September 2011 | A Spoonful of Sugar

Friday, 30 September 2011

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

There is nothing nicer than decorating your Christmas tree with homemade Christmas ornaments. Recently my friend had to plan a lesson to teach a group of primary school aged children some basic sewing skills. She borrowed my Accuquilt Go! Baby Cutter to cut out a heap of felt circles that she could use to make some easy felt ornaments with the girls. I haven't yet seen their finished work - I can't wait to see what the girls came up with!

My take on the project was to combine some felt circles, hand dyed doilies, and buttons. These were a fun project to do in front of the TV and would be great project to teach children some basic embroidery stitches, hand sewing, and button sewing skills.

I cut out some 3 inch circles using the circle die on the Go! Baby

added some doilies and buttons, and cut a felt tab.

Finished them off with some embroidery and a bakers twine hanging loop.

Quick, easy and perfect for a beginning sewing project! The Accuquilt Go! Baby makes it easy to cut out lots of circles for a group project.

If you would like to sign up for the newsletter over at Accuquilt, you will get 22 Free Quilt patterns. Just click on the image below.

Here are some other ornaments we have made using felt:

Button Hearts

Charming Ornaments

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Butterfly Quilt Progress

I have been steadily working away on my Butterfly Quilt (mentioned here and here) using lots of different colourful scraps. My vision for the quilt has shrunk from a single bed size down to a lap quilt (after 144 butterflies I would like to finish up) This is the first real scrap quilt I have made and I am finding it rather busy, albeit colourful. My scrap container is certainly lighter!

I could really use some input on how to finish it off. I am deliberating whether a solid border would work best (perhaps white or black) to help tone it down a bit. Alternatively, perhaps a black and grey polka dot, black and white rings, or black heath print would work well (see images below).

Or maybe I need something more colourful? All suggestions and ideas are welcome :)

For the backing, I am planning using a text print to co-ordinate with the centre of all the butterflies. Hometown is one of my current favourites.

I have one more day of work left before a two week break over the school holidays. Hope to get this quilt nearly completed - I am already dreaming of the next quilt:)

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Our rates are really affordable and are a great way to gain extra exposure for your crafty business. For more details, check out our Advertising page.

Gathered Round Basket

The Gathered Round Basket is our most popular tutorial. You can find a list of most of our tutorials here.

Sunday, 25 September 2011

Weekend Baking: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Sarah made up a big batch of chocolate chips cookies this weekend using a new recipe and I think it could become our favourite. It used a tin of condensed milk in the mixture which gave the cookies a lovely crumbly and chewy texture, whilst still being light and crisp on the outside. Not sure how many of these will be left for the lunch boxes this week - they are disappearing quickly. Sarah found the recipe over at Figs and Brie.

Ingredients

180 g butter
1/3 cup caster sugar
395 g sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 cups self raising flour
250 g dark chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 180°C

Beat butter and sugar until creamy, then beat in sweetened condensed milk

Stir in flour, then dark chocolate chips, mix well

Roll heaped tablespoonfuls of mixture into balls, place on oven trays and press down gently

Bake for 15 minutes until golden.

What treats have you been baking this week? If you would like to share a favourite recipe, please add a photo and the name of the recipe below.

Here is our Weekend Baking button if you would like to play along:.

Winners: This and That from Japan Giveaway

This and That From Japan

Congratulations to our two winners of the sponsored giveaway from This and That from Japan who have both won a $25 voucher to spend on some Japanese fabrics, books and/or craft supplies. The lucky winners are: Irina from Sew and the City, and Katherine from Sew Me Something Good. I have sent you both an email.

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Patches Fabric

Don't forget to check out the fabulous range of fabrics and craft supplies at This and That from Japan.

Saturday, 24 September 2011

Rosemary Oil

We recently bought a pizza stone and have been making our own pizzas on a Friday night. Nothing beats home-made pizza dough and it is so quick to make using the Kitchenaid. One of our favourite pizzas is a rosemary pizza, where we drizzle olive oil and scatter crushed/bruised rosemary, sea salt flakes and shaved parmesan on the base. Delicious!

We have started making our own rosemary infused olive oil using the warm infusion method. It tastes wonderful on our rosemary pizza.

Recipe:
1 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
Handful of rosemary sprigs (washed and completely dry)
teaspoon peppercorns

Warm the olive oil, rosemary, and peppercorns in a small saucepan for a couple of minutes. Allow to cool and then pour into a sterilised and dry bottle.

As we only had some small bottles on hand we used a fine sieve to filter out the rosemary and peppercorns as we didn't want them to get stuck in the bottle. (We only make small quantities as infused oil need to be used within a week or so).

Please note: The herbs and bottle should be completely dry, and the infused oil should be refrigerated and used within a week. The Olive Oil Source has some good information about making and using infused oils, and precautions for avoiding botulism.

Spring has finally arrived in our part of the world. I spent some time in the garden this morning replanting our herb garden. We now have continental parsley, curly leaf parsley, basil, oregano, coriander, mint, chives, and chillies. We live in a coastal area with strong winds, so we plant our herbs in pots that can be relocated around the garden as the summer progresses.

