Samelia's Mum

Cherries and Stars… A Pincushion Swap

2013-05-16T11:20:00.001+10:00

I love quick handmade projects. And, I love participating in swaps. It seems that some of my friends over in the Quilt Club Australia Facebook group do too.

This past month, Lauren of the Ren Rad Crafts blog organised a pincushion swap. It was a fast swap with a 3 week turn-around. Yes, it was a quick one.

We all made up a pincushion board on Pinterest and once we received our secret partners, we were free to stalk their boards, blogs and get cracking on making them a pincushion, that we knew they would like.

I firstly made a preserving jar pincushion for my partner. Preserving jars are VERY hard to find here in my local area (or even in this country). I did contemplate eBay, but eventually lucked out in finding a 6 pack of jars in a local home wares store. Yay!

It would have looked better with a silver or gold lid, but when all you can find is red and white gingham inspired lid… well you run with it.

I love this cherry fabric and I hope my partner loves it too.

Other than the search, this pincushion didn’t take very long to make, so I decided that I still had time and would make her another one.

You can never have too many pincushions, now can you?

So I went back to her Pinterest board and loved this little star pincushion she had pinned. I went through my scrap tub and found colours which I knew she’d like and cut up the little bits of fabric (1 3/8” squares) and made the star block pincushion.

I really, really, REALLY love how it turned out. It almost didn’t make it into the parcel, but I was strong and posted it this morning.

How many pincushions do you have?

I can see 3, where I am sitting right now and I’m sure if I delved into the boxes which I have packed away in storage, I’d find some more.

Drink Tea and Read Books

2013-05-15T19:27:00.001+10:00

In our modern day world, we don’t have much of that elusive thing called time.

We struggle with time and try to cram as much as we can into our days.

Image Source

Tonight I will switch of the television earlier than usual, make myself some tea and read some more of my book (Redstone Station).

Sometimes, it’s the simple things which mustn’t forget to include in our day.

Sometimes, it’s just nice to drink tea and read books. Don’t you think?

What are you reading right now?

Step in Time Quilt {Tutorial}

2013-05-14T08:45:00.001+10:00

My Step in Time Quilt was originally published in Australian Homespun magazine, early 2012. It’s a fun and easy quilt to make and perfect for a beginner who wants to play with some pre-cut fabrics.

It’s also a fun weekend project for a more experienced quilter.

The finished quilt measures approximately 48” x 52”.

If you’d like a bed sized quilt, just by double the amounts of fabric. Rather than using 2 charm packs, you could use a layer cake cut - start the process by cutting the layers into 4 x 5” squares.

A seam allowance of ¼ inch is included throughout. Requirements are based on fabric 112cm (44” wide).

Materials Needed:

2 x charm packs OR 80 x 5”x 5” squares (I used “It’s a Hoot” by Momo for Moda)
1.25 yard of a solid fabric – light (I used kona cotton in white)
1.25 yard of a solid fabric – medium (I used kona cotton in ash)
0.5 yard of a co-ordinating print fabric for the binding
* Backing fabric (extra wide) or a pieced backing measuring at least 52” x 56”
52” x 56” piece of batting
Neutral thread for piecing & quilting
Sewing machine with a ¼” foot
Cutting mat, rotary cutter, ruler
Iron and ironing board
General sewing supplies

Cutting:
Solid Fabric - Light
(9) 2.5” strips x WOF
Crosscut (80) 2.5” x 4.5”

Solid Fabric – Medium
(9) 2.5” strips x WOF
Crosscut (80) 2.5” x 4.5”

Charm Packs
Cut 78 fabric squares to 5” x 4.5”
Cut each square in half to yield 156 (2.5” x 4.5”)

Binding Fabric
Cut 5 x 2.25” strips - WOF

Construction:

Place 1 solid fabric and 1 printed fabric strip with right sides facing together.
Sew along the long edge using a ¼” seam allowance.
Do this for all of the fabric strips.
Press the seam to the printed side.

Arrange the blocks so that the solid fabrics look like “steps”.

Alternate between 2x white solid and 2x grey solid to make a row of 12 blocks.

In the second row, place the first block in the opposite direction of the block directly above it (with the same solid colour). The second block of the row will be the alternate solid colour (in the opposite direction).

Continue arranging the blocks in this alternating manner.

The finished quilt top will have 13 rows of 12 blocks each.

Quilting:

Press the quilt top well.

Piece the backing if required and press well.

Lay the backing fabric right side down on a hard surface and use masking tape to secure it, ensuring the fabric is taut but not distorted.

