Chitas Brasileiras :: Brazilian Chitas

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Sou grande fã de chitas portuguesas e já sabia da existência do equivalente brasileiro, conhecido como chitão. É curioso verificar como as diferenças entre os dois países são evidentes nas cores e nas estampas de cada versão: enquanto que a portuguesa é tradicional, controlada e sensata, a versão brasileira é alegre, vibrante e absolutamente despudorada.
I’m a great fan of Portuguese chitas and I knew there was a Brazilian equivalent, which is called chitão. It’s interesting how the differences between the two countries are apparent in the colours and patterns of each version of the fabric: while the Portuguese version is traditional, controlled and sensible, the Brazilian is vibrant and very joyful.
Há anos que tinha vontade de ter algumas chitas brasileiras e esta semana recebi uma oferta generosíssima da Cláudia. Que sorte a minha, Cláudia, muito obrigada novamente!
I’ve been wanting to put my hands on some Brazilian chitas for years now and this week I received the most generous parcel from Cláudia. Lucky me, Cláudia, thanks again!
(image: Constança Cabral)

Me @ A Studio with a View

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Respondi recentemente a umas perguntas que me fizeram pensar sobre o passado, o presente e o futuro. Se tiverem interesse em ler a minha entrevista no A Studio with a View, podem fazê-lo aqui. Muito obrigada, Stephanie!
I recently answered some questions that made me think about the past, the present and the future. If you’re interested in reading my interview on A Studio with a View, you made do so here. Thank you so much, Stephanie!

English Country Life :: Firewood

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Estamos a preparar-nos para o Inverno e não há nada como carregar lenha para aquecer! Isto foi-nos entregue precisamente na altura em que o Tiago esteve fora… querem adivinhar quem descarregou todos os troncos e os empilhou na garagem?
We are preparing for Winter and there’s nothing like carrying one for keeping one warm! All this wood was delivered precisely whilst Tiago was away for a few days… guess who brought it inside?
(images: Constança Cabral)

Tartan Bags

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Voltei às tartan bags, feitas de quadrados de fazendas e tecidos escoceses – uns novos, outos antigos. Trouxe de Lisboa alguns casacos e saias que a minha avó já não usava e tenho-os incluído nesta nova série de sacos para o frio. Assim, não só reaproveito recursos como tenho a oportunidade de trabalhar com tecidos que, de outra forma, estariam fora do meu alcance. Só vantagens!

I’ve been making tartan bags with squares of wool fabrics – some of these wools are new and some are repurposed. I’ve brought from Lisbon a number of skirts and coats my grandmother didn’t wear anymore and I’ve been including them into these cosy, wintery bags. This way not only do I repurpose materials, but I also have access to fabrics that would otherwise be out of my reach. And that’s a good thing!

(images: Constança Cabral)

Regresso às Aulas :: Back to School

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Já é tarde para falar em regresso às aulas, mas esta encomenda é isso mesmo: um estojo e uma bolsa de computador para uma professora de português que gosta de bordados. Sandra, espero que gostes!
It’s too late now to talk about going back to school but actually that’s what this custom order is all about: a pencil case and a laptop cover for a Portuguese teacher who loves needlework. Sandra, I hope you like them!

(images: Constança Cabral)

English Country Life :: Autumn Garden

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Apanhar flores e bagas em manhãs de nevoeiro, aperceber-me de como as verbenas bonariensis cresceram desde Junho, acompanhar o progresso das abóboras, varrer folhas e alimentar o caixote de compostagem (muita informação sobre fazer composto aqui)… assim é o nosso jardim no Outono.
Picking flowers and berries in misty weather, realising how much the verbenas bonariensis have grown since June, keeping up with the pumpkins’ progress, sweeping leaves and feeding the compost bin (lots of information about making compost here)… such is our garden in Autumn.

(images: Constança Cabral)

Lady Hilaria’s Wholemeal Loaf

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Não gosto de comer todos os dias o mesmo pão, por isso vou variando as receitas: branco, de mistura, com sementes… Há umas semanas fomos visitar o moinho de Stainsby e comprámos um pacote de farinha integral moída lá. Com a farinha veio uma fotocópia da receita que transcrevo em baixo. Já a fiz umas vezes (não propriamente à letra… não segui o método mas usei quase todos os ingredientes descritos) e acho que vale a pena experimentá-la.
I don’t like eating the exact same bread every day so I’m always trying new alternatives: white, half-wholemeal-half-white, with seeds… Some weeks ago we visited Stainsby Mill and bought a packet of their wholemeal flour. Along with it came a photocopy of the recipe I’m sharing below. I’ve tried it a few times (I didn’t exactly followed the instructions but used most of the ingredients it suggests) and I think it’s worth giving it a try.
Lady Hilaria’s Wholemeal Loaf
Cotehele Mill, which produces its own wholemeal flour, nestles on the edge of the Tamar, a mile away from the Cotehele estate, home to the Edgcumbe family for centuries. This is the recipe still used by Lady Hilaria, the daughter of the 6th Earl.

275g stoneground wholemeal flour
175g organic strong white flour
25g butter
5g salt
10mg fast-acting dried yeast
15ml oat bran
5ml dark brown sugar
5ml black treacle
345ml warm water
10mg sesame seeds

Mix all dry ingredients (except sugar and yeast) in a large mixing bowl. Rub in the butter and then mix in the dry yeast.

Stir the treacle and sugar into warm water Make a well in the middle of the bowl of ingredients and pour in the liquid. Knead for at least 10 minutes.

Place the elasticated, smooth dough on to a floured board. Pummel out the air, shape and divide. Place into greased loaf tin(s), cover and put in a warm place till double their size (about an hour). Ten minutes before the end of this process, sprinkle on the sesame seeds and brush with milk.

Cook in a preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes: the bottom of the leaf should sound hollow when tapped. Leave to cool on a wire rack.

(image: Constança Cabral)