A Spoonful of Sugar

Crocheted Scarf {Free Pattern}

2012-05-23T12:34:00.001+08:00

Now that the weather is starting to cool, I have been enjoying a spot of crocheting. It is so relaxing to sit with some yarn in front of the TV at night. I have designed and made a scarf using some gorgeous BC Garn Baby Alpaca Yarn from Suzy Hausfrau Yarn Store. The supersoft, lightweight yarn was perfect for the lacy design, it drapes beautifully, and is very warm. The skein is a generous 500 m (547 yards) which is ideal for a scarf and is available in a wonderful range of colours (with more colours on their way from Denmark!)

If you would like to make your own scarf, I have included the instructions below. The free scarf pattern has been named the Maureen Scarf after my sweet Mum who is a fantastic crocheter and lover of yarn. The pattern is very easy and repetitive, perfect for crocheting on the go or in front of the TV.

Maureen Scarf Pattern by Lisa Cox

Yarn: BC Garn Baby Alpaca (available from Suzy Hausfrau Yarn Store)
Hook: 3.00 mm
Dimensions: 15cm wide (6 inches) x 160 cm (63 inches) in length
Rows: 178

UK Version
Chain 52 (or 44 for a narrower scarf)

Row 1: 3 tr into 8th ch from hook, ch 2, 3 tr into same ch as previous 3 tr, ch 1, miss 3 ch, 1 tr into next ch, *ch 1, miss 3 ch, 3 tr into next ch, ch 2, 3 tr into same ch as previous 3 tr, ch 1, miss 3 ch, 1 tr into next ch. Repeat from * until end.

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr plus 1 ch), miss 1 ch and 3 tr, and 3 tr into first 2 ch space, ch 2, 3 tr into same ch space, **ch 1, miss 1 ch, 1 tr into tr below, ch 1, 3 tr into 2 ch space, ch 2, 3 tr into same ch space, ch 1, 1 tr into tr. Repeat from ** until end, ending with last tr in 3rd chain of turning ch.

Rows 3 +: Repeat Row 2 until the scarf reaches the desired length

US Version
Chain 52 (or 44 for a narrower scarf)

Row 1: 3 dc into 8th ch from hook, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch as previous 3 dc, ch 1, miss 3 ch, 1 dc into next ch, *ch 1, miss 3 ch, 3 dc into next ch, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch as previous 3 dc, ch 1, miss 3 ch, 1 dc into next ch. Repeat from * until end.

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as 1 dc plus 1 ch), miss 1 ch and 3 dc, and 3 dc into first 2 ch space, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch space, **ch 1, miss 1 ch, dc into dc below, ch 1, 3 dc into 2 ch space, ch 2, 3 dc into same ch space, ch 1, 1 dc into dc. Repeat from ** until end, ending with last dc in 3rd chain of turning ch.

Rows 3 +: Repeat Row 2 until the scarf reaches the desired length

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Maple Cookies

2012-05-20T17:27:00.000+08:00

If you are after some delicious plain cookies for afternoon tea, you can't go past these Maple Cookies. They have a delicate maple flavour, and are light and crisp on the outside and slightly chewy in the middle. You won't want to stop at one!

Maple Cookies

Ingredients:

(makes approx 4 dozen)

- 1 1/2 sticks (170 g) butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cups sugar + 1/4 cup for coating cookie balls
- 1 large eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup

- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups plain flour

Method: 1. Line cookie sheets with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix melted butter and 1 cup sugar.
3. Add eggs, syrup, baking soda, and vanilla.
4. Mix in flour. Stir until well-combined.
5. Cover mixing bowl, and allow your dough to chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or freeze for 15 minutes
6. Preheat oven to 350 deg C (175 deg C)
7. Pull your bowl out of the fridge. Roll your dough into 1-1/2 inch balls with your palms.
8. Fill a small bowl with remaining 1/2 cup sugar. Roll each ball in the sugar to coat.
9. Line cookie balls at least 2 inches apart on your cookie sheet. Press down with the back of a spoon.
10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown.

