Feather Your Nest Friday, 20th June, 2025.
It has been a good week. Everything is green and there have been sunny afternoons to help the grass grow. The fire is going and I have been able to sew!
After lots of playing with colours and cutting out I made my first quilt block. For some reason this pattern blew up my brain. But I am happy to have achieved a block!
I had made a start and had to check my lay out over and over.
Now I am repeating this process with the same star pattern but different arrangements... and my next block will be more greens. I can see how this is very therapeutic somehow... and possibly addictive! But I really love the real and original reason women sewed little bits together from scraps and how completely beautiful their work was. Women have always wanted to make things lovely. To make something gorgeous out of whatever they might have.
I also made Lily a skirt from some of my vintage velvet. It is so nice and warm. I just have to hem it... you see the pin is my hem line...
Pumpkins were really the deal of the week along with cauliflowers. Sometimes pumpkin on special is one huge pumpkin but this was all pre cut... which helps me! And sometimes cauliflowers on special are not very nice ones and little. But these were glorious, fresh and huge!
So... I made a big batch of pumpkin soup. Two batches of pumpkin scones.... the kids scoffed both in no time flat. Then I made two pie dishes full of cauliflower cheese. Good winter food.
Then I made two Armenian Nutmeg cakes. This cake is a bit like sticky date pudding except it's a cake. This was a hit for the morning teas. I think my helpers come for the food lol. Also... I decided if I am going to bake one cake I might as well bake two and freeze one. Although in this cake both got eaten over a couple of days. Cake is a real people pleaser. A cake is actually a very lovely gift.
Whatever you are cooking... anyone who walks in says something about how good the house smells and says "what are you making!?" 💖 It is not that hard to spread some joy!
I had some more bonfires. This is just a little one out the front from fallen branches.
Chloe is my neighbour and just 7 kilometres from me. She gets Kookaburras and I don't! I get butcher birds and a lot of parrots. Here is her visitor...
My little companion is very funny. When you are alone with animals you say and do the most ridiculous things. She goes to bed at night (near the fire) and is quiet as a mouse. Even if I sleep in she doesn't say a word. I sing a little good morning song and she stretches and drags herself out of bed. 😊
Now the elephant in the room is that the headlines, no matter where you live, are along the lines of "world holds its breath" and "world is on precipice" ....
We keep on making our homes a safe and warm haven, building our pantries and preparedness and taking every opportunity as we always do. 💖💪💖
Do not be discouraged.xxx
Thank you for the encouraging message. I appreciate you! ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you!xxx
DeleteAnnabel, what a lovely week and a new to you craft. Your quilt block is beautiful!! Your helper is growing and has to be such a wonderful companion.
ReplyDeleteI had a busy week between running from tile store to tile store looking for tile both husband and I agreed on, though I think we finally decided. I live in Upstate NY, our winters are cold, so husband wanted to have a heated floor in our bathroom. So it started a project that will go through the summer. I will admit a warm tile floor in the winter will be so nice, we had it in our old house.
I was able to make date pinwheel cookies this week, a treat, a lot of work. The dates were in need of use. I baked an Orange Cranberry Bread with 2 oranges that were getting soft. Both were hits with husband and I felt good that I was using up what I had in house that needed using. I also crocheted another winter hat for husband with yarn I had. So I have been on a "use it up" time. I am now looking for new projects to use what i have at home.
Prayers for our world as we all watch, we need to continue to prepare and pray.
Dear Rosanne, I saw how pretty the pinwheel cookies looked! Also the Cranberry bread looked lovely. Yes you had a put it to good use week! Well from Friday to now a lot sure has happened. It wasn't exactly a quiet weekend! Have a good new week. With love Annabel.xx
DeleteGood morning Annabel.
ReplyDeleteI love your quilt blocks, that will be both fun and challenging. My brain always gets jumbled with the layout of that particular design, and like you, I try to make sure the pieces are in the right direction before piecing. No sewing happening here as it's summer and too much outside work.
I listen every morning to a Bible study teaching by John MacArthur. I am so blessed by his in-depth ability to teach the word of God. The Lord has made all 50 + years of his ministry available at www.gty.org. Our Lord is the Creator and and ALL things work to His glory so all of man's gloom and doom predictions are taken with a grain of salt. They may come to pass, and they may not, so I'll keep praying for peace. But, with that said, I do think the End Days are in our sights.