Layer the batting square over it, then the well pressed quilt top.

Baste the 3 layers together with safety pins.

Quilt as desired - I used a free motion meandering pattern all over the quilt.

Binding:

Join the 2.25” strips end to end. Trim the seams and press them open.

Press the strip in half lengthways with the wrong sides together.

Beginning halfway along one side of the quilt and leaving a 12 inch tail, pin the binding to the front of the quilt with the raw edges aligned. Ensure the joins are not on the corners.

Stitch it in place with a ¼” seam, mitering the corners as you go.

When you’re 12” from the starting point, remove the quilt from the machine.

On a flat surface, use your fingers to walk the two tails together until they meet.

Open tails and finger press where the seam should be. Sew along this fold. Trim the seam and press open.

Check that the binding fits well and continue attaching your binding.

Trim the batting and backing. Turn the folded edge of the binding over the raw edges to the back of the quilt and slip stitch it in place. If you prefer, machine sew your binding.

I hope you enjoy making my Step in Time Quilt. It’s such a fun quilt to make and really comes together quickly… which is a bonus, right?

If you make this quilt, I’d love to see it. Send me some photos or post it on the Samelia’s Mum Facebook Page.

Rainbows, Hand Quilting & Garlic = Mothers Day 2013

2013-05-13T10:15:00.001+10:00

Mother’s Day Morning and I was awoken early by children bearing gifts. Who can resist an early morning gift? They’d both taken money to school earlier in the week to buy something at the Mother’s Day stall and then it came to the hard part – keeping gifts hidden and secret for 2 whole days.

A few times, my little miss started to tell me so I’d cover my ears and say “la la la la la la” which she thought was hilarious.

So here is my stash of lovely handmade cards and gifts.

They went to Bunnings (hardware store) last week, with Mr and bought the wooden box. They thought it might be nice for jewellery or for pins in my sewing room. There was a lot of sneaking into the garage to paint and honestly it’s the cutest little thing. Love the little painted rainbow. I’m guessing that was the girlie contribution.

It will definitely sit somewhere proudly in the new house, but for now it’s on my bedside table. Sam made that earring stand at school. It’s fluoro pink with sparkly rhinestones glued all over it. So sweet.

I spent the afternoon doing a little bit of hand quilting. My Spring mini quilt is coming along nicely and I’m hoping to have it finished by the end of the week. Once it’s finished, I’ll share it with you.

We decided not to go out to eat anywhere, instead, we’d stay at home and eat cheese. Literally.

As you may know, I’m a bit obsessed with watching cooking shows. I don’t often make what I see, but sometimes, things just look too good (and easy) so we give them a go. This little meal was inspired by “Simply Baking”.

So for Mothers Day dinner, we had oven roasted garlic and King Island Camembert.

We sat and watched ‘The Block’ while using hot crusty bread to scoop up the gooey cheese and caramelized garlic. Pan fried chorizo on the side complimented the dish. YUM!

How did you spend your Mother’s Day?

Saturday Morning

2013-05-11T11:36:00.001+10:00

We have no plans today. Saturdays are usually spent running around like headless chooks, with activities, sports, parties - the usual.

Jen Hawkins is up the road, opening the new Myer store today - so I am steering clear of the shops and hysteria.

So, after what seems like years of nagging, begging, pleading, I'm teaching my kids to do this...

Insanity? Or Bravery?

Australian Autumn 2013

2013-05-08T18:35:00.000+10:00

We’ve finally been blessed with some glorious Autumnal weather. Clear blue skies. Pleasant days. Cool evenings.

The colours of autumn are spectacular and we love to travel up to the Southern Highlands of NSW to really “see” the season.

The trip up the mountain is a 45 minute drive away, but well worth it.

Right now, the Southern Highlands are ablaze with colour. We visited a small village market in the morning and then spent the rest of the day exploring the area.

In only a few short weeks, the trees will lose all of their brilliance and winter will draw us indoors and keep us there.

But for the time being, we are enjoying the warm glow which autumn brings out in us.

Linking up with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday

Chicken Macadamia Stir-Fry with Noodles {RECIPE + GIVEAWAY}

2013-05-07T12:27:00.001+10:00

The other week, I received an email asking if I’d be interested in cooking with Suncoast Gold Macadamia oil. Why yes, I would. Thank you very much.

I’m always up for trying new ingredients and recipes. For me, macadamia nuts have always been a chocolate coated treat which we send as “Aussie” gift to family and friends overseas.

Did you know that macadamia trees are native to Northern NSW and Southern Queensland? For thousands of years before European settlement, the aborigines ate the native seed that grew in rainforests of eastern Australia.