Adapted from Just Putzing Around the Kitchen

They are especially wonderful just warm from the oven.

(baked by Sarah)

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Book Review: Jelly Roll Dreams and Push Stitchery

2012-05-18T19:08:00.001+08:00

New titles for the Quilters and those that love Fibre Arts.....

Jelly Roll Dreams Compiled by Pam and Nicky Lintott

Jelly Roll Dreams: 12 New Designs for Jelly Roll Quilts includes 12 lovely quilt designs from the finalists of the Jelly Roll Dreams International Quilting Competition. For each quilt, there is a variation created by Pam and Nicky Lintott using different jelly roll fabrics. Jelly Rolls are becoming really popular in the quilting world, and this book will inspire you to unravel those beautiful rolls of fabric.

There is a great range of creative designs - some that are suited to beginners with simple and clever uses for a jelly roll; and other designs are more challenging and inventive. I love seeing each design presented in two different colourways/variations.

All the quilt patterns include helpful diagrams and photographs, and clear instructions. All templates are shown at full size. The book also includes a helpful section of General Techniques to guide the beginner quilter through the basics of quilting, adding borders, attaching binding, and more.

My favourite designs include:

The Penny Quilt by Penny Vanderwal

Sense of Direction by Mary Claire Allen

If you enjoy using pre-cut fabrics in your quilts, this is a great book to add to your quilting library.

Publisher: David and Charles
ISBN: 1446300404
Format: Paperback, 128 pages
RRP: $29.99

Jelly Roll Dreams is available from Booktopia ,Fishpond, and Can Do Books.

Push Stitchery Curated by Jamie Chalmers

Push Stitchery: 30 Artists Explore the Boundaries of Stitched Art is an inspiring volume that showcases the work of 30 artists from around the world who "Push" the boundaries of traditional craft mediums as they show just what can be accomplished with needle and thread, whilst using techniques of embroidery, needlecraft, quilting and textile crafts. Although the majority of the pieces use fabric, other unorthodox surfaces such as metal, porcelain, and stone show how modern artists have transformed some traditional crafts into a contemporary forms of art.

Way of Roses, Severija Incirauskaite-Kriauneviciene

Push Stitchery is not a "how to" book with project and instructions. Rather it is a gallery of inspiring artists, each presenting a collection of their work that is interspersed with an interview where they describe some of their techniques; their medium of choice; where they find inspiration; their process; and more.

Blue Dress, Diem Chau

Some of the projects include: Cross stitched cars; stitched stone sculptures; embroidered paintings; and Blackwork embroidered cities.

Welcome to Eastbourne Pier, Gillian Bates

Push Stitchery is a book that can be picked up and studied whenever you need some inspiration for your next stitched project.

Publisher: Lark
ISBN: 9781600597879
Format: Hardcover, 176 Pages
RRP: $24.99

Push Stitchery is available from Fishpond, Booktopia and Can Do Books.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Booktopia and Fishpond.

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A Mothers Day Celebration

2012-05-16T20:15:00.001+08:00

We hope that all Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunties, Sisters, and Daughters had a lovely Mother's Day last Sunday. We had a wonderful get together with our extended family to celebrate Mothers Day and my parents 51st Wedding Anniversary

To make the afternoon extra special, we went with a High Tea theme - it was a good excuse to get out our cake stands, and my Grandmothers Vintage Tea Set.

Vintage Tea Set used to Hold Chocolates

It looked pink and girly - just what we were after! ( I photographed the table before our visitors arrived - and then forgot to take more photos of the table after the food was laid out).

White serving platters were lined with pink gingham waxed paper to fit with the pink theme. Pink flowers cut from vellum were scattered on the table cloth.

We even found some pink and white M & M's to match!

Some of the savoury food included:

Red Curry Tuna Tarts

Herbed Smoked Salmon Tartlets

Some of the sweet treats included:

Vanilla Macarons

Chocolate Marble Cupcakes

Cheesecake Cups

Nothing beats an enjoyable afternoon with the family.