We've had an incredibly wet spring, beginning of summer in the northeast USA. You pray for rain, we pray for sun. Despite it all, our garden is growing and I pray for the Lord to bless it with abundance. The comfort that comes with fresh food, and cupboards, freezer full of organic preserved food is immeasurable.
Your grandchildren are beautiful and the clothes you make for your granddaughter are treasures. As my grands are 15 and 16 my sewing days of pretty little dresses are long past.
A thimble full of joy is what your tiny pup brings.
God bless you, and I thank you for the encouragement you bring us every week.
Linda
Dear Linda, I didnt get any sewing done in summer either! I totally understand that!
DeleteJohn MacArthur is a classic! I already have lived through some hilarious predictions people believed, like there would be no snow in the world after 2010. Y2K. Too many to list. haha
I am glad your garden is a success even if the weather is crazy! Thank you for a beautiful report! With love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt square! Keep up the good work. Lily's skirt is beautiful. Can't wait to see it on her. Sewing is such a useful skill. I'm so glad I took lessons as a newlywed many years ago.
My week has been full of baking and sewing (& cutting) on my daughter's quilt. My husband picks up scrap metal as a side hustle. He found a dorm fridge that had some cans of beer in it. So he gave me the beer. Once I chilled it, I baked Dilly Beer bread. It was yummy! I even passed a mini loaf on to my mother-in-law.
We had a bad storm and a tornado hit our area. Thankfully, we did not lose power. Also I am glad there were no fatalities, but a few injuries when a tree hit a parked car. Glad my kids decided to stay home from the church ice cream social!
Praying for all the Bluebirds.
Love, Leslie (OH, USA)
Dear Leslie, That is funny to find a fridge with beer in it! My friend Hilde always made an incredible beer bread. It was so good. She would put half the dough into the pan. Then she would put cheese and herbs I the middle and dough on top... then bake. It made a fabulous cheesy loaf people went mad over!
DeleteI am glad you made it through the storm and tornado! How frightening though!
I keep my eye out always for copper. But in the paddock I have piles of scrap metal which I will call in a scrap metal dealer sometime and sell. It is pretty good money these days! With much love Annabel.xxx
Oh yes! The world as we know will end soon! There is so much misinformation! But a really sad thing here in the news is a human trafficking case of ten children worked as slaves in a restaurant. Not even a bed to sleep in but sleeping on the floor of the restaurant at night. This just made me sick and my heart broke for them. I just cannot understand this.
ReplyDeleteDear Lana, I never would have believed this once but now I am realising this is very prevalent and shipping containers and often used. I heard about this discovery. When you look at the numbers of missing children it is staggering. But some places have no value on human life or children and what happens is horrific. I hope this case makes people very vigilant on reporting anything iffy. A couple of movies were made in the last few years on this subject to raise awareness. Good people find it hard to understand evil things. But evil people just love children for all the wrong reasons. I am glad of a good week of rain and catching up at home and nice things! With much love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI love your quilt block! The fabrics are so pretty. And all your baking sounds delicious. I do love having my house smell good when I'm cooking, too. It brings back sweet memories of both my mom's and my grandma's houses. I can imagine your workers do appreciate all the lovely food you provide. And your adorable little dog looks like a lovely companion. Thanks for providing a little oasis of cheer amidst the world's chaos, Annabel!
ReplyDeleteDear Jill, Thank you! No amount of fancy smelling candles and all the things equals a home that smells of baking! My workers and here today. They are having a fresh chocolate cake for morning tea and the sun is shining today!
DeleteAlso I finished my second quilt block. I hope your week is going well! With love Annabel.xxx
Hi Annabelle
ReplyDeleteYour quilt block is very pretty, you chose something quite complicated for your first one but it's going to be gorgeous! I too love the thought of all the small scraps and pieces of clothing making a useful and attractive bedcover sewn by ladies in times gone by. Love the photos of the kookaburra, reminds me of being a Brownie a long time ago and singing about them.