There is nothing nicer than being able to pick your own fresh herbs to add to salads and meals.

Are there any herbs you can't live without?

Friday, 23 September 2011

"A Pain in the Neck"

After a nasty whiplash injury over 20 years ago, I still have ongoing neck pain. One of the best ways to relieve it is by applying a heat pack. I designed myself a long heat pack that I can drape around my neck and shoulders. Filled with wheat and lavender, it always soothes my neck pain.

I prettied it up by making a cover for it, using waffle weave cotton and a some pretty patchwork, with a button closure.

Bliss....

To make your own heat pack, check out our Winter Warmers Tutorial.

Monday, 19 September 2011

Sunday, 18 September 2011

Winner of Whimsy Couture Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered the Whimsy Couture Giveaway.

The winner of three eBooks from the Whimsy Couture Store is Bela (I have sent you an email). Congratulations!

We will be announcing another giveaway tomorrow, so please drop over to get all the details!

Friday, 16 September 2011

Felt Smartphone Covers

I am most excited that my Felt Smartphone Covers have been included in the latest Quilting Arts Gifts Magazine Holiday 2011-2012. The smartphone covers can be easily made from some thick industrial felt to protect the phone.

Featuring an elastic strap on the rear of the cosy for earphone storage, simple felt embellishment on the front for graphic appeal, and a printed twill tape tag. They would make a great Christmas gift for technology lovers on your list!

This issue has some lovely and inspiring projects for making Christmas gifts, Christmas décor and ornaments.

It also features some favourite recipes from all the contributors, including my Lime Syrup Cupcakes.

After looking through the magazine, I am feeling inspired to make a start on some Christmas projects.

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Vanilla Tea

When we lived in France, I developed a love for Vanilla Tea. There is something about vanilla that works magically well when combined with tea. My current favourite tea is Dilmah Rose with French Vanilla. Some of the other vanilla teas that I have found both here and in the USA are a poor substitute for the real thing, often lacking in that real vanilla flavour hit.

You can easily make your own vanilla tea and I have been experimenting with my own vanilla blend.

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You will need:

1 cup of good quality loose leaf tea (I used English Breakfast as it is unflavoured and compliments the vanilla well)
1 vanilla bean - cut down the centre to release the vanilla flavour.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place the tea, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean into a tin or jar. Close the lid, shake to combine, and leave the tea to infuse for at least a week. (You can reuse the vanilla bean in the next batch. ). I used masking tape labels from Crafty Japan to label an old Jasmine Tea tin.

I was so pleased with the results. I am planning on searching out some pretty tins and making some Vanilla Tea to put in Christmas hampers.

Nothings beats a nice cup of tea (especially when served in a special tea cup that my Grandmother gave me for my confirmation)!

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Giveaway from Whimsy Couture

Sarah and I would like to warmly welcome our newest sponsor, Denise from Whimsy Couture.
Whimsy Couture has an extensive collection of sewing ebooks that are available through instant download. There are patterns for cute clothes to make for babies and toddlers; pretty girls dresses; adult clothing designs; and much more.

Here are some of our favourites:

Apron Twirl Peasant Tops/Dresses

Petti Ruffle Romper

Gathered Bonnet for Kids and Adults

Ladies Peasant Tops

Scrappy Twirl Skirts

You can also find some free tutorials over at Whimsy Couture Sewing Blog.

Whimsy Couture are generously hosting a giveaway where the winner is able to choose three eBooks of their choice. To enter, either like Whimsy Couture on facebook or follow Whimsy Couture Sewing Blog, and then leave a comment on this post.

The winner will be drawn on Sunday September 18. Good Luck.

Sunday, 11 September 2011

Weekend Baking: Maple Sweetened Carrot Cupcakes

Sarah and I have had a wonderful weekend in the kitchen! Today we spent 5 hours at an Advanced Pastry Making Class, where we learnt how to make Croissants, Danishes, Profiteroles, Eclairs, and Puff Pastry. I won't tell you how much butter we used in our baking, but the results looked and tasted spectacular! Unfortunately we don't have any photos of our efforts but hope to recreate some of the recipes at home soon. It was such a fun class and a great opportunity for some Mother/Daughter time.

Sarah spent some time in the kitchen yesterday and baked up a batch of Maple Sweetened Carrot Cupcakes from Martha Stewart's Cupcakes (one of our most frequently used cookbooks). It made up a huge quantity (12 regular sized, and 24 mini). Instead of the Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, Sarah used a simple vanilla icing. These are simply the best carrot cakes I have ever tasted. Carrots are healthy, right?

You can also find the recipe here.

Sarah also made up a batch of compost cookies and despite their name, they were also sensational. Her "compost ingredients" included: corn flakes, crushed biscuits, sultanas, oats, almonds, chocolate chips, and coconut. Basically you can use any cereals or snack foods in the pantry. She has made them a few times and they always taste good. You can find the recipe at Amateur Gourmet.

We are thrilled that each week, more of you are linking up the results of your weekend baking. There have been some fabulous recipes shared. Last weekend, Monkey Muffins from Ag May Sew Knit Bake or Make and Easiest Peasiest Banana Cake from Lillabilly were the clear favourites. If you haven't already, you should check them out!