THE SPEEDY SEWER

COOKBOOK REVIEW: Make-A-Mix

2010-05-06T19:23:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I treated myself to a few bulk cooking style cookbooks. One that I have found most useful is Make-A-Mix. See below..

I love this book! My mob is pretty fussy and if dinner is not on the table around 6.30pm, they start to get restless. This book has really nice, homestyle recipes, ( truly!) that you make from various different basic mixes. Some mixes you freeze, some you refrigerate, some you keep in the pantry. But they work and are fabulous!

So far I have made the 3 meatloaves to freeze, ( 1 left!), made the 3 meals of meatballs ( these became Swedish meatballs in a flash), the white sauce mix is brilliant, as is the Italian tomato cooking sauce ( became a lovely ragout, and tomorrow chicken cacciatore).

The book covers everything from snacks, entrees, cakes, breads, cookies, to main meals and sweets. And all so far has been yummy...and the type of food our family eat a lot...but it is getting on the table a lot quicker!

On the budget side, it is also a lot cheaper to purchase your meats in bulk, so cooking this way is cheaper too.

Just keeping my head above water here...

2010-04-28T21:53:00.000+10:00

What a blur the past 5 days have been. With Crafty Mamas ( the grooviest sewing supply shop around) , my study, plus a bit of outside work I take on, sick kids, hubby's business, the long weekend...whew. It's just mad. I very nearly dropped the bundle...

but in the midst of my darkest hour ( 1000 words short for my essay), I sat, cut out and sewed...undies. For Miss B, three pair. The pattern is a new one to me, I have started stocking a few Jalie in the Cm shop as they are just brilliant. So this one...#2568...was my second try at a Jalie. And I love it. Mind you, the instructions annoyed me as they are on the huge AO sheet and I kept crumpling it as I sought them out. After one pair, I ignored them and went my own way baby. The result? Some very funky undies!

Fabric is from my stash, some cot/lycra knit left over. Trim is pink FOE. Miss B picked the lower waist option, with boy legs. Cute huh? I have many more to cut out. And the nice thing about little projects like this, you can achieve something in a short amount of time. Undies are practical, easy and soothing.

Go on..have you made undies lately;)?

OTTOBRE design 1/2007 and a mini garden

2010-04-23T13:37:00.000+10:00

OTTOBRE DESIGN 1/2007

Miss Lil has started tennis, so I whipped her up a pair of leggins ( a cropped version) from Ottobre 1/2007. I love this pattern...it is just so handy. I have made so many variations of it now!

Fabric is your fave and mine, STELLA, in Ocean, from Crafty Mamas ( of course!). A snippet of farbenmix ribbon, I was quite restrained.:)

VERTICAL VEGIE GARDEN

This idea has been in a lot of the green mags and sites lately. We finally found a shoe organiser in Coles, added some soil then perrenial lettuce, spinach, baby brocoli, basil, parsely and rhubarb! ( Lil loves rhubarb- I think because it is red!).
Voila, easy peasy garden that gets lots of sun. I think I need about 10 more of these!

farbenmix IMKE

2010-04-11T20:04:00.000+10:00

Over at Crafty Mamas, there is an IMKE Sew-a-long happeing. IMKE's in lots of variations, lots of chit-chat and help about the pattern. If you have some IMKE plans yourself for the kids winter gear...have a read over at the Crafy Mamas Forum

You can get your IMKE in the Crafty Mamas shop, either in pattern form or in Nancy's new book...Sewing Clothes Kids Love!
Sewing Clothes Kids Love

A COSTCO WE WILL GO!

2010-04-10T10:50:00.000+10:00

Yesterday we packed up the family and headed to the Big City to hit COSTCO and IKEA.
It is a 3.5 hour drive for us each way. Was it worth it? DEFINITELY. Our nearest COSTCO is the Melbourne Docklands one. Here's a bit of a review!

We decided it would be worth while taking the trailer , and we were very glad we did. Having a 4 wd, and 4 kids, we had to utilise one of the third row seats way over back, thus taking up some room in the back of the car. With the trailer, this was not a problem.

MEMBERSHIP
We had applied and paid for membersip online ages ago, and were told we had to present to the membership counter upon arrival to get cards etc. We opted for the business membership, as we have two businesses.

PARKING
When we first pulled into the carpark, which is under the building and with very low clearance ( 2.1-2.3 metres) hubby started to panic a bit...no trailer parking! We dip a few blockies, found some bus parking out front but decided to risk it and just pull into the Members carpark any way. We found, very quikly, two parks that we could take up. There was a lovely elderly man who was quite chuffed to assist hubby with parking of the trailer ( it wad quite tight!). After chatting with the man, we found he actually lived 20 minutes from our home town ( gotta love country people!). So, all parked, we hit the store!

