Mother's Day Craft Projects

With Mother's Day just around the corner, now is the time to start making a special gift for your Mum or perhaps items for the Mothers Day stall at your child's school.

Here is a round up of some of our tutorials and projects that would make great Mothers Day gifts.
(Click on the link below each photo to find to the tutorial)

Lavender Wheat Bags

Restaurant Guide Folder

Decorated Candles and Matches

Dust Cover

Loyalty Card Wallet

Eiffel Tower Smartphone Cover

Scented Wardrobe Sachets

You can also find patterns for great Mothers Day projects at our Etsy store.

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Tea Towel Art

We have been looking for some new art work for Sarah's bedroom, to fit in with her red and aqua theme. I came home with an Eiffel Tower Tea Towel last week (from Bed Bath and Table). As soon as Sarah spotted it, she thought it would be perfect for her room.

We made a quick trip to IKEA to get a Ribba Frame, and now she has a new accent piece for her wall. Best of all when she wants a new look, we can easily find a print (or tea towel) to fit the frame.

While we were at IKEA we found another print for the adjacent wall to fit in with her French theme. The print fit an existing frame. I just need to find time to spray paint the frame so it is a nice glossy white.

A quick but satisfying project!  With so many lovely tea towels/dish towels available, I might be framing more of them.

Do As I Say ...

Sponsored by Nuffnang 

I don’t usually talk much about my day job here but I work as a rehabilitation consultant, assisting people with injuries and disabilities get back to work. So when Nuffnang asked me if I would be interested in writing a post about Workplace Safety on behalf of WorkSafe, it was right up my alley. In the 20 years I have worked in the rehab field I have seen people who have sustained all manner of injuries from workplace accidents. People are most often injured when they are distracted or in a hurry.  

Have you ever been in a work situation and have been asked to do something that you know is unsafe? Sometimes supervisors who are working to production deadlines will ask employees to take short cuts. It can be difficult to stand up to a supervisor and often workers will obey orders/instructions that they are given even if they know it is not safe. In a previous job when I was a uni student, I worked in a nursing home and even though we were supposed to use a hoist to lift/transfer patients, if the hoist was in another room, we were often asked to make do without it to save time – which I obeyed. In hindsight I took a big risk of developing a back injury.

In the 1960’s, Stanley Milgram conducted a series of experiments to show that people are obedient to requests, even if those requests were harmful to themselves or others. 60-70% of people tested were prepared to follow orders that involved harming others (via electrocution) if told to do so by an authority figure.  You can see more about the experiment here:

WorkSafe recently conducted a similar experiment asking people on a busy street to pick up a live wire and pass it to someone. Amazingly, 90% of people did what they were asked.  You can check it out here:

Further research conducted by WorkSafe has shown that supervisors will often ask employees to do risky or dangerous acts in certain circumstances.

·         1 in 5 Supervisors would bypass safety to get a job completed more quickly

·         1 in 4 Supervisors would bypass safety if a $1000 performance bonus was at stake

·         Supervisors rate keeping up production and meeting client deadlines ahead of safety.

The key message for supervisors is that people will take risks if you ask them – so don’t ask them. Be aware of your own safety and the safety of those you work with.

We condition our kids to listen/obey authority figures – teachers, coaches, employers etc . My teens have part time jobs in a supermarket and in a fast food outlet. Sometimes employers can take advantage of their young staff so I have shown my kids these youtube clips, and we have had a discussion about work safety, following your gut reaction, and not obeying supervisors if they ask you to do something unsafe. Fortunately both of their employers are safety conscious and the teens have done workplace safety induction courses.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were asked to so something by a supervisor that was unsafe?

Lamingtons

In honour of ANZAC Day, an important national occasion for Australians as we recognise our service men and women, Sarah made up a batch of Lamingtons. We always associate Lamingtons with ANZAC Day as we used to accompany my Grandad to the ANZAC Service at the local RSL, and there was always Lamingtons served at the afternoon tea.

A lamington is a square of sponge cake that has been covered in chocolate icing and then rolled in coconut - an Aussie favourite!

