Summer - what summer?

We try to be self sufficient with vegetables for as much of the year as possible but we've definitely been up against it this year. Record breaking temperatures and drought in early spring followed by the wettest weather since records began doesn't make for ideal growing conditions. 'He Who Gardens' soldiers on despite the odds and, as he is of a generous nature, always grows far too many plants for the two of us. After giving away as many spares as we could ( even the milkman had trays of tomato plants thrust upon him!) one remaining cucumber plant found its way into the conservatory where conditions seem to be suiting it!

It's growing over the top of the dresser.

And scrambling triffid-like across the doorway. We'll need to pick these soon before we risk concussion on our way into the kitchen.

The cucumber isn't the only thing growing - Laura only has a couple of tops she can still fit into so I've been sewing again. This is a brilliant Vogue pattern (V1261). You can be wearing it within an hour if you have a mind (and a speedy overlocker helps).

Of course if you like it in blue you probably wouldn't say no to the red star version either!

You might have spotted this on the design wall behind the mannequin. It's one of Laura's latest Fingerprint designs. It's a cheat's version of crazy patchwork that I'll be demonstrating on during Festival of Quilts. I'm going to be hand embroidering every pretend seam with Madeira Lana threads.

When we're panicking about getting ready for a show it's all hands on deck. Mom came for a couple of hours this week and had great fun sorting charm squares. The good thing is she doesn't want paying - she went home quite happy with a jar of homemade raspberry jam and, you guessed it, a cucumber!

And out in the studio my embroidery machine has been earning its keep again. I'm using the preset designs but working them onto hand dyed squares that I've already stitched and painted.

Layering the techniques makes all the difference I think. These little jewels are destined to be mini cushions to sell on the stand. I've lost count of how many there are now but I can promise there will be more by next Thursday!

Hope you're all busy and productive too. Thanks for reading this - Linda