This week has been lots more picking from the garden, raspberries, strawberries, broad beans, lettuce and flowers. More in the freezer and I took plenty of strawberries on a family picnic to the Donkey Sanctuary, together with cheese pastry and pesto pinwheels and cooked sausages as my contribution.
I made a cake, meaning to make a fruited malt loaf but when I looked in the larder I was out of Ovaltine so made a fruited chocolate loaf cake instead. I defrosted and cleaned two freezers ready for all the summer produce. We gave lots of strawberries to neighbours and a couple of melon plants we don't have room for. My husband planted out our melons, butternut squash, marigolds, nasturtiums and zinnias.
I bought some extra tins of tuna on a deal to have in the larder. We are keeping more cash on hand in the house, just because it feels right.
Great finds in the charity shop, mens new hankies, a box of six new embroidered ladies hankies, a new tee shirt for my granddaughter and a lovely wooden toy for her. I went to the cooperative market in our local town and bought farm fresh eggs, several perennial plants at very good prices and a handmade wedding card.
I was asked if I could provide anything to fill out a gift hamper for floral group so I looked in the gift cupboard ( mainly brand new buys from charity shops) and donated a couple of things.
I've bought quite a lot this week but haven't spent a lot of money.
Best wishes to Bluebirds everywhere
Penny in the UK.
Dear Penny, I bet you sang "Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree" ... I sing this with my Grandchildren and they love it!
DeleteYour garden is producing so much! How beautiful! I never heard of pesto pinwheels... but I do make pinwheels... this is the best idea ever! That would be delicious. And I have frozen pesto from summer!
The trusty gift cupboard provided! And you had lovely thrift store finds!
Also I like to keep tins of tuna. Tuna Mornay is one of my go to pantry meals. What a lovely week! With love Annabel.xxx
Your sewing is so pretty! Congratulations on finishing the first block! Sometimes the first block can be the most challenging, and yours looks great!
ReplyDeleteMy week has gone well! I did plenty of normal everyday chores, but also got around to things I'd been putting off. It's so hot here right now that I'm hanging laundry to dry instead of using the dryer. I'm also making cold tea and other cold things to keep us cool in the heat. I'm working on a summer food rotation that doesn't involve the oven! The roses are blooming, so I've trimmed a little bit and brought blooms inside. It's always a joy to have blooms in the house!
I'm thinking a lot about the electronic "handmaids" idea of yours that I can put to work each day to help things run smoothly! I have a new bread machine that needs to be tested out! I haven't had much time for sewing this week, but I will get back around to it, especially when the temperature soars!
Thank you for your encouragement and uplifting blog!
Stacy in Virginia
Dear Stacy, here in Australia line drying is common where as using a dryer isn't. Why not use natues dryer ? The sun ! Even in winter here I just use a clothes line "horse" rack in front of the heater and no issues drying. It will also save you greatly on power ! I read a article those who wash in cold water and like dry can save hundreds a year ! Sonia in Sydney.
DeleteDear Sonia,
DeleteThose are good ways to keep laundry costs low! Between cold water, homemade laundry detergent, and air (or line) drying, I'm saving a ton! I do have an indoor clothing rack as well, so I might be using that this winter! Thank you for the good advice and ideas on how to save!
Stacy
I'm baking. It soothes me to know the recipients will be so delighted.
ReplyDeleteIt's really such a simple thing really. Someone walks into the kitchen and asks "anything good?" and I can say I have cookies or cake or...No matter whatever is going on in the world there's that little leap in mood knowing there's something "good".
Dear Margaret, I think thats lovely. Being able to offer someone something is so nice. Home cooking goes over well with just about anyone. It does us all a to of good to have a cup of tea and a break and chat too. I have noticed how a grilled cheese sandwich or something really simple is a hit at lunch time too. A toastie and a cup of soup... simple and good! The week is almost over already! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteDearest Annabel,
ReplyDeleteYour piecing is exquisite! Such beautiful fabrics, this will become a lovely quilt. I too have a little helper, Mini Fox Terrier/Chihuahua, his name is Manny and he’s nearly seven. I love reading your posts each week and seeing all that you achieve. Would love to have a cuppa with you one day! Jennie from Queanbeyan🖤🖤
Dear Jennie, My first Chihuahua was when I was about ten. Her name with Gidget. She lived to 23 years old. Sparkie is just so good and Im so happy with her. Thank you re my patchwork! I have my second one complete... I think I made it too complicated and the star isn't so obvious... so next I will do a more simple one. But I am learning. Thank you so much, I would love to have a cup of tea with you too! Love Annabel.xxx
DeleteKookaburra sits on the old gum tree,
ReplyDeleteMerry merry king of the bush is he.