Suncoast Gold Macadamia Oil is the all-Australian alternative, made from the finest macadamias sourced from Noosa to Byron Bay. 100% Australian. Gotta love that, right?

Chicken Macadamia Stir-Fry with Noodles
Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 400g packet of hokkien noodles
3 tablespoons Suncoast Gold Macadamia Oil
250g skinless chicken strips (I used chicken thigh meat)
1/2 red onion
2 cups of vegetables chopped/diced (beans, carrots, mushrooms etc…)
75g dry roasted Suncoast Gold Australian Macadamias
1 lime
3 tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce
Coriander (I used coriander paste, though fresh would be better)

Method:
Soak the noodles in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat the wok, add the oil.
Add the chicken, onion and stir fry for 3 minutes (until the chicken is golden and onions have softened).
Add the vegetables and stir fry for another couple of minutes until they’ve softened, though still crunchy.
Squeeze in the juice of the lime, add the sweet chilli sauce and coriander.
Finally toss in the noodles and macadamia nuts.
Serve and enjoy!

Do you use Macadamia Oil in your cooking? Up until last week, I hadn’t tried it, but have experimented with it in my cooking. I even made a batch of stove top popcorn with it, for movie night on the weekend.

The generous people at Suncoast Gold Macadamia want to share the nutty love and have offered a couple of prize packs to giveaway to some lucky Samelia’s Mum readers.

Each pack includes a twin pack of Suncoast Gold Australian Macadamia Oil and a Zeal Macadamia Oil Spray Pump.

This Oil Pump Spray has a funky, contemporary design and is perfect for dispensing oils for stir-fries, barbecues, roasts and for dressing healthy salads. The design allows a fine spray for healthier cooking and eating and avoids wasting a precious drop of macadamia oil.

Each prize pack is valued at $40.

To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment telling me:

What is your favourite stir-fry combination?

This giveaway is open to Australian residents only.

Giveaway closes on Sunday, 12 May 2013 at 5pm AEST.

Winners will be contacted by email and/or announced on the Samelia’s Mum Facebook Page.

The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Samelia’s Mum will take no responsibility for any delay, loss or damage to prizes sent to winner/s.

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Be sure to follow Samelia’s Mum on BlogLovin’ or Facebook for latest news, craziness, random images and updates - Google Reader will be closing down soon.

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Disclaimer: I was gifted a pack from Suncoast Gold Macadamia and was under no obligation to post about it – but I like the product and wanted to share it with everyone.

Sew Mama Sew! Giveaway Day {CLOSED}

2013-05-06T23:20:00.000+10:00

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - Winner is Kirsten

It’s the Sew Mama Sew! blogger giveaway party and everyone is invited. Yay!

Welcome to my regular friends and to any new readers visiting from the Sew Mama Sew! blogger linky party.

I love a good giveaway party, so today I’m giving away a couple of gorgeous bold, bright and extremely happy charm packs.

Simple Marks (Summer) by Malka Dubrawsky for Moda

You have a few ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me:

What do you have planned for Mother’s Day?

(or if you’ve already had Mother’s Day this year, what did you get up to?)

2. Leave another comment if you are following Samelia's Mum on GFC or Bloglovin' (or another blogger feed).

3. Leave a comment if you like the Samelia's Mum Facebook Page.

This giveaway is open internationally and will end on 10 May 2013 at 5pm (AEST).

For more fun giveaways, including Handmade items, pop on over to the Sew Mama Sew! blog for the full list of participating blogs.

Best Ever Applique Sampler from Piece O'Cake Designs {Book Review}

2013-05-06T10:40:00.001+10:00

Best Ever Applique Sampler from Piece O'Cake Designs by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkis is a welcome addition to my quilt book library. From the moment I saw the front cover, I was smitten. Yes, smitten is the perfect word.

It is a "must have" book for anyone wanting to learn the art of applique.
Best Ever Applique Sampler from Piece O'Cake Designs begins with the basics – supplies, fabric preparation, fabric requirements, seams allowances, borders.

We learn about the importance of colour, contrast and value. Designs on the fabric are discussed and we learn about auditioning fabrics and choosing the right fabric.

Beautiful images and step by step instructions make this book a joy to leaf through and to learn all of the in’s and out’s of this skill.

The appliqué patterns are numbered to indicate the stitching sequence. Begin with appliqué piece #1, and work your way through the block.

It includes 5 beautiful projects and 9 blocks to mix, match and design your own quilts, table runners or wall hangings.