MEMBERSHIP COUNTER
A very easy and painless process! The staff are friendly, took our pics, gave us our cards, off we go!

TROLLIES & AISLES

The trollies were about 1 1/2 times the size of regular trollies, we took 3 in. The aisles are very wide, and the store is brighlty lit and very easy to get around. Love that!!

SO...WHAT DID WE BUY?

Your first have to get through the tv's etc and then the lollies..before you get to the groceries! They stock lots of US lollies, ie; Hershey, Tootsie rolls, etc. I noticed dh loaded his trolledy very quickly in here with chocolate nuts, beef jerky , etc. I was impressed with huge boxes of muesli bars, dried fruits, nuts etc. They also had LINDT.

The groceries and cleaning stocks were pretty amazing. Again, more US brands ( Downie, Tide, etc). We got bulk bags of sugar, rice, flour. Large containers of McCormicks herbs and spices, baked beans/tin spag by the slab, tin tomatoes, tuna, chicken, by the slab. HUGE jars of BEST FOODs mayo, so brands that we use often. The toilet paper was a huge special...64 rolls of KLEENEX premium TP for $24.00. I priced it at Coles, for $64.00. OMO laundry powder, we got 10 kilos for $60.00 ( was $53.oo last month). I normally pay $14.99 for 1.5 kilos at Coles. So if you know your prices, you can make some great savings.

COLD STUFF
We were limited to one esky, ( will take more next time) and bought things like U S shredded Mexi blend cheese, mozeralla, eggs ( chooks are off the lay!) . They had huge vats of feta, bocconci, yoghurt, frozen foods, etc. The fresh meat looked awesome, with full cryovac steaks etc as well as trayed meats. Smallgoods, bakery items ( yes, we bought the mandatory tray of 24 muffins!) and their cakes looked pretty awesome too!

ELECTRICS
They had the very same Delonghi coffee maker we have been thinking about getting, $400 cheaper than Harvery Norman. They have Whirlpool appliances, and quite a lot of other small appliances. We did not buy any though.

SUNDRY
In the middle of the store they have like assorted stuff. Clothes, including designer jeans, underwaear. Books, games, electronic games, camping stuff, lots of stuff really. We got a ds game and a few kids books.

ALCOHOL
I don't partake, but hubby dragged me in there so he could look. He decided the spirits were not that cheap, but the beer was. We left with a box of Crownies.

CHECKOUT
I had read you need to cue for up to an hour at the checkout. We were there maybe 15 minutes. You load your small stuff up on the belt, and another staff member takes your trolley (ies in our case!) and scan the large stuff with a hand scanner. They then pack your trolley for you..which surprised me! The DS game, you hand them the empty cover and they run off and get the game for you. So very painless!

We spent $1100.00

CAFE
My boys hit the cafe and assure me the hot dogs are kick ass.

That's it! Would we go again? Already planning on it!

So some short tips...

1. Take a BIG car,, with lots of space. A trailer if you are brave like us, a lockable coverd in trailer if you live a fair way from Costco. Having to sit in a cafe hanging out the door to watch the precious trailer while you eat, is not fun.

2. Take someone else with you..don't do a large shop alone.

3., Take eskies fo cold stuff, or go in winter. That way you can take advantage of good meat sales etc.

4. COSTCO only sells premium brands. So if you are used to buying generic, you possibly will not save much. But for brand names..this is the go.

5. ECO side? A lot of the products are bulk packets of already wrapped items. So, the tiolet roll is wrapped packets of 8, wrapped into a huge plastic bag. The OMO is two 5kg boxes, in another box. So, lots of excessive packaging, is very off putting.

6. We did not find these items at COSTCO, skim milk powder, vanilla essence, cake sprinkles, icing sugar, custard powder, gelatine etc...

7. The brands they have are very limited. Like toothpaste...they did have the Colgate in the container, only the tube. There as like 2 sorts of shampoo only.

8. Before you leave home, write a list, and take it ( I left mine on the bench).
Also plan storage before you bring the sutff back! My house loooks like a grovery store at the moment!

A slight accident....you may want to look away people...

2010-03-19T14:51:00.000+11:00

Guess who fell off the verandah, into a pothole? Moi. I am so sore, and so annoyed with myself. I took a week to get over the flu- this week was going to be my Go - Gett'm week. Sadly, not to be.