Laugh, Kookaburra, laugh, Kookaburra,
Gay your life must be!
Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree
Eating all the gumdrops he can see
Stop, Kookaburra, Stop, Kookaburra
Leave some there for me.
Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Counting all the monkeys he can see
Stop, Kookaburra, Stop, Kookaburra,
That's no monkey, that's me.
I learned that song when I was a little girl! Great sewing, Annabel! I love the patterns you chose for the quilt block.
We had a remembrance gathering at the cemetery last Saturday for my husband who died in November. It was Father's Day weekend and this is how my adult kids wanted to honor him. We placed his ashes in a niche and the "ceremony" was strictly a do-it-yourself job at his request. Many people complimented us because it was personalized and reflected his life and unique qualities.
My son and DIL were here for 5 days and my nieces came for overnight and I'm still getting caught up!
Best wishes to Annabel and all of the Bluebirds!
Dear Maxine, We sing this exact same song over and over to each of the kids who they are little and they all love it.
DeleteIt is a big step to have your Remembrance Day... I took many months to do this also. I feel there is some comfort in knowing what they wanted and carrying that out. This and the one year anniversary were the two biggest days. You have done well. It is lovely your family were there for a visit and yes I know what you mean it takes a while to catch up for sure! That was a significant week. With much love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel, thank Gd for you! Your blog is such a beautiful place to be in this world. Thank you for being so uplifting and encouraging. You inspire me so much. Your quilt is going to be beautiful. Everything you make is just so wonderful. I love your skirt for Lily. The cake sounds delicious, if it is possible would I please be able to get the recipe? I love how your pup sleeps near the fire, Sparkie is so sweet. I am worried about the world. I feel really quite helpless and do not know what to do. I think I need to pray on that. It is a cool, windy day here. I’m hoping to crochet. I found some of the cheap cotton for sale at the op shop and it was cheaper than the cheap shop so I bought up. I also bought some kids clothes on sale at Best and Less. Lots of love Bridge
ReplyDeleteDear Bridge, Well from my post on Friday... the weekend and early week were incredibly tense in the world and it was pretty terrifying. Now we have a lull. Of course it may or may not last. But 100% keeping things as normal as possible is the best. I am so glad you found some cotton at the op shop! That is a great find! I really like Best and Less! If you can get ahead on kids clothes... as the boys would probably be growing like rockets, that is a good thing! I got your mail today ad will email you shortly!! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteJust like Stacy (above) I've been thinking of Annabel's "handmaidens." The twin washer-women and their cousin the scullery maid have been getting a workout!
ReplyDeleteDear Maxine. Laine taught me about handmaidens. I love my handmaidens! And I love it when several are working at once! It's like all together we can get all sorts of things done! What a bonus!xx x
DeleteLily will look so cute in that skirt! I’ve only ever seen a quilt with square blocks and I found that a challenge, yours looks great! Pumpkin is my favourite soup, I’d be with kids scoffing it!
ReplyDeleteI’ve felt a bit stretched lately, the extra work is of course good for income but it does mean I have less time for other things. I’ve been offered the same for next term, which I’ve accepted. I’m hoping that it will allow us to build up some healthy savings that took a hit when we moved. I’m planning to use the holiday break to simplify what I can in our house to make it easier to manage, and to fill the freezers with ready made meals to help out on busy days.
I also want to get some crafting done as it is such a nice way to relax.
Have a lovely weekend, stay warm!
