Cross Stitch Cafe - stitching out of 2012 and into 2013...

chickywiggle

***off toic***

Just as a heads up - I complained my grocery delivery was late with Tesco today and they said they'd refund delivery charge - told them I had a prepay thing so they still gave me a £3 refund.

Thought I'd mention it as I know others use the pre-pay service and wouldn't think of mentioning it.

***back on topic***

I can only watch TV if I am doing something else (i.e. internet or stitching). I could never sit and just watch something - think that's why I need popcorn etc in the cinema - I fall asleep otherwise.

Ruth_honey

**off topic**

Just christening our slow cooker. In the recipe book that came with it, it had a recipe for chocolate & orange rice pudding. Thought I'd try that first as the ingredients are cheap, so if I mess it up, we've not wasted meat. Ready in 4-5 hours, so I'll let you know later what it's like.

If it's a success, we've got some beef skirt, carrots, parsnips & potatoes to do something with tomorrow. This is very new to me. I don't really cook much as DH is much better at it.

What has everyone been up to today?

sweetcarer

Hello Girls,

I have been good today.

Went out to the charity shops and bought a nice dinner set for £4 albeit was only 2 bowls, 4 side plates and 5 dinner plates but for extra plates it was good. Needed something, I know it doesn't match what we have but hey ho - it helps charity and helps me.

I have been thinking what to stitch next year and come up with this list -

• AOY charity squares - letter O x 2
• Sandy Hook adult quilt squares x 6
• Sandy Hook wee girl quilt square x 1
• Sandy Hook quilt square for school x 1
• Snow drop memorial squares for my mum and her sisters (4)
• Helen Phillips - Winter (from CSC)
• Helen Phillips - Spring (from CSC)
• Helen Phillips - Summer (from CSC)
• Helen Phillips - Autumn (from CSC)
• Blue Sampler (from Work) at least one part

thinking of the big British Isles thing - don't have the material for it so has to go on back burner but still thinking of it - I have (still to do one) overtime payments in January pay so maybe I could buy the material then. Don't think I will do the traditional black - might do it in colours - like blue for Scotland, red for England and green for Wales. That way hubby can learn more about the counties and get him this book - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1852274794/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d2_i1?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-4&pf_rd_r=125CHEDX62CMNAWXC7SR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=317820867&pf_rd_i=468294

But now I have to think what to cook on new years day. It is our family tradition I make it but I take it to my parents house as they have a proper dining table. Last few years I have made coq au vin, chicken wrapped in prochoitto, home made baked cheesecake, etc. Now I don't do fish and hubby is not too keen on roasts, so have to get my thinking cap on.

Hope everyone is well, I am not bad today, been stitching and thinking of positive things.

Keep well till next time

sweetcarer

Flat_Eric

Ruth_honey wrote: »

**off topic**

Just christening our slow cooker. In the recipe book that came with it, it had a recipe for chocolate & orange rice pudding. Thought I'd try that first as the ingredients are cheap, so if I mess it up, we've not wasted meat. Ready in 4-5 hours, so I'll let you know later what it's like.

If it's a success, we've got some beef skirt, carrots, parsnips & potatoes to do something with tomorrow. This is very new to me. I don't really cook much as DH is much better at it.

What has everyone been up to today?

not much !! finding it hard to chill and relax.

Interesting to see you are trying your slow cooker. I unpacked mine today but now I'm :doh: as I really don't know where to begin - do I brown the meat separately first/what do I put in the pot first ? veg etc? how much stock etc

Mags_cat

Flat_Eric wrote: »

not much !! finding it hard to chill and relax.

Interesting to see you are trying your slow cooker. I unpacked mine today but now I'm :doh: as I really don't know where to begin - do I brown the meat separately first/what do I put in the pot first ? veg etc? how much stock etc

OFF TOPIC :

In general : brown meat first, cut veg reasonably small and same size (especially hard root veg which take longer at low temps) and use a little less liquid than you think you need. Til you get the hang of it, you may need to strain the liquid at the end of cooking and thicken it separately. I know I did

I tend to put the veg in first, as they "protect" the meat which is more delicate.

Have fun - it's easy, no fuss cooking and makes the house smell great!

*Louise*

We have been to see The Hobbit today - it was really good but my hands were starting to get fidgety after 2 and a half hours....:)

We had a chippy tea tonight (night off cooking fr me ) and what a surprise - LOTR Return of the King is on tv so hubby has decided he wants to watch that. Fine by me - getting my family rules out. I'm about halfway now.

I need to make myself a To Do list for 2013

mrs-moneypenny

hope everyone had a good christmas first time ive had the puter on so havent had a chance to com in before

been working on blackwork angel the wings are almost done now but im leaving the beadwork till after ive washed it as it has a mark down one side where its been in the frame. and a small chocolate smudge near the wings (opps)

chickywiggle

hmmm decisions decisions..............£5 for 5 issues of cross stitch mag + 15% extra off - must have imagined that bit] (code looks a generic one if anyone is interested)..........

but who should win - crazy or world of cross stitch?
I'm going for crazy............as they say it'll start with the January issue which is the one I am in so won't have to buy it :money:

chickywiggle

Cross Stitch Card Shop - Jan/ Feb 2013

Kiri the Cat - kit

cute - might make a birthday card at some point............ohhhh wonder if I have some rose smelly thread??

Forever Friends

pfft. it's ok but nothing special.

Send your love

could maybe make birthday carrds without the hearts but wouldn't use em for valentines day.

all the fun of the fair
pfft. no thanks.

best buys for January/U]

well my money's safe for another month.

a sweet scentsations

blurk

teatime treats

I like the choccy cake....with a cup of tea........not sure I'd stitch them tho.

advert

ermmm bras and cross stitch - am I missing something??

request a chart

tractor - will be great for DS2's birthday card.
Dolphins - nah
dog - nah
in loving memory - I like this would be good for the sandy hook quilt.

seeds of love

erm - not very valentiny are they? again could tweak them for smelly birthday cards I reckon.


next issue

Peek a boo animals - they're ok but wouldn't use them.
floral fairy - we all know I'm not a fairy person (except for the row of design) but I quite like these - again maybe birthday?
word clouds - LOVE them!!!
pup kit - pfft
easter lamb - quite like some of these.
pretty parasols - pfft

it's story time

argggg - those faces are wrong all wrong.

i like the princess and the pea but otherwise pfft.


garden greetings

I like these - but would have to change the colours.


glamour girls

they are ok - not sure I'd use them tho.

flowerpot fun

they are ok - not sure I'd use them either.

verdict

I'll be stitching birthday cards for ever - as I only need to make about 4 a year.

blue_eyed_girl

chickywiggle wrote: »

hmmm decisions decisions..............£5 for 5 issues of cross stitch mag + 15% extra off - must have imagined that bit] (code looks a generic one if anyone is interested)..........

but who should win - crazy or world of cross stitch?
I'm going for crazy............as they say it'll start with the January issue which is the one I am in so won't have to buy it :money:

I'm trying to decide too chicky. Got one more WOCS left in current 5 for £5 and now debating over Crazy on 5 for £5 or XStitch Gold 3 for £5 (ends 31 Dec offer). :think::think:

Just had an incredible urge to stitch something tonight so picked up the free gift out of WOCS - not really feeling the love for it but it might quell the urge for now.

Will have to put cream stuff back on hand shortly with the glove. DH and DS are making ref to Michael Jackson - the cheek of it - what I have to put up with :eek::rotfl:

Take care everyone,

b_e_g