Sadieandlance

Giveaway! Kids Crafternoon Felting

2011-11-29T14:11:00.001+11:00

I have a few soap boxes. One of those is the pinkification of kids craft kits and anything crafty. Pretty, pink and purple boxes with fairies, flowers and butterflies. Never mind about the boys, some girls don't even like it. Kids craft books are often pinkification offenders too. Craft is not just for girls, nor lovers of pink. Which is why I think the Crafternoon Series of kids craft books, edited by the lovely Kathreen of WhipUp, are great.

I should fess up and tell you that I have a project in the Felt version of the series. Mine is the robot (you can bend his arms and legs!) but, while I'm chuffed beyond belief to be included, I would still think this book was great regardless.

The series of books cover, sewing, paper, beads and felt and provide an excellent range of projects, perfect for school aged kids. I also like that the projects are quite cool and sophisticated - not dumbed down just because the book is aimed at kids.

I especially love Zombie Key Chain monsters by Lisa from The Red Thread:

image from: The Red Thread

The books are available at bookshops and online (Booktopia has them for 15% off at the moment). Or, if you would like to win a copy, leave a comment here telling me who you want the book for and you'll be in the draw. Make sure you leave a link to your blog or twitter account or an email address with your comment. I'll draw a random winner on Monday 5 December.

And here's some other contributors to the book (hint you can still win a copy of the book on the last couple of blogs):

NOV 14: The Red Thread
NOV 15: Soosz
NOV 16: mmmcrafts
NOV 17: Between the Lines
NOV 18: Christine Chitnis
NOV 19: Chez Beeper Bebe
NOV 20: The Happy Zombie
NOV 21: Go Make Me
NOV 22: Love in the Mommyhood
NOV 23: JCasa Handmade
NOV 24: Picklebums
NOV 25: Modern Parents Messy Kids
NOV 26: Simple Kids
NOV 27: li'l magoolie

NOV 30: Little Eco Footprints
DEC 1: Lisa Siebert on Poppytalk

Edited to add: apologies but this is open only to people with an Australian address. Check some of the other links above if you're overseas and want to win...or keep an eye on www.thetoysociety.blogspot.com in the next day or so...)

Christmas Tree Bunting

2011-11-16T09:00:00.000+11:00

It's creeping up on us and I know from looking at the stats that there's quite a few people out there ramping things up in readiness for Christmas. The Christmas Tree Bunting post is the most popular post on this little blog and every year around this time it starts getting a good work out.

I'm chuffed, I quite like Christmas and I made the bunting on a whim a few years ago when I was starting to add new traditions, decorations and treats to our little family celebrations. It was also the year of our first advent calendar, which is now a much anticipated annual tradition.

This year I plan to:

- Make some new bunting

- Making gingerbread houses, again. Love this new tradition

- Making 2 new advent calendars for the nephews

- Finishing most of my Christmas shopping early. Although I will still visit the shops just before Christmas as I usually forget someone or decide I need something extra. Sadistic as it sounds, I like the thrill of a visit to the shops in the last week before Christmas.

- Lots of baked treats - pudding, cake, gingerbread biscuits, mince pies, neenish tarts, jam, fudge and some new additions yet to be decided

- Making some gifts - softies and other things to play with

Let's see how I go with that list, huh. Got anything I should add to it?

Up The Duff

2011-11-14T22:47:00.001+11:00

Yep, up the duff. At the point of writing this I'm 22 weeks.

I have spent a bit of time looking over the posts I wrote when I was up the duff with The Smurf and I've really enjoyed them. It's nice to look at those pictures and read those words and re-experience some of the feelings and thoughts and I don't want to miss that this time round.

Oh Help! Oh No! It's a Gruffalo!

2011-10-12T14:12:00.003+11:00

Yes, it's a cake! The Smurfs' cake. No, I didn't make it; an amazing, generous friend did. Every last little fondant character.

It's that time of year again. Last year it was a merchandise obsessed cowboy. This year, a feast, in the gorgeous National Botanic Gardens (or the deep dark wood, depending on your imagination), with our favourite storybook character - The Gruffalo.

The invites were sent, rsvps collected and the food list discussed - scrambled snake, roasted fox, owl icecream and gruffalo crumble for the kids, of course.

Despite being organised, a last minute decision to finish some things of the night before, instead of the morning of the party. A decision that turned out to be wise without knowing.

Unfortunately, the Smurf was rushed to hospital via ambulance at 2.30am with a bad croup and asthma attack.

Thankfully with some steroids it resolved itself and we were back home by 5.30am. After only half an hour sleep more, the Smurf was up and at em with his cousins, in anticipation of the party.

Canberra turned on a spectacularly sunny day - albeit with a icy-cold wind (fun for the northern visitors who all whimpered every time the wind gusted).

We trudged up to the gardens armed with party supplies for 20 kids and many more adults (when will I learn?!).

I was prepared with a copy of The Gruffalo to read to the kids, a nature scavenger hunt, pinata, pin the poisonous wart on the Gruffalo's nose and a collection of equipment-less games (what's the time Mr Wolf etc) in case the kids were bored in the gardens (no play equipment, just magnificent beauty to behold).

I needn't have bothered. The kids were enamoured with the gardens. They ran, explored and climbed on the rock garden. If there was a Gruffalo to be found in those gardens, by golly they would have found it. We were also lucky enough to have the local old-bloke kangaroo quietly munching grass all day to the endless delight of the kids.

They ran back to the table every so often for food - which I was so prepared to photograph this year, but alas after my 2 1/2 hours sleep you'll just have to take my word for it when I say there was (very popular) mini sausages in a roll (roasted fox), teeny little dip cups with carrot and cheese sticks for dipping, fairy bread and zucchini slice (scrambled snake).

(The adults had chicken, walnut and mayo ciabatta rolls, ham, cheese and relish sandwiches, trash dip and a cheese platter).

After a long time playing, I decided I would try my luck getting the kids to sit on a picnic blanket and listen to me read The Gruffalo. ALL TWENTY KIDS SAT QUIETLY and listened. They loved the book.

We quickly segued into a failed pinata. Failed because someone forgot to tell the pinata assistant that the kids would have a token hit at the pinata with a stick before pulling the strings (that kind of pinata). And so some kids pulled the string straight away and out came the lollies - meaning it all lasted about 20 seconds. The kids didn't care, they got to scramble for loot (see above).

A quick game of pin the poisonous wart on the gruffalo's nose....

...and it was time for the amazing cake.

Hands off the cake newphew! And that's the smurf in the stripes in the corner of the photo above reminding everyone he is F.O.U.R. OK?

With some owl cupcakes (owl ice cream substitute) and fruit sticks).

No need for Gruffalo crumble though - there was an ACTUAL gruffalo on the cake!

Lots more playing before the lolly bags were handed out, everyone wandered down the hill and the party was over.

It was, if I am allowed to say, a brilliant party. The Smurf had a ball and held it together after a night of just 4 hours sleep. He had his kindy and Canberra friends, treasured family and precious cousins there. It was our first foray into inviting people outside of family and our own friends and I won't hesitate to do it again.

Speaking of memorable, the next day in front of all the family in our backyard, one of our hens revealed itself as a rooster. Cockadoodle-do!

Happy birthday my beautiful Smurf. Every day you make me smile in wonder at the amazing person you're growing up to be. We love you to the sun and back times infinity.

Homesewn

2011-08-18T15:42:00.000+10:00

I made some undies! Yep, made my own undies.

Whenever I tell people they seem to think it's hugely amusing or gross. Whatever, I'm not the first to make my own. It was ridiculously easy too, instead of a pattern you cut up an old pair and trace a pattern from them. Easy! You can even use a (washed) old tshirt.

Next time I will sew the elastic on the inside, I think. I used a slightly heavy jersey, which makes for a nice comfy fit.

I followed the details here.

What do you think about sewing your own undies? Hugely amusing? Gawd you're disgusting? Or I'm clicking on that link right now!

Falafel – If you love them, this recipe will change your (falafel eating) life

2011-06-10T22:42:00.002+10:00

Bold statement I know, but let me explain.

Falafel are yummy. Having once been vegetarian for about 10 years, I feel qualified. I still favour falafel over a shawarma (lamb kebab), even though I am back to eating meat now. So, as a falafel lover, I have been making them for years but I could never get that delicious crisp outside with light fluffy insides – you know what I mean.

I’ve tried all the same recipes you have. On all those websites, in all my (many) cookbooks and food magazines, from blogs and the tried and tested ones scribbled on paper. Most of them were fine, but none of them were perfect or close to authentic and not one of them used (what I now know to be) the proper method.

The main problem was that, without fail, they fall apart in the pan. So then of course I would add egg and rice flour to bind the mix – which in turn makes them hard, dry and yuck. Every.single.time.

Then last year after searching for some authentic recipes and chatting with a Lebanese friend, I found the answer. I didn’t believe it at first. Soaked, and not cooked, chickpeas. NEVER tinned. The not boiled bit was what threw me, but who am I to argue with hundreds (thousands?) of years of cooking falafel? (Incidentally I stupidly did try and defy those many generations of experience by using boiled peas on my first attempt at this method. GUARANTEED FAILURE, but by all means do feel free to try it out yourself.)

So, believe me (and the many, many middle-eastern families who’ve been doing it this way for generations) it works. You can thank me later for all the testing and practising I’ve done for you. Why didn’t I go down this path earlier?

Before I share the recipe I use, here are some tips I’ve picked up along the way through trial and error.

Soak your beans for a LONG time. At least 24 hours – or they will not hold together. Just put them in a bowl, cover with water and ignore them on the bench for a day or two. Sometimes I even leave them for two nights. But replace your water once or twice if you remember.

You can use just chickpeas or broad beans or a combination of both. You will need to shell the broad beans though (after they are soaked).

You will need to scrape down the sides of your food processor when you blitz them. Probably a couple of times. Persist with it, if it’s not blitzed well it won’t cook well.

Make a double batch and freeze half of the made up mix. Revelation I tell you! Works perfectly. Just defrost, roll into balls and fry. Falafel whenever you feel like it.

You can buy dried pulses from the supermarket, but I prefer to get mine from the market. Buying in bulk is fine, they keep for ages. I also boil up a big batch (not for falafel, of course!) then freeze with a bit of the boiling water in small containers or ziplock bags. Cheaper and much yummier than tinned chickpeas and with less salt. Also, a good way to afford organic.

You can shallow pan fry the falafels in oil if you prefer not to deep fry them.

If you’re new to deep frying, you can use a small saucepan to deep fry in batches so that you don’t need to use as much oil. Just make sure your saucepan edge is high enough so the oil won’t overflow when you put your felafel in to fry. Fill the saucepan with oil about 5cm high and make sure you turn your felafels during cooking to brown all sides.

Add some sesame seeds to the mix.

And now the recipe. You will find most authentic falafel recipes are pretty much like this. Some use more garlic, some ask for baking powder instead of bicarb soda, whatever the slight tweaks, the soak - blitz with flavour -fry method remains the same.

Download Recipe with tips here.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup dried chickpeas (DON'T shortcut with tinned or boiled it will not work)

1 cup dried broad beans (as above cannot be stressed enough!)

1 small red onion finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, chopped

¼ cup chopped flat leaf parsley (can add or substitute with fresh coriander)

1 tsp bicarb soda

1 1/2 tsp salt flakes (less if using table salt)

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp paprika

Water (a couple of Tbsp)

Oil for frying

METHOD

Soak the chickpeas and broad beans for at least 24 hours. Shell the broad beans when they are soft enough to pop out of the shells. Do NOT use tinned or boiled beans, they must be dried and soaked.

Drain the beans and rinse.

Place all ingredients, except the water and oil, in the food processor. Pulse the mixture until it is gritty, but fine.

You will need to scrape the sides of your bowl a few times. Add the water to help the mixture along. You might need lots, you might need a little – it depends on the mixture. Give the mix one last blitz for good measure.

Heat deep fryer (or oil in the pan). Throw in a parsley leaf to test it. It should sizzle well, but not too vigorously. (If the oil isn’t hot enough your felafel will be oily, but if it’s too hot the outside will cook before the middle).

Roll balls (not too big 1 – 2 Tbsp of mix) of falafel mix and carefully drop into the hot oil. Fry until brown and crisp all over.

Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Download recipe with tips here.

On saddles and getting back in them

2011-05-08T23:35:00.000+10:00

It's not like I don't think about coming back to this space. And it's not like I'm not doing any crafty stuff. It's just that I've been away from this space for so long that I get intimidated by getting started back on posting.