They're all sweet, bright and I'm anxious to get started – to create some beautifully appliqued little quilts to brighten up my sewing space.

If you want to learn applique, you can’t go past Best Ever Applique Sampler from Piece O'Cake Designs.

Colour Swap

2013-05-05T21:07:00.001+10:00

It was a fabulous mail week for me, last week. I ordered a few things during the Click Frenzy sale and my lovely parcels arrived only days after ordering.

I also received a big box. It had no name, but a postal address from Victoria. Oooh the excitement! I contained myself and managed to wait until I got home to open it. I knew this was my parcel from my “Colour Swap” partner.

My chosen colour was AQUA and I was not disappointed.

I opened the box to discover these lovely wrapped parcels, with gorgeous aqua ribbons.

Plus, a mysterious envelope telling me to open my goodies first, leaving the envelope to the end. Absolutely no problem with that request. I was onto it!

First parcel I opened was the “Something for you” parcel and I discovered this absolutely beautiful bag. It’s made with some of my all time favourite fabrics.

The sweet stitched pockets made me smile. Crochet flowers and embellishments made this bag, extra special and I will save it to use on sewing group days.

Inside of the bag, I found an makeup brush set with mirror. It’s aqua with pink blossoms and birdcages. So feminine and pretty. Perfect to keep in my handbag.

Next up I opened the “Something for Home” parcel. Bunting!! I love bunting and this bunting actually says LOVE.

There are 2 empty triangles on either end. In the parcel was a tube of aqua paint which I later discovered is for stamping my children’s hand prints on the 2 end triangles. Isn’t that gorgeous! Such a happy and thoughtful gift. My swap partner certainly knew a lot about me. I was itching to open the envelope, but forced myself to open the parcels – such a hardship… NOT!

“Something to Eat” was lollipops which I’ve shared with my kids and aqua sugared almonds. If you’re a long time reader of my blog, you may know that sugar almonds have some significance to me – and I even made a quilt, called Sugared Almonds.

“Something to Smell” is this beautifully scented blue candle. I absolutely love candles.

So many lovely goodies for me. I felt so lucky.

Finally I opened the card and discovered that my secret swap partner was one of the loveliest and most generous bloggers I know. It was Melody from The House on the Side of the Hill.

Melody, thank you. I absolutely love everything. The bunting is hanging above the television in the living room and I can’t wait to attend the next sewing group to show off my new bag.

Also, a big thanks to Cheryll of Gone Stitchin’ for organising this swap. I cannot wait until the next one.

If you're interested in joining Cheryll's next swap, it will be a Christmas in July swap. Yay!!

For more details, just click here

STITCHING: To My Other Mother {Tutorial + Pattern}

2013-05-03T11:46:00.000+10:00

Last year, I made this stitchery and gave it to my mother in law, for mothers day. You can read more about it here.

It’s a lovely poem which I found online one afternoon. I don’t know who the poet is, so if anyone does, please let me know so that I can credit them.

Now, I think my MIL was/is pleased with her gift. It hangs in her dining room near her array of Richmond Tigers memorabilia (she is a one of the Tigers BIGGEST fans).

I received great feedback on this project and a lot of emails from readers, so I thought that with Mothers Day on the approach, I would share the pattern.

Download the pattern here

When printing, please ensure that the page layout is set to landscape.

The poem will have printed on 2 pages. I trimmed the pages and taped them together so that they paragraphs and lines were even.

You will need a piece of fabric large enough to cover the 2 page printout.

If you have a light box, now is the time to get it out, as it’s much easier to see the words which you need to trace.

Trace the words onto the background stitching fabric with a water erasable blue marker (or whatever colour marker you have – just so long as it’s erasable).

With a hot iron, adhere some low-loft fusible Pellon or Parlan (or other soft fleece fusible stabiliser).

Place your stitchery in your hoop (or not, it’s up to you) and begin stitching.

As a general rule, I use 2 strands of floss. In this project, I used back stitch and French knots for any dots.

Once the stitchery is complete, spritz it with water to remove any sign of the blue marker and let it dry. Sometimes you need to spritz a couple of times to ensure all of the blue gone.

I bordered my stitchery in 2.5” squares, in colours which I thought that my mother in law would like (plus I had the perfect mini charm pack, ready and waiting).

If you prefer, you can just border it in 2.5” strips or a couple of borders in different widths. They would be a fun finish too.

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Please let me know if you decide to make the “Other Mother” stitched wall hanging and of course I’d love to see some photos.

Mothers Day is only 9 days away – Time to get stitching!

