Hexagon quilt

How many people spend as much time planning their holiday sewing as they do the holiday itself? (substitute 'sewing' with craft of choice). My cunning plan was to make a hexagon quilt. Ambitious eh? It all began when I saw a demonstration of a sizzix template cutting machine and saw how easy it would be to cut hexagons, and then I thought that hexagon hand sewing  or 'english paper piecing'  would be the perfect travel companion. A long story cut short - I bought a cutting machine and had some hexagon die cutters for my birthday. If i needed further justification, I would be making a quilt for us, which is something I haven't yet managed. I could imagine myself sitting on a balcony in the Alps with a glass of wine and some hand sewing, occasionally glancing up and marvelling at the mountains. All this of course after climbing every mountain and fording every stream (singing as per Julie Andrews).

hexagon and mountain view

We didn't manage a long walk today, but that's because we did an epic one yesterday and now we're having a day off. Instead we drove up the mountain for a coffee and a fantastic view of Mont Blanc

Then we had lunch back at the apartment and then drove (not walking) to Sallanches in search of a sewing shop as don't like the sewing needles I brought with me - a good excuse I thought. Anyway, we found a lovely shop called 'Tissus de Savoie' which had a fab range of Savoyard tea towels and tablecloth type things, but also a little sewing section. I couldn't resist some Savoyard patterned quilting material for a future project, although it might make it into the hexie quilt. I did buy some aguilles too!

What a view

How about a view of Mont Blanc from your balcony😁 After an eternity of driving, we finally arrived at St Gervais in the French Alps. It's nice to be sitting outside in the evening sun listening to the crickets and birds. Ok, so you have to ignore the road noise, but we wanted to be in walking distance of the town and the cable car so that we can have plenty of car free adventures and wine! We've been before, but not for a few years so thought it would be nice to come again. It makes it easier to relax when you know your way around and there are plenty of places to go and things to do. We actually ski-ed near here a couple of times as well, but that's a different kettle of fish.

Birthday baking and sourdough mojo is back

Another family birthday so another birthday cake. Since I'm finding the little oven (in the little kitchen in the little flat) a bit temperaturemental (I slightly over-browned (burned) my Dad's birthday cake last week), I decided to try something a bit different for daughter R's birthday. I had a mad pancake making session one evening last week as I just mixed far too much pancake batter (using freshly ground buckwheat flour), so froze the surplus pancakes. I then made some homemade Nutella from the Deliciously Ella cook book, defrosted the pancakes and made a layered pancake cake with pancake spread with nutella, then whipped double cream and then repeated with about 6 pancakes. I melted some dark chocolate and drizzled this on the top in an appealing swirly way. Then I added single cream to the remaining melted chocolate with some maple syrup to make a thick and sweet chocolate sauce. Mmmmmmm. It looked good (or interesting  as described by R) AND tasted really good. 

The baking session was not over as I made a sourdough loaf and some sourdough cheese scones. I was really pleased with the loaf as for some reason my more recent loaves have been a bit undercooked and doughy. Definitely disappointing. I've no idea why, but changed the recipe a bit to put in slightly less water and then baked at 220c for 1 hour in the cloche instead of the usual 45 at 200c and 15 at 200c. I managed to get the rising timing right as well, including overnight in the fridge, which is a bit challenging in the recent warm weather. 

I'll add some photo's when I get organised!

Last #C25K run and onwards

I've done the last run in the C25K programme. Hoorah. It was a bit delayed because it's been too flippin' hot, but I managed it on Friday morning when it was a bit cooler, running 3.5 laps around the field, which incidentally is now a very bare field. The farmer cut and bagged it last week and it's looking very empty and open.

Now for the nitty gritty. How far have I been running in 30 minutes? Well, somewhat predictably, it has not been 5k (3 miles). The trusty GPS measures my laps at 0.6 miles so I've only made it to 2.1 miles. I need to run 5 laps to make 3 miles. So, armed with a new target, I ran 5 laps on Sunday *applause and cheering*. I listened to an audio book instead of the motivational music supplied by the podcast, and found it really quite do'able. Of course, it wasn't fast - 43 minutes altogether, but never the less, I did it! *rousing fanfare*. Bit tired today now *sigh*.

Wood pile @30DaysWild day 29

A haven for wildlife! Day 29 of @30DaysWild.

Wall garden - @30DaysWild day 27

This pretty wall garden is part of our barn conversion (before conversion!). From a domestic dwelling point of view it is a bit of a disaster, but certainly fits the 'wild' theme. As does the rampant ivy below.

I saw a mouse....... @30DaysWild Day 26

This little chap was found at our (soon to be) converted barns. Fortunately, he was on the outside, although I've no doubt that there are plenty inside!

Crochet Pirate Hat

Just a sneak peak because the whole ensemble isn't finished yet. Everyone should have a pirate outfit (obviously). I will reveal more at a later date.