A Spoonful of Sugar

Coconut Cupcakes with 7 Minute Frosting

2012-06-02T18:03:00.001+08:00

On the first Friday evening of each month, I meet up with some sewing/quilting friends for a fun evening of sewing. Sarah baked some delicious coconut cupcakes for me to take along last night.

The cupcake is deliciously moist and includes shredded coconut, coconut essence, and coconut milk to give it a gorgeous coconut flavour. We shared this recipe for Coconut Cupcakes over here.

This time, Sarah used Martha Stewart's 7 minute frosting to decorate the cupcakes.

Best of all there were some left over to have with our afternoon coffee today!

It is a long weekend here this weekend in Western Australia as we celebrate WA Day, which recognises our states indigenous history as well as the European settlers who arrived here in 1829. Hopefully the extra day will mean more time in the sewing room. I have a quilt top nearly pieced and can't wait to start the quilting!

We wish all of our readers a wonderful weekend!

We are also preparing a special ebook for our lovely newsletter subscribers which will be sent out in in about a week. If you haven't subscribed to our newsletter, you can do so here:

Subscribe to our newsletter

{June Sponsor Spotlight} Vintage & Nostalgia Co.

2012-06-02T13:32:00.002+08:00

We would like to warmly welcome Rob and Caroline from Vintage & Nostalgia Co, our newest sponsor.

Vintage & Nostalgia Co is an online store that sells a gorgeous collection of original vintage and nostalgic home wares, toys and gifts. Their store has so many lovely products - some original vintage objects, and others are new things that remind you of your favourite old stuff from your childhood or from your grand parents home.

We especially love the Vintage Packaging

Vintage All Wheat Cereal Box

Old Fashioned Toys

Table Quoits

and Kitchenware

Ceramic Milk Jug

So if you are wanting to add a touch of Nostalgia to your home or find the perfect gift, check out the fabulous finds at Vintage & Nostalgia Co. Look for their button in our sidebar - featuring some of their range of old fashioned haberdashery supplies!

Important Vintage Nostalgia Links:

You can find all of our wonderful sponsors' buttons over in our side bar. We are grateful for their support and would be pleased if you checked out their lovely stores.

Want to advertise your crafty business or store?
Our advertising buttons are generously sized at 150 x 150 pixels, randomly rotate on each page view, and get seen by lots of loyal and engaged readers (average 100,000+ page views per month!). Our rates are affordable and competitive at $40 per month or $100 for 3 months.

Testimonial:
"Out of all the places I've advertised, I get more traffic from ASoS"
Colleen Schotter, Crafty Colleen and Cohort

Check out our Advertising page for more details or request our media kit by sending us an email to aspoonfullofsugargirls@gmail.com with a link to your website.

{Book Reviews} Stitch at Home and The OlympKnits

2012-06-01T14:46:00.002+08:00

With the Queens Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games, there is worldwide attention on Britain.This week we have two titles that will interest crafters who love everything British.

Stitch at Home: Over 20 Handmade Fabric and Embroidery Projects by Mandy Shaw includes 20 inspiring projects that combine appliqué, embroidery, patchwork, quilting and sewing.The book includes a helpful section at the beginning that provides handy tips for selecting fabrics and threads. It also includes tips for Appliqué, and embroidery basics. The projects in the book are all things to make for your home - including a quilt, tea cosy, sewing machine cover, dog bed, deck chair, garden kneeler and more. Each project features step by step instructions and illustrated techniques.Templates are included in the back of the book - most are shown at actual size but some need enlarging 200%

Some of my favourite projects are:

Union Jack Tea Cosy

Cutwork Cushions

Gingerbread House

This book would be a lovely addition to your craft library if you enjoy making pretty projects that are embellished with appliqué and embroidery elements.

Book Details:
ISBN: 1446301685
Publisher: David and Charles
Format: Paperback, 128 pages
RRP: $29.99

Stitch at Home is available from Fishpond, and Booktopia.

Olympknits: Knit 18 Champion Athletes and a Handsome Horse by Laura Long has been released just in time for the Olympics. This knitting book contains knitting patterns to make a runner, gymnast, cyclist, fencer, synchronised swimmers and more. By customising the hair and skin colour, and adding details to their sports outfits, you can knit up your own team of athletes.The book contains knitting patterns and easy to sew sports clothing. Full sized templates are included. Knit one up as a mascot for your favourite sportsman.

Gloria the Gymnast

The Olympknits would appeal to knitters who have the Olympic spirit and love to knit quirky characters.

