Some Sewing Time.

Cyclone Pam gave us 28 mls of rain, very little wind or damage. We were very fortunate, and the rain will help to make up for our deficit. It also allowed me time inside . First I did some tidying and organising in my sewing cupboard, then when I found the container which had these pieces in it - some sewing time.

 Back in 2007 when I had made my first bucket bag, from a pattern the Welch Quilter put on her blog, ( and it turned out well ) I  proceeded to make many more, both large and small. I showed others in our club how to make them as well. These were my demonstration parts which got used in 3 separate classes. I had told the parts one day you too will become a bag. Quite a wait! But yesterday was the day. The parts did become a bag.

 It turned out well. It has 2 inside pockets. Back then  ( 2007 - 2008 ) many of you blogging ladies made these bags. Joyce ( who has stopped blogging it seems ) made many, many bags. One of the ladies in my quilting group in Tauranga also got hooked on them and made lots and lots and lots.

 Their large capacity means they are good for shopping or carrying crafts.

My foraging in the sewing cupboard also produced my landscape wall hanging that was carefully folded away in there. I will finish it soon .

*******

Last time I posted I said I was making roasted tomato relish.

 It turned out very tastily. It is a recipe for a patient person. ( allow 4 hours ) you don't have to stand over it; just do it in 3 stages.

 Lay the cut unpeeled toms cut side up in a lined roasting tray. ( 2 kgs ) Roast on a low heat for 1 hour. Sprinkle finely chopped onion over the top and roast for a second hour. Allow to cool then take the skins off.

 Put all the pulp and juice along with  white wine vinegar, paprika, sugar, a pinch of chilli , lemon juice and rind into a large pot and boil down for about 45 minutes. Till thick  Bottle in sterilised jars.

It has a depth of flavour that, roasting brings out.

*****

 Currently showing at the Tauranga Art Gallery is an Exhibition called   Wildlife Photographer of the Year.  ( 50 amazing photographs from all around the world.) (94 % of them by males ? Why was that? ) It is very worth seeing if you get the chance. Entry is free - donations gladly accepted . 10 till 4.30 daily till 7th June.

 The Exhibition comes from the Natural History Museum in London in it's 50th year. ( 2014 ) It is only part of the original  Photographer of the Year collection.

Obviously no photographs were allowed to be taken so I took one of the sign outside. I came home with a post card of one of my favourites "Owlets United," by Sitara Karthikeyan from India. ( a stump with 5 spotted owls on it ) ( she is in the 11- 14 year old section. Google her name to see some of her work and the other photographers. )

*****

 The rain has perked things up in the garden. Many plants have suffered from the dry even though I watered most places.