Linking up with Story of My Life

Day 2: Educate us on something you know alot about or are good at

What would you like to receive this Mother's Day?

The Story of Me {Day 1}

2013-05-03T11:29:00.001+10:00

Story Of My Life is hosting a fun May challenge, which I’ve been enjoying learning more about my blogging friends, and so thought, why not just join the party too. I’m going to try and make up the days I’ve missed so far.

Day 1: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph... no one will be counting your words... probably)

I am the eldest child, and first generation Australian. My parents immigrated to Australia in the 1960’s (and are holidaying back in their homeland right now).

I went to Catholic school from kindergarten - right through high school. When I was old enough, I got my, weekend job. I worked at a hardware store and was the official paint mixer and key cutter (yes, prestigious doesn’t begin to describe it).

I began my full time working life in motor vehicles and finance. I enjoyed the job. I enjoyed the people. But then, after almost 10 years with the same company, it was time for a change. Telecommunications – and speaking to customers in Brazil and Europe. I was employed for my language skills.

Then, I met my husband to be.
A year later, we were married.
A year later, I had my first child.
A year later, I had my second child.

We decided that I would stay at home and be there to raise our children. A decision that I have loved (though admittedly, there were days that I would much have preferred to be at work, speaking to adults and having quiet interrupted lunch breaks).

My youngest started school this year and I do volunteer a lot of time at school. But around that I am now concentrating on my creative life. Working on more projects and writing more patterns for publication – with a new sewing studio, due to be ready later this year, the future is looking bright.

So, this is me, in a nutshell. A little glimpse into the life of a crafty, suburban mum.

* Slightly over my word-count, but hey, who’s counting, right?

Will you be joining the “Blog everyday in May – Challenge”?

What was your first job?
Do you speak another language?

My Creative Space - Applique

2013-05-02T17:01:00.000+10:00

My Creative Space has been centered around appliqué this past week. I'm practicing needle turn appliqué. Like anything else really, the more you practice, the better you get - right? Well that's the theory.

Needle Turn Applique is a technique which I am enjoying immensely. I keep the project in a zip lock bag with my little needle case, embroidery scissors and a few different coloured bobbins of thread.

This little quilt project is called Spring by Sarah Fielke. It's a perfect little "on-the-go" project for when I have a few spare minutes during school pickup or when the kids are at after school activities (ie ballet or karate lessons).

What's happening in your Creative Space this week?

Linking up with My Creative Space @ Village Voices this week

Follow the Leader (Modern Quilt A Long)

2013-05-01T19:38:00.000+10:00

The Modern Blocks Quilt A Long is here! After a lot of chatter among the ASWC crew, we're all very excited to begin our #ModernQAL

First, up is the Follow The Leader block. Amy has shared step by step instructions (with photos) on how to make this block.

Now personally, I'm not really a fan of Flying Geese. I do like the look of this traditional block, but I’ve never been a fan of making it myself. It has always been a block which I’ve steered clear of. I’m not sure exactly why, but I think perhaps it has to do with all of those points and matching up all of those seams.

I tackled the Follow The Leader block and found the instructions to be quite easy to follow. The 99 Modern Blocks book is a starting point and the blocks can be interpreted as the quilter wants… like the direction which I have taken, in my very pink, Follow the Leader block.

You can never have too much pink, now can you?

If you'd like to join the ASWC #modernQAL, here is the block schedule, which we will be sharing. It will run from May 2013 until April 2014.

1. May- Follow The Leader with Amy @ And Sew We Craft!
2. June- Spool with The Crafty Mummy
3. July- Megan’s Star with Samelia’s Mum
4. August- Quatrefoil with Alyce of Blossom Heart Quilts
5. September- Escalator with Cate of Life Behind the Purple Door
6. October- Best Friends Samelias Mum
7. November- Pogo Stick with Ros of Sew Delicious
8. December- Crosswalk with Amy @ her personal blog - Actually Amy
9. January- Everything Equal Alyce of Blossom Heart Quilts
10. February- Parisian Star with Tonya of Crafty Mummy
11. March- Binary with Cate of Life Behind the Purple Door
12. April- Stacked Squares with Ros of Sew Delicious

We also have some fantastic prized lined up for people who are joining the QAL - including a fun linky party to share your blocks and progress.

Building a House {2nd Month}

2013-05-01T09:16:00.001+10:00

** House Progress Post **

Well it’s been an exciting month in the Samelia’s Mum House build. I should really be calling it the Samelia’s Family House build as I obviously won’t be living it up there, all by myself... well except maybe during school hours.

