New website

In case you are wondering why there has been a absence of posts over the past week, it is because I have been working on my new website (well, my web designer has been doing the hard work and I have been "advising").  

It is still very much a work in progress however please do pop over and have a look.  I'd love to know what you think.  All my blog posts are now on the new site at www.cakecardcloth.com

Hope to see you there!

Chocolate rose cupcakes

Mmmm chocolate.  There is something about the smell of chocolate that is just so delicious.  Today, whilst it was pouring rain outside, I spent my time in a warn kitchen making chocolate cupcakes. What a life! 

Chocolate and roses just seem to go together so I decorated  my cupcakes with glossy chocolate ganache (hint - always make extra to have with toast later - it is delicious!) and hand made fondant roses.  Usually I colour my own fondant however this time I used a ready coloured one from Renshaw called fuchsia pink.  Don't you think the strong colour looks great against the dark chocolate? 

If you haven't made ganache before you really should give it a try.  This is the recipe that I use and this amount should be enough to decorate 12 cupcakes.

100gm dark cooking chocolate

100ml of double cream

Break the chocolate into small pieces and put it in a heat proof bowl.

Heat the cream in a saucepan until small bubbles appear on the edges but don't let it boil.

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it stand for a couple of minutes.  

Stir the mixture until it is lovely and glossy.

Spread the ganache over your cupcakes using the back of spoon.

Any left over ganache can be stored in the fridge for your toast the next day.  Enjoy!

Whole cloth baby quilt

A new baby calls for something special.  In this mass market age, it is often difficult to find a gift that is individual and unique.  

A little whole cloth quilt such as this one fits the bill perfectly as it is relatively quick to make and can be made in any combination of colours or fabric patterns you choose.   What is a whole cloth quilt, you ask?  Good question.  A whole cloth quilt has the top layer made from a single large piece of fabric, without patchwork or appliqué.  Often they are very heavily quilted in intricate patterns.  In this example, less so.

I made this one in about two days following a Brighton Sewing Centre tutorial.  It is a mystery to me as to how they made their version in an afternoon.  Perhaps they meant they only worked on it in the afternoons.  Anyway, moving on.

The tutorial makes a lovely crib quilt, about 1 metre square.  I used a pretty aqua for the backing and a gorgeous grey floral print for the binding.  As per the tutorial, I quilted in lines following the gingham check.  The quilting is not that obvious on the gingham, however it shows up very effectively on the back as a series of unevenly spaced lines. 

I have washed this quilt to give it that lovely, crinkly vintage look.  And, as it is made from 100% cotton, it will be gentle on baby's soft skin.

So there you have it.  A lovely handmade gift to welcome a new arrival.  

Fashion cupcakes

The sun is shining.  Time to bring out some pretty summer dresses and co-ordinating shoes.  To me, these look like an LK Bennett shop window.  Pretty girly frocks, in beautiful soft pastels, with gorgeous shoes embellished with flowers and bows.

To make your own outfit, first choose a pretty dress... 

And then select some co-ordinating shoes.

The ladies at the Sewcial last night were choosing their favourites whilst whipping up their own gorgeous dresses and summery tops (and a few cushions and quilts, for good measure).  Well done!

Pot luck off-set coin quilt

It must be pretty obvious by now that I love, love, strip quilts.  I love the simplicity of them and how they really show off the fabrics.  My latest strip quilt is a variation of a design called chinese coins, or stacked coins.  

You can see where the pattern gets its name as the coloured fabric columns look like piles of money.  Often the fabric coins are stacked exactly on top of one another.  In this case, as the coins are off-set, they look as though they have been piled higgledy pigglegy.

A single jelly roll, from the Pot Luck collection by American Jane for Moda, was used to make the quilt coins.  I love the retro look of these designs and colours.  To me they seem very reminiscent of the 1950s.

For the back I used a fantastic giant text print called Nummer, from Ikea of all places.  Many quilters use it and this was the perfect project for me to try it for myself.  I think it is the perfect partner for the quilt top; the large writing works so well with the little numbers on the tape measures. 

The quilt was professionally long arm quilted with a design called feathers.  I chose it because of the tiny chicken fabric.  After washing, the quilt did shrink a bit but I don't care.  It is still a great size (about 60 inches square) and I love the textured look and feel that the quilting creates. 

Poppies for ANZAC day

Today is an important day for Australians as it marks the centenary of the ANZAC Gallipoli landing during WW1.  

Since 1921, the Flanders poppy has been used  as a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who have died in war.  Last year I wrote about the 5000 Poppies project, a community art project in Australia that started with a modest ambition for 120 poppies.  Since then, the organisers have been inundated with poppies. The poppies I contributed have joined over 250,000 handmade poppies to create a moving tribute of respect and remembrance for all those Australian servicemen and women who have served over the last 100 years.   

Poppies, whether knitted, sewn, felted or crocheted, were donated from around the world and have been made into a stunning field of handmade poppies now on display at Melbourne's Federation Square.  It is a beautiful and touching display in memory of those who served.  Lest we forget.  