Served on my Nan's Tea Set 

Lamingtons:

• 1 store-bought sponge cake or 1  basic sponge cake
• 3 cups (480g) icing (confectioner's) sugar
• ¾ cup (75g) cocoa powder
• ⅓ cup (80ml) boiling water
• 75g butter, melted
• Shredded coconut, to coat

Make 1 quantity basic sponge cake in an slice tin and cool on a wire rack. Cut into 6cm squares. Sift together the icing sugar and cocoa. Mix with the boiling water and melted butter. Using 2 forks to hold the sponge squares, dip in the chocolate icing and roll in desiccated coconut. Allow to set on a wire rack. Makes 12.

Based on a recipe from Donna Hay

Sarah made up her own sponge cake - it was so light and delicious.

I am proud to have had two amazing grandfathers who fought for Australian in WW1 and WW2.

LEST WE FORGET

Giveaway: Win a $75 Gift Voucher to Yarn Glorious Yarn

With Mothers Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to stock up on yarn to make your Mum a hand knitted scarf or crocheted blanket, or for your own winter projects. Yarn Glorious Yarn stocks the most luxurious and interesting yarns from all over the world. Sue is generously giving away a $75 gift voucher to Yarn Glorious Yarn to a lucky A Spoonful of Sugar reader   - it can be used for yarn, kits, patterns, books, needles. 


Here are some gift ideas for your Mum -

Gift Packs

These Gift Packs from Lorna's Laces and Soak would be a fantastic Mother's Day gift. They contain a skein of sock yarn, a tub of heal balm, and a sachet of Liquid Soak wash for gentle garment care. Available in five colours - they are perfect for a Mum who loves to knit.

House of Alpaca

The House of Alpaca 8ply/DK yarn  (80% Australian Grown alpaca and 20% organic merino wool) has released 11 new colours this season. Great for your next knitted project! (plus you get to support the Australian wool industry).

Canopy Fingering Yarn

The Fibre Company has some new Canopy Fingering Yarn which is made from alpaca, merino and bamboo. This yarn has been kettle dyed and is soft, shiny and drapey yarn perfect for colour work, lace or textured stitch patterns. 


To see the extensive range of beautiful yarns available, pop on over to Yarn Glorious Yarn or follow them on facebook.

**To be in the running to win a $75 gift voucher to Yarn Glorious Yarn , log in to the Raflecopter giveaway box below with your email address or facebook account and follow the steps. TIP: If you don’t see Rafflecopter Click READ MORE below, and it will then show the Rafflecopter Form!!  Giveaway is open until May 2. Good Luck!

Coconut Custard Bars

Sarah baked us some delicious Coconut Custard Bars this week. They consisted of a biscuit crust, with a delicious coconut custard filling, and topped with some shredded coconut.  She found the recipe over at the Technicolor Kitchen and adapted it slightly (leaving out the rum).

Crust:
1 1/3 cups (186g) all purpose flour
1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113g/1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and chopped into 1cm (½in) cubes
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons cold water
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) unsweetened coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
pinch of salt
1 cup (100g) sweetened shredded coconut

Make the crust: preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Butter a 22cm (9in) square pan*.
Place flour, sugar, salt in the bowl of a food processor and process until blended. Scatter butter pieces over the flour mixture and process until mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk, water and vanilla. With food processor running, add yolk mixture through the feed tube and process just until the dough begins to come together in large clumps. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and, using your fingers, pat it evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake crust until golden, 20-25 minutes. Transfer the pan to wire rack and cool completely. Leave the oven on.
In medium bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolk, and granulated sugar until blended. Slowly whisk in the coconut milk. Whisk in the vanilla, and flour and salt.
Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the cooled crust. Pour the filling through a fine sieve over the coconut, covering the crust completely. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until filling is set and the edges are golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Using sharp knife, cut into bars.

Store the bars in the fridge.

I am heading off on a sewing retreat this weekend so am about to head into the sewing room to cut out the fabric for a new quilt. Can't wait to get sewing again!

Book Review: Fresh From the Clothesline & Country Cottage Quilting

We love Quilting books and were pleased to receive review copies of these new titles.

Fresh From the Clothesline by Darlene Zimmerman

Fresh from the Clothesline, Quilts and Small Projects with Vintage Appeal, includes 22 projects to sew and quilt. The book is divided into three chapters:
1. Small Projects - including pillow, table runner, aprons and more.
2. Small Quilts - suitable for baby quilts and lap quilts
3. Full Sized Quilts - 10 bed sized quilts
The projects range in complexity from those suitable for the confident beginner, through to more challenging quilts for more experienced quilters. All of the projects are made with 1930's Reproduction fabrics.