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Winner of the Mosey Giveaway

2012-05-16T16:17:00.000+08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered our giveaway to win the Vintage Pattern Journal and Bookmark, sponsored by Mosey. The lucky winner of the gorgeous journal and bookmark is Julie Richards. We have sent you an email Julie.

If you are looking for a lovely handmade gift for someone special, check out the wonderful range of handmade Australian and New Zealand goods over at Mosey.

Silhouette Art

2012-05-12T17:49:00.000+08:00

Just wanted to share this Silhouette Art project with you. This would be a fun project to do with an older child - I love silhouettes and made up this project recently for a friend. This would look great on a child's bedroom wall - it is so colourful and fun!

Instructions:

Find a thrifted or vintage frame, remove the glass, and spray paint it in a bright colour.
Line the frame with some damask or monochromatic fabric cut to size.
Take a profile photo of your child, enlarge it to the right size, and then trace the outline onto appliqué film (such as steam a seam).
Press the appliqué film to the back of some black homespun (following manufacturer's directions), cut out the silhouette image, and then fuse with your iron onto the centre of the frame.

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Oaty Choc-Chip Cookies

2012-05-11T19:15:00.000+08:00

One of my favourite types of cookies, are Oaty Choc Chip.

Ingredients:
1 Stick (125 g) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (110g) caster sugar
1/2 cup (100g) firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 1/4 cup (110g) rolled oats
1 cup (150g) plain flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon bicarb soda
175g (6 oz) choc chips (can use white, dark, or milk)
150g (5 1/2 oz) roasted hazelnuts, peeled, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 170 deg C (340 deg F). Line 3 baking trays with baking paper.

Using electric beaters, beat butter, sugars and vanilla until pale and thick. Beat in egg until just combined. Using a wooden spoon fold in oats. Sift flour, baking powder, soda and i/2 teaspoon salt over mixture, then fold in. When almost incorporated fold in chocolate and hazelnuts. Using ice-cream scoop, scoop balls of dough (1 heaped tablespoon) onto tray 4 cm apart. Flatten slightly, then bake in two batches for about 10 minutes or until golden. Cookies will feel soft but will crisp as they cool.

Sarah was pretty sure we had shared these cookies previously on our blog. I did a quick search and sure enough she had made them back in 2008 (when she was just 11 years old!). One of the lovely things about blogging is that it is such a good record of your life. I think that Sarah's passion for baking has only grown since then.

Note: The greaseproof/wax paper with text was purchased here.

Home Sweet Home - A Mothers Day Project

2012-05-10T21:40:00.000+08:00

If you are after a last minute gift project to make your Mum for Mother's Day, the scrabble tile Family Motto may be just the thing!

Create a family motto to hang in your kitchen, using vintage fabrics and scrabble tiles. Find a thrifted vintage frame and line it with some retro fabric. Spell out the words of your family motto using Scrabble Tiles, and adhere them to the fabric with a strong glue that bonds fabric and plastic. The whole family can get involved in selecting the perfect phrase (e.g Love One Another; Kiss The Cook etc).

"Home Sweet Home" is a quick mock up I did of the idea to test out the concept. I haven't glued the tiles on as our family love Scrabble! I now need to go op shopping (thrift shopping) to find an old Scrabble set and vintage frame. I would love to hang this in my kitchen.

I also included another quick Mothers Day project in our newsletter that was sent out yesterday. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here.

Subscribe to our newsletter

I will be re-sending the newsletter to new subscribers tomorrow.

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

2012-05-09T16:27:00.000+08:00

To celebrate my birthday last weekend, Sarah made up a batch of delicious Vanilla Cupcakes with a Buttercream Frosting. She used the Wilton 2D Decorating Tip to make the lovely swirls.

Vanilla Cupcakes (makes 18)

Cupcakes:

Ingredients:

1 1/8 cups self-raising flour
1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)

Method:

Preheat oven to 180 deg C (350 degrees F).

Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.

In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.

In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not over beat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

Cool the cupcakes in tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing.

