tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33551473554241594332024-02-07T06:19:07.662-08:00Buttons, Baking and BabiesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-17175701352986871952014-10-09T04:00:00.001-07:002014-10-09T04:00:29.403-07:00Finally, crafting again!So I promise I haven't disappeared forever. My little Button, who is now almost 11 weeks old (how time flies!) flat out refuses to nap, or sleep in any fashion, unless he is on my lap or next to me on the bed. Needless to say, this limits my crafting ability somewhat.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxKjyufa1BLtQextKhpUSwHOHBohnVTc-nTrYtn7HeR_HoNS8UiGH6ec_NCoS4DB4awKvgy8pbw_iKEPAok-_mH40RHork-VYsOf85p7RRaLYV2IFCWvUrveXQlDpqlgMXZTcpCM4-Ks/s640/blogger-image--828251836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxKjyufa1BLtQextKhpUSwHOHBohnVTc-nTrYtn7HeR_HoNS8UiGH6ec_NCoS4DB4awKvgy8pbw_iKEPAok-_mH40RHork-VYsOf85p7RRaLYV2IFCWvUrveXQlDpqlgMXZTcpCM4-Ks/s640/blogger-image--828251836.jpg"></a></div><i>Button napping in my lap <3</i><br><div><br></div><div>I have some projects lined up, the main one being a picnic blanket for next spring for us to play on with Button. I was just really turned off by all the boring options out there, so hopefully will have more on that soon. </div><div><br></div><div>My current project is a knitted one, as it's something I can do with limited arm movement, and usually even when the baby is napping with his head resting on one arm. So my first project after the hiatus is a froggy jumper! I got the pattern out of the Rowan Summer Baby book, but it's a jumper, so I figure fine for winter too :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsboNOhHw_hSzFFjnDpt4B-9ecwnD_5yaMCVRFpE0F1OyhZ8dgz7RevgGB3P_Oh3kUYvk-aC0nyjSJZk1VWCJFAkmSDiZVXtQTJVle8lyr5Imu5D6ZD4cUlevhOSS92r40lt_aPnADdc/s640/blogger-image--1568712394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsboNOhHw_hSzFFjnDpt4B-9ecwnD_5yaMCVRFpE0F1OyhZ8dgz7RevgGB3P_Oh3kUYvk-aC0nyjSJZk1VWCJFAkmSDiZVXtQTJVle8lyr5Imu5D6ZD4cUlevhOSS92r40lt_aPnADdc/s640/blogger-image--1568712394.jpg"></a></div><i>Here's the back of the jumper all done. Next up, the front and froggy! :D</i></div><div><br></div><div>And Button just woke up. To be continued!</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-63015063538606097752014-09-05T06:51:00.001-07:002014-09-05T06:53:02.032-07:00Life with baby!I promise I haven't disappeared forever, really!<br />
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Things here are going well. Button is 6 weeks old now, and we are slowly (very slowly!) learning how to juggle life and a baby, all in the midst of moving house! So we are currently living amidst a mess of boxes and craziness, because unpacking has to be done around nappy changing and feedings and burpings!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ6eF3unyr_lp5ZYVD6lILsP8R6lJtyyO5msStN9PpZkEvEAXoDEjET2ODLEib7tkop2FtC-wl9R0bmP4jXZuYHJfI8wj0-eTzz1KomJ8Ew9B2hHEAAy0RJLqd41acGvdj0zUP9zR6uY/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ6eF3unyr_lp5ZYVD6lILsP8R6lJtyyO5msStN9PpZkEvEAXoDEjET2ODLEib7tkop2FtC-wl9R0bmP4jXZuYHJfI8wj0-eTzz1KomJ8Ew9B2hHEAAy0RJLqd41acGvdj0zUP9zR6uY/s1600/IMG_2896.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>It's hectic, but this little face makes it worth it :)</i></div>
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I can't wait to get back into some crafting again, but first I have to find the boxes containing my things, and also find a way to put the baby down once in awhile. Button is not a fan of laying in the moses basket for more than a few minutes at a time, so I am learning how to do everything with a baby in one arm or the other. It is so tiring! Also it's surprising how heavy a 9ish pound baby can seem after carrying him around all day. Hopefully when he learns to grasp and play with things he'll be able to amuse himself for a bit longer so I can return to being somewhat productive, but at the moment he seems to only be happy in my arms!<br />