Rae's quilt - a remake

Those loyal followers of Dashwood Studio will remember this lovely quilt, appropriately nicknamed the Stacked Books quilt.

The very talented Rae from Fabric HQ designed and made it to show case Dashwood's beautiful Retro Orchard fabric collection.   

This quilt has been admired by many and a number have asked for a pattern so that they can make their own version.  As it was made with no thought of making more, sadly there was no pattern.   So Rae asked me to draft one up from the original quilt.

Cue much measuring and many calculations,

Selecting and cutting fabrics for a test version, 

And finally piecing and machine quilting.

Here is the final test version, made up in Origami Oasis with Flurry in green used for the contrast strips and binding.

Even if I say so myself, I think this version looks just as pretty as the original.  Stacked Books is a terrific design that easily lends itself to other fabric combinations.  It is a great usable size too, being approximately 1.2 x 1 metre, and would make a fab throw or child's play mat.

If you'd like to create your own version, Fabric HQ will be running a class to make this quilt later in the year.  Keep an eye on their website or sign up for their mailing list to be notified of the class dates.   

An extra special retirement

Another one to one class, this time teaching how to make cupcake toppers suitable for a retirement party.

The toppers were carefully designed to illustrate the various interests of the person leaving for greener pastures.  Let's see if you can guess what this person will be doing post-retirement.  Here is your first clue.

Did you guess that the lady is proposing to join the Women's Institute or WI?

Now, what about these ones?

Well done if you guessed that she enjoys walking and hiking in the countryside.  

Now for the next clues.  

Congratulations to everyone who guessed her favourite past times include drawing and painting.  Just one more to go.

This was an easy one showing that she enjoys regular trips to France.  

Together they make a lovely record of all the things she can most look forward to now she has given up the day job.

A special congratulations and a gold star must go to my student.  She is essentially a beginner and most of the decorations were made free hand.   She did a great job making them and managed really well with all the intricate details.  I particularly love her little walking boots and her pencils.  I bet her retiring friend did too.  

Warm birthday wishes

Another fabulous class with the lovely Emma from Simple Pleasures Sewing School.  My task this time was to make a hot water bottle cover.  I love Emma's pattern with its neat, tapered neck.  This one is lined with a matching blue spotted fabric and is well padded and quilted to make it soft and cosy.  

It already has a new home as it was delivered today to a very special niece for her birthday.  

And because it was her birthday I also made her some lamingtons. For those not in the know, lamingtons are a favourite cake in Australia.  They are made from vanilla sponge, usually cut into squares, which are dripped in chocolate icing and then covered in shredded coconut.  Just for a change, I experimented with some cake pop and dinosaur moulds from Lakeland to use as the base for my lamingtons. 

Sadly, only one dinosaur emerged intact (a result of me not filling the mould completely) however I think he looks pretty cute with his chocolate coating.   I have christened this one a lamisaurus.  My niece certainly liked him, although not as much as she loves her new hottie.

Spring cupcakes

Cherry blossom and bluebirds might not be the first thought that comes to mind for spring-themed cupcakes.  Daffodils and tulips are more usual however I thought I would go for something a bit different.  The little birds were made from a mould whilst the branches are all unique as they were handcrafted individually. 

Grouped together like this, it gives the impression of a flock of birds taking flight from a tree.  Oh dear.  Not really the pretty, romantic image I was hoping for.  

Not to worry.  The ladies at the Sewcial at Fabric HQ last night didn't mind.  They just enjoyed the delicious vanilla cupcake topped with vanilla buttercream.  Perfect with a cup of tea after all that sewing. 

Making a quality cushion

What makes a good quality cushion?  Well, I have been learning just that over the past few weeks with the lovely Emma from Simple Pleasures Sewing School. Who knew there was so much involved in making a "simple" square cushion cover? 

Under Emma's excellent tuition, I have learnt how to measure my cushion pad to ensure that the finished cushion with cover will be nice and plump.  Then how to cut the fabric and taper the corners to prevent "dog ears".  The next step was a tricky one.  Making and attaching contrast piped cording.  Thankfully, I managed to do this without twisting the bias strips.  Yikes!

Inserting zippers has always been a nightmare for me however Emma shared some great tips that makes it much easier.  This is the base of my cushion showing the lapped zipper. Can't see it?  Perfect.  Just as it should be. 

Our time spent laying out the fabric prior to cutting was well rewarded with matched patterns on all sides.

The cushion cover is not quite finished however we couldn't resist putting in the feather pad and admiring our efforts.

When it is done, I shall have the best dressed sofa.  

I have loved my one to one lessons with Emma .  As well as private sessions, she also runs a series of home furnishing workshops at Fabric HQ.  Oh, and if you are loving the fabric, you can find that at Fabric HQ too.

Baby shower cupcake toppers

Saturday was another wintery day, with overcast skies and rain, rain, rain.  Which made it the perfect day to be indoors teaching a one to one cake decorating class!