Jen (NZ)
Dear Jen, I hope the holidays give you the break you need. Some pj days might be needed! Yes the savings/emergency fund etc isn't a bad idea. And nothing is cheaper. I feel while its cold the slow cooker is a great help.. even if its one part of dinner like a whole pot of baked potatoes... something is done. Also.. your kids are getting older. During the break maybe re think their schedules and what jobs they can be responsible for. This 100% teaches them next level skills. Good can come out of times you just cant do it all. Like when I had migraines... I felt so bad I couldn't do anything but in those times the girls learned to do a lot of things . (When I naturally would tend to always do everything...). Getting ahead on baking is a big help. Im not sure if you have a bread maker but that can be set to have a loaf of bread ready just when the kids come home from school. So clever I think! Many thanks! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteI'm two weeks into keeping grandchildren for my daughter. Her sitter quit after she'd had one day on her new job. I have about two more weeks until their dad is off on vacation. In the meantime, it's catch as catch can at home. I'm keeping up with the bare basics of things. Plus side is that the extra money is a small help. And of course, the benefits of an almost 6 year who this week said "You're one lucky Gramma!" with which I readily agreed and the 9-month-old chunk of a boy who wiggles in excitement when I come in the door. It's not a hard duty, just time consuming. I miss being home. I love being with them.
ReplyDeleteI refuse to give in to worry or fear. Nothing is within my control except what I do in my own home. I can't put things on shelves if they aren't there. I can't produce more money if I haven't more. I can vote when there are elections and pray that the vote is the right one (are any of them?!). I can do my best not to waste what is at my hand. I can trust in God and rest in His peace.
I love your last line. Take courage, all. Take courage!
Dear Terri, It is huge that you can step in and save the say for your daughter. A five year old is very good to babysit, a 9 month old is a lot more work! You are probably pretty tied by the end of a day! But you are a hero!
DeleteYou are right we are best to keep on keeping on and doing what we can. We can step up and be the steadying force. The week is already almost over! With much love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel, your quilt looks amazing you are so talented ! Pumpkin soup is great in the cold and I also love cauliflower cheese ! Delicious good for you winter food ! When my mum has too many eggs she makes a crust less quiche with a little onion and spinach or whatever you have and serve with salad or veggies. I love soup in winter it serves so well ! I'm considering making a meatloaf etc this weekend. The skirt for lily is lovely ! I love our Aussie wildlife esp kookaburra and magpies ! Your puppy is growing quickly ! Lots of love,.Sonia in Sydney Australia
ReplyDeleteDear Sonia, Thank you! I love meatloaf... it is so good cold in sandwiches! Sometimes I make it in muffin trays like each is one neat serving and freeze some. An impossible pie type quiche is so good.... good in packed lunches too. So good. Soups are very good at the moment in this weather! I hope you are having a good week! With love Annabel.xxx
DeleteEllie in AR
ReplyDeleteAmen Terri! I enjoy your blog, but have trouble commenting since I can never remember my passwords.
Thank you, Annabelle for your uplifting blog. I love reading what my "sisters" around the world are doing to be good stewards of their homes.
This week I've been busy with garden work early in the day. A must with the heat and humidity!
I enjoyed Bible Study and my friendship with the ladies in their 70s + 80s whose group I'm in. So much wisdom and one needs friends of all ages.
I added to our pantry with a few items from the grocery clearance section.
Keeping curtains drawn, hanging laundry to dry and using the airfryer instead of the oven are helpful to keep the temperature in the house down and the electric bill a little lower.
God bless you all.
Ellie
Dear Ellie, I absolutely love the wisdom of the older ladies... those in their 70s and 80s really are like gold mines. In their knowledge on so many things actually!
DeleteI am glad you are careful in the heat and do your work early outside. It is a little similar for me in that it's winter and most of my time is inside and Im using it to sew and all sorts of things often I dont get to do. We have to work around the weather we are in, in a sensible way.
Yes we all have so much in common and having friends to work along side is so nice! With love Annabel.xxx
Dear Annabel,
ReplyDeleteAnd now quilting added to your repertoire! Your square looks beautiful. I love the sound of those Armenian Nutmeg cakes! Mmmm. I'm going to make one of your fruitcakes this week for the coffee hour after church this Sunday as we celebrate a priest's 40th anniversary since his ordination. Lots of fruitcake fans, here!!
Hope you're having a fabulous week!
xx Jen in NS
Dear Jen, I think maybe being winter here fruit cake would be a good idea. I hope your cake turned out well for the celebration. I will get the recipe to you. It's a very good cake. Maybe my favourite of all time. I hope you have had a good week... it's gone so fast! With love Annabel.xxx
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