In my last post, we’d reached the slab stage. The concrete slab had just been poured – which was super exciting. Here is the link if you would like to go back and see where it all began.

In the past month, I’ve been stalking the site. I try to go when I think that the builders would have gone home for the day. Most of the time though, they’re still there, so I take photos when I think that they’re not looking. Yes, a wee bit creepy for them, but I imagine they get it a lot by excited women, whose house they’re building.

Okay, so next up, this happened:

And then last week, during the Anzac Day public holiday, we decided to drive by to see the progress and found that the builders hadn’t locked the gate properly. So we may or may not have had a little tour of the downstairs – from the inside!!

This is an image from my kitchen, near where the sink will be. That stand thingy will be the island bench. Where those planks of wood are on the floor, will be where I’ll have my dining table.

That doorway into that room with 4 glorious windows, will be my much anticipated sewing room.

Okay, breathe Anorina.

The kids went back to school after the 2 week autumn break and on Monday, I booked myself in for a colour and cut (it had been months since the last time I’d been for hair rescue).

So amid all of this construction, I went and got my hair done.
Here I am, looking slightly cross eyed, sneaking a photo in the mirror while the hairdresser went to get some glossy, trashy magazines for me to read.

And here is the after-shot when I got in the car. It was lovely and shiny and straight… and then it drizzled and my hair got just wet enough to not be lovely and straight any more. But hey, I captured the moment.

This photo was taken yesterday afternoon. The brickies have been working away getting the bottom floor all bricked up.

You know what I have just noticed? They have moved bricks to the other side of the fence. I wonder if they’re making way for the scaffolding to arrive soon. Scaffolding means - second storey. Woo Hoo!

I’m dreaming of flooring now. We will go in and order our flooring and carpet soon. I know what I like, but it will of course come down to $$$. Winning the lottery right about now would be lovely.

If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Linking up with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday (even though it's not absolutely wordless).

DIY: Make a Pressing Board

2013-04-30T19:39:00.001+10:00

Today, I’m sharing my method of making a pressing board. I love it so much, that I think I may never use my ironing board, ever again! It’s perfect for quilters who want to press a block or a seam or to make some quick binding.

For the longest time, I’ve wanted a pressing board. Not anything too flash or high-tech – just a board that I could keep near my sewing table to whip out and use for a little job and then put away, just as easily.

The other day, hubby was heading to Bunnings (our local Hardware store chain) and I asked him to pick up a piece of plywood. I saw his eyes light up and I had visions of metres of plywood appearing out the back of the wagon. I decided to be more specific and asked him to bring a piece of plywood, no bigger than my cutting mat.

He came home with my piece of plywood and it was the perfect size for what I had envisioned.

I set to work making my pressing board. No time like the present, right?

Do you want to make a pressing board of your own too?

Gather your bits and we’ll do it step by step – together. Sound good?

You will need:

A piece of plywood – whatever size you have available.
2 or 3 pieces of batting. The batting needs to be larger than the plywood board.
A piece of fabric of the outside of the pressing board. I used some home decor weight fabric from Ikea. It’s got a lovely retro 70’s look about it, which I love.
A staple gun with staples (my new favourite tool).
Some space on the floor to lay everything out.

The first step is to fold the batting around the board and staple it down with that magical staple gun.

The next step is to lay the outer fabric down on the board with the right side facing down.

Fold the top section down and staple it to the board.

Fold the bottom section of fabric up to the board, pulling it tight – but not too taught.

Staple this bottom section of fabric to the board.

Fold the sides over, tuck them under and then staple, staple, staple.

So about 8 minutes after starting, your pressing board should be assembled and ready to use.

Do you have a pressing board?

If not, why not have a go at making one like this. You will love it – I’m absolutely sure of it!

Fave Five - Childhood Television Shows

2013-04-29T06:00:00.001+10:00

I was a child of the 1980’s. I loved bubble skirts, fluoro socks and New Kids on the Block. I used to fluff up my fringe (like Effie) and watch Molly Ringwald movies.

Today, I’m sharing my Fave Fave childhood television shows, and as you can imagine, they’re from the 1980’s.

In no particular order, they include:

Punky Brewster

Punky Brewster is an American sitcom about a girl named Punky Brewster (Soleil Moon Frye) being raised by her foster parent (George Gaynes).

Punky wore mismatched shoes and socks and had attitude. I thought she was the coolest.

Alf

(Image Source)

Alf (whose real name was Gordon Shumway) was a friendly extra-terrestrial nicknamed ALF (an acronym for Alien Life Form), who crash lands in the garage of the suburban middle-class Tanner family.

