New linen cupboard

I'm still sorting the spare room out. What a lot of stuff we have accumulated over the years. You may have noticed from the previous pictures of the wardrobe that the linen was over flowing in the top section. This was only meant to be a stop gap several years ago when we had to have new tank fitted in the old airing cupboard.
Unfortunately as I am vertically challenged  I have never really been able to reach the top part of the cupboard properly to keep it tidy on regular basis, as it always necessitates getting  a stool or step ladder. I have to say taking the photo made me  feel ashamed and realise how hideous the mess was and  that got me thinking.
What I really wanted was an armoire for the linen. However the price was going to be a tad expensive, also we needed something not too big and preferably shelved. So yesterday on my travels I spotted the perfect solution- a lovely (thirties I think) walnut veneered  cupboard which met all my requirements. Perfect.

 Linen is now put away neatly and I am able to reach it and keep it tidy! I'm not sure my other half is quite so enamoured as he prefers all things modern but I like it . I could however  be persuaded in the future  to use it for my sewing goodies should the need for something more modern become more pressing -there is method in my madness!

New sewing area!

Well the damp and chilly weather put me off going for a walk yesterday and as  I said yesterday it was a sort out morning. I have long been bemoaning the fact that i don't have an official are for my sewing/ crafting. With the office returning to  function as  another family room I had hoped for a little corner but yesterday conceded that there really wasn't any room there. So I put my thinking hat on and thought about our spare room. This room is not a big double room and really there isn't a lot of extra room there. BUT there is a built-in wardrobe that is currently full of everything, old photos and albums, ski kit, linen clothing and children's work from years gone by that I can't be parted from.This is it yesterday morning:

 

 So I had a great clear out and this is my new area,  dedicated sewing area:

It is still work in progress but its great to have my own space. I keep going to have a look at it! Now guess what I'm doing today?.Yep I have to clear the mound of clothes off the spare bed and find homes/ or  put out all the unwanted items. I can still do that and think of how I can improve my new area at the same time :)

Snow?

We were so excited last night. Checking regularly for the snow. The BBC were right we had a tiny flurry at 4 and it was snowing more heavily at 9pm. Lovely great big flakes but sadly wet ones that didn't want to settle properly. I wish I had taken a photo before I went to bed -  a white coating everywhere but it wasn't to last! This is my bedroom view this morning - dismal and melting fast.
The family we spotted yesterday, coming out of the hardware shop with sledges under their arm , will be disappointed not to be able to use their new purchases just yet. I hope they get to use them soon . I spoke to my sister today who lives in Kent and  they have loafs of the white fluffy stuff but Lent is often badly hit
This morning  we are sorting out at home  ( spring is in the air) and this afternoon I'm spending the afternoon crocheting  and watching girlie films with my daughter with hot chocolate and blankets. Bliss..........

Sent from my iPhone

Snow?

My favourite book : Linen and Lace

One of my current obsessions is with vintage fabrics- old lace, embroidered tray mats, crocheted doillies, basically any pretty linens with age , with craftsmanship and have had a previous unspoken life. On browsing the craft books this week I spotted this book and this has now become my favourite book. It's written by a french lady Chantal Sabatier and has been translated into English. Its a beautiful book. You can browse the book on Amazon here:http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=linen+and+lace&x=0&y=0

 I carry it every where with me so that when I'm waiting to pick up offspring I can immerse myself in the beautiful projects. My mind is a whirl with ideas for all my lovely linens - so watch this space!

Daffodils to remind us that Spring is nearly here

I bought these daffodils this week and have truly enjoyed their bright yellow sunshine. Not much to report here in Mrs H's abode as   have been busy making another two batches of marmalade and catching up with housework. Have a lovely weekend! whether you get snow or not!

Marmalade Part 2

On with the next stage:
5. Prepare the jam jars by washing in hot soapy water and rinse then place in a warm oven 140 degrees centigrade for ten to fifteen minutes and keep warm unil needed. Sterilise the lids in a pan of boiling water . Also sterilise the ladle bowl in the hot water too and the jam funnel in the oven, taking care when removing it- as can burn (I found out the hard way!)

6.Then bring the pan of orange peel, sugar and orange liquid slowly up to a simmer making sure the sugar has dissolved before simmering. Add the thermometer if using and simmer away gently for sometime - it takes longer longer than you think.
Yesterday it was about 2 hours or so (the recipe books always say its a shorter time but I haven't found that in my experience . I did use a thermometer to help and when it reached about 104 degrees C I did check the setting point. This I did by putting a little on a pre-chilled saucer and when the marmalade wrinkled when pushed by my finger it was done.

7. Place the jam funnel over the neck of each of the jars in turn and fill using the ladle. Be careful not to get any on the jar neckar any residue can lead to mould developing during storage. Sometimes I use a jug to help fill the jars.

8.Seal the jars with the lids whilst still warm, to form a vacuum when they cool and then label and store in a cool place. Et voila your  batch of marmalade is done!