So I'll keep it simple while I'm climbing back into the saddle. Simple, like this Asymmetrical Wrap top I made a few weeks ago. Genius pattern. Cut in 1 piece in 5 mins. Another 5 for adjusting and a maximum of 10 minutes zig-zag stitching around the edges because I couldn't be arsed to change the thread on the overlocker.

Made in a cheap wool acrylic blend to test the pattern. So good that I'm now busy assessing the nice stuff to make some more of these.

Fix it closed with a brooch and it's my new fav top for wearing in autumn.

Nice to see you again! I think I'll come back soon to tell you about How to Love Canberra and my beautiful "vintage" house.

For Me

2011-02-12T19:29:00.003+11:00

I was inspired to think about blogging again last night, by a meeting of like-minded local ladies of the Information Super Highway. It reminded me (not the ladies, but the desire to blog) that I had a little blouse fest recently - well if you can call sewing two blouses a fest.

I knew I would need some light cotton tops for the hot Canberra summer, so I raided the stash for the cheapie cotton (to test some patterns) and set out. The first was the very easy Made By Rae Spring Ruffle Top - minus the ruffles for me thanks.

Super easy, minimal pieces to cut and a cinch to put together. I didn't quite have the width in my cheap IKEA fabric to allow for much gathering, but I think I prefer it this way. I have some voile cut and ready to make another one.

If you're thinking about starting out sewing your own clothes, try the Made by Rae top.

Then I went on a wild, magical, mystery sewing adventure where I used three tops from my wardrobe to scramble a pattern together. It's not perfect, but I really like it - especially the pin tucks on the bust.

The sleeve lines need adjusting and the neckline needs fixing and the addition of some facing (or the neck binding to be cut on the true bias) to stop the gapping, but for a wearable muslin I'm pretty happy and will be doing this one again.

Um Merry Christmas, Happy New Year etc

2011-01-11T22:43:00.004+11:00

Whoops, nearly two months? You really should follow me on twitter, I'm much more chatty over there lately.

With a two month break I'm a bit full of bloggers block, so I'll sum up the fabulous Christmas break with some of my favourite photos.

Special Santa shorts made with My Paper Crane fabric - which I LOVE.

Beer and chips for Santa. Water and ahhh mushrooms for Rudolf (Nanna had no carrots in her fridge!)

Jars of homemade chutney and jam for important people.

Lots of Christmas baking -gingerbread biscuits for The Smurf's kindy friends.

He carried his little red basket around the playground handing out biscuits like the pied piper, the trail of kids running behind him growing ever longer!

Bakewell Tarts (recipe courtesy of Ellen's family), also joined by Mince Pies, Salted Caramel Fudge, Belgian Chocolate Fudge, Mango Marshmallows, Christmas Cake and

two, gingerbread houses!

Summer holiday fun!

Kid wrangling, the easy way.

And a lovely dinner with a fabulous view.

Get Your Garden On

2010-11-19T23:34:00.005+11:00

It's high time I posted about the garden. I've been spending a lot of time out there, nurturing little green things and inspecting branches trying to work out what is growing. I've also been keeping a keen eye out for your garden related posts and feeling especially inspired by hers and hers.

This house is a typical old Canberra house. It's on a very typical, decent, Canberra sized block. And, like many typical old Canberra houses, it has a well established garden. One that was once someone's absolute pride and joy.

You see there are established garden beds (enormous! multiple!) beautiful old trees, a number of self sown veggies, a huge array of beautiful flowers and endless little surprises.

My interest in gardening has been going for quite some time and eagerly grows a little each year. So, it goes without saying that I am just a little bit excited and awfully honored to be able to take care of this beautiful place in the world for the time we live here.

The tragedy though, is that the house is now owned by developers and will be knocked down and the land cleared to make place for a bunch of souless townhouses. Good bye little 195os museum house. Good bye amazing garden. So, you see, I feel a duty to enjoy the garden and all it's beauty and endless surprises (like the asparagus patch!) while we live here.

We moved into the house in the middle of winter when the garden was bare - bar the weeds - and no surprises had revealed themselves yet. As spring approached the Smurf and I spent more and more time weeding and digging over the beds, and as I did the garden started to burst into action.

A pear tree! Apples! Peaches!

The most amazing dogwood tree - which I knew nothing about but soon learned after two lots of people stopped to photograph the tree on one day.

Rhododendron, very, very showy camellias, gorgeous clouds of colourful azaleas.

All manner of blulbs popping up at different times - daffodils, jonquils, Iris, tulips, bearded iris, grape hyacinths. A fence full of jasmine all topped off with the most beautiful, fully-fragrent old roses. Oh and the flowering surprises go on - the hydrangers are getting bigger and I can see a few other flowers although I have no idea what they are yet.

I've always wanted a flower garden!

Every day I go out into the garden and watch the magic unfold before my eyes. I've got quite a number of edibles growing too - but I think I'll have to leave that for another post now. Allthough suffice to say, the patch is providing endless yumminess for dinners lunches and snacks.

Oh and did I mention we have chooks?

New Dress

2010-11-07T22:01:00.003+11:00

On the craft weekend I made three dresses. Two little baby ones for presents and one-for-me. Yep, a dress for me. It has lining and it's fitted and a little bit of trickiness and I made it and I couldn't be happier.

I think it's a great example of how my sewing skills have come along. Don't get me wrong, I have a long way to go. But I look back on my sewing and there was a time I would have been afraid to attack even a simple dress like this, especially with lining.

Simplicity pattern 3803. The fabric is a cheap cotton I bought on sale at scragfight thinking that it wouldn't matter if the dress didn't work because the fabric was cheap. Only problem is, I really like this fabric now and wish I had more.

I will definitely make this again and next time I'll cut one size bigger in the bust and also cut the arm holes a little higher.

Craft Weekend

2010-11-01T23:01:00.004+11:00

Turns out whenever I go to write a post about a craft retreat I always go to use the word indulgence. Full weekend of sewing, good friends, great food, a bit of booze and an inspiring ocean view. What's not indulgent about that?

We headed to our usual spot, only this time coming from the nation's fair capital I had to go over the mountains. On a goat-track type tourist road. In the dark. With foxes and trees that hang down over the road. At least it gave me a good story to tell when I finally arrived with clenched teeth and white knuckles.

I went with my usual basket full of priority projects, back up projects and I-should-have-a-million-spare-hours-to-finish-this projects. I surprised myself and finished 2 baby dresses, a pink tutu for the Smurf, Jammies for the Smurf and a semi lined summer dress for me (I may have stayed up until 2am on Saturday night to finish all that). Oh and a bit of knitting. Yippee.

The Smurf was totally taken with his new stuff. Put it on straight away.

And then did some gardening in it.

I'll do a separate post re the dress - need to take photos.

Thanks Bel, Cass, Jade, Sheridan and Soph, for another fab weekend.

Chilli Jam - Make This Please

2010-10-17T18:16:00.008+11:00

This is not the first time I've talked about Chilli Jam here. But you see it is the stuff of magic making in your mouth. So good that I have contemplated eating it from the jar the way some of you eat nutella. This chilli jam is what started the friendship I talked about in my post on Whip Up.

After a discussion about 20kgs of tomatoes and a school fete on twitter I'm offering the recipe up for one and all. This is the chilli jam my Dad makes (always with an assortment of homegrown chillis). He has many bastardised versions he makes, but this is the recipe that started it all.

Chilli Jam
- 2 kg ripe tomatoes
- 150ml olive oil
- chillis - depends on how hot you like it really. I use 4-5 habenero or 10 medium - long red chillis. You can also deseed some of the chillis if you want. It's really up to you
- 20 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 50g piece of fressh ginger peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp cummin
- 2 tbsp brown mustard seeds (I often leave these out if they're not in the pantry)
- 1 tbsp tumeric
- 50ml fish sauce
- 200 ml red wine vinnegar
- 200g brown sugar
Optional: 2 red capsicums )or more if you want)

- Put the tomaotes (and capsicums if you're using them) on a baking tray and drizzle with some extra olive oil. Roast in a moderate to hot oven for 20 minutes until the skins start to blister and split.

- While the tomatoes are in the oven, in a food processor combine the chilli, garlic, ginger, cumin, mustard seeds, tumeric, fish sauce, red wine vinegar, brown sugar and olive oil.

- When the tomatoes are ready use tongs to peel the skins off (you should be able to grab the skin and most of it will come away). Or put in a plastic bag and the tomatoes will sweat a little making it easier to remove the skins. Same with the capsicum. Watch out for your fingers in this step the tomatoes are hot.

- Put the tomatoes (and capsicums) and combined chilli mix into a heavy based saucepan. Add salt and pepper to taste.

- Bring to the boil then reduce to a very low simmer and cook for 1 1/2 - 2 hours, stirring frequently to make sure the jam doesn't catch.

- While the jam is boiling sterlise your jars.

-When the chilli jam is ready, ladle the hot jam into a pouring jug and use this to pour the jam into hot sterlised jars (always hot jam into hot jars). Put the lids on.

- Allow to cool.

This jam is great on sandwhiches, seriously good under melted cheese on toast and amazing with corn fritters. Also try it with really nice fresh bread and cream cheese. A jar doesn't last long in our house.

The Little Picnic Blanket That Could

2010-10-13T22:16:00.002+11:00

This is the story of the little picnic blanket that could. It was started more than a year ago. Well and truly more than a year ago. The fabric selection was quick and completely from the stash. The piecing was random and happened quickly.

When I started machine quilting the back and front together - didn't bother with a batting layer as I didn't want any bulk - I realised I had a wonky piece of fabric for the back. Oh well. I just added some "feature" pieces to the edges using the same fabric and you know I'm a little bit in love with the mistake made good.

Then came time to do the binding. I decided I would not cut corners - as I usually do with such things - and so a proper approach was decided upon. You know, sew on one side of the binding then handsew the other side on.

I should have known better. Took me no time to machine sew the first side on. You know where this is going right. But it didn't matter that it took me over a year to finish hand sewing the binding on. We used the blanket anyway. People didn't seem to notice the binding flapping in the breeze.

And finally a couple of weeks ago I finished sewing the binding on. And now spring has sprung the blanket is getting a real work out.

Just so you know I have no issues with shortcutting on binding now.

Meringues, but not as you know it

2010-10-09T16:48:00.010+11:00

Thanks for all the birthday wishes for the resident three year old Smurf. He has already requested another birthday. I told him he could have one next year.

One of the hits of the make your own lolly bags was the meringue rings. Inspired by what I now know to be a piece of jewellery (I have no idea where I originally saw it, but I bookmarked the photo and now I've googled the image and realised it was jewellery!)

So, armed with the piping bag I piped out a bunch. It's quite simple really. Pipe the circle for the ring - thinking about the size of the intended finger - and then pipe a star on the edge of the circle. Gently sprinkle sprinkles on the star. Bake as per normal meringues.

The kids went straight for them after the pink cake candles were blown out. They fit perfectly on little fingers and were nibbled straight off.

I had loads of meringue - even after a batch of actual meringues and meringue rings so I started to have a play around. I switched to my thinnest piping nozzle and started to pipe the kids names. I got happy with the sprinkles and baked them alongside the rest of the sugary eggwhite.

They turned out fab. But in my haste to admire them I cracked each and every one of them as I lifted them off the tray. So, if you try these, here are some tips:

- Err on the side of thicker when piping
- Look out for skinny parts of letters (see beginning of the 'm' in Sam below)
- Make sure you leave them to completely cool on the tray
- Use a flat spatula to very carefully slide them off the tray.

Also, only invite kids with short names to your party - less risk of breakage with less letters.

The Little Merchandise Obsessed Cowboy

2010-09-26T23:15:00.012+10:00

The Smurf is three! Yep, I can hardly believe it myself. This year he was quite opinionated on how his party should go. Pink cake (which at times morphed into a rocket cake - which I now know can be not necessarily what it should be), everyone dressed as cowboys and all cousins invited.

So I kept to my brief and attempted a bit of cowboy related stuff....sort of.

But what the Smurf really meant was he just wanted to be Woody. But what that really meant at a 3 year old birthday party is, well, come as you are. Or as you want. Or as you decide after you've eaten lunch and you don't want to wear what you're wearing anymore. Whatever.

Apparently one of our friends used to do facepainting. I never knew. Yes of course I'd love you to bring your facepaints. The kids chose their own thing to be painted and here's my confused Cowboy/Puppy Smurf. Bless.

Who cares about themes anyway? Although, my nephew was spot on and my favourite - chose the moustache himself.

Canberra turned on the most amazing day, sunshine, blue skies and warm weather. The garden even popped up a bunch of new flowers for us to admire and the fruit trees started to blossom.

