Friday 9 October 2009

Mmm... Fresh Bread


We ran out of bread three days ago. But being on the thrifty challenge I decided to haul out the bread maker and whip up a loaf. I've now made a loaf each evening for three days. It really only takes five minutes to pop all the ingredients in and turn it on. I really should do it more often.

It's been getting rave reviews as well I might add. Apparently it's better than it used to be. Lighter and more fluffy. Even the little people prefer it. It's a shame I can only smell and drawl over it. Most of my baking is like that unfortunately.

I'm hoping the birds also enjoy it, as the crusts are a bit too much of a challenge. (She peers out the window). Yes all gone. Oh and it's raining yet again!

Now dearest Liz, the loopy one in case you're wondering (as she runs to hide before getting a flick in the ear), anyway she wants to know how I do my applique stitches so neatly. What a lovely compliment! So I've taken it upon myself to take a few pickies on my very flash camera (a freebie included when purchasing a new TV some time ago. No I haven't been naughty!

Now what I do is a bit sneaky really. I come down into the base fabric directly underneath the previous stitch to make a little straight stitch.

Now to do the next stitch I take a couple of fabric threads from the applique piece about 5mms from the previous stitch. But when I take the fabric in the needle, I take it from the back of the folded edge a little so it becomes almost hidden from the front.

Do you see what I mean? I'm crap at explaining things very clearly! I'm really hoping the wonderful photos will explain themselves. Look at how magnified the fabric is!! This is just your standard cotton patchwork fabric. I can count the threads! Truly amazing. Unfortunately ones fingernails are also magnified!!! Atrocious indeed. Must add that to my list.

We're having a party tomorrow! We like parties at our house. This one is for a little cousin who has just turned two. Her family is coming up from the deep south and we are having a second party for her. I'm making the cake. Pooh Bear is her favourite character so I've found a picture in a colouring book that will do nicely. That should give me plenty to do this afternoon.
Now off to make dental appointments. Oh and take the birthday cake out of the tin.

Have a good Friday and a lovely weekend. Lets party!!
P.S. Do you like my Christmas tree? It's designed to freak me out!!!

14 comments:

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

I've been so good today. Made the dentist appointments and finished icing the cake. Can't wait to show it to you, I kind of like it myself. Colourful comes to mind.

Nadine said...

Thanks for all your nice comments too! I bet she would wear a mermaid tail, but make me promise not to tell anyone! Looking forward to seeing your cake. x

Nadine said...

I do not like your christmas tree, stress!!!! ha, ha!

Estelle said...

Hi Sarah. You might be interested in my blog post about what I do with day old home made bread... with no preservatives it doesn't last as long as bought bread (a good thing, really). Loving your blog and have a link to it from mine. nest.typepad.com/my-blog/2009/08/day-old-bread.html

Anonymous said...

Good girl !

Thanks for your great tutorial, I must try to make some applique work once now that I know your great method.But what about very small applique pieces ,do you fold their edges too?

Michela said...

I can smell your delicious bread from here! Mmmmmmmm! And I love your new widget, of course, you don't need to ask! ;-)
Have a fantastic weekend and please, save a slice of cake for your always hungry bloggy friends!

Pomona said...

Well, it's freaked me out looking at the day counter! I deliberately don't wear a watch now, to stop me getting anxious about time! It was fascinating seeing the pictures of your beautifully neat stitching.
Our breadmaker changed my life - I used to hand make my own, but with big teenage boys I was going spare spending all Saturday making bread. In the holidays ours sometimes goes on 3 times in a day - once a day in term time. We buy our flour in bulk, and save lots of money by making our own - and the hassle of running out to buy a loaf!

Pomona x

Unknown said...

Lovely bread and lovely stitches! Suzie. x

Floss said...

Yup, suitably freaked by your Christmas tree!

My mother taught me your applique stitch - I could clearly see what you were saying, but then I did know it anyway - Liz will be the test!

A Bun Can Dance said...

That is certainly a technicoloured Christmas tree, Sarah! But a reminder for us all....
Three cheers for breadmakers - I love ours, and the smell is amazing, isn't it?
Your applique photos are great, and yes the directions are good and clear - lovely green spotty fabric by the way.
Can't wait to see the cake. I do love a bit of Winnie the Pooh myself...
Happy times to you
Denise x

Sarah - Red Gingham said...

Morning everyone! Now where the heck is Liz? Gosh you go out of your way to help someone and they don't even bother to turn up. My goodness! heehee

Manka darling I would even do the tidy pieces like this, but maybe if they were teeny tiny I would turn over a little less fabric. I like a uniform look to my work.

sallgood said...

I'd love some of that bread right now! Yum!
And great tute on the stitches too!

Catherine said...

Lovely!

Lululiz said...

Brilliant, just brilliant, you can't see the stitches at all, thats so neat! Sigh, another thing I will have to try out soon. Just as well the winter months are coming up, thats definitely the time to sit down with projects like that. Thank you for the very detailed photos, you little darling, you.