Grannymar

Today time is short for me and I am running late….  so in order not to disappoint I will show a sample of reverse appliqué.

It is simply machine stitched using three layers of felt on a base layer of leather.  Have I shown this before?  I hope not as I don’t have time to go back and check this morning.

Another sample, this time in crepe paper to work out the layers, colours and pattern.  It is a good idea to do this before cutting into precious fabric.  With the paper or a firm fabric it may not be necessary to fold under a hem.

These pieces were as a result of reading about the “mola”, it forms part of the traditional costume of a Kuna woman in Panama.  In Dulegaya, the Kuna’s native language, “mola” means “shirt” or “clothing”.

Molas have their origin in the body painting. Only after the colonization by the Spanish and contact with missionaries the Kuna started to transfer their traditional geometric designs on fabric, first by painting directly on the fabric and later by using the technique of reverse application. It is not known for certain when this technique was first used.

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With this technique, you can use three to five layers of fabric.

Want to know how to get started?

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Transfer your pattern to the right side of the fabric that will be on the top layer. You can trace, mark, or draw freehand, whichever works best for you. This transferred marking will be the seam line for each cut shape.  Then draw a dotted line 1/8 inch away from the seam line, using a pencil or chalk. This will be your cut line.  Cut along the dotted cut line.
Clip inside curves and notch outside curves to seam allowance. Clip inside corners to seam allowance, and square off outside corners. This technique will help your reverse appliqué lay flat when it is sewn together.

Layer the pieces of fabric, all of which should be right side up. Pin together.

Blind stitch together by hand, using the tip of your needle to pull the top fabric under to the seam line, or top stitch by machine, along the seam line. Use a tight zigzag stitch if machining.  Now that the reverse appliqué step has been completed, use your other crafty techniques to make your project into something special. Finished reverse appliqué pieces can be simply framed or used in quilts, hot plate holders and clothing.

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Catch you later, when I slow down…..!

I was asking my sister if she still had her old school cookery book.  In the school she attended, they wrote all their notes  for Domestic Science in a large copybook.  It was the later section of the book that interested me.  You see the copybook was less than half filled by the time she left school and she added recipes as she found or tried them.  Mammy would write in the book too.

Back in the days when Elly was small and we were going to see and stay with my parents for a weekend, I would spend a day baking and fill my tins with goodies to bring with me.  Regularly I was asked to write out a recipe before I went home.  So my hand wtiting was scattered among the pages too.

With time and plenty of use the book is like us… getting old and fragile!  Pieces of paper may fall out if you are not careful.

The open book with some of the loose pieces of paper.

The loose pieces of paper are recipes written by different hands.  They are living history, recalling for me members of my family, relations and friends - Not alone in the hand writing but also with a particular recipe that we associate them with!

A collection in mammy’s hand

Mammy was an avid recipe collector, it may have have been gleaned from a friend, or quickly scribbled as she listened to a cookery item on the radio.  She was not fussy:- she used whatever piece of paper she could find.  It might be the back of an envelope or part of one, a scrap of cereal packet, an instruction leaflet or a page torn from a jotter.  Most of the time it was only the ingredients and she would know from years of cooking what method to use.  There were a few scraps with no title just a list, you knew they were recipes because the quantities were included.  Of course the far corner might have a shopping list - the things she thought of as she was baking or cooking or the bags or boxes she emptied during the session. The recipes were all tested and tried!  One thing sure you never left your school copy books lying around when I was a school girl or you might end up with a recipe in the middle of an Irish essay!

Our dearly beloved mother also collected recipes from the newspapers:

They were anything from a full page broadsheet to a tiny scrap.  The names include Theodora Fitzgibbon, Monica Sheridan (do you remember her from early RTE- all her cakes flopped- something to do with studio heat and lights I am sure!), Brenda Costigan, Monica Nevin and Mary Frances Keating. The oldest printed date that I can see is the wedding Cake, dated Thursday September 25 1969.  I was all of 22 years old…. do you think she was planning my wedding in her head?

This cutting by Mary Frances Keating for Rich Mincemeat fascinates me.  It is roughly torn from the paper, possibly while mammy was on her knees cleaning out the fire, before scrunching up some ‘yesterdays news’ as a base for kindling and the turf or coal.  The cutting has no date but I think it is the oldest of the scraps of paper.  WHY?  Look at the back…

No complete article, but the torn advertisement is the clue.  In tiny print it tells me it is a Danus “Executive” 3 button single-breasted suit, from 24 to 30 gns!

When did they stop using Guineas?

Nana’s Baked Rhubarb

Spread 2 pounds of rhubarb, cut into ¾ to 1 inch pieces, on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.  The quickest way to cut rhubarb is to use a scissors.  Pour 1½ cups of sugar evenly over the rhubarb.  Cover baking dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C. Remove rhubarb from the oven and stir mixture. Put back in the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until rhubarb is tender.
Nana never added water, mind you she never measured anything either.  She worked by the look, taste or feel method!   I loved to drain off the excess juice and drink it!