We sprawled all over the backyard on picnic blankets and lazed the day away eating homemade dolmades, sushi, mini pies, mini sausage rolls, soft tacos with pulled pork or greek chicken and corn salsa. The kids ran around making their own fun - apart from a ridiculous effort at Pass the Parcel.

Then it was time for the pink cake.

And meringues, neenish tarts, meringue rings, pink cupcakes, choc chip biscuits and DIY lolly bags!

Before we all headed back out to the backyard for more lazing about, ready for the big "Cowboy Shoot Out" organised by the 5 year old moustached nephew - in collaboration with Gang Gang (Grandad). The rules were even taped to our back door and all cowboys were required to sign that they had read the rules. These kids are the best!

"Rules of Cowboy Shoot Out. Held at Murphy's Party at 2.30pm. You will NOT punch, kick, bite. Signed ...."

So Happy Birthday my beautiful, crazy, always amazing 3 year old Smurf. Daddy and I love you more than words can say.

PS I'm devastated that I decided to get your haircut, although I'm happy I thought to ask you how you wanted it cut - even if you did decide on short!

Nephew Blanket

2010-09-20T08:38:00.003+10:00

I've been gushing all over twitter about this, so apologies if you've heard this story before. But I am just a little bit excited about finishing this, my first crochet project. It's only taken about 7 months, but as far as yarn projects and me go that's not a bad record.

The nephew and I had a bonding moment over crochet on new years eve this year. He's 5. It was special. At the time I was crocheting just for the sake of it because I was enjoying it, but I couldn't settle on a project.

But when you bond with your 5 year old nephew over crochet how can you not immediately start crocheting something.

It was a good decision, he loves it. Immediately snuggled it and asked if he could sleep under it that night. Then later told his Mum that it smells like me (in a good way I pressume). Bless.

Project details:
- Bendigo luxury 8 ply in ice blue and denim 4 x 200g balls.
- A random assortment of granny squares crocheted together as I went
- Lap blanket size, perfect for a kid, but also do-able for an adult

Happy 5th Birthday

2010-09-12T22:30:00.004+10:00

I've never done a blog birthday post - well not that I can recall. But, this year this little blog turned 5. Yep, five. I celebrated by heading off on a craft weekend with some amazing, inspiring, clever and down right hilarious crafty women.

I'm pretty amazed that I've been blogging for five years. It's great to look back and see the new skills I've learned - and the craft I've attempted that I never thought I would 'get' (hello crochet). And that's all my blog was ever supposed to be - a way to keep track.

Anyway I won't go on and on but during the five years the best and most surprising thing I've got from my blog is a connection with you. I think my thoughts posted here at Whip Up sum it up pretty well.

The Art of Choosing Your Audience

2010-08-17T22:44:00.004+10:00

Recently I posted about my uncertainty about giving handmade gifts and the reception they might attract. I received some fabulous feedback, insightful commentry and lots of cyber hugs. It was swell.

But I've moved on. My best audience is right in front of me and there is no better recipient of a handmade gift than a nearly 3 year old Smurf.

He pestered these mittens right off the needles.

Then wore his new hat around all afternoon despite being inside on a rainy day and then insisted it replace his much cherished pink beanie (also a well received knit) on daily outings.

Stats:
Hat - like these
Mittens - fudged by me and based on 'Later Gator Mitten' measurements in Stitch n Bitch Nation

Book Pimp

2010-08-07T23:28:00.000+10:00

I'm a book pimp. Seriously. Mostly it's this book. I know I've told you about it before, but I can't help myself. I'm gaining quite a reputation among my friends. I make bread for them when they come over for dinner. Then I blab on and on about it's virtues and thrust the book into their hands as they leave, to take home and try out for themselves.

But they all love it.

So, yeah, book pimp -but the good kind OK.

On the Ways of the Op Shop

2010-08-01T22:48:00.007+10:00

Did I tell you the one about how good the Op Shop Gods have already been to me in Canberra?

I mostly gave up op shopping in Sydney, other than occassionally popping in, with no expectations, to my local Vinnies and the Tempe tip.

Op shopping wasn't exactly on my mind when we moved to Canberra...until we discovered that when you wear coats every day a coat rack is in order*. So, I began stalking my old hunting grounds only to find they are as fertile as I remembered (we've lived here before).

It's been mostly about the usual discoveries. I found clothes - great clothes, the (plastic) tins above (hello $2 for the set), a gorgeous vintage Mikasa plate and various smurfy treasures.

But how about a knitting machine,

complete with ribber** and

knit radar***

In immaculate complete condition, about 26 punch cards****, full instruction booklets,

machine knitting newsletter from 1973 - still in original addressed envelopes and a wool winder for oh, gee say $40?

And I'm not even keeping it (but I am keeping the wool winder). I conspired with my now-machine-knitting-obsessed partner in knitting machine hunting. And I couldn't be happier to live vicariously through her adventures. Besides, while dragging Mum about on my crazy KM adventures, she revealed to me that I in fact have a knitting machine (it belonged to Sadie). Whoop!

Op Shop Gods I kneal down before you and give thanks.

*Still waiting to find the right coat rack
**Didn't know what that was before the KM adventure
***That either
****Nup nor that. Lucky my partner got straight into obsessive research and could enlighten me.

Oh, there you are...

2010-07-14T21:16:00.010+10:00

Whoops, dropped off a bit there what with the moving interstate (again), lack of internet access, work travel, guests and well....no craft to report in about. I also got my twitter on - much to my own surprise - and so have been hanging out over there instead of here (www.twitter.com/sadieandlance - come say hi?).

So understandably my interest in blogging is a little, well, blocked. So I'll just dump some random thoughts...

I have been knitting the Smurf some mittens. It was an instant requirement after moving to a cold city during a ridiculous cold snap in the depths of winter. Obviously he requested pink, but with the stash in boxes he is making do with the burnt orange yarn found in the first box at hand.

Thanks for all your kind words of support in this post. I do tend to be hyper concerned about giving my craft away and I know I should just let up on that a bit. I'm sure the gift was appeciated.

Homemade bagels are the best ever homemade bread experience. I followed this recipe as recommended by 13 Mimosa, although I did have a different recipe with more ingredients book bookmarked for a while. I can't recommend homemade bagels highly enough. Please, try them soon.

The Sunday CraftRoom was fabulous. Lots of lovely crafty women, inspiring craft, amazing food, great conversation as always.

The house we're renting is full of gorgeous original features which we are so in love with.

The house also comes with 2 enormous well established veggie patches. I've already started weeding and studying Stephanie's Kitchen Garden Companion and I'm ready to do some planting.

I'm itching to craft but need to unpack the spare room (which includes my craft "room").

Hope to be back sooner next time with some actual craft.

A weekend of craft indulgence

2010-06-14T22:05:00.008+10:00

Photos courtesy of our resident photographer, Tutti Fruiti

Just a sample...1. hub of activity, 2. B + C, 3. J working on her liberty blouse, 4. F cutting out her bag pieces, 5. J + B, 6. Time to leave, 7. New hood, 8. bubbles, 9. happy hour

A whole weekend
For pure crafting pleasure
Great friends
Fantastic food
The best styled cheese platters ever seen by anyone
Personal sewing instructors - there were two of them!
Lots of laughing
Great company

I managed (with the aid of my personal instructors) a fully lined, hooded jacket (pattern: Ottobre 2007/3 Summer Hooded Jacket - sewn in mid weight cotton, lined with flanelette)

complete with pink sleeve lining (a special secret surprise for my little pink loving Smurf)

Some PJ pants using Curly Pops ace 70's pants pattern

As well as some knitting, crochet, a softie and a still to be tinkered with top for me - oh and a delicious dinner (if I do say so myself).

Can't wait for the next one.

You're Getting Good at Sewing

2010-05-20T22:34:00.005+10:00

I don't give many homemade presents beyond my strict, and very well defined, list of people who understand the meaning of - and appreciate - a handmade gift. I know you understand what I'm saying. I'm particularly critical of my skills and have been known to knit and finish an entire baby cardigan only to put it away in a box because it's not perfect enough.

The majority of people I know are on the exclusion list. It's not that they're not nice people and don't deserve receiving handmade (actually some of them are on the list because through past behaviour I know they don't deserve handmade), it's mostly that I'm embarrassed of my level of skill and not sure how it will go down.

I'm less concerned about gifting handmade to kids, especially if they're related to me in some way. I've made a few things for the nephews, but mostly kept them small.

So for one of the newphew's 3rd birthdays last week I thought I'd do a backpack. I'd fudged my way through making one recently without a pattern, but this time I used the Made by Rae one, and it's pretty much exactly what I'd already figured out - but with nice instructions and good measurements.

I was pretty excited by it. I think a backpack is not a bad present for a three year old. The Smurf is not far off three and he loves carting his wordly posessions around with him. He loves his backpacks.

I decided to line the backpack and add some side pockets - which aren't included in the MBR pattern. But they're very simple to do.

I was pretty chuffed with the outcome (although I'll remember to snip stray threads before taking photos next time).

The three year old loved it and the Smurf has demanded an exact copy of his own.

But what do I make of the comment "you're getting really good at this"?

I know it was meant nicely, but I'm a bit confused.

Was I right to be embarrassed of earlier presents? Am I shit and maybe getting better? Is it a "keep up the good work, you'll get there one day" kinda thing?

Or, is it a wow you're not that bad at this, in future I needn't be so concerned about whether you'll make some kind of twee looking piece of crap and wish that you'd just do the normal thing and buy something like everyone else."

What do you think? Am I paranoid? Do you have an exclusion list? Or do you merrily make and give and to hell with what they think - at least it's not another piece of plastic fantastic!

Good times with Sadie

2010-05-13T22:40:00.003+10:00

Sadie's been visiting, and when Grandma visits there's usually some kind of special little something pressed into my hand with a glint in her eye and an "I know you'll appreciate this, no one else is interested in a 60 year old knitting needle/old spoon/old book of crochet patterns (insert crafty thing here)".

And she's right, I am always in awe of that little piece of Grandma she shares with me. I treasure my spoon and every other little amazing treasure she has pressed into my hand over the years.

The treasure this time was different. It came in a bag! There was no sweet pressing into my hand, (actually there was one very, very special thing, but I'll tell you about that another time) no this time the bag was ceremoniously tipped on to the bench to reveal all manner of baking related GOODNESS!

Beautiful, faded old bottles of food colouring (maybe 40 years old or so) with amazing labels, artificial flavourings in incredible little bottles that look like old medicine bottles, an entire collection of piping nozzles of every shape and size, boxes of vintage birthday cake candles in the orignal boxes, un-opened - photos all to come.

But the piece de resistance, words-cannot-describe-how-amazing, was the handcarved, hand decorated "Old Time Train Set Candle Holder" - in ORGINAL box, thank you very much (see above photo).

Of course no visit from Sadie is complete without me pestering her for some tutorials on her secret recipes she's famed for in our family. This time round we did Chocolate Eclairs (I'm no longer a choux pastry virgin) and gem scones.

And I love that the Smurf is just as excited about the baking tutorials as I am.

An Autumn Sunday Morning

2010-05-02T22:22:00.003+10:00

A perfect Autumn Sunday morning; a tea party picnic on the lounge room floor, reading the cupcake book, while eating delicious handmade marshmallows.

And getting a little excited pouring the little cup of tea.

Followed by coffee with friends and kicking the footy in the park and mushroom soup for lunch and later building ridiculous Mad Max inspired duplo trucks.

Perfect.

Lady Marmalade

2010-04-30T00:05:00.003+10:00

I am on a bit of a preserve kick. I'm keen to learn more about the art of making relishes, chutneys etc beyond my experience of chilli jam and tomato relish - as delicious as they are. I've kicked off my adventures with the lovely Sayraphim's Orange Onion Marmalade.

I love blog land; Sayraphim posted her Onion Marmalade recipe just cause I asked nicely. How great is that. And I'm so glad I asked, this stuff is good - savoury and tangy and a little bit sweet all at the same time. I had it on a piece of pan fried pork with roast veggies tonight and it worked a treat.

I used red wine vinegar instead of white and I used what I thought would equate to 10 onions given I had some super large ones on hand. Whatever, I think this is one of those recipes that will just work.

Did I mention I love blog land? A few years ago I made friends with a rocking lady over a swap of chilli jam for pesto. We'd never met properly - you know in real life - we'd only read and commented on each others blogs. We swapped our jars via the post and I now count her as a very good friend. How cool is that.

Now, what jarred goodness do you suggest I try next?

Weekend Twirling

2010-04-10T22:24:00.001+10:00

It's all about the twirling, and farmers markets and hanging in the park with some of my favourite people.