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As a side note, those <a href="http://buttonsbakingandbabies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/scrap-buster-project-2-burp-cloths.html" target="_blank">burp cloths</a> I made? SO useful! I wish I had made more than 5, because I use them so much. They are extremely useful for tucking into my bra when I'm feeding to avoid getting milk all over my shirt, and for slinging over my shoulder while I'm burping Button, and even for laying down under Button's head so that when he spits up in his moses basket (the few times he's tolerated being in it!) it gets absorbed and the mattress stays clean! I definitely recommend them as a baby shower gift (or just for yourself).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-69130000227723018452014-07-27T03:25:00.001-07:002014-07-27T03:25:19.927-07:00Button Arrives!We have a baby! Button arrived on July 25, weighing in at a healthy 7lbs 2oz. He is gorgeous and perfect in every way!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ9OEoV7wZHZiQj-xcioDr08dONkZggl00xbudcPCWumrIZ81S-k2UCzQbiN8h_AS_4xHaGcWR4zJ0BA3KSpaOb6nYn4bAzpRlLl_PJiGUlwXF2f7lr-xcWb3UvSn-Q2rhwrPi2cRH2k/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ9OEoV7wZHZiQj-xcioDr08dONkZggl00xbudcPCWumrIZ81S-k2UCzQbiN8h_AS_4xHaGcWR4zJ0BA3KSpaOb6nYn4bAzpRlLl_PJiGUlwXF2f7lr-xcWb3UvSn-Q2rhwrPi2cRH2k/s1600/DSC_0026.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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<i>Little Button!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-61160266675051742042014-07-23T03:06:00.000-07:002014-07-23T03:06:37.057-07:00Sheep and Chevrons Car Seat CoverSo today I decided to FINALLY check out the fabric store that is (sort of) nearby. I trekked across Sheffield, which was a pain because of roadworks and a main road being closed and I had a bit of trouble getting around it, but eventually I made my way to Patchwork Garden. It's a really cute little store. Not really on the scale of fabric stores in the US in terms of quantity, but they had a lot of really cute fabrics and a decent amount of choice for how small the store was.<br />
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So I found some pretty cute fabric with little sheep on it, and a sort of matching stripey fabric. I didn't really have a particular project in mind when I went into the store but I had a quick look on Pinterest before setting out and decided this fabric would look cute as a car seat cover or a light quilt or something similar. So I got 1 1/2 metres of each fabric, so I'd hopefully have some extra depending on what I wanted to do with it.<br />
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So when I got home I eventually decided a car seat cover was a good project, and was something a bit different and would require a bit more engineering than just a standard quilt. I found a pattern on <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/58957/baby-car-seat-cover" target="_blank">CraftStylish</a> via Pinterest, and used this as a rough guide for measurements, but mostly I worked the size and everything myself, because I wanted a bit more of an intricate design.</div>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1GNLC3-Ffq2vjh37acYzXHZGt6d2AI-xxnsUjqN1RItP62De_jT2kTDlgnIJWaxUuYffGs7AWkgcfrTSFTjh_xJws1LOZ6dmVpN8rHVTWaRg96KJiBva4rJPLBRshK08Y-23C_fZpbw/s1600/car_seat_cover_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ1GNLC3-Ffq2vjh37acYzXHZGt6d2AI-xxnsUjqN1RItP62De_jT2kTDlgnIJWaxUuYffGs7AWkgcfrTSFTjh_xJws1LOZ6dmVpN8rHVTWaRg96KJiBva4rJPLBRshK08Y-23C_fZpbw/s1600/car_seat_cover_lg.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></div>
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<i>My inspiration.</i></div>