Variation 1: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the sugar. Mix ginger and nutmeg into the sugar until evenly distributed.

Variation 2: Half the amount of sugar and cook the rhubarb in lemonade.

For a crumble topping I like Micko’s version best of all.

Cook the crumble separately at 200°C. This gives it a real crunchy texture instead of it being a soggy mush.  Rub 2 ozs butter into 3 ozs plain flour in a mixing bowl until “they resemble breadcrumbs”.  Then add 1½ ozs of brown sugar. Finely chop a handful of nuts and add them to the mixing bowl, with a pinch of ginger, stir together. Sprinkle onto a baking sheet - spreading it out and cook it in the oven for about 10 minutes.  Turn the mixture & return the tray to the oven for another five to 10 minutes, just until the mixture is golden but not burnt - and it’s incredibly crunchy.

Assemble the dish about 5 minutes before you serve it up. Put the fruit filling in a microwave safe baking dish, sprinkle the crumble mixture on top and reheat it in the microwave for about one or two minutes, depending on how hot you like it. I prefer warm rather than piping hot, so it’s just a quick 60 seconds.
To Serve: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or thick natural yoghurt.

Time once more to answer another of those questioned that I suggested as part of a meme set by Nick.

What is my favourite taste?

For me this varies from week to week and on occasions from meal to meal.  It might be a meal for one, thrown together quickly using the bits from the fridge, yet I sit and savour every forkful.  While at the other end of the scale it might be a leisurely meal in good company while sharing a glass or two of wine - the mood and food adding to the senses of smell and taste.

It is very difficult to tie it down to one, so I offer you a compromise….. The dinner I crave for today:

Savoury - A tender medium rare grilled steak, with caramelised onions, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, some broccoli florets and baby new potatoes.

Sweet - Rhubarb, cooked the way mammy did it.

To Drink - Gin served with Tonic or with Ginger Ale.

Now who is on the cooking today?

Blood Clots/Stroke - They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue

If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks..
Seriously..  Please read:

STROKE IDENTIFICATION:

During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall -  she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics), she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.

They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.

Ingrid’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at  6:00 PM Ingrid passed away).  She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don’t die.   They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this…

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke…totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE

Thank God for the sense to remember the ‘3′ steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

STROKE: Remember the 1st Three Letters….S.T.R.

No make that Four letters…S.T.R.O.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to  SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(I.e. It is sunny out today.)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call the emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke ——– Stick O*UT Your Tongue

NOTE: Another ’sign’ of a stroke is this: Ask the person to ’stick’ out his tongue.. If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

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Thank you, this came from many directions via email in the past couple of weeks.  I hope you never need to do any of these things, but it might save a life one day!  Worth sharing.

Our Loose Blogging consortium includes:-  Anu, Ashok, Conrad,  Gaelikaa,  Ginger,  Grannymar,  Judy, Magpie 11,  Maria, & Ramana. Our topic today was chosen by Conrad.

Anniversaries

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today is a day for celebration in more ways than one for me.  A celebration of taking first steps.

In one case the steps were sure footed with no hint of doubt that I was headed on the right road, while the other…….

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One year ago today I had doubts.  VERY BIG DOUBTS.  I will admit to feeling intimidated at the beginning.  A lone women surrounded by three men all able eloquent communicators. But why me?  With my simplicity and weird sense of humour, was I asked simply to be the mascot?

I was on the verge of saying NO!  Really!  Then I thought, heck, give it a go…. if it becomes too heavy I’ll find an excuse to drop out!  So I tentatively took those first steps…

Somewhere from within I heard a voice say: “Stick with what you know!”  I leaned heavily on information from my past, it seemed to work. I pulled it off and was elated…. until…. Until I heard what was required at the next stage.  Leading us this time was a young, earnest fellow, one third the age of the rest of us.  The guys were in competition, each hoping to find the edge on the other.  It was hopeless.  I should never have joined in.  No way could I come up with the goods.

Restless nights followed, then in a flash I had my answer. Step off the path and find another route…. I did!   Now I was ready to step up to the plate. Somehow it worked, I hit the right note and was accepted; right into the heart of the group.  Life was sweet!  I was a full blown member of the Loose Blogging Consortium, the inspiration of Conrad.

The original Four

Anti clockwise:- Ashok, Conrad, Ramana and Grannymar (Photo courtesy of Maynard)

Over the weeks our numbers grew, some stayed while others found the call of family, study, or work commitments necessitated their absence.  They post when they are able and we look forward to their return in the near future.

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DROP OUT?

Did I once actually think of dropping out?

Conrad, if you want me to drop out now, you will need to tip the hammock or employ the shredder!

The family that has grown up around the LBC is brilliant.  Conrad, did you ever in your wildest dreams think that this would happen?  The banter and the teasing on the blogs and in the background is wonderful.  You all WILLED me well following surgery last September, the banter fun and laughter was better than any medication.  You came and shared breakfast in my kitchen back then. Now it is time to take the celebration elsewhere, bring back Conrad’s Bus, and let us all climb aboard for another year.  Come on Corky, we are not leaving without you!