Alf was naughty and cheeky and had funny ways to getting solutions to his daily dilemma’s.

Fraggle Rock

(Image Source)

Singing and dancing Muppets – what’s not to love?

The Brady Bunch

(Image Source)

A classic. I used to watch this show every afternoon, after school. I didn’t like Marcia and loved Cindy. I was uninterested in the boys. They were boring. I wondered why my mother didn’t name me Cindy. In all fairness, I was about 6 years old at the time.

Remember the kazoo episode? And George Glass? And I remember nagging my mum to buy me a Kitty Carry All doll – because Cindy had one.

I scored a Baby Alive instead ;-)

Degrassi Junior High

(Image Source)

Blast from the past, right?

Degrassi Junior High aired on the ABC here in Australia. It was super dramatic with all the kids have so many issues to deal with. Much more interesting than anything that was going on in my life.

I went to an all girl Catholic high school where hair spray, gel and hair teasing was against the rules – so of course Spike was my favourite.

So have I brought back some memories?

I’d love to hear about your favourite shows while growing up. What were your Fave Five?

Dreaming in Colour

2013-04-27T20:32:00.001+10:00

I should be productive, this I know for fact. Yet, I've been distracted by Pinterest and Design-Seed this evening.

Dreaming of my future house. Of rooms, decorated in these colours:

(Images Source: www.design-seeds.com)

And of quilts, made with these colours:

Do you dream of colour, too?

Happy Stitching,
Samelia's Mum

Swapping with friends

2013-04-26T20:49:00.001+10:00

This past month, I joined a bunch of crafty ladies in a colour swap, hosted by Cheryll of the Stitching Cubbyhole Blog (http://stitchingcubbyhole.blogspot.com.au).

We had to send the following:

Four items are to go to your partner in HER choice of colour.

- Something edible
- Something smelly
- Something for a room in the house
- Something personal...

and ONE GIFT MUST be handmade.

This was such a fun swap. I didn't stalk my partner too much - I already read her blog and see her over on Facebook.

Here are the parcels... posted to my lovely partner and making their way... to her house :)

Partner: I hope you like the goodies inside. And, I did write a card, but forgot to include it in the parcel. D'Oh!

Modern Blocks {Review}

2013-04-24T12:19:00.001+10:00

99 Modern Quilt Blocks from your favourite designers

Compiled by Susanne Woods

I love quilt books. My quilt book library is an ever growing resource which I often go to, when I’m in need of inspiration.

For the longest time, I wanted a copy of Modern Blocks - which I finally purchased (I love the free postage that Book Depository offers). I figure that with Mothers Day on the way, one of the kids could give this to me as a gift.

Modern Blocks is a book of quilt blocks. Some of the blocks are very simple, but to me, they’re just the starting point. They are the first step in the direction the blocks or quilt could take. Endless possibilities.

Each block is beautifully photographed and appears on the left hand page. On the right hand page is where we find the supply requirements along with detailed instructions to assist in the block construction.

Many of the blocks also include step by step images which are a fantastic resource for visual learners (like me).

Pieced blocks, applique blocks, embroidery on blocks - they're all featured.

All in all, I think Modern Blocks is fantastic resource and a welcome addition to my quilt book library.

Do you have a quilt book library?

Which quilt books do you have, love, and recommend?

Modern Blocks QAL – Scraps

2013-04-23T08:52:00.001+10:00

The Modern Blocks Quilt A Long is almost here. It starts next week and the ASWC crew, are excited!

I shared how I plan to use fabric scraps in my Modern Blocks Quilt. Click HERE to read more about it.

Will you be joining the Modern Blocks Quilt A Long?

Visit the And Sew We Craft Roll-Call post to sign in and join the fun of the #modernQAL (be sure to tag any images or posts with the hash tag, so that we can all come by and see your work).

LEGO - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles {Giveaway CLOSED}

2013-04-22T12:30:00.000+10:00

GIVEAWAY CLOSED - WINNERS: Rae, Amber, Helen, Tuffii

Growing up in the 80’s, I know that Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael were not only artists, but also, that they’re turtles. Your regular, heroes in a half-shell.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back, ready to fight crime and keep the street safe against evil villains including Shredder and the Kraang.

Watch new episodes of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles exclusive to Nickelodeon Saturdays at 8:30am with repeats Tuesdays & Fridays at 4:30pm.

But more exciting than watching it on Nickelodeon, is that Lego have released TMNT Lego packs.

