Loving this fabric!

I picked up this gorgeous new fabric during the week and just couldn't wait to use it! At first glance it's 70's inspired loud and proud but it's actually really cute with little birds on it.

So it became another dress in Mia's wardrobe. I know the day will come where she'll have quite the opinion on what is cool and what is NOT but until then.......

Merry Christmas and now I need a lie down!

I recently took on the massive task (willingly) of making a mini Christmas cake for all Steve's work colleagues as a way to say thank you for a challenging year. It took longer than expected over a few very hot days and I was up late a couple of nights - but - it was worth it. Very satisfying to achieve and I hope the cakes will be enjoyed!

Here's the recipe for a full size cake. Can make the same mixture and divide into muffin cases or mini loaf tins. Muffins will cook for about 20 mins and mini loaf tins about 25 mins at 170 degrees.

Christmas cake

Best made up to 1 week in advance and will keep in an airtight container for up to two weeks

It is ideal to soak the dried fruit and cherries in brandy overnight (at least) in an airtight container. I soak mine for about a month and it makes a difference!

750g dried mixed fruit

150g mixed peel

150g glace cherries

150ml brandy - for soaking

250g softened butter

1 1/4 cups brown sugar

5 eggs

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

2 cups plain flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

150g slivered almonds

Preheat the oven to 150 degrees celcius. Line the base and sides of a 22cm square cake tin with 3 layers of baking paper. As the cake cooks for a long time you need the 3 layers to ensure the cake doesn't get too brown around the sides and bottom.

Beat the brown sugar and butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time and beat in between. Add honey and lemon zest and beat in.

Carefully add 1 cup flour, all the spices and 1/2 of the soaked fruit mix. Mix well. Add the other cup of flour and the reminder of the fruit mix. Add the almonds and mix well.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Bake for 90 mins then cover the cake with a layer of baking paper to prevent the surface from over browning. Cook for a further 60 minutes and check with a skewer to ensure it's all cooked through.

Allow cake to cool completely before pricking cake with skewer all over the top and brushing an extra 3 teaspoons of brandy on the cake. Wrap cake in cling wrap and leave for 48 hrs before serving. Can ice with Royal icing or dust with icing sugar prior to serving.

The kitchen bench got quite a work out during the process (spot the empty wine glass). Overall I went through 3 kilos of dried fruit, 1kg of butter, 1/2 bottle of Chatelle brandy, 18 eggs, 1kg flour and 1kg of royal icing.

Oh, and not forgetting 10 metres of cellophane, 18 metres of ribbon, 48 Christmas baubles and 48 gift tags!

The end result!

Getting back to nature

How sweet are the birds that tweet! And not that kind of tweeting (honestly, what's going to be the next big thing? So over Twitter!) Anyway......

Spent a couple of hours at Spotlight during the week and finally found some patterns that are cute and very versatile. I love the birds on this dress, really changes it from a little denim dress to something special. The fabric came from Peppermint Stitches at Toowong - all the best stuff comes from there, and they'll happily take your $$ too as it's not cheap!

The buttons are faux closing and there's press studs underneath for easy changing. The contrast lining sets it off nicely.

Will be making the same dress in a 70's inspired loud paisley next for Mia.

Summer is in the air

When I look at this top it just makes me want to go to the beach and smell the salt air. Maybe it's the rope (rather than ribbon) but it has a distinctly nautical feel about it. Literally took about 1 hr all up to make and I love that it looks girly but isn't pink!

On the down side, as my little cherub is such a grub, I'm guessing it won't stay light coloured very long.....

Let's hear it for the boys!!!!

This is the long awaited first outfit for the gorgeous little boys in my life (and yours). These are intended to be worn as pyjamas but can also be worn out and about.

I love the fabric which was bought from Peppermint Stitches at Toowong (great shop). It was also the fabric I used to make the bloody giraffe but this outfit only took about 1 hr compared with 6hrs for the giraffe!

This one is heading to Melbourne for Ben's first birthday - Happy Birthday Ben!

It's hot enough for ice-cream!

I've got this applique thing down pat! Look out, no fabric is safe. I'm loving this ice-cream cone creation - so sweet and pretty. Thankfully I've got heaps of the two fabrics and beads used to create it so I can make plenty more. Might experiment with a chocolate ice-cream next.