Bunny Hunting

2010-04-04T20:42:00.003+10:00

Armed with the scrap box and a super easy pattern (found here), these bunnies bred like rabbits just in time for the Easter weekend.

They were so simple it was hard to restrain myself. I made a batch for all the nephews (only nephews here so far) and then I kept going to supply a bunch of toys drops.

After just one evening of sewing, I ended up with 16 bunnies in total, so I handed out a few to family to do their own drops.

The newphews' bunnies were buddied up with a couple of homemade chocolate lollipops and a sensational little ceramic egg decorating kit packaged in egg cartons. The bunnies were a huge hit with the nephews, which was a relief. One was even named lollipop and everyone took them to bed.

The Toy Society bunnies will appear over there during the week.

Toddler Distracting 101 - Freckles

2010-03-18T22:43:00.005+11:00

Here, my friends, lies the secret to distracting a toddler - homemade Freckles. It's a winner two times over - the making and the eating. But you've all done this one before, haven't you.

Step 1:

Melt some chocolate. There's no science to this, if you melt more chocolate you get more freckles. Feel free to use some expensive couverture chocolate if your toddler appreciates the finer things in life.

Step 2:

Spoon the melted chocolate on a tray lined with baking paper. If you're brave, let the toddler do it. If you're a little more on the anal side, let the toddler watch and then start on the next step while you keep dolloping chocolate on the tray.

Step 3:

Toddler's turn. Let them loose with a spoon and a little bowl of sprinkles. They can sprinkle until their heart's content.

Leave them on the tray to set - or put them in the fridge if the ~~toddler~~ you're impatient.

Step 4:

Eat and enjoy the peace, or use for bribes as required, whatever you need to get you through the day.

Weekends are fun

2010-02-28T21:17:00.002+11:00

Yep, weekends are fun and kinda hilarious.

When there are egg whites

2010-02-21T22:02:00.004+11:00

Make meringues! My freezer is full of egg whites at the moment, courtesy of the fun we're having with the new icecream maker I got for Christmas. My standby (and the laziest) recipe calls for 4 eggs yolks (and 1/3 cup sugar, vanilla, 200mls cream, 200mls milk) , so I carefully separate the eggs and put the whites away in the freezer - in pairs.

We did a little casual BBQ-ing today which was the perfect occasion to reduce the egg white supply. It was also a perfect occasion to test out my piping skills, which I'm quite pleased with.

It was also the perfect occasion to give the three tiered vintage cake stand a whirl.

And because it had three tiers and I had two types of meringue (fairy and plain) a tier of white chocolate, almond blondies was required. Shame about that. Good gawd those things are awfully delicious.

The stand was hiding away, flat, in my Mum's cupboard because it was missing the piece that screws the bottom layer into the stand and holds the thing together. She'd had it for years and apparently it was my Uncles' Mums', but she didn't want it anymore. I just visited the hardware shop where the helpful man opened about 15 little packets of screws before finding one that fit.

And now we can have 3 tiers of cake. And a tupperware container full of left over meringues and blondies. Lucky us.

On Comments

2010-02-20T14:56:00.004+11:00

Argh. I'm cranky. Have you commented on my blog lately? Been greeted by the annoying JS Kit comments system? Sorry about that. You see a few years ago I uploaded the Haloscan comments system to my blog. It was free, simple, stable and allowed me to reply to people by email. It really was the perfect commenting system for a craft blog - at a time when blogger didn't attribute email addresses to profiles.

Last year Haloscan was bought out by JS Kit who recently decided to lay Haloscan to rest - without any consultation of their users. They gave little warning, no useful way to import existing comments into blogger and therefore no real options other than to sign up to their paid (and lousy) JS Kit service - or lose all comments from your blog. Nice huh.

I've always hated commenting on blogs with JS Kit, I found it clunky and annoying.

But, faced with the possibility of having no historical comments on my blog or paying for a service I hate, I've chosen the service I hate. When I started this blog I did so for me, as a way to keep track of my crafty pursuits, projects tried, failures and fun. That's all, just for me. But some lovely people have dropped by over the years (PS did you know my blog is....GASP...5 years old this year!) and left some nice comments and well I don't want to lose that history - and ahem ego boost.

So, I'm desperately sorry for subjecting you to the shyte that is JS Kit. I am holding out in hope that the community comes up with a fix for loading comments into blogger. If you hear of anything, let me know.

Now I'm off to cheer myself up by making some banana icecream, meringues, falafel, beef kofta, hommus and tabbouleh for a BBQ tomorrow.

For me

2010-02-14T22:25:00.004+11:00

It's been stinking hot with humidity here lately. It's just the usual February stuff, but I'm not a fan of feeling wet all day, so I complain. And today I made a dress. It's been on my to sew list for months. Two rectangles of fine cotton gingham; lined with a handy combo of white cotton and medium red gingham; lines of shirring at the top; re-enforced; then side seams overlocked together and then re-enforced again.

A couple of those pesky lines of shirring popped out of their re-re-enforced seams, so a bit of make-it-up-as-you-go sewing complete with profanities and feet stomping ensued.

The end product is a dress I can wear on hot days, especially when I get home from work and want to step into as little as possible, but still appear decent just in case the neighbours cop an eyeful while I'm hanging the washing on the line. Works well sans bra too, but that's just for me and the neighbours to see, sorry.

The Smurf took it upon himself to sneak into the photos and copy my pose. He appeared just after this one with his bike too. Little tiger.

A Long Time Ago

2010-02-07T07:01:00.000+11:00

I made a little plan. Look at the date on that link, seriously that was a long time ago for fabric - cut and interfaced - to sit waiting for attention. Finally, I found the love and overcame my self-imposed concern about how to actually put the thing together.

I know, I know I could have just bought a pattern, or checked the information super highway for free tutorials, but I like the thrill of trying to figure stuff out, okay.

So, I finally figured it out and I've got to say I'm in love with this little backpack, and The Smurf is too. He wants to cram all his worldly possessions in there (other than his harmonica and lollipop, of course), note to self use heavier interfacing next time to accommodate the resident book worm and his many books.

The Three Bears fabric was from RetroMummy (bought in early 2008) and the lining a simple cotton. You can see the pattern pieces here - just a drawing. It was all very straight forward.

Next time, of yes there will be a next time, I'll add some elastic to the edges of the side pockets, an internal zip pocket and will line it a little differently. Just saying that here so I remember when I try another one.

Playing with Vinyl a tutorial.

2010-02-02T07:21:00.000+11:00

New school adventures - for the nephew, not the Smurf and excitement levels are, apparently, at absolute fever pitch. It was certainly time for him to venture a little further from the nest and embark on the school adventure. I thought I'd aid him in his adventure with a pencil case with his name on it.

It went down a treat. I felt like a bit of a fraud; the whole thing was deceptively easy. That fear I'd been holding on to of sewing with vinyl - needles snapping, machine munching vinyl, stitches slipping - was completely unfounded. The project took 30 minutes from go to woe.

So, go try it yourself:

You need vinyl, a zip, scissors, sewing machine

1. Cut out 2 matching rectangles of vinyl for the outside of your pencil case. Make the longest edge slightly longer than your zip. These will be the sides of the pencil case.

2. Trace your letters onto the back of vinyl scraps or small pieces, I just used a felt tip pen. Remember to reverse the letters. I used the letter templates in this Beeper Bebe project by the very talented Holly.

3. Cut the letters out and arrange them on one of the large rectangles. Play around with the placement until you are happy. Starting with the first letter, carefully hold it in place (don't pin) and using a zigzag stitch sew to the rectangle. Repeat with each letter.

4. Using a zipper foot and with right sides facing sew one side of your zip to the top edge of your rectangle. Repeat with the other side of your zip and other rectangle. Here's a good zipper tutorial if you're scared of zippers, it's OK I once was too!

5. On the right side, of each rectangle top stitch your zipper seam.

5. With rights sides of your rectangles facing, sew the remaining three sides together (see that tutorial up there in point 4 if your not sure how to do this).

6. Using pinking shears, trim the excess. Trim diagonally across each corner, being careful not to snip the seams. If you don't have pinking shears, use an edging stitch to sew around the edge of the three sides you just sewed.

7. Turn your pencil case right side out, poke the corners out well. And you're ready for some fancy pants new pencils to put in that case.

Pockets

2010-01-31T20:26:00.004+11:00

Turns out pockets aren't just necessary for keeping your money safe, they're also convenient for holding your lollipop and stashing your harmonica. Yes, I will trim those two rogue threads.

Who Wears Short Shorts?

2010-01-23T23:27:00.005+11:00

It's hard enough to get a decent clear shot of a toddler.
It's even harder when the toddler has been busy touching up the camera lense.

They say the quickest way to a mans' heart is through his stomach. I say the quickest way to a crafty Mums' heart is to insist that the new shorts made by Mum must be worn right away. And then, later after your bath and while wearing pyjamas, you should endlessly flash your new shorts in front of the web cam so your friends on Skype can see them before insisting you change out of your PJs and into the shorts and model them for all to see.

Shorts adapted from an Ottobre pattern; "frog pants" I believe they were called. But really other than using the size as a guide for cutting, very little else was followed as I chickened out on the fly flap, did my own waistband and pockets (the Smurf's love for money means shorts without pockets are not acceptable attire) and left out the weird longer pants part. They have been sitting without the waistband for months so it was nice to get them finished ready for the impromptu Skype fashion parade tonight.

Happy New Year

2010-01-16T22:48:00.005+11:00

I've enjoyed my blogging break. Have been keen to come back here but there was so much fun, food and festiveness over the break that I wasn't sure where to start. Instead, I'm sharing some highlights in mosaic form.

1. Chow Down, One piece of meat at a time.
2. Hey You, The New Police
3. Pudding Time, Sadie's recipe this year, Yummo. Success and made with Grandma's pudding cloth this year.
4. Smurfs!, for the Smurf
5. Beach, it's where the sun, surf and sand are
6. A pub with a view, Best view from a pub on the East Coast. Apart from that bin. And it's like stepping back in time. Shame it's falling apart and destined for "development".
7. Sydney Sky January 8 2010, Hello sky from our backyard.
8. Keyboard Playing Cowboy, The title speaks for itself. The Smurf requested a Cowboy Hat, a Cowboy Shirt and a pink car from Santa. Santa's workshop struggled with the pink car, but eventually managed to make all toys according to order.
9. New Bikes,
10. New Bike,
11. For Santa, Salt and Vinegar Chips, Beer and a carrot (teeny homegrown) and water for Rudolph. Just like it was when I was a girl.
12. Gingerbread House - First ever, So happy with this, despite the wonk. I've been wanting to make one of these for years but always worried about the humid weather. Don't know why I waited so long!
13. Gingerbread House - First ever,
14. Gingerbread House - it's where the biccie boys live,
15. Wrapped, We downloaded wraps and gift tags this year. It was the best. Thank you Auntie Cookie and freebie gift tags (can't remember your link).
16. Summer Salad 3 ways Before, After being vego for almost a decade there are always multiple salads on our table at a BBQ.
17. Summer Salad 3 ways After,
18. Time to Celebrate, A special celebration for a special friend with a craft day spent under the frangipani tree sipping champagne.
19. So funny Time to down needles and cut the cake birthday girl.
20. The Toy Society my Toy Society Christmas Drop; 10 toys on a tree!
21. The Toy Society
22. The Toy Society - someone finding!
23. The Toy Society - Back 2 hours later and they were all gone.
24. The Toy Society - a finder with her new toy on a trip to the zoo.
25. A Picnic Quilt Built for Two.

And on resolutions, like most I don't do them - as such - but you know, be more .... fill in your blank here.

Hots and Not

2009-12-23T07:29:00.000+11:00

Look. Up there. It's Rudolph! That's what I was greeted with when I picked the Smurf up from childcare. Had to sweep that pudding bowl fringe away to get to the antlers. Love it. That's Hot.

More Christmas baking, more royal icing. SO hot. I'm all about royal icing now - after fearing it for ever.

Outings to see Christmas things. Hot.

Christmas windows! Hooray. That's hot.

More Hots (and nots) over at Loobylu's.

Merry Christmas! Hope Santa finds you, and for the record he likes Murphy's Stout and salt and vinegar chips. You heard it here first.

Wreath

2009-12-18T09:37:00.001+11:00

Fabric scraps, old wire coathanger, cloth tape, ribbon, felt, embroidery floss. Just like in the old days when you made a wreath at school with recycled plastic bags!

Hots and Not

2009-12-15T21:58:00.004+11:00

I'm playing Loobylu's game again.

What's Hot?

Christmas is hot! This year is the first year The Smurf really gets Christmas and we've been having great fun around here teaching him all about Christmas.