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I decided to do a chevron pattern, so sketched out a rough estimate of how many triangles I'd need and the rough sizes, and decided on 6.5" squares to make 6" HSTs, to make an eventual cover that was 36 x 42" (6 x 7 HST squares).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cvrpNprFqzTKLpHguMFmo_socSFbnZknUdqY1bKWpnbvmmgjhjDgFE5Eoz6wQRhAsBegkcnjoDqnZVdKd4Lz0sMEKdEj9lfaBwQ0ri6jtMoKJ4IAwSfN2HDVoTrl3KNt-q4KyBVyhZk/s1600/IMG_2669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1cvrpNprFqzTKLpHguMFmo_socSFbnZknUdqY1bKWpnbvmmgjhjDgFE5Eoz6wQRhAsBegkcnjoDqnZVdKd4Lz0sMEKdEj9lfaBwQ0ri6jtMoKJ4IAwSfN2HDVoTrl3KNt-q4KyBVyhZk/s1600/IMG_2669.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The cute fabric cut into squares! Sheeps!</i></div>
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After cutting out squares, I used a fabric pen to mark cross corners of all of my gray squares. You can try eyeballing this if you prefer while you're sewing, but I don't trust myself to do that because I am a bit of a speed demon and tend to make mistakes that way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32f_IlwRl_AIgyDGbSRo7XyrI10B3PclTf5U5xk6RHILDS9h1jghu-YDX3w6BboxjFkUrCMiThBv9HTec6dyEcVUdDPvBIWHYqaw-_3ZpUP_28V29JsPhIfRiaecloNIdZOqFla-G3FY/s1600/IMG_2670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32f_IlwRl_AIgyDGbSRo7XyrI10B3PclTf5U5xk6RHILDS9h1jghu-YDX3w6BboxjFkUrCMiThBv9HTec6dyEcVUdDPvBIWHYqaw-_3ZpUP_28V29JsPhIfRiaecloNIdZOqFla-G3FY/s1600/IMG_2670.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next I used one of my favourite techniques - chain piecing. I'm not actually sure if this is the proper name for it, but if you're doing something really repetitive like making a gazillion half square triangles, it speeds things up considerably, and also saves on thread waste as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdBptut6nHxtdRKGJ6SaAl0p2hgEfauZoQ2BaN4VPkw0EGQvFNLlxZWmfqPkHTFfa6EHtX3_VQaZkBJBk1_XuMVnQVwcDOPfqKVrvrUc7SCEkHvwuXwmCVKnbl9vDZVpNsKYMMrLaONI/s1600/IMG_2672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXdBptut6nHxtdRKGJ6SaAl0p2hgEfauZoQ2BaN4VPkw0EGQvFNLlxZWmfqPkHTFfa6EHtX3_VQaZkBJBk1_XuMVnQVwcDOPfqKVrvrUc7SCEkHvwuXwmCVKnbl9vDZVpNsKYMMrLaONI/s1600/IMG_2672.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Chain piecing in progress.</i></div>
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To chain piece, basically just don't break the thread in between pieces and keep on going. I sewed 1/4" to each side of the marked line. You can break the pieces after doing the first chain of seams, or if you're impatient like me you can keep them all chained up and just flip the chain around to sew the second side.</div>
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After sewing both sides, cut down the marked line, and press open - voila, a million HST squares!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyIAGZyp7nCslvdCyxVBIhijmP9mjXVnKsm9EF5fk8T5JUXEv0oPHodR0VoSLxVdKOkcf4haCdSOuAX0PT3qTSaoT06KYGtQq5GO1JQ9TaXHkV9ecIHgY9SSXEDhEFpmS5-XPd79CBok/s1600/IMG_2673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGyIAGZyp7nCslvdCyxVBIhijmP9mjXVnKsm9EF5fk8T5JUXEv0oPHodR0VoSLxVdKOkcf4haCdSOuAX0PT3qTSaoT06KYGtQq5GO1JQ9TaXHkV9ecIHgY9SSXEDhEFpmS5-XPd79CBok/s1600/IMG_2673.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Lots of squares! I did these all randomly, but if you have a directional fabric that you want to all be in the same direction, you'll have to do a bit more planning.</i></div>