Apple pancakes with spiced lemon butter

I made these pancakes for breakfast with friends recently and they got polished off pretty quickly! So light and fluffy and best eaten warm and with maple syrup.

Apple pancakes
1 cup self raising flour, sifted
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps to make lighter and fluffier)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar
1 green apple, peeled
A few teaspoons of butter for cooking

Sift the flour, baking powder and cinnamon sugar then make a well and add the buttermilk and beaten egg. Whisk until there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth.

Peel the skin from the apple and discard. Now peel the flesh in short and small strokes so you have lots of tiny slivers of apple. Set aside.

Heat a non stick pan until it sizzles when butter is dropped in. Add large tablespoons of batter until you get the right size. Now quickly add a few slices of apple on to the raw batter. When lots of bubbles appear, flip the pancake and the apple will cook and warm through.

Spiced lemon butter
100g spreadable butter or softened hard butter
Zest of one lemon
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
2 tablespoons icing sugar
2 teaspoons of all spice

Stir until all combined. This can be used to spread on pancakes, or even in the pan when cooking.

Babushka dolls are back! And so am I...

Well, what a bugger it is when your sewing machine breaks! Admittedly, it has been getting quite a work out considering it's not even on minimum wage. But after a service and repair it's back up and running.

Oh, how I love this fabric. I found this at a little stall at the Stitches and Craft Expo earlier this year. The problem is, I don't remember the name of the seller or how I'm going to find more of it! So you could say, for the time being, this is a limited edition run.

A lucky little 1 year old (and gorgeous god daughter) is getting the green one as part of her present and Mia is snapping up the red one, soon to be worn with her new denim shorts from Cotton On Kids (how good is that shop!). I've got about 5 other cut outs so will be using them wisely.

Sassy satin and diva denim

Wow, can hardly believe it's been so long since my last post. Thank you Emma, my ever faithful follower (bribed by friendship), for reminding me to get my shit together and post something new! Have got back into the habit of sewing now after a few weeks off (sick) and I feel ready for more creativity to flow.

So, I've been working on some cute denim shorts for Mia. Though I'm not really a fan of the all-American look, I DO like denim with red and white, as shown in previous posts. The addition of silver glitter stars compliments the look. These are a little big for her (size 2) but were modelled by Tom for the picture. The waistline nearly cut him in two but he survived. Just.

I've also been experimenting with satin which is a fair bit trickier to sew, thanks to the slippery material and need for finer needles and thread. But I think the end result is very pretty and great for a summer party dress - or even over jeans with a long sleeved top underneath in winter. It's the first time I've added pin tucks to the front and whilst time consuming it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.

I had to bribe Tom with a lolly to get him to pose in the dress and STAY STILL! Not a good idea as I wanted to take the pics around 7:30pm when he should have been going to bed. Yes, he had sugar straight before bed....gee, that was stupid. An hour later he's still playing in his room....

New mid week recipe - just try it!

Chicken with spinach, proscuitto, potatos, macadamias and a garlic cream sauce

Serves 2

2 chicken breasts

2 tbls olive oil

5 slices proscuitto (about 75g)

1/3 cup macadamia nuts

1/2 bag washed baby spinach leaves

2 small potatos

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup cream

Toast macadamias in a dry pan until golden brown.

Dice potatos to 2cm cubes and soften for 3 min in microwave. Set aside

Heat olive oil in a heavy base pan and pan fry chicken. Ensure cooked through and set aside and cover.

Using same pan add potatos and proscuitto and stir through until lightly browned. Add macadamias and spinach and stir for 1 min, until spinach slightly wilted.

Now get a small fry pan or sauce pan and saute garlic in a small amount of olive oil. When brown add cream and heat through till it's simmering.

Arrange potatos, proscuitto, spinach and macadamias on a plate. Slice chicken in to 4 or 5 pieces and fan over. Pour half of the cream over one piece of chicken, then the other.

Yummy!

My creative space

A few people have asked where I do all my sewing (meaning, in a house over run with kids' stuff) - so here it is.

I've managed to take over a small part of the rumpus/play room and so far all has remained untouched by the kids. Probably way too boring for Tom and Mia hasn't learned how to cause much trouble yet......yet.