Christmas Tree Ice cream Sandwiches for dessert and my first go at royal icing! Success.

Wonky homemade Christmas Advent

The Smurf getting up every morning to check the advent calendar. Every morning he squeals with delight "Christmas time Christmas time!" "I have a lolly?". Then he gets his advent card out for the day and when asked what it says, he tells us "Christmas Card".

First ever homemade mince tarts. First time ever baking, first time ever eating. I leaned on some locals for their input. Approved, apparently!

Christmas Parties in the backyard (and see first photo, which was some time after the photo above!). Good friends, good food, fun times. The most amazing Christmas Ham, 3 kinds of salad, mango salsa (which I forgot to put on the table!), prawns wrapped with pesto and proscuitto. Double chocolate tart and icecream for dessert with fruit mince tart chasers! And a jar of homemade chilli tomato jam for everyone to take home.

Decorating the Christmas Tree.

Enjoying the aroma of the fresh Christmas Tree and lights and decorations.

Backyard cricket in your undies (The Smurf) with the main blokes in your life.

That's all, no nots this week.

Production Line Baking

2009-12-01T10:59:00.004+11:00

Like Fran, I'm not one for production line sewing. But, production line baking, well I quite enjoy that.

All the rolling and cutting

The endless trays in and out of the oven to bake and cool.

The packaging, ooo the packaging that was actually quite fun.

And the end result, to make my little sister and her husband's 30th bday party that little bit more memorable.

Spy Bear!

2009-11-21T14:39:00.006+11:00

Meet Spy Bear, a little character a friend of mine designed a long time ago (possibly in a land far, far way). He spent hours turning Spy Bear into an animation. We had some sort of exchange where by he painted us a yeti (I think) and I brought Spy Bear to softie life. It was many years ago and the details are a little fuzzy. I have been thinking about Spy Bear a lot lately so I dug out the pattern I made.

The details were important. Hat, eye patch, and

y-fronts.

The face details are taken from the sketch Adam did over drinks on his balcony one summer.

And the eye patch can be removed...poor little guy has to wear an eye patch cause of his sight problems.

His hat can be taken off in hot weather...thank goodness because summer has arrived early.

Oh look, Spy Bear's a nudist!

The Smurf has claimed this Spy Bear as his own, in an hilarious discovery overheard from another room. Spy Bear lying on dining table, spotted by Smurf "I seeit"....smurf climbs on chair..."ooo pirate!"..."Smurf's pirate"..."I keep it" and it's accompanied him since. But I'll be making more of these for my Toy Society Christmas toy drops.

Hots and Nots

2009-11-18T08:47:00.003+11:00

I'm playing Loobylu's What's Hot and Not meme....

Hot:

Using up fabric scraps sent by a blog friend to make a new medication pouch (photo above).

Friends for impromptu beers on a Sunday arvo.

Real Leb Lamb Kebabs. Yum! I thought I'd found the secret to recreating kebabs at home, but this seems to be a step closer again, and with added authenticity. I'm loving this blog and hoping to snag a ticket to one of his secret dinners...if he keeps doing them?

Swimming! The Smurf is LOVING swimming at the moment, especially lessons. He would, if allowed, swim around under water the entire time. And what's even hotter? He can swim (with a back bubble) without anyone holding on to him. Yep. Bursting with pride you ask? Why yes, I am!

Re-usable swimming nappies. Those little disposable buggers are bloody expensive. The re-usable one lasts until the Smurf grows out of it and costs about the same price as 2 packs of disposable swimming nappies. Although I have heard that you can hang the disposable ones on the line to dry and get 1 re-use out of them.

NOT:

~~Little shits~~ Naughty kids (apparently someone thinks I'm "anti family" for using the term little shits) at the shopping centre. One in particular - I'm generally OK with the vast majority of ~~little shits~~ naughty kids. This particular one, 3-ish years old, stood in front of me while I waited for my coffee, looked up at me, then looked down at my shoe and promptly stomped on it. WTF? I just kinda gasped in horror and looked around but no one else saw it happen. Weird!

On knit one, knit one, knit one

2009-11-17T15:37:00.006+11:00

In un-me like fashion I finished this little number well in advance of the arrival of my latest nephew. I even had time to make very considered choices about buttons. It was delightful to be able to prance about the button shop getting the assistant's opinion and not feeling pressured to purchase the first button that seemed suitable because they needed to be sewn on in the car on the way to meet the bundle of joy (don't ask).

I bought three different types and settled on the first choice in the end anyway. The colour's a bit weird in that photo up there, but in real life the combo works. No, really it does.

The cardy is a Debbie Bliss pattern, garter stitch and knit in one piece (the only way to go I'm convinced). The wool is divine Grignasco Bambini. Most of the knitting was completed in the car.

OK, ready to cast on the next one. I think I'm going to buy some Bendy wool this time...to match the buttons of course. I've got another nephew/neice arriving in January so I can now knit a cardy to go with the remaining buttons.

What's Hot and What's Not

2009-11-12T14:42:00.010+11:00

This is supposed to be a Wednesday thing, but I was doing a whole lot of hot stuff yesterday so here I am now, Thursday night.

Hot:
Driving up the Blue Mountains (to pick Sadie* up) with the windows down listening to the Bell Birds singing

Sadie coming to stay and hang out with the Smurf for a couple of days. The Smurf has a Great Grandma who can (for at least a short time) sit on the floor and play trains with him. Now, THAT is hot.

Sadie bringing a new, simple knitting pattern for me (and her) to try. Approved! On the to-knit list. See photo above.

Making Sadie's Christmas pudding - with Sadie - and using her original pudding cloth. And this year the Smurf is old enough to have a turn stirring the pud. That's hot too.

Shopping for special treats with Sadie.

The best cold icecream on a warm day.

The first strawberry getting ripe. You can follow the progress on my Flickr!

Craft get togethers.

What's Not
Idiots on the road
That's all I've got for the nots right now.

I started this post this afternoon when we first started creaming the butter and sugar for the pudding. The puddings are hung now. Hope they worked.

* Sadie is my Grandma and, obviously, namesake of this blog

Make It Merry

2009-11-12T09:18:00.005+11:00

My Christmas Tree Bunting has been added to this week's 'Make it Merry' Christmas (and Thanksgiving) craft collection. So you might find some inspiration here to get you cracking on your Christmas planning. Bit early for you? Use delicious to boomark the links so you can come back, that's what I do. Of course, my delicious is full to overflowing with ideas and inspiration that I haven't quite got to yet!

*******************************************************************************
Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.

Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? Showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Tutorial: Christmas Tree Bunting

2009-11-08T16:10:00.002+11:00

As promised yesterday, here's how I made my christmas tree bunting.

Materials:
Fabric scraps the type of fabric doesn't matter.
Backing fabric, I used green flannelette, but you could use anything you like.
Bias binding approximately 2 metres will accommodate 10 trees.
Pinking shears, scissors, tailors chalk, sewing machine, thread etc

Step 1: Choose your shape, I've used the one on the right.

Draw your tree shape on card and cut out. Or download the simple template (tree on left) here or the template for the tree on the right here. Print on card (although normal paper would be fine if you don't have card) and cut out.

You can re-size the template to make smaller or larger trees.

Step 2: Collect your fabrics

I used mostly scraps and a little bit from the stash, loosely following a green theme.

Step 3: Start making your trees. With wrong sides facing, lay the fabric for your first tree on top of the backing fabric.

Pin in the template in place on top of your fabric. Starting at the base of the "trunk", sew around the edge following the template. Don't forget to secure your sewing with a couple of back stitches at the beginning and end, this will ensure your tree stays together.

Instead of pinning you could trace around the template with a disappearing marker and then pin the layers together and sew.

Using pinking shears - or, if you don't have them, normal scissors - trim around your tree. Be careful not to cut into the stitches.

The front looks like this:

The back looks like this:

Continue making trees until you have enough to fill your length of bias binding. I made 10.

Step 4: Assemble your trees on the binding.

Start by laying your binding out to it's full length ( like on your bed or on the floor). Arrange your trees along the binding to ensure you get the right spacings. Rearrange as needed to make the colours work for you. Make sure there is enough length at either end to hang the bunting.

When you're happy with the order and space, use tailors chalk or a disappearing marker, to mark a little cross on the binding to show where each tree will hang from.

Pile your trees up in order and take your binding and trees to the sewing machine.

Use thread matching your binding and a large, wide zig-zag stitch start at one end and stitch the binding together. Pause just before the first chalk marking and tuck the top of the first tree inside the binding. Make sure the tree is flat and sitting straight so that it will hang properly when you're finished. Shorten the stitch length on your machine. Continue sewing along the binding making sure you catch the top of the tree. Once the tree is attached, lengthen the stitch length again.

Shortening the stitches where the tree attaches to the binding ensures there are enough stitches to hold onto the tree. You don't have to do this, you can use a shorter stitch length the whole way, I just like the way the big zig-zag stitches look across the bunting.

Continue in this way until all trees are attached to the binding.

Tie a knot in the binding at each end of the bunting.

Hang on the wall.

Although you might want to wait until a little closer to Christmas before hanging.

If you make these, please post a comment or email me to let me know, I'd love to see them!

Christmas Bunting

2009-11-06T23:45:00.007+11:00

I've never outed myself as just not being that into bunting. Shock horror! I know you're all into bunting, and while I can appreciate your bunting I just would never put it in my house. But as you know I'm on a Christmas kick at the moment and so Christmas bunting, well that is okay.

So, here we have some Christmas bunting that I made this week, ready to be hung on December 1st - or somewhere around then and before we have our christmas party (ies) this year.

But not before then. Because Mr S+L kinda freaked out when I hung it on the wall to photograph it. "It's nice", he said. "But you can't leave it on the wall yet?" he asked.

Christmas Bunting tutorial available tomorrow!

Christmas Thinkings

2009-11-03T14:06:00.007+11:00

I'm making Christmas plans in my head and getting a little excited about things. This year will be the first year the Smurf really gets Christmas. Plus, last year we were in transit and didn't have our stuff, so it feels nice to be thinking about where to hang our christmas decorations.

I'm ahead of myself a little as usually I don't start thinking and doing until the week or two before Christmas Day.

Our supply of homemade decorations has been building over the years, but this year I have plans to boost the supply somewhat. As you can see above, we're well sorted for stockings, so this year homemade plans include:

Advent calendar, and lots of fun things to put in for daily discoveries. Do you have any things you put in your calendar that are popular at your place?
Soft toy Christmas trees to go on the "mantle"
Christmas Cards - a different design this year though, what do you think of a "bauble" sewn on to the card with a big cross through it?
An assortment of baked goodness Pudding, cake, biscuits (see gingerbread men below), sweets, neenish tarts, maybe some jam and infused oils
Some new red work decorations for the tree - although maybe I'll use green this year? Green work. Doesn't quite have the same ring to it
A wreath for the front door
A handmade christmas present for the Smurf
Oh and a bunch of toys for The Toy Society's World Wide Christmas Drop! I've got some special plans for that one. Have you signed up yet?

OK, now let's see if that keeps me accountable. Oh and did I tell you I'm a sucker for over-filling my to do lists?

Weekend

2009-10-25T22:36:00.007+11:00

1. Swimming, paddling independently (with back bubble)
2. 2 year old's salad dressing,
3. Cheese cloth for cheese,
4. Milk for Ricotta, see here because you really must do this.
5. Ricotta, almost ready
6. Ricotta straining,
7. Friends for dinner,
8. Redwork Friendship Quilt launched. Congratulations Kirsty.
9. Pyrex - $1.50 for two dishes (I'll share my secret if you ask nicely - it delivers cheap vintage tupperware too)

More Hats - and a better way to finish

2009-10-19T23:04:00.003+11:00

Yes, yet another hat. Perfect for sipping (baby) cino in the window of your favourite local cafe.

As promised, an explanation of the very simple work around on the "Lazy Day Hat" pattern. The final part of the pattern asks you to unpick the seam in the band to turn the hat right way out. You then hand sew that seam back together. Of course this is perfectly fine, but personally I find the finished seam a bit messy this way - but maybe that's more to do with my hand sewing than the pattern?

Anyway, instead of unpicking the seam, just leave a gap when you attach the brim to the band and turn the hat through the gap. (look Ms Fruiti - pins!)

Then just carefully tuck the raw edges under and top stitch all the way around the seam joining the brim and band, making sure you close the gap.

Are you making hats?

Personalised Kids Bday Party - Lolly bags

2009-10-17T10:53:00.001+11:00

A little bit more to share from the party. This time the consumables in the lolly bag, Biccie Boys and the actual lollies.

