Slacker stitching

We've all been pretty slack about blogging recently - I last hosted on 22/4, which is now three weeks ago...

The previous week (15/4) we were at Princess Viv's castle, and I promised to blog her soup recipe as it was so completely yummy and able to be eaten by everyone! Better late than never, I often say.

Golden Austrian Cauliflower Cream Soup

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 3 carrots, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup celery, coarsely chopped
• 2 leeks, coarsely chopped
• 2 tbsp VegiZest or other no salt seasoning
• 2 cups carrot juice
• 4 cups water
• 3 tsp Spike seasoning (I have no idea what this is!)
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 5 cups kale or organic baby spinach

Cover and simmer all ingredients except cashews and kale or spinach for 15 mins or until just tender. If kale is being used steam until tender. Blend 2/3 of soup vegetables and liquid with raw cashews until smooth and creamy. Add back to the remaining chunky vegetables and stir in kale or spinach. Spinach will wilt in hot soup.

The following week at my place, we had (I think) only Viv, Emily and Rosie in attendance, so it was a small cosy gathering. We ate vegan shepherd's pie and vegetarian invented quiche (both Viv-able) with a salad, and then followed by apple crumble. So much food!

We did eventually roll ourselves into the loungeroom to do some stitching... I'm not certain what everyone was working on after this long: I do remember that Rosie was working on knitting her lovely lacy scarf.

Anyway, what I planned to do here was post a photograph of the skirt I ended up making with the hideously expensive silk, and which I wore to a wedding in early April.

Not an excellent photo - Bron has been chastised for his photo taking, for taking all the photos from too high up (damn tall boys). The perspective on about twenty photos all make me look like a dwarf and my legs about 20cm long! The skirt really only goes to a little below my knees (not nearly my ankles as some photos make it seem). You can see the detail of the feature panels in the skirt... and the slightly crinkled satin...

I got chatting to a lady at the wedding who recognised the silk - she had a little jacket made from the white version for her wedding eight or nine years ago. We were thrilled at the coincidence and swapped stories - and ended up being placed on the same table.

I'm looking forward to getting back to stitching next week! I've been sewing and knitting to keep up - I've done one Della mitten, and have to start the second... right now. Bye!