Frosting:

Ingredients:

125 g butter (1 stick), softened

3 cups icing (confectioners sugar)

2 - 4 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

pink food colouring

sprinkles

Method:

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and on medium speed of an electric mixer beat until smooth. Add the sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and creamy, about 5-7 minutes. Gradually add the remaining milk or until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly.

Place icing in piping bag with 2D Tip. Pipe swirls onto cupcakes and add sprinkles as desired.

Thanks Sarah for the fabulous cupcakes!

Flower Tape Measure

2012-05-06T10:44:00.001+08:00

If you are after a quick gift to make for a sewing friend, you can't go past a covered tape measure - pretty and practical. I made this version using some die cut felt flowers (purchased here) or you could easily cut your own flowers from coloured felt.

The Covered Tape Measure Tutorial was one of my first designs. Although my photography and styling has improved enormously since it was published on our blog in 2008, the instructions are still the same. Simply stitch the layered felt flowers onto one side of the cover before it is assembled.

I also added a smaller flower to the end of the tape measure (you can stitch it through the plastic tape using a sharp needle) to finish it off.

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Book Review: Mad Men, Bad Girls, and the Guerilla Knitters Institute

2012-05-05T14:01:00.002+08:00

Maggie Groff's novel Mad Men, Bad Girls and the Guerilla Knitters Institute is an entertaining page turner that kept me up late last night. It follows investigate journalist, Scout Davis, on her quest to expose an American cult with strange beliefs and bizarre practices that has located to the Gold Coast. Scout is also investigating vandalism as an exclusive private school as a favour to her sister. She has secrets of her own - she is part of the Guerilla Knitters Institute - an underground group of yarn bombers who sneak out in the dead of night to beautify the locality with knitted art. Add in a new love interest, absentee boyfriend, colourful family, and it makes for a lively read.

Whilst the book is essentially a mystery/crime novel with drama and twists, it has enough quirky characters and humour to make it a fun read. I can't wait to see what Scout gets up to next!

Publisher: Pan Macmillan
ISBN: 9781742610795
Format: Paperback
Published: 1st March 2012
Mad Men, Bad Girls and the Guerilla Knitters Institute is available from Booktopia and Fishpond.

Apart from the Friday Night Knitters Club, I haven't read many other novels that reference knitting. I have enjoyed many novels though in the quilting genre. If you can recommend any novels that have a craft slant to them, please list them in the comments. I am always on the lookout for more books to read.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Booktopia and Fishpond.

Product Review: Tefal Steam Generator Iron

2012-05-02T21:37:00.000+08:00

Product Talk by Nuffnang

When I found out that I had been selected by Nuffnang to review Tefal's Pro Express Turbo Steam Generator Iron, I did a happy dance. I am a bit OCD when it comes to ironing (sad I know)- I am one of those people who iron tea towels, pillowcases, tablecoths, T-Shirts - pretty much everything apart from sheets and underwear. I get a lot of satisfaction when the ironing is all up to date for another week. As a sewer/quilter, I am always pressing fabric for my latest project.

I haven't had a good track record with irons recently - I have gone through 7 irons in the past 10 years (admittedly I did drop one!). They always seem to leak water everywhere or burn out if they are left on for too long. I was very keen to put the Tefal Pro Express Turbo through its paces to see how it measures up. Coincidently my current iron is also a Tefal - the Aquaspeed Auto Clean which I am very happy with.

The Tefal Steam Generator Iron is BIG - it includes the generator iron rest, which has a 1.8 L removable water tank, and has a retractable cord (like a vacuum cleaner). The iron locks onto the rest when not in use. When using the iron, you position the iron rest on an adjacent bench or at the end of the ironing board, and the electricity and steam travel to the iron by a thick cord. The iron itself has a steam control button, as well as a Turbo steam button for vertical steam ironing. The iron takes 2 minutes to warm up before use, and has an auto shut off after 8 mins. You can use tap water in the iron and it can be easily descaled/cleaned.

I spent some time today ironing a range of items - including school uniforms, business shirts, delicate fabrics, jeans etc. I found that the powerful continuous steam cut down my ironing time significantly, and there was no need to use spray starch which I often use on some shirts. The iron itself is lighter as the water tank is in the separate iron rest. I walked away to take a phone call and when I came back the iron had turned itself off, but quickly warmed up again in approx 2 minutes.

