Homemade blackberry cheesecake

So, as planned, I went blackberry hunting the other day, and managed to bring 800g home!
Look at the beauties...

So I made my spiced cheesecake with them for my visitors...yummy!! My visitors are still around at the moment, so I'll post the recipe later if you want it. Here's a piece of the finished product - we were in such a hurry to eat it, I forgot to take the picture of the whole cake!

Simple lunch

While I can still enjoy the little summer pleasures...

A small salad, some lovely and addictive blue cheese, Italian ham. Yummy!

And I just love using my dwarf tray! It's a rare pleasure as Mr Lavender doesn't like it...too girly and naff for him.

In keeping with the late summer theme, I'm going "hunting" for some blackberries later - hope there are some in the bushes, I am dying to make my spiced blackberry cheesecake!

Clutch

Look at this adorable clutch! I have to say, I am really quite happy with this one, it turned out really nicely.
It is my first experience with sewing a bow, so I think i still need to refine my technique, but it looks good enough for a first try.

(Oh! listen to me, blowing my own trumpet!)

Well, if you like it, let me know, I'd love to hear your suggestions.
Whilst I was making it I had some cringing problems with the tension on my machine - I hate when this happens, don't you? I ended up having to walk away for a bit - thought I was going to go crazy!! Then once I re-threaded and checked my bobbin, it turned out to be fine. The end result was worth it!

School bag #2

Here are the latest additions to the "school bags" (that is, back to work and/so treat yourself bags!). First of all, a smaller version of the bag presented last week, but with the same gorgeous lining I purchased last autumn in varying colours.






Then there is my take on stars and stripes, with a lovely dentelle ribbon I brought back from France last year. If you are lucky enough to go on holidays in the countryside over there, do not hesitate to go and look around a car boot sale - there are some amazing finds!!
Each bag comes with *Yummy Lavender* in a little sachet, and is closed with a vintage button. They are great fun to make! The pattern is from this book, an amazing source of inspiration.

School bag#1

I know, I know...this looks nothing like a school bag! At least now one for kids - but in my view every respectable lady should have a new bag for going back to work after the summer holidays. This one is velvety on the outside, has a cosy flowery lining, and of course, comes with its trademark *Yummy Lavender* lavender bag, so no matter what you put in there, your bag is sure to smell lovely day in day out for a long time.

Watch this space for more school bags to come in the next few days.