The giveaway winner is... Lusks

I had a bit of feedback re problems putting on comments. So I have taken off any restrictions as to who can access and comment and I have followed Pam from Kalamazoo in the USA advise to turn off the verification software at the end. Hopefully that will iron out any issues you may have had putting on comments.

So winging it's way to Scotland is the bag pattern and a couple of bits of material thrown in. I hope one day to see the finished article.

My thwarted surprise

Aaron was meant to be going away for work for three nights. We had a few weeks warning so the boys and I had been plotting and planning. To do a total revamp of Jakob's room. Out with vivid blue, the zoo curtains and the cream walls. In with a retro lime, grey (called concrete) and a white trim. Jakob also wants black curtains - the man at Resene's in Shirley was very impressed that Jakob had chosen such coordinating colours.

Anyway the story continues... The time then got reduced last week to just an overnight trip with a separate trip next week. Uh oh - but never mind now I will just have to paint till 10pm etc. So Aaron headed off at 7.30am and I dashed in to start the room. Moved the furniture, covered what was left, started puttying and sanding. Then at 9.30am I got the call!! The plane was fogged in, still might get a later flight. Oh panic stations*** - then another call at 10.30, no flight, coming home for dinner.

So what should have been an amazing surprise actually looked like this........

And I was going to make a quilt (well that is what I thought but doubt would get it done!!).

Scissor keeper and pin cushions

Since Tuesday I have been making this set in an aim to assist me to stop losing things. When I am doing craft activities I am always trying to find my pins, scissors, cutters, rulers etc. At home we are still trying to find our wedding negatives (I have tidied up sooo much of the house in my search that I am started to look organised!).

Anyway I keep seeing people on YouTube videos who have things around their neck with their scissors on. Years ago when I was in the Canterbury Embroiderers Guild we were always making scissor keepers. I never understood it as they never "kept" my scissors near me. They were generally little embroidered square attached by a cord to your scissors so that the location of your scissors were more obvious. Didn't work for me.

On Tuesday when we gathered for a quilting night I kept waylaying my scissors all the time, so cut some 2 1/2 inch strips and started to sew. I mean, how hard could it be?

Well it transpires that you have to think about a lot of things, like not sewing the loop up and finishing cos you feel so jolly smart, then realising there is no way to put your clip on to keep the scissors (prototype 1 in the bin). Finally got the hang of the scissor thing and I have been using mine ever since. How did I ever survive before that. It is soooooo handy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then onto the pin cushion. I have made a finger one - which since trying it I actually like as I only ever use 3-4 pins if I use pins at all. The wrist one is on prototype 3 as the first was too small, this one I feel is a bit too big and is velcroed onto the wrist strap. I think that I will sew it onto the strap. Also the elastic is a wee bit too fitting. But it all works for me and I am thrilled. I am going to make some more to iron out issues.

So I have always sold the snips (or given them away) and now I feel it has gone to the next level with the lanyard.

Clearing the craftroom - Giveaway

I am seriously clearing and tidying up the craftroom and my quilt shop (aka the garage) So instead of selling the excess I have decided to host some giveaways over the next few weeks. This weeks giveaway is ....


Melly and Me bag pattern - Hopscotch.

This has never been used. I have unzipped it and looked at the instructions but am just not going to make it.
So put a comment on my blog and make sure I know how to contact you and this could be yours, to keep or give away yourself.
This will be drawn in the evening on Wednesday and then could be winging it's way to you.

Upcycling - using second hand sheets

Last night I got on the finishing streak of upcycling various second hand sheets that I obtained from the Op Shop for $2-3 each.
I have been making duvet covers for our single beds as we just don't have enough in the winter when washing does not always dry. I like to use plain sheeting and am a big fan of natural materials, so it has to be 100% cotton and generally white. Then we don't need a top sheet to the bed as the cover operates as a duvet cover and sheet. Makes it easy for the boys to make in the morning and we don't get the whole - sheet down at their feet - scenario.
I made two white duvet covers last week and last night I made a purple one for Eli. It is his favourite colour.
By mistake I deleted the photo of the main finished duvet cover (and it is in the wash now).

Instructions; - sew four straight seams to make a duvet (takes 30mins max)


1. Get two single sheets or one double / queen (so that there are two layers and lay them on the floor. Make sure that the nice stitched top end of the sheets are both at the same end and if you have a wrong and right side then put them right sides together. As this means the bottom of your duvet is already made and thick enough to take either domes or buttons as closure.

two top ends of the sheet which will become bottom end of the duvet. All ready for buttons or domes.     

2. Lay an existing correct fitting duvet cover over these two layers. Put the bottom of the duvet in line with the top of the sheets and one side of the duvet in line with one of the sides of the sheet. This way you only need to cut to fit down one side (allow 3cm seam allowance) and along the end of the duvet.

3. Stitch both sides together starting at what will be the bottom of the duvet (that nicely finished top of the sheet. Then stitch along the top seam. This will make sure if you have cut it a bit wonky you can correct it, but the bottom opening of the duvet will still look professional as the seams will match.

4. Turn the duvet through so that the seams are all on the inside. Then iron those seams. Go back to the sewing machine and start on one side and sew to the top - sew with the side of the machine foot running in line along the edge of the duvet - , turn and sew along the top, turn and sew down the other side. This is called a french seam and means that you do not need to zig zag or get your overlocker out as it seals the original seam inside itself. It also gives a really good finish to the duvet making the edges always look sharp.

The finished look of the french seam

5. Close the bottom two edges of the duvet whatever way you prefer. Make buttonholes on one side and sew on buttons or use domes.


One finished duvet.

Pre Dinner Pirate Show

Last night, while waiting for the roast to rest, we were regaled with a pre dinner pirate show by the boys.

Introducing Elijah Schulz as Captain Burabaz and Jakob Schulz as Mumtan. (those were my lines and then I was instructed to sit in the audience)

We had a fine display of swordsmanship, lots of swashbuckling, a treasure ship commandeered and a great finale. Unfortunately they also killed the audience several times.

Baked cheesecake

Last night at 9pm I started making these miniature baked cheesecakes. I used lime and lemons to flavour it as I find that cuts through the dense fat of the cream cheese. Only I then had to stay up till about 10.30pm waiting for them to finish the cooking part.

I love baked cheesecake and I am going to be with the girls for a quilting session tonight, so this will be our sweet treat. As you can see from other blog posts I often use the baked cheesecake with other flavours - the last few tries were blackcurrants and redcurrants from the garden. Click here to see - I was impressed with them when I made them!

Anyone have any answers on the biscuit base for cheesecakes? I used 50% more butter in my base than the recipe (an Alison Holst recipe I have adapted) but the base still crumbles apart. At least the base is not the rock hard, can't get a spoon near it, kind. Tips anyone?