All Things Mum

It's been just over a year since I've started blogging. I vividly remember how I came about to this world of blogging. It was around Easter time and for some reason I did a search for " easter egg wrapping ". A few clicks on some links and I landed on this really funny, parenting blog by Karen Cheng : Snippets of Life . Well, suffice it to say that I was hooked! She was hilarious, inspiring, courageous, seriously talented and so young too. A few more clicks away and I came across other blogs about sewing such as Tessuti , Grosgrain and many others. Somehow, I really prefer blogs that are closer to home. Maybe because I feel more connected to them. Blogging has enabled me to connect to others, be inspired , happy, learn new skills , share my own experiences and look to the brighter things in life. So to celebrate this one year of blogging I am giving away my Mama and Child Japanese sewing patterns book. It is linked to Pomadour's Craft Cafe . I've just reci...

This is a top I made from Simplicity 2931. I thought it would be perfect for my ever growing belly. It's made from a light blue embroderie anglaise. I decided to put a nice lace trim across the bodice. It gapes a little though but still totally wearable. Size - 14. Look, here I am squatting down for a photo as no-one else was around. I do look a bit tired as it's first thing in the morning. He he. Do you like my preggy belly? I'm getting really tired now. Pop around to Meet Me at Mikes to win their book! I'd link to their site for you but my IE just went crazy on me and stalled my laptop! Below are the first attempts of my quilt blocks for the baby quilt. Yes, they are VERY wonky but I got better as I went along. I have finished all the blocks and I can't wait to finish it. Stay tuned for a very belated bloggerversary giveaway soon!

NOT a sewing post: Ha ha. I love love love this Handmade Help recipe book - Homemade All donations go to the Salvation Army who are supporting the victims of the Victorian Bushfires. I bought the pdf version here for a tiny $8 from Handmade Help . A small price to pay to help out those in need. It's packed with lovely family favourites and is separated into soups, mains, cakes, and desserts. I've already made the chocolate banana cake last night, omitting the cocoa, and it came out lovely and moist. Here's another one of my favourite recipes straight from the Exclusively Food web site. * Creamy Potato Bake * 300ml (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) cream 166mls (2/3 cup) milk 1 medium garlic glove, crushed 1kg potatoes (6 medium desiree potatoes) 3/4 tsp salt, or to taste 1/8 tsp ground white pepper 100gm (1 cup) firmly packed grated cheddar cheese Preheat oven to 200degrees celsius (180 degrees fan -forced) Stir cream, milk and garlic together in a bowl Peel potatoes and cut int...

Ahhh, Japanese Books. I am in need of something for myself this time. This book is from this Etsy shop . I was about to buy another one but I held back. This book has some really cute dresses and blouses. Which makes me laugh a little because by time it's spring I will be fully b'feeding the next little one and won't be able to wear dresses (let alone sew). I may sew some dresses for my sisters instead if I get time. Unless , I alter the pattern so make them unbutton or something... hmmmm, something to consider. You can also buy them from yesasia.com by browsing Japanese books by Lifestyle/Home Arts, and by narrowing down by price search but there's still about 29 pages to browse. You need tons of patience and willpower not to add everything to your cart! They have free International shipping for orders over $50 I think so that's about 2 books worth. This is the Oliver + S Day in the Park Backpack Tote pattern. It's on special for half price so how could I res...

I promised a picture of Little Boy in *Chocolate Coat* so here he is. Hubby wanted me to install a zipper instead of buttons so I did. This also gave the coat more room so he can still wear it next year. After frustrating efforts to install a button hole for the top I gave up. It only dawned on me later that the wool and fleece were too thick so the bobbin thread kept bunching up together resulting in lots of " what the ?!" cursing. In any case it's a really cute jacket from my other Japanese book. It's not the one featured on the right, it's the one with the Little Boy in the blue gingham top and black puppy dog. This is the first project I've made from it. Size -90cms with added s.a (1cm) Seam allowance - 1/4inch : I like to give it more room. Fabric - Probably about just over a metre used of Melton Choc Wool (Spotlight) Fleece lining : have no idea how much I used. Let's say a metre to be safe. Chocolate Open End Jacket Zipper. On a different note un...

Look what arrived in the mail! I won this beautiful headband from Grace Designs . Rosalind kindly made it to fit Little Miss' head and it's so pretty. Thankyou Rosalind. I've been sewing up Little Man's winter coat. It hasn't been that chilly so I have a few more days before he'll be sporting this at church. It's made of Melton Chocolate Wool. Yummmm. I've lined it with some black fleece 'cos I couldn't find anything to match it. I hope to finish it this week and take some pics of him in it. So we're hoping you're all enjoying the sunshine where-ever you are. We celebrated my nieces 1st birthday on the weekend and she sang the song like this: For she's a jolly good fellow For she's a jolly good fellow For she's a jolly good feeeellooowwww and.... sausage on a bus! I've no idea where that came from.