I didn't want to fill the lolly bag with rubbish, but at the same time I didn't want to deprive the kids (um parents?) of their fill of yum. So, I figured the Smurf's favs would be easy and a few lollies for the kids old enough to eat them.

I thought that having the consumables in little bags would help the kids feel like there was more to the lolly bag experience.

The bags were bought many moons ago probably from Spotlight or Lincraft. The stickers were a cinch. Just print your sticker onto label paper, cut, peel and stick. Download my templates here or use your software program of choice to lay your stickers out.

Next up, homemade colouring books.

Personalised Kids Bday Party - Homemade Stickers!

2009-10-15T23:20:00.004+11:00

Thanks for all the party love on the Happy Smurfday post. As promised I wanted to share some of the easy ways I personalised the party. Don't freak out, I'm by no means recommending some crazy arse approach to hosting your next kiddie bday bash, oh no. I'm more of a half-arse approach lady so never fear this will be easy peasy.

So, the stickers. These went into the "lolly" bags and as labels on the pencil packs.

There are two ways you can do these at home, with a Xyron Sticker Machine or label paper. I used my handy dandy little Xyron machine, which I bought years ago and have never really used for anything other than playing around. You can pick them up at Lincraft for $12.99 (complete with sticker paper cartridge).

You also need:

- Images for your stickers. You can download my sticker templates here.
- paper to print your stickers on, high gloss photo paper if using the sticker machine, or label paper.
- scissors - or a circle cutter - to cut your stickers out
- baking paper if you're not using a sticker machine

1. Layout and print your Stickers
Use whichever software you are comfortable with to layout the graphics you want to make into stickers. I'm a simpleton and use word. Gasp!

I used the same vintage embroidery pattern I used for the invites and coloured the image in using the "paint" program on my laptop. I then resized the image and imported it into word along with some free icons. I also added a sticker with the name of each kid.

Or, to save time, just download my template here.

If you're using the sticker machine, print onto the high gloss photo paper - I find this gives a more durable and shiney finished sticker that looks "more like a sticker", but feel free to use paper of your choice.

If you're going with the label paper, print your stickers on there.

2. Cutting
Cut the stickers out taking care to be neat. Check the width of your sticker to make sure it will feed through the machine without touching the edges of the channel you feed the stickers through.

3. Get some sticky on your sticker.
For the sticker machine, feed your sticker in the gap on the top of the machine. This puts the sticker between the backing paper and the sticky layer.

At this point you don't need to be too careful about lining things up as you can peel the stickers and reapply them evenly along the backing paper once you've finished each batch.

Gently pull the sticker through the bottom end while you continue to carefully push the sticker through the top.

Tear off your sticker and rub, rub, rub.

This makes sure the sticky sticks to the back of the sticker.

For label paper, carefully peel the backing paper off your sticker and arrange on a strip of baking paper.

Da dah, homemade stickers!

Now, don't wait for the next birthday party, go make stickers! (Look out for the Lolly bag and Biccie Boy stickers next post)

The Not So Ridiculous Hat

2009-10-04T20:36:00.003+11:00

Remember the ridiculous fabric top hat? Well I remembered that the wheel - or fabric hat pattern - had already been invented and that I best just refer to that, so I had a go at the Lazy Day Hat pattern.

Turns out the wheel was a pretty good invention.

There is however a small part of the pattern I'm not so taken with, but I've worked around it nicely with the fourth hat (not pictured). I'll share the work around next week.

Happy Smurfday!

2009-09-27T14:52:00.010+10:00

September is party season round here, remember this time last year? Having done the invite all and sundry approach we did things on a smaller, more personal scale this year. It was fun and the Smurf was delighted to have so much cake in his life.

The intention was to loosely theme the party around colouring in. The invites* were sent with 2 coloured pencils.

It was great to receive rsvp text messages with pictures of the invite covered in scribbles.

The banner went up again, it's served well, and was perfect hanging in the frangipani tree in the backyard.

It was very windy, so we couldn't bring all the colouring activities outside but we dragged a whole bunch of the Smurf's toys into the backyard along with the cricket set, playdough, watering cans and assorted toys. Over time this turned out to be just about every toy we own as each toddler decided the lure of a different toy inside was too much.

We did set up the Smurf's play tent, only if you look here at this photo we suspect that it may now live somewhere off past the horizon after a wind gust stole it from our backyard. Lucky no skinny toddlers were sitting inside at the time.

The kids loved drawing on the paving with chalk.

I loved making the AWW Train cake. Toot Toot!

That AWW cake book was a well read book in our household when I was growing up. The Smurf has started reading it now too and he loved the train cake. The kids each chose what colour they wanted to eat. Generally I'm not really into all that food colouring, but this was fun!

I kept the food simple, but enough that people could feel like they'd eaten lunch if they weren't staying on for the BBQ/beer component covering Mr Sadieandlance's bday celebrations.

There were some Nigella cupcakes, this recipe is the best.

My favs were, as always, the lolly bags! I decided to go with reusable bags this year and hope they would later be used to carry food to kindy, keep precious car collections, colouring in supplies etc.

The bag was filled with the Smurf's favourite things

Homemade stickers

Homemade colouring books (inspired by LovelyDesign and Hey Bubbles)

Biccie boys (you already know they're the Smurf's favourite) and a small lolly bag.

It was a great day and I hear the kids loved the lolly bags. I had a blast putting it all together, and while it looks like it was a lot of work, each piece was very simple and I really enjoyed it. I'll post the templates for the stickers later this week.

*Images for invites from here

Super Smurf

2009-09-02T08:33:00.000+10:00

Thanks to Suzy, the Smurf should now be referred to only as Super Smurf.

Or Wall Climbing Super Smurf

Or Contemplating Super Smurf

Or Carrot Inspecting Super Smurf

Amazing the things you can get up to in your super hero cape.

Pattern care of Suzy. Quick, easy and stash busting.

Biccie Boys

2009-08-26T23:07:00.000+10:00

Apparently Gingerbread Men are now called Biccie Boys, well according to the Smurf. It was all I could do to keep a straight face when he shouted with delight "biccie boy" when handed a gingerbread man last week.

So, should you want to join in the biccie boy joy....

Honey Biccie Boys
125g butter, softened
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder

Preheat oven to 190 degrees

Using an electric mixer (or strong arm muscles and a wooden spoon) beat butter and sugar until light and creamy.

Add honey and vanilla and beat well.

Add egg and beat well.

Add flour and baking powder and mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Gently knead the dough until smooth.

Wrap the dough with plastic wrap and rest in the fridge for half an hour. At this point you can freeze half the dough for later if you want.

Once dough has rested, roll it out between two sheets of baking paper to about 5mm thick. Use your biccie boy cutter to cut your biscuits and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

Bake in the oven for 10 - 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Share your Biccie Boys with your friends!

2009-08-23T22:16:00.003+10:00

I went to that show. Bought some stuff. Felt inspired (in the incubator, just to clarify). Saw some mates, so many of my mates. Laughed at some craptastic "craft" stalls - shammy anyone? Kissed cheeks, fondled stock, hugged ladies. Won a prize. Watched a movie. Spent lots of time chatting. I even went to a "seminar". All in an afternoon. Good times.

It's almost that time of year again.

2009-08-15T22:54:00.000+10:00

It's almost that time of year again. I assure you, this year there will be no spread sheets - or gantt charts - and definetly not a guest list of 100. There has, however, been some practice cakes (stupid oven can't be trusted and must be tested) and I have been spending some time over here (thanks for the tip off Anna) alternating between feeling inspired / inferior / freaked out that people would go to so much trouble for a party (and wondering if people may want to eat something other than 15 types of cake at a party?).

Random Red

2009-08-12T22:31:00.003+10:00

My thoughts are a red and a little random at the moment

Can't get enough of the United States of Tara. I'd like to request hour long episodes please.
The Smurf has a wonderful Monday with his Ma (my Mum) every Monday and every Monday I come home to a bunch of flowers from him. This week he chose a pink pot of colour.
The extra four pairs of pants I decided to cut out two weeks ago are weighing me down. I thought an extra couple wouldn't make much difference and I'd get an assembly line going. I'm prone to gross under estimations...if I ever tell you I'll be there in 5 minutes, you'd best assume I mean 10.
Impromptu Sunday arvos with friends, a BBQ, beers and a bottle of sparklin ribena are the best.
I have a finished knitted cardy to share, but I can't until my new nephew/niece shows their face. Not long now I hope. My money's on boy, I'll let you know how I go.

Jammy Goodness

2009-08-06T22:18:00.003+10:00

I'm a fan of baking karma. You see a few weeks ago I sent out a couple of jars of my tomato chilli jam and last week in return I received a jar of plum jam goodness on my doorstep, from the lovely Loz and Dinny.

And a lovely vinyl pouch

Wrapped in hand stamped wrapping paper.

New Kid on the Block

2009-07-30T23:33:00.004+10:00

This new kid on the block has pipped the Smurf's favourite take-everywhere toy "Bubba" from the top of the favourites list. It's a sure way to make your Mum happy when you favour the toy she made you this week. Good Smurf, good Smurf.

It's even nicer when you spontaneously kiss the new kid on the block while your Mum's taking a photo.

And extra special when Bubba is thrown to the ground in favour of the new kid accompanying you on the grocery shop.

Aunty Cookie fabric panel bought at Finders Keepers. Lined with calico to take away the transparency of the basecloth and backed with blue pin dots from the stash. 5 minutes sewing, 10 minutes stuffing, 5 minutes finishing. Instant gratification.

I'd say it's a winner, don't you agree?

I Love Justine

2009-07-26T08:45:00.000+10:00

I forgot to tell you, Justine sent me these a few weeks ago.

Just for.

She's the best.

Love ya work Jus.

PS Mixtape issue 1o will be out early. Yay!

PPS Anyone thinking about Christmas yet? Shutup!

The Emporer's Mum's new clothes

2009-07-21T20:39:00.003+10:00

New blouse. I had a conversation with Suzy last week about the joy of graduating from A-Line skirts in ones sewing life. This is fun and I am proud.

The pattern is from Ottobre Issue 2/2008. Not only have I graduated from A-line skirts but I also managed to tweak this pattern from a button front blouse. With puffed sleeves. Puffed sleeves! I had to play with the neckline a little and I think it still needs a bit of work. And maybe some shaping to tame the boobage.

But all in all I'm pretty happy with my first 'real' article of clothing...and it's for me.

Now I think it's time for a trip to Tessuti for some nice fabric and an attempt at the button front blouse.

Emperor's New Clothes

2009-07-16T22:28:00.004+10:00

The patterns I cut out a few weeks ago finally became an actual pair of pants. Pants complete with trimmed pockets and proper overlocked seams that were, of course, pinned before being sewn. Thank you Ottobre 2008 (not sure what issue but the pattern was set for tracksuit pants).

The sewing itself happened in fits and starts between the usual chores while the Smurf slept. It was all straight forward but everything that could go wrong did including, but not limited to,

human stupidity (those pocket trims did some traveling around the pants before settling where they now are)
two snapped overlocking needles (can't blame the needles though with all that cord bulk I suppose),
2 waistbands (human stupidity and poor choice of elastic).

Yet, despite (in spite of) all that I really enjoyed these and am busting to make more now that I've done that whole make friends with the pattern thing.

Most enjoyable though is that the Smurf is wearing them today and has become his own pants appreciation society. It's not easy looking at your pants while walking.

Sharing

2009-07-15T11:13:00.001+10:00

Have you seen this book?

It's so beautiful. It's a collage with wool, needle felt, embroidery and applique.

I found it by accident when shopping for a replacement for a book the Smurf ripped a page from (not his hence the shopping trip).

I can't get over how beautiful this is. And the story is sweet too; we're all different and that's okay. And then they dance. Which is something we do lots of in this house too.

And to top it off it's the Smurf's favourite and he didn't even need any prompting, he just loved it too. He tells us he wants to read Bugs most nights before bed.

Smile

2009-07-12T22:58:00.000+10:00

Dear Myrtle and Eunice,

I see faces too.

Love Sadieandlance

Commitment to Pinning

2009-07-09T22:55:00.003+10:00

Just thought you should know my commitment to pinning is real.

For Heavy Duty Lifting

2009-07-07T21:19:00.006+10:00

I've been making pot holders. Quick, easy pot holders. They're quite fun really*

Nice and simple, stash fabric (fabric nerds do you care to enlighten me as to what this is?) lined with wool batting and backed with corduroy to give extra protection against hot pot handles.

I'm a bit of a slap dash sewer who likes the foot-to-the-floor top speed of the machine. I also like short cuts - does anyone else do away with cutting out softie legs and arms and just sew around the pattern piece straight onto two sandwiched uncut pieces of fabric? You don't? Oh.