I've also got my Ipod and a TV in the room so at night when the kids are asleep I can zone out and enjoy my alone time, while trying to spend a little time with Steve too!

It IS getting warmer.......

So I made this cute skirt. It matches a white t-shirt with a flower brooch on it. I added the white ric-rac to break up the design a little. It's a beautiful soft Japanese cotton and also comes in blue and purple hues.

Is there a Harry Potter in the house?

Thomas is starting to get into dress ups. I'm following my very clever friend's idea (Emma, my loyal blog follower - and probably the only person actually....) and keeping "suitable" dress up clothes and shoes that would have otherwise made their way to Vinnies.

This fabric came from the remnant bin at Spotlight and cost a grand total of $2. AND, there was enough fabric to make two! (Keep an eye out in the post, Emma.)

Thomas loves it and Mia thinks it's pretty good to hide under, for now anyway.

Mia's 1st birthday present

Mia turned 1 recently and we got her a new ride-on bike. Thomas has one exactly the same, except of course it's not pink, AND it has a fireman's ladder and bell on it. It's red and he rides it many times a day through the house. These are most definitely inside toys.

Now we just need to wait for Mia to grow about 2 inches taller and she'll be able to put her feet on the ground!

How do you wear your tu-tu?

If you're Thomas, you run and jump and wrestle it off your sister before putting on a show for the camera.

If you're Mia, you wear it beautifully and like a proper girl.

This took about 1/2 hr to make. No pattern just worked out how long it needed to be and did a guestimate on how many gathers it would need based on Mia's waist measurement. It is beautiful soft tulle (not nylon netting) so hopefully it will be comfortable for dress up time.

Pink and green and nothing in between.....

Oh, how I love this colour combination! So fresh and summery - what a shame we are still in the middle of winter. Great fabric from Lincraft (on sale, absolute bargain) paired with a white Target t-shirt. I am yet to find good quality wholesale (bulk) t-shirts, unlike Target shirts which wash well and last a long time.
If you'd like one for your little girl, I can do the shirts in size 1 and 2 (for now) and bloomers in 00, 0, 1 and 2. Tops are $15 and bloomers are $25.

The latest bloomers and top set

A very cute someone is getting this as a birthday present (no, it's not Mia) so hopefully her mother won't read this before her party!
I think the bloomers are the best yet and they're getting easier and faster to make. Red works so well with denim and the addition of grosgrain ribbon really adds to the look.

Gorgeous George!

Well, take a look at the definion of "a labour of love". Had I known how long this bloody giraffe would take to make I would have had second thoughts (then left the pattern in the shop and saved myself $14!). I had plans of making them as presents for friends who had new babies (and there are many imminent arrivals) but unless Jesus himself is born again, I think I'll shelve this idea. From cutting out the pattern to the final finishing touch it took around 6-7 hours. Not like the little frilly bloomers that can be whipped up in about an hour....... It wasn't difficult, it was just fiddly.

But then I feel bad for complaining because he's just soooooo cute and full of character! And I love this fabric too.

N.B - Friends, don't be put off. If you REALLY want one, let me know. But you may need to bribe me with alcohol to get through it.

And now one for the boy!

Finally! I've been meaning to make Thomas something for quite a while but girly things kept getting in the way. Anyway, here 'tis. Some board shorts in a pirate/treasure map fabric. He's quite pleased and keeps saying that Mummy made them. That I did.

The colour purple

Whilst my clothing so far has steered away from pink and purple (because that's all shops seem to want to dress girls in!), I couldn't resist this lucious velvety purple fabric. I've teamed it with a purple and white stripe to trim the bottom of the dress and sleeves.

And this one fits Mia! Who would have thought measuring before making was worthwhile...

A custom design and a dress too small!

A friend of mine already had a beautiful chocolate brown skirt with satin detailing on it and wanted something to tie it in with a brown top. It's for her little girl, Emma. So I made this little brooch which can be taken off when the top is washed. Hope she likes it!

Well, here's the definition of frustration - making a cute little summer dress for Mia and, despite the size being for 12-18 months, it's too small! Looks like someone will be getting this one as a freebie.......

Two orders filled!

I'm just a bit excited now that I've had two official orders and I've managed to fill them!