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The next part I did a little bit oddly, and again this is sort of how you like to put things together, but I like to put bigger pieces together, so I basically just sewed all the squares together in pairs. I alternated them just to make sure I'd have them in the right configuration, but in hindsight I'm pretty sure this wasn't necessary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThyphenhyphenRfC3snOKd7u7kl6fLSBOunrgVsKzAB0h7-1KWDxozT9eJnecR4NA_gSDrQj0cwQ4MdrQr3zXOe_tzP-1Q5oa1yFQJTefgBVIE4q8MyAtBNd2do34xgwKYv0On23MkLoKyoU1T7vUk/s1600/IMG_2674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThyphenhyphenRfC3snOKd7u7kl6fLSBOunrgVsKzAB0h7-1KWDxozT9eJnecR4NA_gSDrQj0cwQ4MdrQr3zXOe_tzP-1Q5oa1yFQJTefgBVIE4q8MyAtBNd2do34xgwKYv0On23MkLoKyoU1T7vUk/s1600/IMG_2674.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The makings of chevrons!</i></div>
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I'll spare you the boring details, but basically I lined these bits up and sewed them into the top of the cover. I then pieced together the back using scraps, because I (once again) cut more squares than I needed. Sew the top and bottom right sides together, curving the corners if you want, leaving a space to turn. I then edge stitched the top all the way around, and lightly quilted along the chevrons just to keep the layers of the top from coming apart. You can embellish with rickrack or binding or whatever, but I just kept it simple. There are also some versions that have flaps to open the cover, but I like the idea of using this as a kind of light quilt or nursing cover or something as well, so I kept it as is.</div>
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I then pieced together some scraps for the handles, measured out where I wanted them - it turned out they were going in the exact centre of the top to fit my car seat, but if you have a particular car seat I'd advise measuring it to make sure it works for yours.</div>
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The inspiration used velcro, but as I couldn't find any non sticky velcro, I opted for buttons (also, buttons for Button - yay!). I had a bit of trouble with the buttonhole function of my sewing machine, so I practiced on some scraps beforehand, and used <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzXcNfL38G4" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> which was quite helpful, and eventually I got 3 buttonholes on each strap.</div>
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I didn't take any pictures of this process, because my phone battery died, but basically the procedure in the tutorial on CraftStylish is pretty good, you may just have to alter the measurements slightly for your exact needs and how you want your cover to hang.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F7022LaEtjf4dY2RkF7m24dsVZVtE5Lt0xF7nkzVYnNU2EgsdTujAlt_wgSXvHwrDgRPltZoGaZPDfieptH4NqL2wtYsNV-qZQ7rFluA1buLE6_0zefczCcL6WbFNb9rI99vSK-99j8/s1600/IMG_2676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F7022LaEtjf4dY2RkF7m24dsVZVtE5Lt0xF7nkzVYnNU2EgsdTujAlt_wgSXvHwrDgRPltZoGaZPDfieptH4NqL2wtYsNV-qZQ7rFluA1buLE6_0zefczCcL6WbFNb9rI99vSK-99j8/s1600/IMG_2676.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A finished car seat cover!</i></div>
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I think it's a little bit big, cause the edges are touching the ground, so if I made it again I might take off one row of squares from the length and then add a small border to get a better size, but overall I think it turned out pretty well. It's not got any batting in between the layers, so it's really lightweight, and I think it'll be useful for keeping Button asleep while we're out and about, and keeping the sun off him as well. Plus it will be useful for deterring random people from disturbing him while he's napping!</div>
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Still no signs of Button's arrival yet, although I've been feeling more and more intense Braxton Hicks contractions, so hopefully that's a sign things are moving along. This hot weather is killing me though! I can't believe I used to survive American summers, because it's only like 24 C (75 F) here and I'm dying! Granted we had air-conditioning pretty much everywhere in the US, so whenever I was inside I'd have sweatshirts on throughout the whole summer.</div>