8 weeks off it? Get outa here. The Dr knows me better than that..I'll behave for a few days though, and will comply and go to physio, I promise.

I guess I have time to check out some blogs!

Happy weekend...:)

Cook Book Review: The Pioneer Woman Cooks

2010-03-11T21:08:00.000+11:00

After trying out a few freeby recipes from this book online, I bought the book.

The Chocolate Sheet Cake is a family fave around here, the Marlboro Man's favourite sandwich we love, my 14 year old son made the Skillet Cornbread last night- and it was lovely. We also love the Chicken Spaghetti, Comfort Meatballs, and the Mocha Brownies are yummo too. Be warned though, like Julia Child, the author is heavy handed on the butter

( which is why the recipes are so great!).

This book has the kind of recipes that you can pretty much make up without having to head to the supermarket. I guess that is helped in part by the author living on a remote ranch.

It also has beautiful photographs taken by the author, of her family and ranch life.

I think every kitchen needs a copy of this!

Crafty Mamas Sew-A-Longs

2010-02-27T10:58:00.002+11:00

We have a few Sew-A-longs in progress at Crafty Mamas.
What's a Sew-A-Long? It's where a group decides to all sew the same pattern at the same time. They chat along the way, show pics of thier work, help out if someone gets stuck etc.It is wonderful to see how different each sewers version of the same pattern is. Lately we are doing

VIVI by Mamu Design pattern is available in the Crafty Mamas Shop

and
10 Panel hippy skirt - where you create your own pattern.

Lots of inspiration!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:52:00.000+11:00

THIS year, yes this year, I am going to SEW more! I REALLY am! And knit again, and crochet, and work towards my degree, run Crafty Mamas, be a better mama, clean the house more, cook healthier, and read more.

Ok, now that's out of the way...

I made another MADITA this week, one of my fave farbenmix patterns, and made Bon some Summer pj's from a combo of patterns...Otto 2/2002 #31 Cami top and the bottoms are Fave Things Little Night Night. All from Crafty Mamas Shop.

MADITA is a farbenmix not available in English, but they have on line step by step..with pics! Well worth the effort, and now one my most loved patterns.

The older Non English Otto's are a also really great resource. Don't discount them as they are not in English. It is good to escape from your comfort zone for a while...and check out patterns you love in foreign languages. Ditto for Knip Mode and Knippie. The most awesome patterns, I just throw away the instructions and muddle through on my own. It mostly turns out fine in the end, and once conquered, you have opened up to a whole new world of sewing!

All are available from me at Crafty Mamas.

MADITA by farbenmix

2009-11-27T09:24:00.000+11:00

This is one of the lovely new patterns I have in store at Crafty Mamas! This is my test run...fabric is a cheapo woven from Spotlight., a bit stiff and crunchy (even after washing) but it still looks cute. I think it needs a little Euro bling on the front, so I may trick it up a bit on the weekend ;)

This pattern really only has 4 pattern pieces and sews up quick and easily! I see many MADITA's in my future.

The Mad Quilter!

2009-11-25T10:12:00.000+11:00

The Mad Quilter ( well, Tracey as we know her, and she is not all that mad- truly! ) has kindly put up one of her self drafted patterns on her blog and at Crafty Mamas for others. Isn't she a sweetheart?

Trace has been featured recently on One Pretty Thing.

SIMPLY IN SEASON

2009-09-13T17:58:00.000+10:00

Out of all the cookbooks I own, and that is a LOT, this one is one of my favourites.

This book, by Mary Beth Lind and Cathleen Hockman-Wert, was commissioned by the Mennonite Central Committee, to promote an understanding of how our foos choices affect our lives and the lives of others.

I bought mine directly from the Mennonite Central Shop, and it was a good deal when purchased with another book, EXTENDING THE TABLE. I also own MORE WITH LESS, which a definite must have for anyone on a budget.

But I digress, this post is about SIMPLY IN SEASON.

This book has a nifty key ingredient index as well as a recipe index. So you can search by ingredient, easily! It is divided into seasons and then an All Seasons sections featuring sundry recipes. The recipes are all budget minded, with lots for veg-oes, and those that love to utilise fresh produce. The emphasis is on feeding your family for less dollars, less impact on the earth and gaining better nutrition.

Some of our favourites from this book...

Oven Barbequed Chicken ( in the oven as I type)
Slow cooker chili
Hearty Oatmeal pancakes
Naan bread
Secret Chocolate cake
Apple cake....

the list goes on!

So whilst I am always a sucker for a glossy food mag- these type of books are the ones I always seem to turn to when I need heatlhy, low cost meals.