Tefal Pro Express Turbo Steam Generator Iron

Pro's

Continuous powerful steam
Lighter iron
Ability to use tap water
Anti-calc autoclean
Turbo function for vertical steam ironing
Auto shut off after 8 minutes
Retractable power cord
Steam button on inside of handle so is easy to access
Large water tank keeps you ironing for a long time without the need to be refilling the iron
The shape of of the iron (pointed end) is good for ironing shirts
Can get the ironing done in half the time as you only need to iron over each section once.

Con's

The iron plus the base unit is quite large and heavy when filled with water. You would need to have a bench nearby or else a large sturdy ironing board to rest it on.
Price (I checked on line and it sells from $320 - $550)
You need to be careful as it generates a lot of steam - probably not a good iron to teach the kids to iron with.

In summary, I love my new Tefal Pro Express Turbo and it would be a great iron to consider if you have a large family, or have a lot of ironing. It is the perfect addition to the sewing room for quilters/sewers.

Disclaimer: Please note we did not get paid to write this product review but we did receive an iron to review.

Winner of the Yarn Glorious Yarn Giveaway

2012-05-02T12:42:00.002+08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered the Yarn Glorious Yarn Giveaway. The lucky winner of the $75 gift voucher to spend at Yarn Glorious Yarn is Carmel Morris. We have sent you an email Carmel - Congratulations!

May Sponsor Spotlight

2012-05-02T09:36:00.002+08:00

We would like to warmly welcome our new newest sponsors for May - Mosey and TulipWorks

Mosey

Mosey is an online marketplace for independent designers and makers in Australia and New Zealand.

mosey.com.au is a place where buyers find unique, useful and unusual things because Mosey sellers are creatives with the ability to make the ordinary, extraordinary.

Milk Bottles, Urban Cartel

Support the handmade community by buying directly from an eclectic group of talented sellers.

Eiffel Tower, Sammizphoto

Mosey welcomes all makers and designers to sell their work as long as it is handmade in Australia or New Zealand.

Love Embroidery, Yellow Dandy

If you are a buyer who appreciates handmade from talented designers, pop on over to Mosey to check out the lovely range of products available.

*****

Tulip Works

Tulip Works finds exceptional illustrators and artists from around the world and showcases their designs together on one easy to use website. Each artist is hand picked and every item is checked for quality before being posted. Tulip Works is a small business and shopping at TulipWorks helps support other small businesses and artists. Many of their graphics come with a commercial license so you can use your purchases for a variety of projects. The site is run by work-at-home mom, Devon Carlson and her husband Keith.

Owls Clipart

Mums Digital Papers

Flower Silhouettes Photoshop Brushes

So if you are after graphics, tools and vectors for commercial or personal use, be sure to check out the fabulous range at Tulip Works!

*****

We really appreciate all of our wonderful sponsors who support us and enable us to keep creating! If you are after a special gift or supplies/products for your next creative project, be sure to check out the fantastic businesses in our sidebar!

To find out more about advertising opportunities on A Spoonful of Sugar - check out our Advertising page for more details.

Our ad's are now randomly rotated each time the page is loaded, thanks to a great tutorial found at The Pless Press.

Happy May Day

2012-05-01T20:50:00.000+08:00

Just stopping in to wish everyone a Happy May Day. We don't actually celebrate May Day in Australia as it is the middle of autumn here. Not that you can tell in Perth - we are still having glorious days in the high 20's C.

As May is my birthday month and Mother's Day is also just around the corner, I thought it was cause for celebration! From now until May 14, there is 20% off all A Spoonful of Sugar patterns in our Etsy store. To receive your discount, simply enter the coupon code, MAY20 at checkout.