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Despite no baby yet, A and I have decided to move back to Edinburgh to be nearer to family, which will be really nice once Button is here. Originally we were going to stay in England, because I absolutely love my job, but being on maternity leave so far from family and friends was a bit of a bleak prospect, and various things occurring at once that make it the ideal time to move back. Despite the sadness of leaving my coworkers here that have been so amazing and supportive, and leaving some of my clients and their pets that I've grown to love, I am extremely excited to move back to the greatest and most beautiful city in the world, and hopefully get back some semblance of a social life as well! It's all happening in the next month!</div>
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Cross your fingers Button arrives soon! :)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-75317529210184632542014-07-18T11:59:00.000-07:002014-07-18T11:59:10.012-07:00Finish it Up Friday! - Lattices & LiliesFinally got my thread delivered, so managed to finish off the quilting of my <a href="http://buttonsbakingandbabies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/because-i-ran-out-of-white-thread-again.html" target="_blank">Lattices and Lilies quilt</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj1Dmk0Yy-PPO9iM9cMIRsbnxX31f_XhEHIb-4G3weZqIVtxUx9kAtVuKjZt7k-HyraAsFJok0qkDb9ac8lk2o_NeyeNaSLNchyLA40nXU8ztCMKBZPrcdltvHrEk1Gf54A3vs6YE1ZM/s1600/IMG_2655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj1Dmk0Yy-PPO9iM9cMIRsbnxX31f_XhEHIb-4G3weZqIVtxUx9kAtVuKjZt7k-HyraAsFJok0qkDb9ac8lk2o_NeyeNaSLNchyLA40nXU8ztCMKBZPrcdltvHrEk1Gf54A3vs6YE1ZM/s1600/IMG_2655.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm quite happy with how it turned out!</i></div>
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I decided to do something a bit different with the quilting here, because I didn't think an all over pattern would show off the lattice quite as nicely, so I decided to do a scrawly loopy freehand in each 'window' and then just a series of straight lines on the lattices and borders.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoFCU5K7xbeDd3QD0eCe6xDJBCdHON8SX49nxIQV6AtSW-JyHu_YziHtueCKLlOVm5JpDImQm7ZxBrRK5d2FZm4yZ0LZkmLwB9oauM4a3kMa_sBdriQf10Z5kazkCFPz_MwjTRjwPJAA/s1600/IMG_2651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoFCU5K7xbeDd3QD0eCe6xDJBCdHON8SX49nxIQV6AtSW-JyHu_YziHtueCKLlOVm5JpDImQm7ZxBrRK5d2FZm4yZ0LZkmLwB9oauM4a3kMa_sBdriQf10Z5kazkCFPz_MwjTRjwPJAA/s1600/IMG_2651.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Quilt back.</i></div>
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I think the back needed this more intricate design to fill all the empty space. I was a little worried that it would look weird since the patchwork detail wouldn't match up, but aside from it being slightly closer to one side than the other, I think it worked out quite well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ucDdjtPxfFY3EntBG8EMv5BV8Ly-1I8cUfVisVQi1PI26MWnbgBSerAPLwaTHzmYyWtquhYmrWxj5s7KoKqBcgZ2WVQCfnFjPRJ91xJpRa7OG7RNO3Cz65h3FIDQqzQBff_aqiRgSrY/s1600/IMG_2652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ucDdjtPxfFY3EntBG8EMv5BV8Ly-1I8cUfVisVQi1PI26MWnbgBSerAPLwaTHzmYyWtquhYmrWxj5s7KoKqBcgZ2WVQCfnFjPRJ91xJpRa7OG7RNO3Cz65h3FIDQqzQBff_aqiRgSrY/s1600/IMG_2652.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Detail of the 'window' portion. It actually looks quite nice, despite being completely random.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGF_xuMTOZoB9EatbGufKUv8zRQkXb89d1JjILkXW2gNpSWD2GY45gO__8U5LQ2C1rlxiRQdguInz-zK8c6y60UdqeRr8pUdLyLM0nFucTLRH08BRPBLn9SVmV2yWYDq1sJIVJyoBAus/s1600/IMG_2654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRGF_xuMTOZoB9EatbGufKUv8zRQkXb89d1JjILkXW2gNpSWD2GY45gO__8U5LQ2C1rlxiRQdguInz-zK8c6y60UdqeRr8pUdLyLM0nFucTLRH08BRPBLn9SVmV2yWYDq1sJIVJyoBAus/s1600/IMG_2654.