OTTOBRE 6/2007

2009-07-25T14:08:00.000+10:00

This is one of my very favourite winter issues. This week I have set myself a challenge of sewing from this issue only! The problem with being the owner of
is I am constantly surrounded by new and lovely things- and I get distracted too easily! So, it's 6/2007 for now.

You can get your very own 6/2007 from my store, click the banner.

So, from 6/2007 I fancy whipping up...

The cover woollen coat, #29
The Otilla dress, #17
A few Hilda and Tildas #27
Lily leggins #28 ( for my Lilly!)

just for starters.

Wish me luck!

FAREWELL CRAFTZINE....

2009-06-27T17:27:00.000+10:00

Hello MAKEZINE!!

Did anyone else apart from me, subscribe to the print issue if CRAFT? They recently stopped publishing CRAFT and have very kindly added all my issues owed, to my son's MAKE zine sub. Great- where does that leave me??

I never taken much notice of MAKE, until this current issue...

The REMAKE AMERICA issue:

It is full of some fantastic DIY stuff, including heaps of clever sustainability ideas.

See it online HERE You will love it and possibly steal it from your son, as I have!

KEEP CALM & CARRY ON

2009-01-21T08:14:00.000+11:00

Have you seen these posters about? I want one for my office.They seem to be popping up in mags and books everywhere. They come from here and are a reproduction of the original posters created in 1939 by the UK Ministry of Information. I love the whole vintage appeal these have! Read it's history HERE.

RECESSION BREAKY!!

2009-01-17T19:19:00.000+11:00

Who can afford real maple syrup nowadays? Not us! Here's the latest and most successful recipe I have tried for maple flavoured syrup.

MAPLE FLAVOURED SYRUP

Throw in a saucepan...

3 cups white sugar
1 1/4 cups water
3 tablespoons molasses
1 tabelspoon butter.

Bring to a rolling boil, then turn off. When coolish, add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla essence, and 1 teaspoon Mc Cormicks Maple flavoured essence ( this is a US product, that a US friend sent me ages ago. One little bottle lasts for ages. If anyone knows how we can get some, tell me!!)

This makes approx 500mls of syrup.

And to mop up all this delightful syrup, you will need some economical pancakes.

PANCAKE MIX

I love this recipe..I make it up and store it in a big zip lock bag. It is so quick to get pancakes made up!

Combine in bag:

6 cups plain flour
1 tablespoon salt
6 tablespoons baking powder
6 tablespoons sugar
2 cups powdered milk

Mix well.

To use:

Combine in a bowl...
1 egg beaten with fork
1 cup water
2 tablespoons veg oil or melted butter
1 1/2 cups of the pancake mix.

Stir well, until lump free. Cook as per usual!

Options:
Replace 1/3 of white flour with either buckwheat flour, wholemeal flour, oatmeal flour, or rye flour.
Replace 1/6 flour with sy flour.
Add 1 cup wheatgerm.

Enjoy!

__________________

A CREEPY GOOD TIME!!!

2009-01-07T14:14:00.000+11:00

Last weekend we took the girls to the beautiful Beechworth, Vic, for a super quick get away. It was stunning! Such a pretty place!

We followed the Ned Kelly trail at Glen Rowan....

Kates Cottage ( reconstructed)

Ned!

But the BEST bit? The evening Beechworth Ghost tour through the old asylum. During the day it's a lovely old property..at night, when you are locked in the cellar, in the DARK? Bloody scary!!

We took lots of pics, and had a few weird things show up...

You be the judge. I have been too chicken to blow any of these up to look at
them in great detail. But, what are all these lights?? Why do some of these blobs, and not others? Some people have found faces looking out at them through windows!

The lovely building when we first arrive...

In the hallway

In the grounds, spots, mist?

In the mens ward, no spots.

Mens ward still.. see the spots?

Weird, hey??

Definitely worth going to see!

SEWING FOR GOTH GIRL

2008-12-31T22:52:00.000+11:00

GOTH GIRL

I am not sure at what point in time my darling Miss 8 decided to give up her pinks and purples and start donning herself only in red and black. It has been a gradual process I think. It's a good thing I sew or her wardrobe choices would be quite limited! In a world of Bratz , Hannah Montannah and Girly stuff, Miss B remains steadfast in her Goth attire...which does freak her dad and brothers out a bit. I am sure she is merely finding her place in the world...anyway, here's a few items I made her recently.

FELIZ by Farbenmix

8 Pointed Skirt- thanks to Traceymum6 for the fabbo tutorial!

And Skull Twirl Skirt...