Cathedral Window; Peanut Pillow; Lucky Charm Quilt; All Around the Town Quilt; Contempo Doorstop; The Parisian.
You can find our patterns in our Etsy store. Don't forget to enter coupon code MAY20 at checkout to receive your 20% off.
I am working on a tutorial for a great Mothers Day gift, which will be included in our next newsletter. Have you signed up yet? Click on the link below to subscribe.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Happy May Day to you all!

Mother's Day Craft Projects

2012-04-29T08:00:00.000+08:00

With Mother's Day just around the corner, now is the time to start making a special gift for your Mum or perhaps items for the Mothers Day stall at your child's school.

Here is a round up of some of our tutorials and projects that would make great Mothers Day gifts.
(Click on the link below each photo to find to the tutorial)

Lavender Wheat Bags

Restaurant Guide Folder

Decorated Candles and Matches

Dust Cover

Loyalty Card Wallet

Eiffel Tower Smartphone Cover

Scented Wardrobe Sachets

You can also find patterns for great Mothers Day projects at our Etsy store.

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Tea Towel Art

2012-04-28T08:00:00.000+08:00

We have been looking for some new art work for Sarah's bedroom, to fit in with her red and aqua theme. I came home with an Eiffel Tower Tea Towel last week (from Bed Bath and Table). As soon as Sarah spotted it, she thought it would be perfect for her room.

We made a quick trip to IKEA to get a Ribba Frame, and now she has a new accent piece for her wall. Best of all when she wants a new look, we can easily find a print (or tea towel) to fit the frame.

While we were at IKEA we found another print for the adjacent wall to fit in with her French theme. The print fit an existing frame. I just need to find time to spray paint the frame so it is a nice glossy white.

A quick but satisfying project! With so many lovely tea towels/dish towels available, I might be framing more of them.

Do As I Say ...

2012-04-26T07:08:00.001+08:00

Lamingtons

2012-04-25T18:03:00.000+08:00

In honour of ANZAC Day, an important national occasion for Australians as we recognise our service men and women, Sarah made up a batch of Lamingtons. We always associate Lamingtons with ANZAC Day as we used to accompany my Grandad to the ANZAC Service at the local RSL, and there was always Lamingtons served at the afternoon tea.

A lamington is a square of sponge cake that has been covered in chocolate icing and then rolled in coconut - an Aussie favourite!

Served on my Nan's Tea Set

Lamingtons:

1 store-bought sponge cake or 1 basic sponge cake
3 cups (480g) icing (confectioner's) sugar
¾ cup (75g) cocoa powder
⅓ cup (80ml) boiling water
75g butter, melted
Shredded coconut, to coat

Make 1 quantity basic sponge cake in an slice tin and cool on a wire rack. Cut into 6cm squares. Sift together the icing sugar and cocoa. Mix with the boiling water and melted butter. Using 2 forks to hold the sponge squares, dip in the chocolate icing and roll in desiccated coconut. Allow to set on a wire rack. Makes 12.

Based on a recipe from Donna Hay

Sarah made up her own sponge cake - it was so light and delicious.

I am proud to have had two amazing grandfathers who fought for Australian in WW1 and WW2.

LEST WE FORGET

Giveaway: Win a $75 Gift Voucher to Yarn Glorious Yarn

2012-04-25T08:46:00.000+08:00

With Mothers Day just around the corner, now is the perfect time to stock up on yarn to make your Mum a hand knitted scarf or crocheted blanket, or for your own winter projects. Yarn Glorious Yarn stocks the most luxurious and interesting yarns from all over the world. Sue is generously giving away a $75 gift voucher to Yarn Glorious Yarn to a lucky A Spoonful of Sugar reader - it can be used for yarn, kits, patterns, books, needles.

Here are some gift ideas for your Mum -

Gift Packs

These Gift Packs from Lorna's Laces and Soak would be a fantastic Mother's Day gift. They contain a skein of sock yarn, a tub of heal balm, and a sachet of Liquid Soak wash for gentle garment care. Available in five colours - they are perfect for a Mum who loves to knit.

House of Alpaca

The House of Alpaca 8ply/DK yarn (80% Australian Grown alpaca and 20% organic merino wool) has released 11 new colours this season. Great for your next knitted project! (plus you get to support the Australian wool industry).