The brief - to make a selection of cupcake toppers suitable for a baby shower.  No pinks or blues allowed as the expectant mother is having twins, gender unknown.  Oh, and the lady taking the lesson is a beginner.

Well, just look what she made!  Aren't they fab?

A selection of designs in gender neutral colours of lemon, orange and green.  What new baby wouldn't love these romper suits, co-ordinating bibs and cute little shoes?  They are all so gorgeous and will look amazing on her own homemade cupcakes.  I am so proud of her.  She has done a fantastic job.

At the end of the afternoon, I had a very satisfied and happy client.  Job done!  

Happy birthday to Plain Stitch

It was a typical winter's day on Thursday with lashings of rain and dull, grey skies.  However this was not a day to stay tucked up under the blankets - because I had been invited to a birthday party!   

Deb, from Plain Stitch, was celebrating her first anniversary since opening her workroom and shop in Wendover. 

You can't go to a party without a present so I made these pretty little cupcakes to help celebrate the day.  

There was certainly lots of fun and laughter at the party.  Just look at all the smiling faces. 

  

Congratulations Deb and Plain Stitch on a successful first year.  

Fleurologie quilt take 2

A rare sunny day this week was too good to miss.  It was the perfect excuse for me to take a stroll along the canal nearby and photograph my latest quilt. 

Bella Solid in off-white was used for the sashing between the blocks of colour cut from my last Fleurologie layer cake.  I just love the Fleurologie fabric collection.  It is bright, colourful and just so pretty.   This is the second quilt I have made using it. 

This one however is very different in style from my first Fleurologie quilt.  The white sashing makes this quilt more subdued whilst the hot pink binding (as seen earlier with the corner trimmer) provides a strong border to the quilt that frames it perfectly.  I spent ages checking various fabrics at Fabric HQ before deciding that this pink - Kona Solid in Bright Pink - was just right. 

The pattern, called Ruby, Pearl and Opal, is available free on the Moda Bake Shop website.  Although there are a number of small pieces in the pattern, it was an easy design to put together.  It would be a good one for beginners to try as there are no seams to match up (yay!)

I even broke out of my comfort zone and made the "equally snazzy pieced backing" which I agree does look rather lovely.

For the long arm quilting, I chose a design called Curlz.  I haven't used it before but certainly will again.  It gives a lovely overall texture to the quilt with just the right weight to it.

So there you have it; a beautiful quilt measuring  146cm x 177cm.  One that any girly girl would love.

Hoot, hoot hooray. What a fab day!

Last weekend I spent a morning with Sam of Stitched Up By Samantha.  Sam makes wonderful fabric art using free motion embroidery.  I've admired her stunning pictures since forever, but this time I got to find out how she does it and to have a go myself with some other like-minded ladies.

I've tried free motion embroidery at home before but never had much success.  It is so much better to have an expert on hand to help solve any tricky problems.  Sam is a very patient teacher and first took us through the process of setting up our sewing machines for free motion embroidery.  

If you've been sewing for a while, then the hardest part is probably getting to grips with the idea that you can draw, (yes, draw!) with your machine.  It didn't take long before we were all happily scribbling away on scraps of fabric. 

Then it was on to creating our own mini work of art.  I chose to make a cute little owl and this is how he turned out.  Not bad for a first attempt.

Now I just need to find a frame for my sleepy little fellow. 

I loved doing free motion embroidery.  It is such a lot of fun.  If you would like to try it yourself, Sam holds regular classes at Fabric HQ.  

Love at first bite

Red velvet cake is such a pretty cake.  The gorgeous crimson red colour is a lovely choice for many occasions - Christmas, ruby wedding celebrations, halloween and, of course, Valentine's day.

Cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of red cake crumbs is the traditional topping for red velvet cakes.  I'm not really a fan of cream cheese, so I piped roses in vanilla buttercream instead.   Much prettier and just as delicious.

These ones were the just desserts of the ladies at the Sewcial on Tuesday at Fabric HQ.  

Such a delightful way to end a great evening.

My new favourite gadget

I  popped this inexpensive little gadget into my shopping basket on a whim and it is just the best thing.

The corner trimmer was designed to simplify sewing right angled triangles, such as half square triangles or flying geese blocks.  The main reason I wanted to give it a try was because it also makes it easier to cut and sew the bias edges when piecing binding strips (one of my bugbears).    

Anyway, to use this little gadget for binding, I cut my strips and then simply lined up a straight edge of the trimmer exactly on the long edge of a binding strip.  I first cut the diagonal edge and then the 90 degree triangle.  Turning the strip around, I did the same at the other end.  

Cutting off the little triangle on the end made such a difference!  No more guesswork matching seams. Now they lined up perfectly.  

And there were no "dog ears" of fabric to cut off after the seams were pressed open.

When sewing the binding to the quilt, I prefer to use a diagonal seam for the final join.  The corner trimmer made this so simple to do.  It was small enough to manoeuvre on the binding strip ends and the clear cutting instructions made it easy to get the final length of the strip just right.

I love this corner trimmer and can see that I will be using it often.  Binding from now on will be a breeze!