this weekend

we've all had a busy weekend here! this is a dress i have made for my neice (on a rather unwilling model!). I didnt have a pattern but basically, it is two trapezoid shapes for the top part - or rather 4 because it made it double so it is lined, with straps which tie so the length of the dress is adjustable, and the skirt is just one long rectangle the width of the fabric which was gathered and then sewn on.

the material is very soft and flowing so it makes an ideal twirly sort of dress, and i made the length a little longer so it would hang better.
we also did a bit of home-schooling. my children attend a normal day school, but i dont think it does any harm 'backing up' that learning with a bit at home if the children are content to do so - and mine tend to love their activities! this one i got from here and it reinforces, shapes, colours and sizing as well as following a pattern from a picture. jess then wrote her name and the title on the top of the picture herself. i was very pleased that dan managed to concentrate and sit thru the whole activity.
and we did some baking. these are rock buns from the bero recipe book. a very easy recipe for children to do, and a quick, inexpensive type of cake to make - perfect for lunchboxes or after tea snacks.
rock buns

60z marg

6oz sugar

12 oz SR flour

2 eggs

splash of milk

whizz in food processor or conbine everything in a big bowl until it resembles thick cake mixture

add some currants, or cherries or chocolate chips etc

put heaped teaspoonfuls onto greased baking trays (makes about 30) and pop in oven on about 180c for 15 mins or until browned.

this is a great teaching aid for children. my 4 year old measures all the ingredients out herself (and the recipe is very forgiving if she gets it a bit wrong).