Canopy Fingering Yarn

The Fibre Company has some new Canopy Fingering Yarn which is made from alpaca, merino and bamboo. This yarn has been kettle dyed and is soft, shiny and drapey yarn perfect for colour work, lace or textured stitch patterns.

To see the extensive range of beautiful yarns available, pop on over to Yarn Glorious Yarn or follow them on facebook.

**To be in the running to win a $75 gift voucher to Yarn Glorious Yarn , log in to the Raflecopter giveaway box below with your email address or facebook account and follow the steps. TIP: If you don’t see Rafflecopter Click READ MORE below, and it will then show the Rafflecopter Form!! Giveaway is open until May 2. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coconut Custard Bars

2012-04-24T09:34:00.001+08:00

Sarah baked us some delicious Coconut Custard Bars this week. They consisted of a biscuit crust, with a delicious coconut custard filling, and topped with some shredded coconut. She found the recipe over at the Technicolor Kitchen and adapted it slightly (leaving out the rum).

Crust:
1 1/3 cups (186g) all purpose flour
1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (113g/1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and chopped into 1cm (½in) cubes
1 large egg yolk
2 teaspoons cold water
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling:
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) unsweetened coconut milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all purpose flour
pinch of salt
1 cup (100g) sweetened shredded coconut

Make the crust: preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Butter a 22cm (9in) square pan*.
Place flour, sugar, salt in the bowl of a food processor and process until blended. Scatter butter pieces over the flour mixture and process until mixture resembles coarse meal. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk, water and vanilla. With food processor running, add yolk mixture through the feed tube and process just until the dough begins to come together in large clumps. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan and, using your fingers, pat it evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake crust until golden, 20-25 minutes. Transfer the pan to wire rack and cool completely. Leave the oven on.
In medium bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolk, and granulated sugar until blended. Slowly whisk in the coconut milk. Whisk in the vanilla, and flour and salt.
Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the cooled crust. Pour the filling through a fine sieve over the coconut, covering the crust completely. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until filling is set and the edges are golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Using sharp knife, cut into bars.

Store the bars in the fridge.

I am heading off on a sewing retreat this weekend so am about to head into the sewing room to cut out the fabric for a new quilt. Can't wait to get sewing again!

Book Review: Fresh From the Clothesline & Country Cottage Quilting

2012-04-20T10:22:00.001+08:00

We love Quilting books and were pleased to receive review copies of these new titles.

Fresh From the Clothesline by Darlene Zimmerman

Fresh from the Clothesline, Quilts and Small Projects with Vintage Appeal, includes 22 projects to sew and quilt. The book is divided into three chapters:
1. Small Projects - including pillow, table runner, aprons and more.
2. Small Quilts - suitable for baby quilts and lap quilts
3. Full Sized Quilts - 10 bed sized quilts
The projects range in complexity from those suitable for the confident beginner, through to more challenging quilts for more experienced quilters. All of the projects are made with 1930's Reproduction fabrics.

In the back of the book there are some general instructions covering all the basics including - sewing on binding; assembling the quilt sandwich; and appliqué basics. Full sized templates are included in the book. Interspersed throughout the book are recipes; and interesting facts on household subjects such as tablecloths, ironing, laundry to name a few.

The instructions in the book are very clear. Diagrams are included to show components of the quilt assembly. Six of the quilts are photographed using alternate fabrics to demonstrate how a different look can be achieved with different fabrics.

If you are a lover of reproduction fabrics and traditional quilt designs, then you will find plenty of inspiration in this book.

Details:
Publisher: Krause Publications
Format: Paperback, 126 pages
ISBN: 978 1440217753

Fresh From the Clothesline is available from Booktopia.

Country Cottage Quilting by Lynette Anderson

Country Cottage Quilting, 15 Quilt Projects Combining Stitchery with Patchwork, is the latest book by Australian quilt designer, Lynette Anderson. Lynette's garden was the inspiration for this collection of projects that include wall quilts, bags, and cushion covers. The designs all include components of hand embroidery to add a stitched element to the piece.

