Welcoming in the colder months

The weather over the past week has started to feel quite wintery, and consequently we've both had colds too. Feeling a bit better today, so to cheer myself up I've started planting some vegetables and pretty flowers that enjoy the change of season. (Only a few more weeks until it's actually winter!) I thought it might help me not to resent it so much, but instead to welcome it with all of it's nice qualities: hot chocolate, ugg boots, lovely knitted scarves, warm soup and crusty bread, and enjoying the warmth under my quilt as I stitch away at it...*sigh*

The little pea that could.
He's grown heaps just in the past two days!

On Saturday I went to a good old fashioned clothes swap - pay $10 entry fee, and fill a bag with whatever goodies you might find. It was a fundraiser for one of my friends at church who is shortly leaving to go on the Logos ship (the new ship to replace the Doulos). It was great! I picked up some great black jumpers and cardigans, 2 dresses, a skirt and a top.

There were quite a few clothes left over afterwards that no-one wanted, so I scoured through these last remnants before they were sent off to the Salvos, to see if there were any that would make good fabric. So far I've only made this little elephant from a short sleeved jacket, but I've also got some knitted jumpers that were a little worn in some spots, so I think they would make great soft toy monkeys (or something similar) I'll post them once I've figured out how to do it!

Yesterday I made these lovely homemade muesli bars... 

They are really easy (the hardest part is going and getting all of the ingredients!), and really good for you. They've got: rolled oats, quinoa flakes, linseed, sesame seeds, sunflower kernels - all lightly toasted - and then some dried apricots, apples and sultanas, along with soem melted honey and butter. It's essentially the same as making honey joys, but healthier :) I worked out that with this combo, they are a source of iron, fibre, omega 3, magnesium and protein! The good thing is, you can control what goes into them, unlike the ones from the supermarket that are packed with sugar and are pretty expensive!

This afternoon I quickly put together a door sausage for our front door - usually a bit of a daggy household item, but I thought this Florence Broadhurst print was rather trendy. 

But I don't think I made it quite long enough. Poop. 

Oh well, it'll have to do - It'll keep most of the cold air out!

That's what I've done thus far to welcome in winter.

How are you coping with the cold snap?

Finding my green thumb

This afternoon I spent some time outside getting my hands dirty. I went to the nursery and bought some peas and rocket to plant in pots - I think it's time I tried my hand at growing veggies, and these two seem safe enough to start with. While I was at it, I also broke down some pieces of bark by hand to make a mulch (why buy the stuff if you can source it from the garden?! If these go well, I might work my way up to growing full lettuces and broccoli. Not a lot else is in season that we use often enough in the kitchen. Fingers crossed, we might have some produce to eat in a few weeks time! There's something lovely about the idea of eating something straight from the garden - benefitting directly from your own hard work and ongoing care, and appreciating how amazing the Lord's creation is.

These are my existing plants, looking a lot happier with a little TLC, 

and a relocation to a slightly sunnier spot.

Parsley, oregano, rosemary,
succulents, and a chrysanthemum.

And my little yellow roses.

A lovely weekend

I've started on making a dress based on the one I found online last week, but it still needs a little bit of work before it's finished. Our dining table is currently covered with piles and piles of fabric, trims, buttons and pattern pieces, all ready to go and waiting on me finding the time *sigh*. Meanwhile, I did get the chance to put together this little number on Saturday afternoon, and I think this is the one I'll give to Lydia. It seems to suit Clare's (my sister-in-law's) taste. 

It's very sweet.

For Mother's day, Marty decided to make scones to take for afternoon tea when we visited his grandma in hospital. There are two things I don't cook in our house - pancakes and scones - and it's because he does them so well!

I forgot to get a photo of them completed with jam and cream because we were looking forward to eating them too much! These will have to do...

Hope you had a lovely weekend!

Cute as a button

I've been planning to make a dress for my niece for her first birthday, and yesterday afternoon made this one to test out a pattern I've had for a while. It has turned out pretty well, so I think I'll probably give it to her anyway! It was really quick to make, so I might make some more for the next stall we do at our church's Art and Craft show. 

And after trawling the net for some more ideas for little girls dresses, I found one that looks like it would be very quick to whip up. Might give this a go tomorrow (I think I've got just the print for it...)

See Ellen Luckett Baker's blog:
http://thelongthread.com/?m=201006

Only God can touch the heart

In talking to one of my friends lately, I've discovered the reality that we as Christians can (and should) be faithful in speaking to others about Jesus, but only God can change their heart. I find this frustrating, and yet liberating, all at the same time. It's frustrating because I care so much for these girls, and want them to 'get it'; I want to see them come to know Christ as their Lord and Saviour, not just believe in His existence. Even Satan believes God exists.

But I trust in God's sovereignty, and this is why I feel liberated. I don't need to worry if I'm not eloquent in explaining the Bible; I don't need to be the world's next Billy Graham to see people saved. God is the one who does all of the saving, and He is also the one who works in the hearts of those He draws to himself. I am merely an instrument in his hand. There seems to be a point where theological reasoning can only get us so far. There is a big element of faith involved - which is a heart issue - and only God has control over that.

Perhaps through this frustration, God is humbling me and teaching me what it means to be the tool and not the craftsman. It means getting on my knees in prayer before I open my mouth to say a word. And to seek after the Lord to join his mission, rather than trying to embark on my own.

Ode to the Op Shop

This morning I dropped off a box of donations to the Salvos, and popped in to see what they had for sale. This is what I found... The cutest little milk jug for $2, and a gorgeous cream waffle cotton and jersey knit quilt cover for $10! Once I've given it a wash I'm looking forward to snuggling down under the covers in winter with this lovely find on our bed. Scrumptious.

Never underestimate the great things that can turn up in op shops!