Don't know what's wrong with me!

Years and years and years ago, before I started being obsessed with sewing, I used to bake and cook a lot. I think once I realised sewing stuck around a bit longer (and there were no dirty dishes) I preferred it, and I went for quick and easy meals.

We're off to my sister's tonight for dinner, and I offered to bring sticky date pudding. Often I offer to bring something, then run out of time as I chose another activity, buying something on the way there! (C'mon, who hasn't done that before?) Today I had the sudden urge to cook!

2 sticky date cakes (will turn into puddings when I make the butterscotch sauce from scratch!)

Choc chip cookies- I wanted to make half with walnuts, and half without so the kid could take them to school, when she suggested choc chip and Craisin! Obviously she wants to eat all of them at school haha

and some multi-tasking; while these were in the oven, I was

browning some Marylands for a slow cooker dinner- FOR TOMORROW NIGHT! Argggh, I've turned into a meal planner! Hope it's only a one off haha. People may accuse me of reading Mummy blogs haha.

mmm, chicken curry!

Never fear, there has been sewing. And before you think 'wow, how does she do it?'- reminder, I am a sole parent who's child sleeps from 8pm on wards; I got to bed at 11pm; and now on weekends she plays in her room, requesting 'space' (as long I remember to feed her at intervals). Amazing how much time you can find in the day!

The Zakka book has a sew along I thought I'd join in on, they do a project a week, so I had a bit of time to catch up (3 weeks in). I don't think I'll be making much in linen, just looking to use up the stash a bit. And make buying the book worthwhile by using it! *shamefully hangs my head when I think about all the books I have*

The pin cushion;

the tote; 

Couch time cross stitching;

and a new do!

Off to do the stinking dishes haha

A very productive day

I was going a bit bonkers during my week off looking after the poxy kid, so my young pal said she'd come for a play! Blog land is the only place an old bird like me would make friends with a spring chicken like B Fab!

She came bearing gifts (the best kind of friend ha ha). A slightly used but about to be thrown out cutting mat! Too long for my table, but practically perfect in every way!

we didn't muck around and quickly set up the machines.

A beautiful winter's day....the sun called us outside....

to the backyard of quilting! My old neighbour Wal came and repaired the table for me,

and we couldn't resist the sun. I needed sunglasses!

 We got 2 cot sized quilts basted, and then did some machining.

Fresh cupcakes made by Little Miss and I

and a little trip to the oppy, or a 'tea break' as we like to call it. B-Fab spotted

 these Ken Done placemats, perfect to go with....

my other set! Ah, the genius that is Ken Done!

Thanks, Brianna, for braving the pox and hanging us with us girls for the day. 

Sunshine...moonlight...good times...boogie!

It's been busy, I've gone back a bit as I found some pics I forgot to post!

I have made a new lunch bag pattern, to fit the Nudie food movers, and the Tupperware long lunch box. I have heard the Nudie one's break quickly, but the kid still wanted to be the same as the other kids, so I'll wait and see...

I made a lemon meringue pie last week for a catch up, and this week as well, when I headed over to Tinniegirl's today. Twice I forgot to take a pic before I cut into it! Here's an action shot....

I have semi- caught up on the BOM from Amitie. I have a few blocks to do at S.I.T....

 

I gave away another pressie today, making me all happy and smiley. Can't wait to see it on it's bed! My 2 favorite bloggy friends have a little bit of me to say thanks for being there for me!

I made myself a slouch bag yesterday, I had to try it, and I do declare it fabulous!

I co ordinated it all around the zip, seriously.

And found the perfect pocket fabric. I forgot about another slouch bag I got to fondle today...

The Little Miss and I picked this up at the oppy yesterday, and she sure does wear it well. I'm wanting to make her a couple, anyone know of a pattern for this style? Thanks in advance!

And a reminder to love yourself a bit tomorrow! I used to get very depressed I never got spoilt on Valentine's Day (none good enough to remember, that is) but now I see it as a chance to spoil myself, and not have to buy a gift and exchange it for a potentially crap one! Silver linings, peeps...



Few, that'll do me, I think! Have a happy crafting week everyone!

Makin' Stuff

So here are a few things I've been working on, in my few spare hrs.

My Happy Campers quilt is coming along, pieced 4 blocks, hmm, already 1 to un-pick!

The (ridiculous reason for a ) Public Holiday yesterday saw me bake- finally! Haven't in years, and remembered why I don't- so much effort, 3 loads in the dishwasher, and me exhausted! But worth it as I make my way through 3/4 of a lemon meringue pie! I haven't lost the art.....

My friend Sarah is cursing me for lending her this book, and she's been makin' a gorgeous quilt! In the meantime, I get her scraps- pretty happy about that, purple Liberty!

And there's the usual breakfast, lunch and dinner, but that's not very interesting, is it?

Happy pants

Well, I was pretty happy with them, I would be happy wearing them, was the recipient happy? No. 'They're too daggy' was the comment. Particularly the pockets, apparently. Kate, can we swap children? Or maybe they just need to hang out a bit, so she appreciates me *sniff sniff*.

Anyway, she wore them yesterday and today, despite some unknown primary school aged boy telling her they were 'dumb' (Reinforcing my "all men are pigs" mantra) and looked so cute, I could eat her.

These are the 2 pairs.

If you remember, the pattern is from here, and I'll do a quick review. Great instructions, easy to follow, and the first pair is definitely the longest, the 2nd took about 1/2 an hr! I liked the tissue paper patterns initially, but traced it off on tracing paper, which is a bit heavier than my normal greaseproof paper, so it was a bit harder. I also (der) forgot to add seam allowances so they are just over locked, and won't fit her for long!

We are having a visit from Nana and Pa Pa this week, my Dad and his partner, so Little Miss had her first baking experience. Oh, I did it when she was a week one, but then sewing became more interesting, and I stopped baking. She loved making these with Nana, I enjoyed eating them har har.

I also made her this- it was originally floral both sides, with a big diamond cut out in the middle of one side, to put the doona in through. Fine except she kept waking up with her legs inside the doona, annoying! So I kept one side floral, and used the effalunt fabric on the other side, with a bit of chenille to widen it. It's lovely, she loves it, I'm enjoying sleeping under it at the moment in the lounge room.