The instructions are clear and easy to follow, with the inclusion of diagrams and photographs to illustrate many of the steps. The book includes a Technique section which guides you through quilting and embroidery basics.

Country Cottage Quilting would appeal to lovers of country style quilting, using more traditional fabrics in country earthy/natural tones. Many of the projects include basic embroidery, appliqué, and buttons. The projects are beautifully photographed and styled, and include full sized templates. The nice thing about the book is the wide range of projects included- aside from quilts, there are projects to make a Needle case; Scissor Keeper; Bags; Purse; Needle Holder; Sewing Case; Wall Hanging; Pillow; and more. Many of the projects would make great gifts for your quilting/stitching friends.

Details:
Publisher: David and Charles
Format: Paperback, 127 pages
ISBN: 9781446300398

Country Cottage Quilting is available from Booktopia, Fishpond, and Can Do Books.

Disclaimer: Please note that we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers. We are affiliates of Booktopia and Fishpond.

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Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Maple Glaze

2012-04-19T11:21:00.000+08:00

Sarah, our resident baker, is back from her exciting tour of France where she enjoyed sampling all the amazing French food - particularly the macarons, crepes, and pain au chocolat. Now she has recovered from her jet lag, she was keen to get back into the kitchen. Yesterday she baked a Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Maple Glaze, just in time for her brother's afternoon tea when he arrived home from Uni.

Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Maple Glaze
(inspired by Technicolor Kitchen)

Ingredients:
Cake:
1 12-ounce (336g) package chocolate chips
3 cups (420g) all purpose flour (plain) sifted
2 teaspoons baking soda (bicarb soda)
1 teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups (262g) light brown sugar, packed
2 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) milk

Glaze:
1 cup (140g) powdered sugar (icing sugar), sifted
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (or more) milk

Preheat oven to 160°C/325°F. Butter a 12-cup Bundt pan. Spray pan generously with nonstick spray. Dust pan lightly with flour*. Mix chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of the flour in a medium bowl. Sift remaining flour with baking soda, baking powder, and salt into another medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla extract. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in flour mixture in 3 additions alternately with milk in 2 additions, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chip mixture. Transfer batter to prepared pan, spreading evenly.
Bake cake until tester inserted near center comes out clean and cake begins to pull away from sides of pan, about 1 hour. Cool cake in pan on rack 30 minutes. Invert cake onto rack and cool completely.

Make the glaze: combine powdered sugar, maple syrup and 2 tablespoons milk in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding more milk by ½ teaspoonfuls if glaze is too thick to drizzle. Spoon glaze decoratively over top of cake; let stand at room temperature until glaze is firm, about 1 hour (can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with cake dome and let stand at room temperature).

The cake had a lovely texture and the maple glaze finished it off perfectly!

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Winner of Beijing Tai Tai Giveaway

2012-04-18T12:38:00.000+08:00

Thanks to everyone who entered our recent giveaway. We have drawn the winner of Beijing Tai Tai by Australian author, Tania McCartney . Congratulations to Susan S. We have sent you an email.

A Spoonful of Sugar

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Maple Cookies

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A Mothers Day Celebration

Winner of the Mosey Giveaway

Silhouette Art

Oaty Choc-Chip Cookies

Home Sweet Home - A Mothers Day Project

Classic Vanilla Cupcakes

Sponsored Giveaway: Mosey

Flower Tape Measure

Book Review: Mad Men, Bad Girls, and the Guerilla Knitters Institute

Product Review: Tefal Steam Generator Iron

Winner of the Yarn Glorious Yarn Giveaway

May Sponsor Spotlight

Happy May Day

Mother's Day Craft Projects

Tea Towel Art

Do As I Say ...

Lamingtons

Giveaway: Win a $75 Gift Voucher to Yarn Glorious Yarn

Coconut Custard Bars

Book Review: Fresh From the Clothesline & Country Cottage Quilting

Brown Sugar and Chocolate Chip Pound Cake with Maple Glaze

Winner of Beijing Tai Tai Giveaway