What's that, you pin and take your time with binding? Not me, I'm a fan of folding pre-prepared binding over and sewing once only. Things came a little undone this time round, hence the first round of holders were gifted at the Craftroom with the caveat of "don't look too close".

Lucky Marina listened and you can't see any evidence of my ~~hastiness~~ laziness in her photo.

(Auntie Cookie fabric backed with, um I can't remember)

But, surprisingly, I actually learned my lesson. While finishing off round 2 I made friends with my pins, look.

And now I'm working hard to to more mid-speed sewing and more pinning. I'm enjoying the slower sewing speed but my hands are a little hole-y.

Ridiculous Fabric Top Hat

2009-07-02T23:50:00.002+10:00

hat, originally uploaded by SadieandLance.

I made this hat as part of my rush of excitement when I pimped the stroller. I had been wanting to have a go at a hat for some time. I decided to wing it.

I'd rate my success as 50:50.

Complete success on working out the pieces, construction and actually getting the thing together - you should try too, it's not that hard.

Complete failure on the sizing.

But I'm all sorted for a hilarious hat parade. Lucky.

Tweak Tweak

2009-06-28T22:22:00.004+10:00

I accidentally left my (new) camera in the back of a hire car on Thursday as I made record time getting to the airport and checking in after a marathon work trip (new personal record negative 5 minutes to check in close and I still made it including oversize baggage) .

Bugger. Someone car cleaner got an ace tip that day.

I'd show you photos from the Sunday Craft Room, but I have no camera. I'd show you photos of my amazing score from Lulu Carter (she with the new chooks) but I have no camera. I'd show you photos of the scrumptious bake-orama results displayed ala Royal Easter Show style at today's Craft Room, but I have no camera. Sick of this yet?

Instead I did a little blog tweaking over there in the side bar. Nothing special, but you can find my recipes a bit easier now. And if you're ever trying to find me and I'm not about? I'm probably lunching with one of those ladies in that list over there.

Mittens, Oh My!

2009-06-20T20:43:00.001+10:00

Well, technically just the one mitten, oh my.

This project snuck in between the crochet addiction. Equally addictive because it was in the round, I knew it would be off the needles quick-smart and it was more interesting than the garter stitch baby cardy I'm also knitting at the moment.

If the enjoyment continues I may even have a second mitten to show.

Pattern found on ravelry. I think I'll shorten the finger section next time.

CA, that's Crocheters Anonymous for the uninitiated

2009-06-16T12:24:00.006+10:00

Hi, my name's Sadieandlance and I'm a crochet-aholic.

My addiction started only about 2 and a half weeks ago when I got my first* taste. Here I am in the midst of my very first chains.

photo via Tutti Fruiti

I just can't get enough of the hook and yarn combo. I'm neglecting my other projects

Those other inferior projects have been relegated to the car where I can't crochet because I have to watch what I'm doing and if I do that I risk getting car sick. And if I get car sick well then maybe there'll be less time for crochet.

All I can think about is my next loop.

While visiting Sadie last weekend she taught me to increase and decrease and now I've got competing loves - granny or zig zag.

And these aren't mine, but one simple word to Sadie and now my house is full of her beautiful crochet.

The bottom blanket is made from 'scraps' of Sadie's hand spun - as in spun by Sadie - and crocheted by my Great Aunt. Special.

Thanks for listening, it helps to share. I'll see you at the next CA meeting.

*ok so technically it was the fourth time I've attempted to learn to crochet. Each teacher equally talented with a hook. I feared I had a crochet disability and forewarned the talented teacher. "I always end up holding my hook like I'm knitting", "I can't understand which hole to go into" I get confused about how yarn over seems to be backwards to me" blah blah blah. She bravely persevered regardless. Lucky me.

Pimp My Ride

2009-06-09T22:58:00.004+10:00

The Smurf's new love. He's capable of walking distances that make even me tired, as long as he's pushing this. The fabric wasn't exactly floating my boat - not that the Smurf cared - and so I decided to have a crack at a better cover. Churned out within an hour - from figuring out pattern pieces through to trimming the threads on the binding.

The stroller rolls faster now, obviously.

Community Service Announcement

2009-06-06T08:00:00.001+10:00

This is a Community Service Announcement.

Visual: Woman carrying tired, whingey toddler on hip enters local super craft warehousey style shop. It's just after opening time so the shop is not too busy but it is very untidy and messy.

Woman wanders past the homewares section - stuff every, messy shelves stacked with cheap acrylic table ware etc

"I need a new rotary cutter, sweetie" woman says to toddler.

Woman steps around fabric tables with bolts sticking out and steps over piles of fabric bolts lying on the floor in the main walkway and ends up at the quilting section. Or does she?

"Here's the rotary cutters. Wow this is a bit confusing - I've never seen these brands before." she says.

Woman looks around and sees cutters all over the place, nothing with matching prices. She looks frustrated. She looks left and right across the shelves. She notices cutters spread all over the display. Only a couple have prices. None are familiar brands to her - and although she's no expert she's no novice either.

She looks behind her to her left and sees the Clover display - complete with many non-Clover brands displayed.

She walks away and catches a bunch busy looking staff holding clipboards and having some sort of impromptu and seemingly very important meeting in the middle of the aisles. They all sort of avoid her eye contact - despite the fact she's standing right in front of them.

"Sorry to bother you" says woman "but I wonder if you can help me with the rotary cutters, it's a bit confusing over there".

Staff appear mildy freaked out and have a look of "WTF is a rotary cutter" on their faces.

"Betty* can help you out with that, she's our quilting expert" young bloke staff member chirps helpfully.

"Thanks Betty, that's a relief" says the woman.

They walk to the "display" together. Betty looks mildly annoyed that she's been interrupted from what ever it was she was doing.

"Can you give me some advice on the difference between these rotary cutter brands?" woman says.

"Um what do you want to know" says Betty

"Do you have any experience or opinion about which one is the best? Do they do different things?" woman asks?

Toddler puts head down on shoulder of the woman and clearly becomes heavier for her to carry.

Betty looks very confused and uncomfortable.

"Well, " says Betty, "the more expensive the cutter the better".

"Oh, right" says the woman with an I could have told you that look. "So, what about blades and stuff", she asks?

"Same sort of thing" says Betty, "the more expensive the cutter the better".

"What about features?" the woman asks, shifting around uncomfortably.

Betty gives a little huff "like I said, the more expensive the better".

"Can you tell me about the Clover ones?" asks the woman.

"Clover" says Betty looking confused and restless.

They turn to the Clover display further down the aisle behind them, and the woman shows Betty the display confused display and continues to ask questions, Betty continues to look nothing like a quilting expert.

Fade to black.

TEXT white on black background:
This is a Community Service Announcement.
We don't recommend you go to craft warehousey type shop for a rotary cutter (or possibly even any other supplies).

Voice over: "This announcement is authorised by Sadieandlance of the "We care about you and your quality craft supplies council".

Fade to black.

Rain Craft

2009-06-03T15:02:00.003+10:00

It's rainy again, which is OK with me. Last rainy day I settled in for some pattern tracing and cutting.

Which resulted in some nice piles of pattern pieces.

Now I'm off to make use of those piles and this pile.

A weekend of craft

2009-05-31T22:53:00.005+10:00

Jade's school of crochet., originally uploaded by tutti fruiti.

This weekend was a weekend of craft, set in a beautiful house perched high in the rain forest at the top of Berry and accompanied by some lovely like minded crafters.

We shipped in enough food and craft supplies for a year long stay but in the end it was all about sitting around the open fire with small lap top projects.

I was grateful to realise we remembered to pack our very own fire lighter, several expert gourmet chefs, some hilarious comedians, a plate warmer, a crochet tutor and a few rally drivers to get us safely up and down the roller coaster road to the retreat (the road was so steep that at one point someone may have misread a light reflector on the road in the distance for a star in the sky).

Sewing, pattern tracing, book reviewing, craft magazine reading, knitting, hand sewing, hemming, bias binding creation, cross stitch, fabric show and tell, crocheting, expert crochet teaching, crochet learning, the odd actual finished project, naughty tales and broken glass - I think we covered it all.

The discussion ends here though because, as you know, what goes on craft retreat stays on craft retreat.

photos thanks to Tutti Fruiti

Typing

2009-05-23T22:40:00.001+10:00

Doesn't everyone want a toy typewriter? I know we're happy to have one. Seriously, my current favourite toy. Used to be Mr Sadieandlance's or one of his sisters possibly. His Mum's toy preservation skills deserve a medal from the Queen because this baby's in immaculate condition.

I'm not sure I'll be getting any such medals from the Queen, but the Smurf is enjoying his "new" toy as much as I am enjoying looking at it. Now if only he wouldn't type like a 20 month old.

Generally I Don't Do Pink...

2009-05-20T22:17:00.003+10:00

Eden's dress, originally uploaded by SadieandLance.

Yes, generally I don't do pink, and yet the pink part of my stash shines strong. It's always nice when a friend, who's appreciative of a handmade gift, brings a pink baby into my life.

This time cutting into the pink Hollabee (thanks to an infamous Retromummy clean out).

More tummy room was recommended from the last version, so I widened the side seams. Remember this was a pattern I garbled together myself in a moment of excitement.

Sadly the machine ate one of button holes, but I manually "rescued" it. You can't see it, so hopefully little Eden won't either.

When I "finished" I decided that it would be easier to bind the bottom hem than trust myself to fold and hem in a straight line.

I'm pretty glad I did.

Gee it was nice to be back at the machine. Now to cut one for little Clementine.

Lists

2009-05-08T22:29:00.003+10:00

- I'm not anywhere near on track with this list, for example I will run out of shampoo, probably just in time for a work day next week .

- But I have on the other hand started redrafting (more belly room required) the dress pattern for Eden (sewing point 1)

- We are on the other hand soupless (point 1)

- I didn't yet manage to re-sew toys from the new pattern I'm writing (point 4), but I did find an old pattern I did about 5 years ago from a friends illustration - Spybear! Spybear! Eyepatch included. More on that soon maybe I hope.

- I did call the Shepherd Centre.

- And I even tested my new piklet recipe (not on the list).

- We went to the Museum of Contemporary Art to see the Yayoi Kusama Mirrored Years exhibition. Love. The Smurf cried when we had to leave the little mirrored light room (and when he couldn't touch stuff) ((non listed item))

- But I didn't vacuum - and I don't care.

Festival of the Cocoa Bean

2009-04-13T11:12:00.004+10:00

Chocolate. That's what Easter's about isn't it? Well chocolate and spending a day when the only fruit you consume is dried and contained in Hot Cross Buns (lunch) and the only veggie you eat is potato and comes as a chip served with your fish and chips (dinner) and the only dairy you consume is contained within that mountain of easter eggs you received from some egg laying bunny.

Murtle and Eunice's Chickammyjig, finished this morning (Easter Monday) in front of the Smurf.

Lucky he's too young to realise that such things are out of place on Easter Monday (or that that crazy Easter Bunny managed to find him on 3 different days of Easter at a myriad of locations).

Blockhead

2009-04-04T22:48:00.003+11:00

matchy matchy, originally uploaded by SadieandLance.

In need of some external arse kicking to get me crafting again I decided to sign up for the Chaletgirl Block Swap. And as suspected it well and truly kicked my arse into gear (eventually).

I was on a self imposed crafting ban until I found a place for all my craft materials and miscellaneous junk/paper work/ hundreds of metres of assorted useless cables (thanking Mr Sadieandlance for that one). So when I saw that the other blockheads were putting me to shame I swept up the crap and found a spare drawer to shove all those miscellaneous cables.

I raided the scrap box and off I went.

And my scrap box is pretty on the inside and outside so it's extra-enjoyable to go scrap fishing. But my pretty scrap box isn't the only reason I'm enjoying being back at the machine for, you see, I have a brilliant new sewing desk, but that deserves a post all of it's own (but I should say thank you here to Grandma!)

In case you're interested here's the fabric I sent off to be distributed to the other blockheads.

Can't wait to see what comes back my way - after each participant teams it with their fabric of choice.

Relaaaaax

2009-03-29T01:47:00.004+11:00

Relaaaaax, originally uploaded by SadieandLance.

I've rediscovered cross stitch. Sure it's a bit traditional, but it's easy, mindless and relaaaaaaxing, especially thanks to the stitch generator Suzy put me on to. Happiness.

Working with Real Dough

2009-03-22T19:18:00.004+11:00

I quite enjoy a dabble in the land of playdough. My specialty? A duck; complete with tail, wings and beak (quack, quack). What really floats my boat though is the land of real dough. I've been busting to get my hands on this ever since I saw Kate talking about her bread.

