is 2 1/4 inches.

Cut down the centre of your nine patch both vertical and horizontal.  Trim if needed.

Now arrange/twist the new blocks into a pattern you like.  I never arrange my block with seams matching. I will update this post with a picture of my arranged/twisted blocks in the next few days.

The picture of my finished table runner is made of scraps squares left over from another project.  I will also post other blocks that are made using the disappearing nine patch, so please come back soon. 

Plym Jar

One Table Topper £1.00

Fabric Triangle Bowls

I have made three fabric triangle bowls this week.

Cut two triangles.  With right sides together, stitch a quarter inch seam allowance, leaving a small gap for turning in the middle of one side.

Trim points.  This is important as it will give a good finished point.

Hand stitch the gap close and press.  Two sides of your triangle have a bias cut so handle with care when pressing.

Fold triangle in half with outer fabric on the inside of fold.  Measure half way point and pin or mark..

Stitch by hand from the fold to the pin. Remember to only stitch your inner fabric which at the moment is on the outside.  Turn the right way when all three sides are stitched.

Fold the point over and stitch in place with button.  Repeat on the other two sides. 

Plym Jar

3 x 20p = 60p

Plymouth Hoe

Some more photos from yesterday's visit to Plymouth Hoe.

We have had some very stormy weather recently.

Plymouth Hoe has been featured on the national news. 

The Hoe has been bashed by giant waves during the storms.

The Hoe was very busy with locals wanting to view the harbour and enjoying a walk along the shore line .

Some people got a bit to close to the giant waves and got very wet.



Smeaton's Tower

All the years that I have lived in Devon, I have never been to the top of Smeaton's Tower until today.

 

Stairs leading to the Light.

Stairs to the light were easy to go up but coming down I needed to come down backwards!  

Spiral stair case leads back down to the bottom.

The view from the window towards Plymouth Breakwater.

At the top the candle holder is the lantern/light.

Smeaton's Tower is only a small lighthouse but well worth a visit.

Jelly Roll

Over a year ago, on a visit home from university, Baby Girl spotted a jelly roll in my sewing room that she liked.  I told her about the jelly roll race that was sweeping the quilting world.  Oh boy what a big mistake!!  I lost my jelly roll.  A few day later I got a phone call from Baby Girl to inform me that she had finished the jelly roll race top. 

 Baby Girl recently found that unfinished top and presented it to me to sew the borders on, quilt and bind it.  So I paid for the jelly roll, now I am paying for the border and backing fabric as well at the wadding . Then I have the pleasure of quilting and binding it too.  Now I am wondering if I get to keep the finished quilt or will it be claim back by Baby Girl.               

Daisy Quilt

I made these daisy blocks at a workshop taught by April Twigg and organised by Quay Quilters over ten years ago.  It appears that I am the only member left in the group that attended that original workshop with April.  This pattern never dates only the fabrics.  I used very bright fabrics that I still love.  I started joining the blocks to make a quilt top whilst on holiday last November. I had only just finished due to my dislocated clavicle.    

 I am the workshop member for Quay Quilters, meaning that I organise all the workshops for the group.  April and I will be holding a workshop for members to make some daisy blocks in March. 

This is one of those workshops were I do not have to worry about members getting a perfect quarter inch seam allowances or cutting accurately.  I have stitched borders onto my top. Now I have to layer, quilt and bind it!  It  may be some time until I finished this project as I am still in a lot of pain with my shoulder injury. I am working on much smaller projects which I will share with you in the next few days.          

Courgette Frittata

Ingredients

5 Eggs

2 Courgettes - grated

5 Rashers of Back Bacon

1 Cup of Grated Mature Cheddar Cheese

1 Cup of Self Raising Flour

1/4 Cup of Vegetable Oil

Method

Pre heat the oven to Gas Mark 5.

Beat the eggs in a large bowl.

Add the courgettes, bacon, cheese and oil.  Mix well.

Add the flour and again mix until smooth.

Pour into cooking tin.  (I cook my frittata in a silicone tin.)

Add extra grated cheese on top of the frittata before placing on the middle shelf of the oven.

Cook for about 40 - 50 minutes or until golden brown.

I like to double cook my frittata.  As I am the only person in my family that likes courgettes and this recipe serves 4-5 people, I cook and eat it over two nights. 

This recipe can be frozen at the pre and post cooking stages. 

Serve with salad.   

Be warned, this recipe is very delicious and one slice is never enough.  My photos make this recipe look boring but oh boy it is heaven.