Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Summer. Show all posts

Wednesday 10 June 2020

Elderflower Champagne Recipe - A fond memory of my childhood...

You know summer is finaly here when the elderflowers are blooming. They always remind me of the walks I used to take with my mum as a child.  We would walk along the country lane to the river and collect the elderflower blooms to make Elderflower Champagne.

My mum would use a big bucket with water, sugar, lemons and the flower heads and leave them overnight or a little longer.  She used plastic pop bottles to strain the fragrant liquid into (glass ones had exploded previously and the plastic one seemed to fair better).  She would keep the bottles in her wardrobe and we would wait impatiently for them to be ready.

It was always worth the wait, Elderflower Champagne is such a glorious taste of summer.  It really is summer in a glass.  If you have never tried it before I urge you to give it a go...







Elderflower Champagne


Ingredients

8-10 elderflower heads
4 cups sugar
3 pints of hot water
6 pints cold water
4 lemons


  • Add the hot water and sugar to a large sterilised container and stir until dissolved
  • Add the cold water and leave until completely cool
  • Slice the lemons and add them along with the elderflower heads
  • Leave covered for 24 to 48 hours, you should start to see bubbles forming on the surface when it's ready
  • Strain through a muslin cloth into strong bottles
  • Store somewhere cool and dark and leave for at least a week
  • During this time if you are using glass bottles, it is recommended that you "Burp" them a few times a week to ensure the bottles don't explode.  This is simply releasing the pressure of the lid to allow some of the gas to escape.


Best enjoyed chilled with a slice of lemon, just add sunshine...







I hope you will enjoy this recipe.  What fond memories do you have from your childhood?  Let me know in the comments below...

See you all soon
Catherine
x




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Friday 5 July 2019

Quick and easy projects for you to crochet this summer - Free crochet patterns selected by Lullaby Lodge...

Summer is in full swing here now and the holidays will soon be upon us.  I often hear people say "it's too hot to crochet", well it is certainly too hot here for working on anything large like a blanket, so I thought I would find a nice selection of quick and easy projects that are perfect for summer.  Go and make a nice pitcher of iced tea and sit out in the garden with one of these lovely projects...

Quick & Easy Summer Crochet





I just love this boho style crochet necklace by Why I DIY?, you can find the free pattern over on her blog.

Vibrant Bohemian Necklace




While you are lounging in the sun, why not make a pretty case for your sunglasses.  The pattern is available at Crochet Happens blog and she even shows you how to make a pretty lining for your case.

Crochet Sunglasses Case




These flower hair clips are too cute for words and can be crocheted in no time at all.  You can find the pattern at Grace And Yarn.

Crochet Hair Clips




Barefoot sandals are perfect for summer and a great quick and easy project.  This pattern by Devine Debris is just gorgeous.

Kayla Barefoot Sandals




Here's one your kids will love.  Make a handy cosy for your ice pops.  Designed by Roar patterns and is available to download at Ravelry.

Eat Me Icy Holder




My final selection is these fruity pot holders.  They just look so bright and sunny.  The pattern is available at Heart Handmade.

Fruity Pot Holders




I hope you enjoyed my selections for this week.  Which was your favourite?  Let me know in the comments below.  I can't decide between the barefoot sandals or the pot holders.  

Pin it for later...


If you would like to see more posts like this and loads of free tutorials and patterns then don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe...

See you again soon
Catherine
x



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Friday 21 June 2019

Summer Shawls perfect for your holiday wardrobe - Free crochet patterns selected by Lullaby Lodge...

A summer shawl really is a great addition to your wardrobe.  Thrown over your shoulders after the sun goes down, perfect for dressing up an outfit when you are out for the evening or wear as a sarong by the beach; the ways to wear them are endless and there are so many gorgeous designs out there.  I have chosen a few of my favourites to share with you...


Crochet Summer Shawls



I just love the colours in this first shawl and the addition of the little pom pom hearts is super cute.  The pattern is by Wilma Westenburg and is available free on her blog...

Lovely Luisa Shawl




Duck Egg is one of my favourite colours and this shawl by Kim Gusman is just the prettiest thing.

Oasis Wrap




Just look at the lace pattern on this shawl and the colours are so summery.  The design is by Kristin Omdhal.

Sanibella Beaded Crochet Shawl




Pretty in pink, this stunning shawl by Kirsten Holloway is perfect for a wedding.  It certainly does look dreamy...

Daydream Wrap




This circular shawl by Drops Design, has a real boho, gipsy feel to it.

Magic Summer Shawl



My last choice is this gorgeous colour gradient shawl by Mijo Crochet.

Tea Flower Shawl




Pin it for later...


You know, this week I don't think I can decide on a favourite, they are all so beautiful.  Which one would you make?  Let me know in the comments below and don't forget to follow (in the sidebar) and subscribe for more posts like this...