Debit, Magit, Mayo, Millie, Maynard, Salad, Bikehikebabe, Gail and everyone else who comments - the singing is about to begin!  Pay attention everyone Magpie 11 will accompany us on the Bandoneón!

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And the other celebration…..

Thirty three years ago today I took steps… deliberate well thought out steady steps along a path to begin a new and wonderful life…. with Jack.  He had told me that every day would be like Christmas, and it was.  Fresh new and exciting, each day was filled with little pleasures and great love!  Twelve years on my own now; and I still miss his whistle, twinkling eyes, quirky walk and most of all his touch! I would not have missed those 21 years together for anything, and I daily treasure the best gift of all: our Elly!

Happy Anniversaries to one and all!

Image by Free-StockPhotos.com

Straight from the Showroom.  Very comfortable!  Next time I think I’ll sit in the passenger seat and leave the driving to the Toyboy!

A woman brought a very limp duck into a Veterinary Surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the Vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird’s chest.

After a moment or two, the Vet shook his head and sadly said, “I’m sorry, Your Duck is Dead–passed away.”

The distressed woman wailed, “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead,” replied the Vet.

“How can you be so sure?” she protested. “I mean you haven’t done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something.”

The Vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few minutes later with a black Labrador dog. As the duck’s owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head.

The Vet patted the dog on the head and took it out of the room. A few minutes later he returned with a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

The Vet looked at the woman and said, “I’m sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck.”

The Vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman…The duck’s owner, still in shock, took the bill.

“$150!” She cried, “$150 just to tell me my duck is dead!”

The Vet shrugged, “I’m sorry. If you had just taken my word for it, the bill would have been $20, but with the
Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it is now $150.”!!

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I think this one came from Ramana!

No progress on the wool project this week.  I was far too busy running round the country to meet up with Bloggers, Toyboys, shopping, and trying fast cars!

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In the meantime another little project I played about with some years ago.

I bought a plain uncoloured silk scarf, with a rolled edge and ready for painting.  I always wash the fabric before painting to remove the finish that is on the fabric.  These finishes can resist paint and spoil a design.  Best results are achieved when the fabric is attached to a frame, being careful to keep it taut.

Alas, I had no frame at the time of the correct shape and size for the job. A large thick sheet of plastic was spread on the floor and I set the freshly paint soaked scarf on it.  I wanted to use a Resist technique with Deka Silk paint.   These silk paints are inter-mixable, non-toxic, water-based and fixed by ironing!  The paints are wash-fast up to 60°C.  By sprinkling Rock salt on areas of the wet paint it draws off the paint underneath each crystal - leave the salt in place until the paint has dried completely - at least overnight.  If you click on the picture below you will see the pattern that I achieved.

This link will give more information about Resist and much more.

In order to fix the paint lay a sheet of baking parchment on the ironing board, then the fabric and add a top layer of parchment on top.  It ensures there are no errors of paint coming off on the iron or the board.  It also protects the silk from burning.  Move a hot iron over the paper sandwich slowly making sure to heat all the item in turn.

Did you know how to check if a fabric is real silk?  No matter what thickness or width of fabric, REAL silk will pass through a wedding ring!

It started with a bus journey into the City.

Retracing the scenes from my childhood

GPO

The building is so much brighter than I remember as a child.  Where have all the queues gone?  Perhaps they are all sitting on the internet!

Cards, but no Post cards?

It was back to the street

I selected some post cards

Bought the stamps

Then sent the cards on their merry way and headed back to the streets

I thought of Corky

Remembered the sounds of Moore Street and the Street traders.  The shouts in my head of “Truppence (3 pence)  each the oranges, or five for a shilling!”  A Shilling was 12 old pennies.

I met a few ladies.  This piece is called ‘Meeting Place’. Built in 1988 by Jakki McKenna, the statues capture a slice of everyday life in the city centre.  Unlike other statues that are serious in nature, this particular statue is light-hearted as it celebrates the ordinary and mundane.

We crossed the Halfpenny Bridge, a pedestrian bridge across the River Liffey.  In days of yore there was a toal of a Halfpenny to cross this bridge

The view from the halfpenny Bridge, looking towards O’Connell Bridge.

Into Temple Bar, a very lively spot these days with street musicians and ideal for people watching.

Murphy’s Ice Cream

On through Temple Bar with it’s individual and unusual shops

To Wicklow street and a treat…

Murphy’s Ice Cream

And this time I meet the man himself…  I was anxious to catch up with Kieran once more.

Having guided me through the various flavours and knowing from the book how much cream and milk are involved, I chose a raspberry sorbet, my sister chose Rum and Raisin ice cream.  We sat in the cool comfort of the shop to enjoy our little pleasures and rest our feet.  Naturally I wanted a photo with a good looking Toyboy so Kieran posed with me next the wood lined wall.  This is no ordinary wood - it came from an Amish Barn in Pennsylvania!

Now you have enough for one day.  More to follow!