Here's one I made for my beautiful goddaughter, Emma, who is 7 months old. This will fit her in a few months time. The flower brooch is on a pin-back so can be removed for washing and when the top is worn reversed.

And here's one I made for Mia. It also has a matching hairclip.

Mia was happy to pose for the camera - but note the wooden train. She is obsessed with it and for about three days has only wanted to play with the train, nothing else.

I'm still working on my logo and getting labels made to sew on the clothes. I'm deciding whether to sell on the hugely popular Etsy which is largely US based (and therefore sells in $US) or http://www.madeit.com.au/ which is all things handmade in Australia but isn't as well known......... decisions decisions.......

My new pinafore top

Here's the latest creation - a gorgeous chocolate corduroy pinafore. It's got red spotty lining and actually can be worn both ways, although I intend this one to be worn with the ruffle on the front. It took about 2 hours and two glasses of red wine, which passed the time nicely.

In winter it's best worn with a white long sleeved top and leggings, or even over jeans.

Can't wait till Mia is big enough to fit in to it!

I've also learnt to make fabric flowers. These attach to a hairband and can obviously be worn in the hair or looped around a singlet strap and worn as a brooch.

12 hour roast pork

Don't be put off by the title, this truly is the best roast pork you will ever taste. I made this a week ago during a cold Melbourne holiday. Cold and wintery outside, warm fireplace inside and the smell of pork cooking for 12 hours made everyone anticipate dinner that little bit more.

2.5-3kg boned pork shoulder - may have to order or ask butcher
2 tsp sea salt
4 garlic cloves, chopped roughly
1 tsp dried chilli flakes (medium heat)
1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1/4 olive oil
2 granny smith apples, unpeeled, halved and sliced 1cm thick (circle shaped)
2 leeks, outer leaves removed, well washed, 1cm thick slices (pale part only)
2 cups "Appletise" or apple cider

Preheat oven to 220C fan forced.

When buying meat from butcher, either ask them to remove crackling fat from top of pork or you can do it yourself before cooking. Keep the fat and bring it home!
Combine sea salt, garlic, chilli, sugar, sherry and oil and pound in a mortar and pestle (or place in a zip lock bag and pound with something heavy). Rub a little mixture on the scored pork fat and set aside. Rub the rest of the mixture on the pork meat, which should be unrolled and placed as flat as possible in a large baking tray. Roast uncovered for 20 mins at 220C. Arrange apples and leeks around and over meat and add all the cider to the pan. Reduce the oven to 100C. Cover the baking tray with a lid (this is essential) and return to the oven for 11 hrs. Around the 6 hr mark pour some of the pan liquid over the whole roast and return to the oven with lid on.

Half an hour before serving check pork and apples aren't dry. Pour some of the liquid from bottom of pan over the whole roast and set aside with the lid still on. The meat will be very tender and falling apart.

Turn oven right up to 240C and put the pork fat in. (on a baking tray sitting on a cooling rack so the heat gets under it too). Cook crackling for 30 mins, checking every 10 mins so it doesn't burn. The crispiest crackling is one that has been scored all over about 1/2 centimetre apart.

Loosely break apart pork meat and serve on a platter with the remaining juices poured over the top. Serve with roast or mashed potato with a little sage.

Now for the hair.......

Here's some gorgeous clips I made today while the kids were sleeping. I had a difficult time tracking down wholesale-priced clips and ended up getting the plain clips from the USA! Each clip takes less than 2 minutes to make (hot glue gun is essential) so I can make many quickly.

I'll be experimenting with different colour combinations now that I know they work.

They are about an inch long and have a non slip grip on the inside - perfect for fine baby or toddler hair. Just need Mia to start growing some!

Love this skirt!

We're off to Melbourne for a holiday in 5 days! So, today I went out to buy some tights for Mia. It's going to be bloody cold and she insists on pulling off her socks and shoes within 5 seconds of them being on. Hopefully tights will stump her (and keep her feet warm).

Then I thought it would be really gorgeous to have tights under a little denim skirt. Of course, no skirts are stocked this time of year. So I came home and rummaged through all my fabric and came up with this piece. 1.5hrs and about $4 of fabric later, here's a gorgeous personalised skirt!

Will summer be here soon?