SOME PLUS SIZE MAMA SEWING

2008-11-29T11:10:00.000+11:00

I have been slowly but surely adding to my wardrobe, as time allows. Here's a few projects...

I love FAVOURITE THINGS Cute Skirts pattern. I've made up two, a denim one and a tie dyed one with a soft stretchy waist.

And some OTTOBRE Woman sewing...
This is from Ottobre Woman 2/2008 Pattern #1. This is the sleeveless version ( duh!). I am in love with this pattern. It is so comfy to wear, falls so nicely, hides all the bits you want it to whilst sitting nicely on the bust. LOVE IT. I can see man more of these in my future.

Some Miss Madelines

2008-11-29T10:45:00.000+11:00

I am really loving this pattern by The Handmade Dress. Here's some dresses I've made from it...

The Tie Dyed version ( fabric was a gift from Sara of Willow and Moo) . The Floral version is a cotton from Spotlight.

I have also used it for nighties, omitting the waistband and elastic. It's available in the CM Shop.

Did someone say CHRISTMAS!!

2008-10-12T17:01:00.000+11:00

Yep, it's on it's way again!!! We have 4 birthdays to get through first, though!! Hence, I am starting to get a little stressed!! Inspiration is needed.

My House Boutique has beautiful patterns for play food, for you to purchase, download and get sewing! Have a look.... I plan on making up some of these for the girls kitchen.

SEWING ....MUCH NEEDED!

When I think of all the crafting I used to get done before I started my degree studies, I am amazed. I am really pushing to now to carve out some sewing time, let alone cardmaking, or anything else. Sad, but necessary at the moment. I have learnt to break my sewing sessions up into manageable slices of time, rather then deprive myself altogether.

Some projects of late...

I love these two patterns combined!

First one is a hoodless Quiara, made from STELLA in bloodred and funky stripes from the CM Shop. Leggins are from Otto 1/2007, in funky stripes.

The second was made for jammie day ...Pj' top is Quiara with hood, made from the Monkey Cotton print knit from the Cm Shop ( 30% off at the moment!) and the sleeves are some left over campan knit from my stash.
Leggins are the monkey's again. I love this combo, and this knit..it is sooo snuggly!!

And my current Fave Skirt pattern...Favourite Things CUTE SKIRTS. I love this!! It is super comfy. Read my post here. I have many more of these planned.

Design Freebies

2008-09-19T13:43:00.000+10:00

I have been reading DESIGN FREEBIES , wow, such cool stuff!!

Lot's of fun printables!

NEW ARRIVALS!!! HILCO European Winter fabrics!!

2008-09-09T14:46:00.001+10:00

As seen in Ottobre Design...the beautiful Euro Winter fabrics are in store now!

HAPPY SEWING

~Lisa~

STOCKTAKE SALE NOW ON!!!

2008-06-25T11:25:00.001+10:00

Why are you still here??

Get to the Crafty Mamas

STOCKTAKE SALE...QUICK!!!

I LOVE SLOW FOOD...

2008-06-14T19:18:00.000+10:00

The slower the better. One of the nice things about being a mum at home, you get to do slow food any night of the week, not just the weekend. Last night we had a delish Oso Bucco, and tonight, a fabbo Beef Madras. Slow food suits crafty days well, you put it on to cook and then go sew/craft. A few hours later, voila, dinner!

Here's my fave Beef Masala recipe. It did occur to me as I took the left overs out to the dogs, that I should have taken a pic. Sorry, I forgot! But, read the ingredients, you will soon conjure up your own picture...

BEEF MADRAS

1kg chuck steak or blade diced.
2 onions chopped
6 cloves garlic crushed
1 cup grated fresh coconut/or desiccated
400gm can tomatoes
2 tablespoons grated frsh ginger
2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
1 tablespoon tamarind concentrate
2 tablespoon vege oil
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 teaspoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons hot chili powder
2 teaspoons sweet paprika
10 curry leaves
1/2 cup water.

In a food processor, process the tin tomatoes, coconut, ginger, seeds and tamarind until pureed.

Heat in a large saucepan the oil, fry off the onion and garlic until gently browned, then add your spices. Cook stirring until fragrant.

Add the cury leaves, beef, water and your coconut puree mixture. Simmer covered for about 1 1/2 hours, checking occasionally to give a stir. Is done when meat is tender.

Serve with your fave Indian rice, some naan, and mango chutney.

Yumm.

NOTE: don't be put off by all the spices, simply get them together before hand. Curries are very easy, and they rock!

ONE REDONDO DOWN....

...ONE TO GO!!!