Image Source

Kraang Lab Escape RRP $22.99Dish out some Turtle power with Michelangelo in a prison breakout then battle against The Kraang's mech walker with dual flick missiles!

Shredder’s Dragon Bike RRP $39.99Skate after Shredder's Dragon Bike with dual flame exhaust on Donatello's
supercharged motorized skateboard and get the sewer map back!

Stealth Shell In Pursuit RRP $39.99
Speed after Fishface's ooze-launching sewer skimmer with the tri-wheel Stealth
Shell with dual flick missiles in a city sewer chase!

Turtle Lair Attack RRP $79.99
It's an intense day of training for the Turtles! Train with Master Splinter in the
multi-story Turtle Lair with a skate ramp, lab, training dojo, TV corner,
catapult, and pizza oven!

With thanks to LEGO, you have the chance to Win 1 of 4 Kraang Lab Escape sets from the all-new and exciting LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles range! Each set is valued at $22.99 each!

To enter, please leave a comment telling me:

What television show (from your childhood) would you like to see as Lego?

1. Open to Australian residents only.
2. Giveaway will close on 28 April 2013 at 5pm AEST.3. The judge’s decision will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
4. Samelia’s Mum will take no responsibility for any delay, loss or damage to prizes sent to winner/s. 5. Winner/s will be announced on the Samelia’s Mum Facebook Page.

Fave Five – Cakes {+ Linky}

2013-04-22T05:00:00.000+10:00

Cake.

Sweet.

Delicious.

It’s hard to find a person who doesn’t like cake, right?

Here are my Fave Five Cakes:

(Click the images for the sources)

Black Forest Cake (with fresh cherries)

Lemon Poppy-Seed Cake

Cinnamon Scrolls

Vanilla Slice with Passionfruit Icing

Lemon Cheesecake

Have you been inspired by this little bit of sweetness on a Monday morning?

Why not join in and blog your Fave Five – Cakes?

Join the linky (down below) so we can call visit and see what yumminess you have for us to see.

Next Week's "Fave Five" is... Childhood Television Shows

Autumn Cinnamon Scrolls {Recipe}

2013-04-20T17:04:00.001+10:00

With the cooler weather finally here, we are drawn to warm, comforting food.

For me, cinnamon always reminds me of autumn, so today, we were baking bread and decided while the oven was on, we’d make some cinnamon scrolls. We based our scrolls on a recipe from about.com, with a few little tweaks as we went along.

Autumn Cinnamon Scrolls

Ingredients (dough)

1 x 7g pack of dry yeast

4 cups of plain (all purpose) flour

1/2 cup of warm water

1/3 cup of warm milk

1/3 cup of castor sugar

4 tablespoons of butter (or margarine)

1 egg

1 teaspoon of salt

Ingredients (Cinnamon Sugar)

2 tablespoons of butter (or margarine)

1/2 cup of castor sugar

2 teaspoons of cinnamon

Ingredients (Icing)

1 cups of icing sugar

2 tablespoons of milk

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Method

Place the yeast into the mixing bowl and pour in the warm water. Stir it until the yeast dissolves.

Stir in the milk, castor sugar, butter, egg, salt and 3 cups of the flour. Beat until smooth. If you have a dough hook for your electric mixer, this works best. Mix in only enough of the remaining flour to make the dough easy to handle.

Turn dough onto lightly floured surface, knead until smooth and elastic.

Place the dough in a large greased bowl; turn the greased side up. Cover with cling film (and a blanket) and let it rise in warm place until the dough doubles in size. Approximately 1 hour.

Punch down dough; on a lightly floured surface roll dough into rectangle – (approximately 9 x 18 inches)

Once the dough is rolled out, spread it with the butter.

Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon (evenly) over the dough rectangle.

Roll up tightly, beginning at the shorter end.

Seal well by pinching edges of roll together.

Cut the roll into 1 to 1 1/2 inch slices. Space the scrolls our on a greased pan.

Cover and let the dough rise again until it has doubled in size again (approximately 30 minutes).

Turn on the oven – 200 degrees celcius

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden

To make the icing, mix the icing sugar, milk and vanilla in a small bowl.

Drizzle the icing mixture over the scrolls, while they’re still warm.

Serve and enjoy.

Autumn – what is your favourite autumnal treat?

What is your favourite part of Autumn?

The biggest, ever!

2013-04-19T10:57:00.001+10:00

It's official. My Boho Star Quilt is the biggest quilt I've ever made.

Measuring 90" x 90" I don't have the floor space to spread it out in its entirety, so when the gale force winds outside, ease up a little, I'll get some better photos.

It will certainly be fun to quilt :)