In the back of the book there are some general instructions covering all the basics including - sewing on binding; assembling the quilt sandwich; and appliqué basics. Full sized templates are included in the book. Interspersed throughout the book are recipes; and interesting facts on household subjects such as tablecloths, ironing, laundry to name a few.

The instructions in the book are very clear. Diagrams are included to show components of the quilt assembly. Six of the quilts are photographed using alternate fabrics to demonstrate how a different look can be achieved with different fabrics.

If you are a lover of reproduction fabrics and traditional quilt designs, then you will find plenty of inspiration in this book.

Details:
Publisher:    Krause Publications
Format:      Paperback, 126 pages
ISBN:         978 1440217753

Fresh From the Clothesline is available from  Booktopia.



Country Cottage Quilting by Lynette Anderson

Country Cottage Quilting, 15 Quilt Projects Combining Stitchery with Patchwork, is the latest book by Australian quilt designer, Lynette Anderson. Lynette's garden was the inspiration for this collection of projects that include wall quilts, bags, and cushion covers. The designs all include components of hand embroidery to add a stitched element to the piece.

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with the inclusion of diagrams and photographs to illustrate many of the steps. The book includes a Technique section which guides you through quilting and embroidery basics.

Country Cottage Quilting would appeal to lovers of country style quilting, using more traditional fabrics in country earthy/natural tones. Many of the projects include  basic embroidery, appliqué, and buttons. The projects are beautifully photographed and styled, and include full sized templates. The nice thing about the book is the wide range of projects included- aside from quilts, there are projects to make a Needle case; Scissor Keeper; Bags; Purse; Needle Holder; Sewing Case; Wall Hanging; Pillow; and more. Many of the projects would make great gifts for your quilting/stitching friends.

Details:
Publisher: David and Charles
Format:    Paperback, 127 pages
ISBN:      9781446300398

Country Cottage Quilting is available from  Booktopia,  Fishpond, and Can Do Books. 


Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Booktopia and Fishpond.


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Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Maple Glaze

Sarah, our resident baker, is back from her exciting tour of France where she enjoyed sampling all the amazing French food - particularly the macarons, crepes, and pain au chocolat. Now she has recovered from her jet lag, she was keen to get back into the kitchen. Yesterday she baked a Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Maple Glaze, just in time for her brother's afternoon tea when he arrived home from Uni.

Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Maple Glaze
(inspired by Technicolor Kitchen)

Ingredients:
Cake:
1 12-ounce (336g) package chocolate chips 
3 cups (420g) all purpose flour (plain) sifted 
2 teaspoons baking soda (bicarb soda)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups (262g) light brown sugar, packed
2 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) milk

Glaze:
1 cup (140g) powdered sugar (icing sugar), sifted
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (or more) milk

Preheat oven to 160°C/325°F. Butter a 12-cup Bundt pan. Spray pan generously with nonstick spray. Dust pan lightly with flour*. Mix chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of the flour in a medium bowl. Sift remaining flour with baking soda, baking powder, and salt into another medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with milk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chip mixture. Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake cake until tester inserted near center comes out clean and cake begins to pull away from sides of pan, about 1 hour. Cool cake in pan on rack 30 minutes. Invert cake onto rack and cool completely.

Make the glaze: combine powdered sugar, maple syrup and 2 tablespoons milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding more milk by ½ teaspoonfuls if glaze is too thick to drizzle. Spoon glaze decoratively over top of cake; let stand at room temperature until glaze is firm, about 1 hour (can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and let stand at room temperature).

The cake had a lovely texture and the maple glaze finished it off perfectly!

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Winner of Beijing Tai Tai Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered our recent giveaway. We have drawn the winner of  Beijing Tai Tai by Australian author, Tania McCartney . Congratulations to Susan S. We have sent you an email.