Here's the latest tunic top and short set made for Mia. The shorts took about 30 mins and the top was about 2hrs including cutting out time. Still, with the fabric being only $5 a metre, this is a quick and easy way to dress up Mia!

It is a cotton fabric with vibrant watermelon and bright blue colours. Bring on Summer!

I'll be working on some winter fabric next - maybe a corduroy dress with tights and a long sleeved top underneath?

The easiest and yummiest dessert

If you're running short of time and need to impress with dessert this recipe is for you.

You need:
Vanilla ice cream
Toblerone bar
Shredded coconut
Thickened cream
Meringue nests

Toast 1 cup shredded coconut in heavy based pan or under hot grill. Once it starts to colour watch carefully - it will burn quickly.
Now scoop four ice cream balls and roll into toasted coconut and place on tray lined with baking paper. Put in freezer until you need to serve them.
Take 1/2 cup thickened cream and 200g chopped Toblerone and place in a heat proof bowl. Put the bowl over a pot of simmering water and and stir until it melts smoothly. Put to one side.

When ready to serve take the meringue nests and put the ice cream ball on top of each nest. Pour the warm chocolate sauce over and serve. Your guests will be lining up for more, so maybe have a couple of spares ready!

Best ever Carrot Cake

When I worked for the lovely Peter Dixon in Melbourne, he used to rave about my carrot cake. Rave, moan about how good but "bad" it was, rave some more, eat some more, moan some more, talk about needing to go for a run........ you get the idea.

2 cups plain flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon allspice
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
4 eggs, beaten
100ml vegetable oil
400g grated carrot
400g can crushed pineapple, well drained
100g coarsely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celcius. Grease and line a 22cm tin, round or square.
Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and allspice together into a large bowl and stir through brown sugar. Beat in eggs and oil and then fold through carrot, pineapple and walnuts. Spoon into prepared tin and bake 1hr and 15 min, until top is golden. Rest in tin for 5 mins then invert to a wire rack to cool.

Icing
1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1 cup cream cheese
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
1 lemon juiced and rind zested
1 teaspoon vanilla essence OR 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat until well combined. If ingredients are at room temperature this will make it easier to beat. Refrigerate for 1hr before icing the cake. Cake must be completely cool.

Top with 1 cup toasted flaked coconut.

Delicious!

So sweet they make my teeth hurt!

Here's my latest finished bloomers - gorgeous fairy floss pink with tulle ruffles. I'm getting better at these now and they are quicker to finish with a more professional result. Overall, still very easy to do. I'm going to experiment with satin ribbon as ruffles next.

I've also got my first official order - from a friend - and I'll be making her daughter a little tunic ribbon top like I made Mia. I hope she likes it as much as I do.

By the way.......

Before I hear any protests - I am planning on making Thomas some very funky board shorts soon! I do admit, sewing for a girl brings way more options than a boy but he won't miss out! Just need to find the right fabric.

A bargain at DFO

Went to DFO Brisbane for the first time today. I know, I know, what took me so long?

Anyway........ I love Cotton On Kids and they had a great jacket for the bargain price of $19.95. I got to the register and the lady said, "oh I think these are 50% off", and sure enough, they were! A great winter jacket for $10. Doesn't get any better than that.

The cutest little dress!

Tonight I had my first "official" sewing lesson. I certainly didn't think I'd walk away with a finished piece. This dress took about 2.5 hrs but the next one will be much quicker as I won't have to wait for the cutting table, the iron etc....

I learnt how to do French hems (who knew there was such a thing?) and how to do bias facings.

The beauty of this dress is that when Mia starts to outgrow it, the ribbons can be let out a little and it becomes a tunic top to wear over jeans.

I'm so happy with it - creative bug has well and truly got me now!

*Fabric made in Japan - "Antique Treasures" - Spotlight $14.99/m

A t-shirt becomes a cushion

This is one of Thomas's favourite shirts. When he grew out of it I couldn't bear to put it in the storage box with everything else. So I turned it into a cushion and it now sits on his bed.

Sew the arm holes and bottom of shirt closed. Put polyfill craft stuffing through neck hole and sew closed. No need to sew around buttons. If your shirt doesn't have buttons then leave one arm hole open and put stuffing through there.