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Detail of the corner area with the borders.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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So there you have it, another quilt done! I was originally going to sell this one, but I'm not sure I can part with it now. Also I'm not sure it's really perfect enough to sell, but maybe that's just me making excuses :P</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-14789740591850869232014-07-17T02:11:00.001-07:002014-07-19T06:15:18.983-07:00Fannie Farmer's GriddlecakesI thought I'd share one of my favourite recipes with you for griddlecakes (a.k.a. pancakes!). My mother used to make these for us all the time, and I have a recipe card she copied in her handwriting, which is really special to me, and I love being able to have that little connection with her every time I make these for myself and A (and Button in the future!).<br />
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This recipe is from one of my favourite cookbooks that we had growing up, which was made even more awesome by the fact that when I was little the name provided endless amusement and giggling.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FSDNRCztCjT-ltbDiaOartrIaBAKyYacgPcVEDopg0XDFzJLma5KJHTRFXp209NBx0KDkxjlUfC6JI-MI-sq8mbu9qo7xlDwKDR_ZujJy4m974ppVbqTmg34IgOwBzEtBmk_hhFRj5w/s1600/51DSDGa6iOL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FSDNRCztCjT-ltbDiaOartrIaBAKyYacgPcVEDopg0XDFzJLma5KJHTRFXp209NBx0KDkxjlUfC6JI-MI-sq8mbu9qo7xlDwKDR_ZujJy4m974ppVbqTmg34IgOwBzEtBmk_hhFRj5w/s1600/51DSDGa6iOL.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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<i>The Fannie Farmer Cookbook! I wish I still had this cookbook, but alas it remains in the USA (and possibly is no more, I have no idea what happened to all the cookbooks!)</i></div>
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Fannie Farmer's Griddlecakes (Makes approx 6 pancakes about 6" diameter)</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li>1/2 - 3/4 cup milk</li>
<li>1 large egg</li>
<li>2 Tbsp melted butter</li>
<li>1 cup (125g) flour</li>
<li>2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>2 Tbsp sugar</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
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Directions:</div>
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<div>
1. Beat or whisk 1/2 cup of the milk, butter and eggs.<br />
2. Mix flour, baking powder, sugar and salt, and add to first mixture, being careful to mix only until smooth and not overmix. Add the rest of the milk if mixture is too thick.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmQYlfpgy00_a7RXVaBcSVzXreLFYvSzHHOYMzf0p5Lyfw_ZNocXV-5bxfMDp1lEhWn_ifskG22_Eq9zcVPS7ak9Ge40HqYVWI8Ayd22a2XMoSUrjR2bUqAOlMyq3fYtV5MinY0w8UMU/s1600/IMG_2634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmQYlfpgy00_a7RXVaBcSVzXreLFYvSzHHOYMzf0p5Lyfw_ZNocXV-5bxfMDp1lEhWn_ifskG22_Eq9zcVPS7ak9Ge40HqYVWI8Ayd22a2XMoSUrjR2bUqAOlMyq3fYtV5MinY0w8UMU/s1600/IMG_2634.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>For a proper American pancake you want the mixture to be fairly thick so it doesn't spread out too much in the pan. You want it to coat the back of the spoon and 'plop' off rather than being runny. This is why I add only part of the milk first, as I've found that depending on the moisture in the air and various other things it seems to require slightly different milk amounts every time I make them.</i></div>
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3. Heat a griddle or frying pan on low/med heat and lightly butter or spray with cooking spray.</div>