Enjoy!
Catherine
x


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Friday 7 June 2019

Crochet tops, perfect for your summer wardrobe - Free crochet patterns selected by Lullaby Lodge...

It's just a few weeks until the school summer holidays and I wanted to share some more summery patterns with you.  There is still time to whip up a lovely crochet top and I have found some beauties to share with you today.  I'm sure there will be something for everyone, from a simple tee, to nautical stripes, to boho style granny squares.  Enjoy...


Crochet Summer Tops 






Everyone needs that perfect T-shirt in their wardrobe and this crochet one is just the thing.  It looks fabulous with jeans or thrown over a swimsuit at the pool.  The pattern is by T L Yarn Crafts.

Summertime Tee




I just love this stripy number, from One Dog Woof.

Monterey Bay Striped Top




 Pretty peach ruffles, make this top by Hooked on Homemade Happiness, super cute.

Cold Shoulder Crochet top




Another stunning top by T L Crafts.  She has lots of lovely patterns you really should check out her blog...

Lemonade Top




I think this next one is my favourite.  It's probably because of the colour, I just adore pale turquoise and minty colours.  The pattern is by Stitch & Hustle.

Catalina Crochet Tank Top





...and lastly we have this stunning boho style granny square top.  Another pattern by Hooked on Homemade Happiness.

Boho Tank Top





I hope you enjoyed my selections this week and I will be back again for more freebies next Friday.  Be sure to subscribe for more posts like this.

See you soon
Catherine
x


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Friday 10 May 2019

Be beach beautiful this summer, with these free crochet patterns. Everything you need for a day out at the seaside...

I just love this time of year!  The weather is getting warmer, the sun is coming out and it's time to start thinking about our summer holidays.  A day out at the beach or a week in the sun, is just what we need after all the cold weather.  So what better excuse for starting a new project than the prospect of showing off your crochet at the beach.  Why not make a crochet holdall to carry all your bits and pieces or maybe a gorgeous beach towel to relax on.  Perhaps, if you are feeling really brave, a crochet bikini?  I'm sure there will be a pattern here for you.

Beach Beautiful Crochet - Six to make...




You can't have a day out at the beach without a beach towel and this one is a beauty.  Gorgeous, sunny, crochet, stripes make up this lounge cover with matching towel.  You can find the pattern at Snappy Tots blog.

Beach Day Lounge Cover & Towel




Make your toes look pretty in these barefoot sandals.  The pattern is from Sewandsew's blog and is such a quick and simple make, you could even whip them up while sunbathing...

Daisy Chain




If you are spending a day out at the seaside, then you will need something to carry your sun cream.  This crochet beach bag looks great in soft mint yarn.  The pattern is by Si Nanay Madel.

Summer Beach Bag




If you love soaking up the sun by the pool, then this stunning cover up is the perfect pattern for you.  The design is by Megmade With Love.

Easy Breezy Swim Cover



For those of you out there with an adventurous heart, why not crochet your own bikini.  This one is designed by Esther at The Happy Unraveler.

Vega Crochet Bikini




Lastly, you cannot go to the beach without a pair of flip flops.  These crochet ones are just gorgeous.  I love the sunny, summery colours chosen by  Miss Neriss Crochet Design.

Bloom Flip Flops




Well that's it for this week's Freebie Friday!  I hope you found something you like.  I think my favourite is the beach cover up, what's yours?  Let me know in the comments below...  and don't forget to follow and subscribe (in the sidebar) for more posts like this.

Ta ta for now!
Catherine
x


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Friday 19 April 2019

Get Set For Summer! Six Stunning Crochet Sun Hats - Free Pattern Selections

Hello, it's Freebie Friday and the weather is really warming up now.  So it's time to break out the sunglasses, whack on some sun cream and keep your head cool with these gorgeous crochet sun hats.  Here are six of my favourites, including hats for girls, boys, you and even dolly...

Crochet Sun Hats Six to Make





Take a trip down memory lane and crochet this hat inspired by The Little House series.  Pattern by Crochet For You.

Straw Sun Hat




This one is perfect for the little girl in your life.  Crocheted in pretty cotton.  Pattern by Daisy Cottage Designs.

Shell Stitch Sun Hat




This next pattern is great for both girls and boys and is designed by My Hobby is Crochet.

Ocean and Sun




This stunning hat by Drops Design features a pretty shell brim, perfect for keeping cool and looking pretty...

Dune Hat




This super cute linen stitch hat comes in 4 sizes and even one small enough for your doll.  The pattern is designed by A Crocheted Simplicity.


Linen Stitch Sun Hat




Finally another adorable hat by My Hobby Is Crochet.

Let The Sun Shine




I hope you enjoyed these selections and if you did why not subscribe to my blog.  You can do this by clicking the Follow icon in the sidebar or your can sign up for email subscription if you prefer.  I post every week so be sure to subscribe...

back soon...
Catherine
x

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