AMAZON HAPPINESS TODAY!

2008-06-11T10:34:00.000+10:00

My Amazon order arrived today...yay! I can't wait to get stuck into these beauties!

On flicking through, this book looks great. Some nice ideas for keeping the kiddos busy, and some activities to do together. This will be a great resource for my family and when I get teaching!

This is pure escapism, and it fuels my Amish obsession. I am not a real fan of popular fiction, but had to give this a go.

This book is enchanting, simply beautiful. "A joyful tale of the coming of Spring". This was reviewed in the Living Crafts magazine - available at the Crafty Mamas SHOP.

You can order them off to the right there >>>>> in the Amazon thingy. I'm off to read a while.

Some REDONDOs cut out... and a RECIPE!

2008-06-10T16:02:00.001+10:00

Last night I sat up late and rotary cut out these two Redondo's. One is in butterfly print cord, the other the skulls that you can see. The skull one will be very grunge, inside out seams etc. I am keen to get it sewn up. I am also making matching tops for them...and have plans for a girls skull stencil.

REDONDO's

Miss 8 has decided she will no longer wear girly colours, sigh, so I am trying to work with her. I reckon pastel pink and black will placate her, maybe in a matching Quiara.

APPLE PIE FILLING

I had some pretty sad looking apples in the fruit basket, so through them in the crockpot and voila, a yummy pie filling similar to McDonalds.

Recipe...

12 apples, peeled, and sliced ( ds reckons dice next time, instead of slice)
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of water

Mix in crock, leave to cook about 5 hours until apples are tender. Then combine...

1 1/2 tablespoons cornflour
1/2 teaspoon citric acid or squeeze of lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-2 tablespoons water to mix

Turn the crockpot to HI, and stir through the above combined. Leave til thickened..about 30 minutes.

If you like, mash the apples a bit with a potato masher.

ENJOY as you would, in a pie, danish, crumble etc. Or with rice pudding..yum, that would be nice.

Another Olivia...

2008-06-07T16:55:00.000+10:00

I think I have another new favourite fabric. The Lycra French Terry from the CM Shop. I made Lil an Olivia out of it and embroidered the front. It was fabulous to sew and embroider on!! It is cool, but still warm? Does that make sense? She loves it. I also made her some new leggins from the Watermelon ribbed knit...soft and snuggly. Mind you, the little dear would not give me a smile in this pic.

Ah, and the bike in the background? My son had his other one stolen, so he is not taking any chances with this one! It lives in doors at night. Does everyone else have bikes in their hallway?

And I have to share something cute...

These are the cutest little dolls, made by Lissylou, a friend from Crafty Mamas. Aren't they adorable? She makes and sells lots of Steiner type goodies. Lissy has made my girls a doll each, and they are much loved.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

HOLIDAYS AT LAST!!

2008-06-02T17:37:00.001+10:00

Fantastic! After a very busy three months of juggling work/uni/family, things now slow up..a little bit. I have a list about a mile long to get through of things I need to catch up on. Guess what is at the top of the list?

SEWING!!!

Currently working on some night attire for the family...for the girl we have a pattern from the Crafty Mamas SHOP by Ottobre design....Mini Collection #9206.

Then, I need to makeup spme more leggins for the girls, using the leggin pattern from Ottobre 1/2007.

But for now, I need to go work on some pizza for dinner!!

SICKNESS....

2008-04-08T13:13:00.000+10:00
After a week of tending to sick little girls, I have finally succumbed myself. I am actually putting myself to bed. I think the last I time was in bed sick, was when I had my babies. But I can't go on. I am freezing one minute, stinking hot the next. My throat feels like half of it has been ripped out, and my back aches so. No wonder the girls were so sick with this bug. Oh, there are also associated stomache cramps too. Great.

So, I'm outta here, heading for the electric blanket.

Cinna X

Has it been THAT LONG?!!

2008-03-13T10:58:00.000+11:00
I can't believe how slack I am at Blogging. It's the busy thing. Kids- House- Study- Crafty Mamas Shop- Sewing...never ends. Like being in a car hurtling along the freeway at 16okm an hour...

I have been sewing when I can squeeze it in.

Some gifts...

Some Otto sewing...
Freeby Hat pattern

Otto 3/2007 #15 Sun Reggae from my SHOP

And a shift for ds...

So, I have been doing a little sewing when I can!!

Now I've been TAGGED!!!

2008-03-13T10:10:00.000+11:00
I've been tagged by Peta

Firstly, here are the rules:
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share seven facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag seven people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I hate CLOWNS. Thanks to Poltergeist and IT, I hate them. There are no clowns in this house of any type.