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4. Pour about 1/4-1/3 cup of batter onto the pan, depending on your desired pancake size.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtElmZy9ju_3oxfour9KWMp40s4edolRlDq1AQa5SHMQj44Agvmvqwdi71LP97gryfNZR8WTBqhDX2RpMtFQ1NY326g2GYrW4zdIhdoJz9a0k97Jse8NLSC1LsNovklIqq7wfANW7jT4U/s1600/IMG_2633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtElmZy9ju_3oxfour9KWMp40s4edolRlDq1AQa5SHMQj44Agvmvqwdi71LP97gryfNZR8WTBqhDX2RpMtFQ1NY326g2GYrW4zdIhdoJz9a0k97Jse8NLSC1LsNovklIqq7wfANW7jT4U/s1600/IMG_2633.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>This is how the batter should kind of stay relatively compact in the pan, otherwise it'll be too thin.</i></div>
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5. When pancake is beginning to bubble on the top (about 2-3 minutes), flip over. Underside should be golden brown.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexttmoKIKZ0KLdgPN6JHThRysjZD9CZ6kT18P2VAD6OHnePIFSC_3x0sezCHTijAabrUPgrurhY8VoDzkUilnsgfLm_JdHOWXUWyM4ehG-NcTu1qzmMiGU-jlEEf627ENpw52ZJKFqPM/s1600/IMG_2637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexttmoKIKZ0KLdgPN6JHThRysjZD9CZ6kT18P2VAD6OHnePIFSC_3x0sezCHTijAabrUPgrurhY8VoDzkUilnsgfLm_JdHOWXUWyM4ehG-NcTu1qzmMiGU-jlEEf627ENpw52ZJKFqPM/s1600/IMG_2637.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>This one ended up a tiny bit overdone on the bottom, (I find the first pancake is always a bit of a tester anyway), so adjust the heat as necessary. For some insight, I started my heat off about 5/10 and ended up with it at 4/10, but it will definitely depend on your hob top (ours is induction). Electric ones are really more finicky and slower to change, so start them off really low.</i></div>
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6. Serve with maple syrup.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpmmsIRG9rbXC30ZjNbShJapeeqjFO4nJ4hT87zg_V3W0FDsZ1KczrC59S5HDnWgOf-6LDRni6lSaIkurzJoyOjbC_iBEfMqyH8xvWjbS-3vjEDyKc7IzynL14gh0rAY5922M2YdPOgE/s1600/IMG_2641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpmmsIRG9rbXC30ZjNbShJapeeqjFO4nJ4hT87zg_V3W0FDsZ1KczrC59S5HDnWgOf-6LDRni6lSaIkurzJoyOjbC_iBEfMqyH8xvWjbS-3vjEDyKc7IzynL14gh0rAY5922M2YdPOgE/s1600/IMG_2641.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Sadly we only had a tiny amount of maple syrup left, so I added a bit of my leftover melted butter. Normally I'd just put a little bit of butter or margarine on each pancake.</i></div>
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You can also add fruit or other things to the batter just before cooking (my favourites are blueberries, bananas, chocolate chips, raspberries, blackberries or chopped up strawberries).</div>
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So there you have it. Fannie Farmer's Griddlecakes!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-48543177232089207702014-07-16T09:04:00.002-07:002014-07-16T09:04:47.352-07:00Scrap-Buster Project #2 - Burp Cloths!My recent absence has not been because I've had Button (I wish!), it's only been because I ran out of thread while working on my lattices quilt, and the store hasn't re-stocked the right colour yet since I cleaned them out last week, so I've been trying to come up with some new projects, but I'm really bad at committing, especially when I don't have that much of a fabric stash to play with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOzYP-J6JHuL4mcU3RhoQo2s0lEhrgesMvh_RKjSqGRvSZ7gvARidEvcnswkQ7obtM0nyIRAK1l9HQZFzuUIb0LsWCiTcIT7-xvyVTLDqC3TDHwzgGfg5QAocq0_kDvdN2XkoRUcOUf0/s1600/IMG_2620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOzYP-J6JHuL4mcU3RhoQo2s0lEhrgesMvh_RKjSqGRvSZ7gvARidEvcnswkQ7obtM0nyIRAK1l9HQZFzuUIb0LsWCiTcIT7-xvyVTLDqC3TDHwzgGfg5QAocq0_kDvdN2XkoRUcOUf0/s1600/IMG_2620.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Fancy burp cloths!</i></div>