I dabbled in some interim loaves while I waited for my copy to arrive at Kinokuniya:

I've tried many homemade bread recipes over time, and although I found Nigella's white dinner rolls (above) to be a home baked revelation, for me Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day is where-it's-at.

The recipe base follows the same process as the No Knead bread but this book gives you permission to store your dough for up to 2 weeks! Just cut a bit off each day and bake away. And still no kneading!

So far I've tried the basic dough and done a few different types of loaves, a "rustic" loaf (below) and the Focaccia above. This is the best tasting home made bread I've ever had - and it's so easy to make.

And in about 1 hr the next batch, olive oil dough, will be ready to move to the fridge. And all I did was throw some ingredients in a container, mix with my hands for a bit and leave on the bench!

Move over Martha I'm a working Mum baking homemade bread whenever I feel like it!

Get your playdough on

2009-03-17T08:00:00.000+11:00

Excuse me but I made playdough this week. Does that make me a good Mum? (rhetorical question) It was fun and a nice little work out for my arms, plus the end result kept The Smurf quite while I played with some real dough.

Despite the internets telling me not to no-sirey-under-no-circumstances-ever-ever make more than one colour, I did (I'm hardcore like that). Birds to you internets. I've stored them separately and The Smurf can just play with one colour at a time. Unless we're feeling really rebellious then he can play with all colours at once and make his own brown playdough. Nothing wrong with brown.

Despite the fact that people have been making their own playdough for eons I still had to make friends with google to find a recipe. I learned that it's pretty much uniform around the world and varies only by cooking or not and cream of tartar (makes smoother dough) or not. In the end I used a recipe found in a collated cookbook I got from Grandma - one of those local school fundraising things.

To save you time, should you have the inclination to make playdough, here's the recipe. (PS if you choose to include the Cream O.T the recipe's on the side of the tub).

You need:

2 cups plain flour
1 cup salt
3 TBsp Cream of Tartar
2 TBsp cooking oil
2 cups water
food colour (as many as you like, rebel)

You need to:
- Mix dry ingredients in a saucepan and oil (and your colour if you're using just one) and mix in water gradually.
- Cook over a low heat, stirring until the mixture starts to leave the side of the pan and become like dough (dah).
- Remove from the heat. Grab some dough, add a colour and knead until the colour is incorporated and the dough smooth.
- Repeat for each colour.
- Ready.

Store in the fridge in a container or in zip loack bags. Tell your Smurf to try not to eat it.

Don't panic

2009-03-14T18:29:00.004+11:00

There is craft. It's a little bit limited but I assure you there's craft. It's currently of the knitting variety and you may be interested to know it's knitting from the stash. Pardon me while I engage in a bit of self congratulatory patting on my back.

Craft aside, excitement levels are sky high here. We're spending tonight watching The Bushfire Relief concerts (on the teev, days gone by we would have been there with a line up like that) and hands up who can't wait for Midnight Oil or Split Enz. Whoop!

Mum, Dad, Thermodynamics etc

2009-03-09T20:52:00.008+11:00

Like the Simpsons obey the laws of thermodynamics, in this house we obey the law of Desmond Dekker.

We love a bit of family dance time here in casa Sadieandlance and we tend, at the moment, to lean towards the world of ska, dance hall, two tone and rude boys. The Smurf well he cracks a jig at any music. So, why wouldn't we take advantage of skank o'clock to deliver some wholesome morals (to make up for the times we're playing the Ramones/Hold Steady/Bikini Kill etc etc).

Sing along all you Smurfs out there!

Honour your mother and your father dad
Your days may be long on the lam
Children obey your parents and the law
For this is a law from the prophets

Love your parents as though you love yourself
Do unto others as they would do to you

Honour your mother and your father dad
Your days may be long on the lam
Children obey your parents and the law
For this is a law from the prophets

Love your parents as though you love yourself
Do unto others as they would do to you

Honour your mother and your father dad
Your days may be long on the lam
Children obey your parents and the law
For this is a law from the prophets

- Fricken hilarious
- Best if parents sing enthusiastically at top of lungs while skanking around the lounge room
- Great for scoring brownie points if done in front of the in-laws. We-really-are-wholesome.
- This is actually a really cool song

Ludicrous Cake Installations

2009-02-28T22:55:00.009+11:00

I made a ludicrous cake installation today. Ludicrous! 4 layers! Custard, dense coconut cake, raspberries, passionfruit. Mmm-mmmm.

I made it for some craft ladies who came to play. Great day, there was even trash dip (oh there always is!) and homemade sausage rolls. As happens at these occasions all world issues were addressed - inappropriate whacky mother in law antics and deconstruction of Yo Gabba Gabba included (Suzy YGG is touring!!). Fun for all. We missed a couple of nice ladies and if I could combine my Sydney and Melbourne lives well I might have liked to invite some other sweet craft ladies. And you, of course, I'd invite you too -don't worry my imaginary craft house is huge and can fit you all.

Now, it's time to knit. Despite the fact it was a craft day I knitted only 4 rows on a baby cardy which I then ripped out because I didn't like the colours. What do you mean Attention Deficient Crafter? Shame on you for thinking such things about me, I can build ludicrous cake installations. ahem.

Fire

2009-02-09T09:49:00.001+11:00

I posted this at The Toy Society last night....

This weekend has seen a tragic series of massive bushfires sweep through the Australian state of Victoria. Bushfires are a common part of Australian life, but this weekend marks a sad day in Australian history. At last report 84 lives have been taken by the fire, including children. More than 750 homes have been lost, including whole towns. It is devastating to say the least.

Sarah and I have been chatting tonight about doing something for the survivors. Now there are many ways people can help out and you can click here to get more information on making a financial donation.If you'd like to put your craft skills to good use, The Toy Society will be collecting handmade toys over the next couple of weeks to be donated to children impacted by the fires. Many families have nothing but the clothes on their backs. Please email thetoysociety@gmail.com if you're interested.

At this stage there are no organisations collecting goods on behalf of survivors however, we will keep you informed about which organisation we find to take the donations.

Dining out

2009-02-05T22:33:00.002+11:00

...is over for us*. Hopefully for the time being only. Last night we went to an old favourite (a nice reason to be back in Sydney). We went at kiddie hour and everything but it was no help. The Smurf ate a scarce few mouthfuls of lentil rice (yum!) and none of the endless delicious yum yums on offer (although before they all arrived at the table he was of the opinion that he simply must try the pickled chilli).

He preferred touching up every table in the joint and playing peekaboo/chasing/hide and seek with the very sweet and awfully obliging waiter. I've never eaten dinner so fast in my life (and yet I still enjoyed it).

Don't cry for us, turns out daytime trips, to the likes of the Museum of Australia, will take the place of dining out.

Falafel? NO. Dinosaurs? YES!

Hummus and tabbouleh? Gawd no. Skeleton room? Shit yeah!

Lady Fingers? Blag. Train rides? Woo yeah!

I found the camera, obviously. In my work bag. I swear I already looked there many times before I actually found it.

* We'll be back at Abduls, we love it too much to stay away. Everything else we'll be ordering in though.

Look at me!

2009-01-29T22:54:00.003+11:00

Still no sign of the camera, although there are still a few unexplored hiding places.

But, if you're a sticky beak, I'm 'famous' today.

Hello stranger

2009-01-20T22:54:00.003+11:00

I always read about bloggers taking impromptu breaks and how much they enjoyed it, now I understand. I didn't mean it either, but that's OK. We moved house (again, yep). Combined lack of internet access (hello telco, does 1.5 weeks wait and 6 hours worth of phone calls sound like a reasonable installation time for a simple broadband relocation?), loss of camera (temporarily I hope), and overwhelmingly high percentage of overall moving box count allocated to an excessively large fabric/wool/craft stash have contributed to lack of crafting mojo and I've got to say I don't mind. But I guess I can say that because the mojo is sneaking back.

Random photo above I know; it's all I've got right now and actually I'm quite proud of the 2008 Christmas Gingerbread men.

Now I best hurry to bed, the Smurf has taken to neck punching/hair pulling/belly button finding and poking when he comes into our bed for a ludicrously early morning cuddle/rumble.

PS maybe I'll stay up to keep watching the Obama inauguration? Maybe? Feels momentous.

PPS oooo excitement, Sadie's coming to stay for 2 nights tomorrow night! Yippeeeee.

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T23:32:00.006+11:00

White chocolate almond brownies (whites? Blondies). Recipe here, I challenge you to get the mixture to the oven in its entirety - I usually eat half before I get the tray in the oven.

Hello 2009. I'm not sure what you'll bring but I'm aiming for good health, happiness, fun times and perhaps another special project even?

As I looked back on all my posts from 2008 I see that I had 19 "Project 2008" posts. There may have been room for more but starting The Toy Society was perhaps my greatest 2008 project and my most time consuming. I'm working on finding some ways to make The Toy Society a little less time consuming this year so I'll have time to make more craft. Sadieandlance will continue to be my personal craft blogging retreat and so The Toy Society will continue to be separate. I quite like it that way and I don't mention this blog over there either - so it's just you and me here, okay?

Merry...line please

2008-12-24T15:48:00.003+11:00

Just kidding, I know my line, it's Merry Christmas! It's just with the circa 100 Toy Society posts this week, the finding(and signing a lease on) a new place to live (thank gawd we're heading back to the real world finally!), making baking and shaking, a Smurf, last minute christmas shopping....blah blah blag sorry you're all living it I know.

Anyway, thanks for making my time at Sadieandlance in 2008 great. Yuse are simply the best. Have a great christmas time- whatever you're doing.

Wishing you a Happy 2009 full of competed craft projects, delicious baked goods, clean crisp arty photos for your blog and hilariously entertaining blog posts. See you in 09 when I promise I'll try to click out of bloglines and maybe post the odd comment on your blog. I'm the silent one in your stat counter.

PS Shazmina Bendi - sorry I couldn't quite get myself sorted to send your chrissy present BEFORE christmas. I'll make it up to you some how.

It's beginning to look a bit more like Christmas

2008-12-21T16:32:00.005+11:00

The oven has been going - well technically the microwave too. First up, Melting Moments and Chocolate Fudge for the Smurfs' Child Care teachers. Big hit it was, I dropped off that box above with the Smurf on Friday morning and by the time I picked him up the entire batch of fudge was consumed. I thought it might get lost amongst the boxes of Lindt chocolate and Ferrero Rochers parading through the door, so I was chuffed to hear it was consumed with gay abandon!

Oops I forgot to take photos between the baking/making and packaging so instead, here's the dregs which formed my afternoon tea.

I'll make up for it by giving you the secret easiest ever fudge recipe - kinda like the Chocolate Slice but, even easier, promise!

2 x 250gm blocks of Cadbury chocolate
1 x 400g-ish tin sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

- Line a slice tin with baking paper
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave
- Add the condensed milk and vanilla
- Stir like crazy till it's all combined (this will get a bit tough because it's not cooking chocolate, but don't fret too much about perfection here) I'm happy to sacrifice appearance for deliciousness.
- Pour into the tin, spread it out the best you can and put in the fridge to set
- Cut into squares and try not to eat too much before you give it away.

See, seriously easy and this will be a hit everywhere for you forever more I double promise. Now just don't tell anyone your new secret! And please don't bring it to my house when I invite you over for a BBQ cause I will already have made it to impress you.

Now I'm off back to The Toy Society to keep posting those 100+ toy drops that happened for this weekend's World Wide Christmas Toy Drop. I'm so inspired by all the people involved!

We interrupt this transmission

2008-12-18T22:34:00.003+11:00

to advise that the Sadieandlance household is in heaven tonight and heaven is a rockumentary; Strummer: The Future is Unwritten.

RIP Joe. You rocked (and punked and rockabillied and got a little crazy and died too young).

Ready Set Go

2008-12-17T16:49:00.003+11:00

I made time in between things last week to make this year's Christmas cards. It was deep satisfaction sitting at the sewing machine and doing some actual craft - it's been a while! The idea is blatantly ripped off from a lovely Pea who in turn ripped it from somewhere else. Bless the internets!

And yesterday an early Christmas present arrived for me.

It was part of the Chutney Club swap. It's from the very lovely Dinny from (the map of) Tassie (sorry I crack myself up).

Jealous? You should be - it really is delicious on cheese sandwiches. And she printed that fabric herself. Shame Auspost couldn't resist stepping on it in transit and bending the lid ever so slightly enough to allow some relish wastage onto the pretty fabric.

I made Chilli Jam for my part of the swap. I'll share the recipe some time cause, really, if I do say so myself it's bloody good.