2. I used to surf. I'm not saying I was any good, but I had a board and could actually stand up sometimes. My kids don't believe me now...I wish I had of kept my board.

3.I want to learn to ride a motorbike one day, and get my licence to ride. I don't want to be the passenger all my life.

4. I wish I could snap my fingers and have my degree all finished. This study is seriously time consuming.

5. My favourite chocolate bar is a frozen Bounty. Yum.

6. If left alone, I reckon I could sew all day.everyday, and be quite happy.

7. As above...I love to be alone. I don't understand people who claim to be bored. I am NEVER bored. I love to take myself to the movies and out to dinner too. :) In fact, I think I have a dangerous tendency towards misanthropolgy somedays. Crafy Mamas is good therapy for me.

Now, who to tag...Bron, ,
Nik
Craft Zombie
SEw 4 Fun
Marie
Mister Mooch
ButterflyBows

FINALLY....ROOT BEER!

2008-01-28T14:03:00.000+11:00

I did eventually get around to making my first batch of root beer! It's resting for a few days...then we can bung it in the fridge, chill it and give it a try!

I used the recipe from the book COOKMISER , but there are recipes galore out there. It tastes surprisingly nice!! Once batch made 8 home brew beer bottles full. The smell of the aniseed was divine....

I also managed to get a wee bit of sewing done.

A Happy Cupcake Pencil case for dd

And I have almost finished my Vintage Swap items to send off for the latest Crafty Mamas SWAP.

It is, at least, cool today. We have had just hot, tiring days. Very unproductive, days like that. Especially when mixed with hot bored kids. The bigger kids are back at school later this week, thank goodness. It has been a very long Summer break! Mostly, I want to be able to clean the house properly, without someone walking on the floor after I mop. I have pretty much given up trying to do housework while everyone it home. Our house always seems so much smaller during the holidays.

I have a headache today..and think I may need a Nan Nap.

Excuse me :)

Happy Oppy Time today!!

2008-01-17T22:32:00.001+11:00

From the Op shop today...

Lovely old patterns, vintage pillow cases and some very groovy craft books!

SEW-A-LONG at Crafty Mamas!

We are having a sewalong over at CM, using an online tute for a tank top.

Here's the TUTE
Here's the results....

It's a pretty comfy top, really, and I will definitely make another!

SOME READING, SOME COOKING...

2008-01-08T07:59:00.000+11:00

Yesterday the new THREADS March 208 arrived and the 15/10 STITCHES mag. Both have some interesting reading.

THREADS has some groovy things to try, a lovely purse made from a Kimono, couture dressmaking techniques to use on your little black dress, how to create couture lingerie, sleeves on the bias. Not my most favourite issue, but still a good flick.

STITCHES 15/10 has my ad in for the Crafty Mamas SHOP! Yay! Apart from that..it is also a jolly good read! Fashion preview for 2008, a groovy denim skirt to make, how to insert a zip, some funky summer sewing for teens, jacket making...lots of goodies here. AND, it comes with two extra FREE issues! You can't miss!

And, the new OTTOBRE mag is just released!! Be still my heart! By God, it is DIVINE!!! It should be in the Crafty Mamas shop in about a week, and I promise to send them out ASAP!

Being on uni holidays is a blast. Truly, it is. Having almost 3 months off, astounds me!!! From Nov 9th, up til the start of Feb. I tell you, it is enough to make me want to stay at uni forever!

I have been allowing myself to read FICTION! Yeah, junky stuff! Since Christmas I have read..

Romulus my Father. by Raimond Gaita

Excellent, heaps better than the movie ( no surprise). Since I finished it, both my sons have read it. It really is a great book.

Ma, he sold me for a few cigarettes by Martha Long.

Now, I finished this last night. It was very sad, and at times, almost incredible to believe it was a true story. The end really let the book down. I wonder if there is a part two to come. I have many unanswered questions. I am not sorry I read it, it is a pretty thick book. I just think the ending as a let down.

Next on the reading list...

Bryce Courtney's SYLVIA. Now, my Aunt has lent this to me, with instructions I must read it. It is jolly big! I hope it's not dull...

Also, I have two new Stephen King books.. BLAZE and LISEY's STORY.

Non fiction wise...half my Amazon books arrived.

Bend the rules Sewing and Softie's. I have not yet had a good read, just a flick. But they look OK. DD ( 7) pounced on the Softies book! So I can see a few Softies being made over the next hot days., when it's too warm to do anything else.

And some recipes for you....