Key

Suddenly she came upon a little three-legged table, all made of solid glass; there was nothing on it except a tiny golden key, and Alice's first thought was that it might belong to one of the doors of the hall; but, alas! either the locks were too large, or the key was too small, but at any rate it would not open any of them. However, on the second time round, she came upon a low curtain she had not noticed before, and behind it was a little door about fifteen inches high: she tried the little golden key in the lock, and to her great delight it fitted!
Alice in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll


I have always loved Keys. Keys can be used in decorating is so many ways.

I decorated some old wine bottles with keys cut from outdoor vinyl. I found the skeleton key images at svg cuts and cut them using my digital cutting machine.

We can now have pretty water bottles on the table.

For more ideas on how keys/images of keys can be used in craft and decorating projects, check out our Keys Board over on Pinterest.

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Everyday Pot Holder

My supply of Kitchen Pot Holders (Hot Pads) is growing! This latest one was made with some quilting cotton and waffle cotton left over from other kitchen projects. I used two layers of cotton batting and one layer of Insul-Brite in both the base and pocket of the Pot Holder. 

A gathered polka dot frill and some commercial bias trim finished it off. It has already been put to good use in the kitchen.

It is a good utilitarian design for a pot holder. Now I am heading back to my sewing room to work some more on my fancier appliquéd versions. 

Apple Crumble Slice

Apples are in season in Australia so they inspired my baking this week. I made an Apple Crumble Slice - it consists of a cake like base, a layer of cinnamon flavoured apple, and then finished off with a crumble topping. It is delicious served either warm or cold, with a dusting of icing sugar.

Ingredients:

Crumble Topping:
185 g (1 1/4 cups)  plain (all purpose) flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
125 g (1 stick) butter
3/4 cup (165 g) caster (superfine ) sugar

Apple Filling:
5 apples (I used a combination of granny smith and royal gala)
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar


Base:
100 g (0.9 stick) butter
110 g (1/2 cup) caster (superfine ) sugar
1 egg
1 cup plain (150 g) plain (all purpose ) flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon milk

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 160 deg C (320 deg F). Grease and line a 20 x 30 cm slice pan.
2. To make the crumble: mix the flour, baking powder, and sugar in a bowl. Rub in the butter until it resembles fresh breadcrumbs.
3. To make the apple filling: peel and chop apples. Place all ingredients into a saucepan and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, or until softened. Allow to cool.
4. To make the base: Combine the butter and sugar in an electric mixer and beat until creamy. Add the egg and beat well. Fold through the flour, baking powder, and milk.
5. Spread the base in t
he bottom of prepared pan. Top with apple filling, and then spoon over the crumble topping. Bake in oven for 40 - 50 minutes or until golden.

Serve dusted with icing (confectioners) sugar.

Recipe adapted from Donna Hay. 

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Pattern Review: Violette Field Threads

One of the lovely things about having children, is being able to sew clothing for them. Whilst sewing for my teen daughter is now limited to pyjamas, when she was little, I used to make the vast majority of her clothes. Choosing patterns and fabrics together was a delight.

Molly Jacket

Ericka and Jessica from Violette Fields Threads, understand the enjoyment you can get from sewing boutique style clothing for your children and have designed a fabulous range of stylish patterns. Until recently, their patterns were only available as pdf downloads, but they have now released many of their popular designs as paper patterns. The paper patterns include sizes from 2T through to 10 years.

Ericka and Jessica recently sent us three of their popular paper patterns to review - Molly, Stella, and Vivienne.The patterns come in a protective cellophane bag, and include a 10 page pattern booklet that is written in tutorial style with clear colour photographs to guide you through each step.It also includes: tips for sewing; suggested fabrics; cutting instructions, and more.

The full sized pattern pieces are included in the pattern and are printed on large pieces of quality paper. As the pattern can be reused multiple times as your child grows, you can just trace the size you need onto tracing paper.

One of the things I love most about the patterns from Violette Field Threads is the adorable models they have used on their cover photos.

Vivienne Skirt

Patterns are available from Violette Field Threads and are priced at $12.95 for paper patterns and $9.50 for pdf download.

House Sachets

I have a love of little houses. I made up this little house sachet (filled it with lavender and stuffing) to hang in my wardrobe. If you are looking for a fun project to use your treasured scraps, you can't go past this sweet Fabric House Ornament project by Retro Mama.  They were designed to be Christmas ornaments, but by using pretty colours, they look good year round!

I think this will be the first of many!


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