The Collector and FAQ

My 16 year old son is a collector (not sure where he gets that from!). As a youngster he was always collecting something or other, be it Pokemon cards, Lego sets, MegaBloks Dragons, stamps etc. More recently, his object of interest has been the Lucky or Bekoning Cat.  As he is currently in Year 12, I guess having a room full of good luck charms can't do him any harm.

To complement his collection, I made him a coaster for his desk. I also added a Japanese coin for extra prosperity.

I haven't been very good answering comments and emails this year - life can sometimes get in the way. If you have any questions for Sarah and I, this is your chance as we are on holidays this week. Fire away and I will do a FAQ post soon. Also if you have any suggestions for what you would like to see here - let us know.

Stitch Magazine - Summer 2011

The latest issue of Stitch Magazine has just been published and it is all about Colour. I was lucky enough to have three projects included.


My favourite is the Elephant Placemats that I made using a repurposed Malaysian Batik Sarong for the elephant appliqués. I think they will be perfect next time I make an Asian inspired meal..

I also made a Table Runner with sashiko embroidered circles teamed with some Pippijoe fabric.

Lastly I made a wallet using some Japanese indigo prints and a few 50 Yen coins for decoration.

It is a lovely issue with some gorgeous projects from some of my favourite designers including - Jenny, Penny, and Ayumi.  Stitch magazine is now published quarterly.

Natural Patchwork by Suzuko Koseki - A Review

Natural Patchwork is a recently released  book (in English) by Japanese quilt and fabric designer, Suzuko Koseki. It was previously released in Japanese with the title Daily Patchwork Goods.

I love Suzuko Koseki's style and have a few of her other books. She has a fabulous way of combining fabrics in her projects, often using fabric featuring text to great effect. Her projects are a fresh and modern take on more traditional designs. I have already identified a few projects that will put my fabric scraps to good use.

Here are some of my favourites:

The translation to English has clear instructions and diagrams that are easy to follow. It also includes some tutorial style instructions on some of the basic techniques such as how to quilt and how to bind a quilt. The projects vary in complexity, with plenty to inspire both beginner and intermediate sewists/quilters.

You can browse more of the inside pages of the book here on the publishers website.

I bought my copy from the Book Depository for $18.75 AUD, including free postage worldwide.

From Our Kitchen ...

Sarah and I had a relaxing Sunday pottering around in the kitchen.

I made up a batch of Tomato, Garlic, and Chilli Relish which was an easy recipe that I adapted from several others but the flavour packed a punch.

Ingredients:
1 tsp coriander seeds
2 tsp yellow mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 red chilli, finely diced
750g red tomatoes, skinned and chopped
1 green cooking apple (125 g) peeled, cored, and diced
250g brown onions, peeled and finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and crushed
1/2 cup (125 ml)  red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup brown sugar
salt to taste

Method:
Place the whole spices in a piece of muslin and tie into a pouch with twine.
Place all remaining ingredients into a saucepan, bring to boil and then simmer gently for approximately 75 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove muslin bag and pour relish into hot sterilised jars and seal.

Makes enough for 2 x 400 ml jars. I decorated them simply with a cricut tomato (From Our Kitchen Cartridge)  with some Japanese masking tape and bakers twine.

Sarah made up a batch of Graham Crackers using a recipe she found here. Sarah is nostalgic about Graham crackers as they were her favourite childhood snack when we lived in the USA and she has recently been on a quest to find the perfect recipe (they are not readily available in Australia). This is her favourite so far - they really were delicious!

Happy Friday

Things that are making me happy today....

My completed Posh Pillowcase (Fabulous tutorial here). This has been on my To Make list for a long time. I can see more of these in my future. Best of all, I made it entirely from my stash. Gotta love that!

A new linen tea towel I bought today full of fun Aussie place names. This one is destined for some cushions/pillows. I am really loving Typography  at the moment.

I am planning on making some preserves over the weekend, using this library book - lots of inspiring jams and chutneys.

And finally I am happy that the teens start their school holidays today and I have one more week of work before my break!

Sewing 101

Sarah is studying a unit in textiles this semester as part of her Year 9 course. She proudly bought home her first project from school last week - a pair of Pyjama Pants! As part of their course, they had to research Peter Alexander, a leading Australia sleepwear manufacturer who is known for his funky and modern PJ's, and then make their own Peter Alexander inspired PJ's.

Sarah used a bright butterfly print from Lincraft.

I am heading off on a sewing retreat in a couple of weeks, and now we are finally getting some cooler weather decided this morning that I really needed some new Pyjamas myself. After a quick search through the stash I found a Heather Bailey Pop Garden print with enough yardage and set to work. I used the Lounge Pants Pattern from Sewing Green - this is a very comfortable pattern I have used before. I omitted the cuffs and added a drawstring.

I am now thinking I might need to make a Posh Pillowcase to match.

Skye Reve Fabrics

Sarah and I would like to warmly welcome our newest sponsor, Natasha from SkyeReve Fabrics. Natasha has run a successful etsy store for some time and just launched her website this week. She stocks a gorgeous range of fabrics. As an opening special, use code LAUNCH at checkout to get 20 off!  Sale ends April 15th at midnight. Happy Shopping!

A Spoonful of Sugar Designs

Sarah and I have changed our blog address and now have our own domain - A Spoonful of Sugar Designs.
Please update your google reader, favourites, and subscriptions. You can now find us at

http://www.aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com/

We used  Blogger to change the site address and they are redirecting traffic so hopefully everyone can still find us. It seems to be working well from our end. We also recently added an option to subscribe by email (check our side bar for the link). Thanks to Stephanie for a helpful post on how to set up your own domain.

Still working on the new cushions/pillows - four completed and two more to go!

Donut Muffins

We have just been called to afternoon tea by Sarah who has baked us some delicious Donut Muffins using a recipe she found here. Lots of cinnamony goodness.

Such a joy to have a daughter who bakes us nice treats.

It's Hunky Dory!

I am thrilled to have one of my quilt designs in the latest issue of Homespun which arrived in my letterbox today. It is a great project for beginners as it is goes together quickly and can be easily made from charm squares or layer cakes. It is the first time I have used charm squares. - I love the Hunky Dory range by Moda- it is so fresh and pretty.

It is lovely to be in a magazine with some of my favourite Aussie designers - Jodie, Jenny and Cheryl.