My current Fave Casserole and Slice recipe will be up at Crafty Mamas shortly!

~Enjoy~

Ottobre Sewing 3/2007

2008-01-08T07:52:00.000+11:00

I had a lovely morning a while back, sewing for my dd (4). Using the Ottobre 3/2007 Summer mag.

#9 Tank top. Fabric is a lovely light weight knit from the Crafty Mamas Shop in CASHMERE. Beautiful to sew.

#15 Knit dress

#10 Knit shorts.

#18 Under skirt. X 2

Some Sew-ish reading....

2007-12-19T13:40:00.000+11:00
My site is featured in the current Australian STITCHES mag! Woo hoo! Vol 15 No 9. In the Sewing basket and in the web site review!!! It's very exciting seeing in print...my little project that is getting so big! Check out the site, and the articles!

Actually, this issue if Stitches os quite good. An interesting article on the founder of Kwik*Sew, a preview of latest patterns, Sewing with knits, some divine 1950's patterns, Cate van Reyk does a great Wardrobe Planning article, how to make pants fit, tips on sewing a swim suit....HEAPS!!

Rush out and get one!

Another great mag I love....

Sew Simple

I have all these except 2 it seems...hmm..better remedy that!

This issue Vol 6 is a doozy! Heaps of groovy tips for us fashionistas, great book reviews, more tips on sewing with knits, well worth the $16.50 Aus.

SECRET SANTA SWAP @ CRAFTY MAMAS!!

2007-12-16T09:30:00.000+11:00

It arrived this week...a parcel from my dear Secret Santa! I was spoiled silly...have a look....
I was tickled pink! Thankyou Secret Santa XX

I just LOVE Crafty Mamas Swaps!

101 Handmade Gift Ideas

2007-12-16T09:12:00.000+11:00
e,
101 Handmade Gift Ideas

Last minute Christmas gift pre-panic ideas!
I found this Blog through a bit of surfing, it has some really great ideas. I have made up the Juice Box coin purse...very easy and effective! This stuff is so easy to sew! Next I'll try an entire bag, but I need the kids to drink more juice first :)

Today I start a quilt for one of the kiddos, I have four to make and not much time! Considering I have made maybe two small quilts in my entire life, I have quite a Challenge in front of me. Will post updates as I go!

4 Ingredients Cook Book

This book is a God send. Although it does not really contain many recipes that are new to me, it does have a lot of my faves in the one small book. They are all quick, common sense recipes with the minimum of ingredients ie; you don't need to duck to the supermarket to make dinner. Most ingredients I would already have in the pantry. Fantastic for this time of year,when chaos tends to rule. Check it out!

A tip to keep the kids busy..mix equal quantities of acrylic paint with dishwashing liquid and let them loose to paint your windows! Washes off with soap water.

~Happy Crafting!~

Making Root Beer!!!

2007-11-24T20:12:00.000+11:00
This is my weekend money saving project...I am going to make up a batch of homemade root beer. Mind you, I don't think I have ever HAD root beer, but it sounds very nice! It has anise in it..yummo. I think it would be similar to sarsaparilla. Here's a few recipes.

I was all set today to get it started when I discovered I had no molasses, darn it. So it's been put on the back burner until tomorrow.

I'll be bottling it in some of dh's plastic home brew bottles. I'll take a few pics tomorrow.

Did a little sewing today, and have nearly completed my Secret Santa gift. Littlest dd is still under the weather with a temp, so we can't stray too far from home. Just little projects. We had planned to go to an art show near here, but won't risk it with dd. The remade textiles sounded particularly interesting!

Happy Saturday! :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas round here!

2007-11-22T12:39:00.000+11:00
..toys in every store...you know the rest.

All the stores are in Christmas mode! Santa is out walking around...what is going on? It's like Nov 22?!!! They get earlier every year. The retailers want us ho-ho-ho shopping as early as possible in the hope we will spend even more $$$.

But not me. Nope. My ho-ho-ho Shopping is done, complete. We have a couple of major purchases already done, and the rest of our gifts will be all home made. Full of love, and hand crafted by us. The only thing to worry about is food..and I hope to get that out of the way next week.

It's kind of a relief really, to be "turning off the Christmas machine" here. I was always worried I had not purchased enough or was it suitable?! This year, I have non of that stress at all.

This Christmas will be relaxed and enjoyable. Just watch.

Lxx

The First Post!!

2007-11-21T14:28:00.000+11:00
Welcome to my new Blog. I'll use this one for all my ramblings of domesticity. I hope to fill it up with great recipes and tales of being a stay at home mum. Stay tuned!