Thursday 22 March 2012

Disappearing Act

Oh gosh, where have I been? Sorry to say I've been rather busy of late and my crafting has suffered. Never fear, my stitchy bug has returned home and I'm back putting needle into thread!
I've been trying to finish up Gingerbread Cottage this week. As it's soon going to be April, I think it's about time I finished this wintry design up. Here's my progress to date . . .


I don't know what I'm going to do with this design once I've finished all the stitching. At the moment, I'm just concentrating on getting it done. Any ideas would be gladly appreciated :)
I'm so close to a finish though. One more tiny area of stitching to do and then I can reveal my latest happy dance. I know exactly what I'm going to be doing with this one :) Stay tuned for more!

And in other news, I made bread! I've never made bread from scratch before and thought it was high time I gave it a go. After hours of kneading and resting and yet more kneading and resting, this was my result . . .



It turned out brilliantly - the yummiest, softest loaf of wholemeal bread I have ever had the pleasure to enjoy. Well, that might be a slight exaggeration, but it did turn out good. I was pretty sceptical that my first attempt would be anything like real bread, but this was darn tasty. I've stocked up my freezer for awhile too :) Do you have any tips for a novice baker like me? I'd love to hear some tricks of the trade.

I hope to go back to regular posting soon, I have missed blogging these past couple of weeks. I can't wait to read about what you've all been up to.
Best wishes,

12 comments:

Lynn said...

Glad to see you back Bekca! Gingerbread cottage is coming along nicely. Some of my finished stitches sit for a year or more before I decide what to do with them. I really stitch for the pure joy of stitching and I'm not too concerned if some of my stitches aren't finished at once.

That loaf of bread looks so yummy! Bread is my downfall. I love it all.... white, brown, rye, pumpernickel. I used to make it with my bread machine but I have yet to try one from scratch. Good job!

Mouse said...

oooo well done on the stitching front :) and coooo fresh home made bread gorgeous ... not made any in years ....wish I could tell you some tips ..lol love mouse xxxxx

lesli said...

The bread certainly looks delicious!I haven't baked bread for over 10 years! Congratulations on your success!
I'm at a lack of suggestions for your Gingerbread finish...all I ever do is frame mine! One of these days I'll have to make a pillow! Can't wait to see what your finish looks like!

Anne said...

Lovely progress on your Gingerbread cottage and welcome back! Your bread looks yummy! Isn't the smell of fresh baked bread the best?!! I just made my first loaf of bread a couple months ago and have been making loaves of bread every two weeks or so. I don't have a ton of experience other than I ignore the recipe's rising time because in my place, it takes my bread a lot longer to rise than what the recipe says. That and when I'm kneading it, I knead it until the dough is stretchy and smooth. Not sure what other tricks there are..I always call my mom for help when I'm stuck!! LOL!

Veronica said...

You're almost there on Gingerbread Cottage. It looks lovely.

Congrats on your baking your first loaf of bread. It looks yummy.

Hugs,
Veronica.

Lesleyanne said...

Gingerbread Cottage looks great as does your bread. I love the smell of fresh bread.

Sarah said...

Lovely progress!! I know what you mean about being missing in action lately. Isn't making bread from scratch soothing? I love it, theres just something about kneading thats relaing. Plus I love that you can do a bit, leave it for two hours and then come back and do a bit more. I have a few good recipes I could pass your way if you want.

Elisa said...

Welcome back...great stitchy progress and I'm so glad your bread was yummy xx

Debbie said...

FIRST TIME VISITING YOUR LOVELY BLOG, AND THOUGHT TO SAY HELLO! CAN`T WAIT TO SEE YOUR PROJECT FINISHED ITS LOOKING SO ADORABLE!

Carol said...

There is nothing like homemade bread, Bekca, and yours looks so yummy! I'm sure this will be the first loaf of many :)

Nice progress on that cute gingerbread cottage--can't wait to see how you finish it! Hope you are enjoying some lovely spring weather!

Catherine said...

There is nothing like fresh bread! Surely you'll be making more.
Your cottage looks great!

nice borba said...

o pão tá lindo! dourado! e certamente delicioso! poste a receita, querida!
sou sua admiradora, amo handmade.
bjus