Sugar Twist Test Block

Yesterday I cut up my Strawberry Fields Layer Cake, then read the instructions for the Sugar Twist pattern. Talk about an unusual piecing method!

I thought I'd better test a block before I dive into it, so I cut out my background squares for one block (I've elected to use white to really show off the fabrics), then off I went. I reckon it turned out pretty well, and its actually not too difficult once you get the hang of it.

Sunday, Sausage Rolls and Strawberry Fields

I spent a lovely Sunday chilling at home yesterday, catching up with my best friend and her gorgeous 7 month old boy. He is at that gorgeous age where he is all smiles and giggles.

For lunch I made us some chicken sausage rolls that were so good they were eaten before the camera got anywhere near them. But they were a yummy mix of chicken, lemon, rocket and feta.

Now that the BOM is quilted and done, I've found myself a new project to fill in the time before I go away. I've decided on the Sugar Twist pattern (by The Pattern Basket), and a Strawberry Fields layer cake. I'm all ready for this months market so I'm looking forward to doing a bit of sewing just for me...

Glace Stars

She's all done! One year to piece, but only two weeks to quilt and bind. And I only had to unpick the borders and sashing in one corner, not once, but twice to deal with a bit of excess.

It's another gorgeous sunny day in Melbourne, but the grass is still damp, so we did a very quick photo shoot on the front lawn. Apologies for the little spots of bright sunshine.

Each block and the centre star are quilted with a fleur de lys type design, a similar four-pointed design in the cornerstone blocks and some feathery stuff around the center medallion. Stippling in the sashing and border.

Seriously

I thought I'd be pushing my luck to get the BOM quilted before I go away in August...and just two weeks later, she's finished! The binding in ready to go, so it won't be long until she gets a proper photo shoot.

Bella is loving the opportunity to check it out and curl up for a nap.

The Mulgrave Maker's Market was on yesterday. Though a lovely sunny day, it was very windy, and I was glad we were indoors. The only downside was less traffic than usual, and therefore less sales. However, my new little Scotty Dogs proved to be very popular. I just need to work on making more toys in "boy friendly" fabrics.

I was also surprised at the number of people who thought it was OK to bring their dogs (some as large as golden retrievers) into an indoor market, particularly when there are so many babies and kids around.

It's another gorgeous day today; it might be winter but it's sunny again, and all the jonquils are flowering.

Free-Form Fruit Tarts

I had a little pastry left over after making that yummy chicken pie, so I made dessert! You can put any fruit you like into these tarts; the standard is apple, but I used some gorgeous ripe pears.



You need some shortcrust pastry; roll out some small, rough circles. I put some almond meal in the centre to soak up the fruit juices and stop the pastry going soggy. Then pile in some peeled, thinly-sliced fruit. Gather the pastry around (leave the fruit showing in the middle), brush with some egg or milk, and sprinkle a little sugar over the top. Then bake for 25-30 min at 180-200 degrees.

Serve with a dollop of cream or yoghurt....they are yum!

Stocktake Sale

Help me clear out the shelves to make way for all the gorgeous new fabrics due out soon. Take 15% off all stock, including sale stock, from now until June 30.

Discount calculated at checkout.

Chicken Pie

Maggie Beer's Chicken, Lemon and Olive Pie was the perfect sunday night dinner for a cool and windy evening. A few steps involved, but pretty simple overall, and very yum!

The chicken is baked in the oven with lemon, garlic and thyme.

Then combined with a rosemary sauce.

And encased in a yummy sour cream pastry.