Book Details:

ISBN: 9781446302323

Publisher: David and Charles

Format: Paperback, 96 pages

RRP: $12.99

The Olympknits is available from Fishpond and Booktopia.

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.

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

Yo Yo Rosette

2012-05-30T15:01:00.001+08:00

Transform a paper bag into a lovely gift package by adding a yo yo rosette and a gathered frill. This is a great way to use up small pieces of your favourite fabric and ribbon. By adding a brooch backing to your yo yo rosette, it can then be pinned to your favourite bag as a decoration.

Materials:

printed paper bag (10 x 6.5 inches)
fabric scraps
2 small buttons (one small and one medium)
ribbons (2 ribbons each 7-8 inches in length)
brooch backing (optional)
double sided tape

Make a yo yo (using a clover yo yo maker - large) that measures approx 2 inches (45 mm) in diameter. Fold the ribbons in half and trim the ends. Hand stitch the ribbons to the back of the yo yo. Layer the buttons and stitch them to the centre of the yo yo. If desired stitch a brooch back to the back of the yo yo rosette.

Cut a fabric strip measuring 1 3/4 inch x 11 inches. Cut another strip measuring 1 x 11 inches. Centre the smaller strip in the middle of the wider strip with the right sides facing upwards. Sew a gathering thread along the centre, and then pull the thread to gather the strip until it measures 6.5 inches. Stitch it in place through the centre to the bottom part of the paper bag.

Seal the bag with double sided tape. Attach the yo yo rosette in place using the brooch backing or else use a piece of double sided tape.

Supplies: You can find printed paper bags and ribbon at Ribbons Galore.

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

{Book Reviews} Sweet Confections and Celebrate with Cupcakes

2012-05-25T10:35:00.000+08:00

This week we are reviewing two new titles that will appeal to those who love to bake and give sweet treats from their kitchen.

Sweet Confections: Beautiful Candy to Make at Home by Nina Wanat introduces readers to the wonderful world of handmade candy. She demystifies the process and shows how you can easily transform basic ingredients like sugar, butter, and milk into wonderful confections with a few basic tools. The book includes a helpful Getting Started section that covers the main ingredients, tools, and techniques to get you started. In includes clear step by step photos of some of the processes to guide you through.

Sweet Confections includes over 40 delicious recipes (all beautifully photographed) that are divided into chapters on - Crunchy Candy, Chewy Candy, Silky Candy, and In the Pantry. The recipes include old favourites such as Peanut Brittle and Chocolate Fudge, as well as more contemporary confections such as Strawberry Lemonade Marshmallows and Pina Colada Truffles - there is something for every taste. These Sweet Confections would be perfect to share at your next formal dinner or party, and packaged beautifully would make lovely hostess gifts.

If you love to create and give sweet treats, this would be a great resource and source of inspiration!

Book Details:
ISBN: 9781600599200
Publisher: Lark Books
Format: Paperback, 144 pages
RRP: $19.99

Sweet Confections is available from Fishpond and Booktopia

Celebrate with Cupcakes by Lindy Smith, Includes designs and techniques for creating 30 decorated cupcakes for your next special occasion. The cupcakes are suitable for children's parties, birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. The book opens with a reference section which includes a number of cupcake recipes, as well as basic techniques for icing and decorating, and a list of the basic equipment needed.

The Decorated Cakes are divided into Bring on the Bling; Time to Celebrate; and Animal Magic. Each cupcake project includes helpful instructions and photos showing the steps to create the cupcake, as well as tips/suggestions on how to very the design. Most of the recipes use rolled fondant (sugarpaste) and modelling paste to decorate the cupcakes.

If you love cake decorating with fondant, this would make a handy addition to your library.

Book Details:
ISBN: 9781446300541
Publisher: David and Charles
Format: Paperback, 128 pages
RRP: $29.99

Celebrate with Cupcakes is available from Booktopia, Can Do Books, and Fishpond.

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.

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

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

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

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 egg, 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)

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

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.

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

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.

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

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.

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

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.

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

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.

For your daily sugar fix you can subscribe or follow us on facebook, twitter, and google plus.

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

A Spoonful of Sugar

Coconut Cupcakes with 7 Minute Frosting

{June Sponsor Spotlight} Vintage & Nostalgia Co.

{Book Reviews} Stitch at Home and The OlympKnits

Yo Yo Rosette

{Book Reviews} Sweet Confections and Celebrate with Cupcakes

Crocheted Scarf {Free Pattern}

Maple Cookies

Book Review: Jelly Roll Dreams and Push Stitchery

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