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So today's project happened because I'd gone to get lots of nursing shirts at the local Mothercare and Kiddicare, and I happened to find some terrycloth nappies on sale, so I got a bunch because I'd seen some examples of burp cloths on Pinterest that looked really easy and fun. You can also probably use just a cheap bath towel or pre-fold nappies, or the Mio Bambino nappy inserts would probably be great too (and much less messy to work with!), but probably more expensive. So depends what you like and what you want the finished product to look like.<br />
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I didn't really use a pattern for this, so I'll just go through what I did. The finished size of my burp cloths were dictated mostly by my scrap sizes and by the size of the terrycloth nappies, but they're roughly about 7 x 20.5".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9g93kFB8s9Xa8JH2bgkFRsLJVNrgbwOJ2FMjMIGmBh3qGBKTd7jvzSL38tocazeQD1XyGW12rFL2BShFXA2UwF8T61-xqCzPrkaVCUhaw9VHi9mtdCBaBZJ_Cy6m3IwHac7AuU9pm9o/s1600/IMG_2613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD9g93kFB8s9Xa8JH2bgkFRsLJVNrgbwOJ2FMjMIGmBh3qGBKTd7jvzSL38tocazeQD1XyGW12rFL2BShFXA2UwF8T61-xqCzPrkaVCUhaw9VHi9mtdCBaBZJ_Cy6m3IwHac7AuU9pm9o/s1600/IMG_2613.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>1. Cut out your fabric in 7.5 x 21" rectangles (or desired final size plus about 0.5" on each side for seam allowances). </b></div>
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I used 2 terrycloth layers because I felt that just one layer wasn't thick enough, but I wasn't sure how my machine would handle 3 layers, so I decided to go for 2. If you like a thinner thickness, by all means layer them how you will. If you do decide to use more than one layer, as I did, I'd recommend sewing them together around the edges first, as otherwise the layers tend to move around and everything ends up squint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6MZJuPcme-pUtOa2udvx0mYHm-CoLNJ1X0jYqI3_kjKcmals7Jw5fUGqVyABb1i23muYsQXZbhkw6LGmXKKLDatAZscOm2tvqHu8paxGRx2x83fwKVGtl0Ktf2ldQ6atCwqfpbPxCCw/s1600/IMG_2615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6MZJuPcme-pUtOa2udvx0mYHm-CoLNJ1X0jYqI3_kjKcmals7Jw5fUGqVyABb1i23muYsQXZbhkw6LGmXKKLDatAZscOm2tvqHu8paxGRx2x83fwKVGtl0Ktf2ldQ6atCwqfpbPxCCw/s1600/IMG_2615.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>2. With RIGHT sides together, pin your fabric to your terrycloth and trace the curved edges (I used the top of an ice cream container as my guide). </b></div>
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I traced out the full shape in that picture because due to my lack of rotary cutter my pieces were by no means straight edged.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv1S4Gw52oq-pW7fq8900bzYfQ6TsXqBoP43y_QbYAdYCJtFpNF5Qju62-TvFQBrAPFg3bYoj-_mT1lHE2_PCPVcqe5HNeADc4RCHIoemRHN5tybUnid30ADnUd366gGBOSWHmGuVrMQ/s1600/IMG_2616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiv1S4Gw52oq-pW7fq8900bzYfQ6TsXqBoP43y_QbYAdYCJtFpNF5Qju62-TvFQBrAPFg3bYoj-_mT1lHE2_PCPVcqe5HNeADc4RCHIoemRHN5tybUnid30ADnUd366gGBOSWHmGuVrMQ/s1600/IMG_2616.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Sew around your tracings, making sure to leave a gap for turning, and then cut off the excess fabric.</b></div>
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I like to use pinking shears for cutting as I think it reduces fraying and excess bulk. However, be warned that if you're using terrycloth, you will get terrycloth 'droppings' EVERYWHERE. I was literally covered in tiny white bits of terrycloth after this. I need a decontamination zone between my crafting area and the rest of the house. Sorry husband dearest! :P</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiBblXZKkKFYv2eJdxWD7E0NwArBpND3RKRMOCYGO1crLUmwZI07cNPT7583G2SBunP1SjO6L5rOAwBGyLgu3iuT3Z8XTYm6rUxsATuL6pmDsyYKtsuYyRY6i8vEaMBZOGFTGPKwoZnc/s1600/IMG_2617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiBblXZKkKFYv2eJdxWD7E0NwArBpND3RKRMOCYGO1crLUmwZI07cNPT7583G2SBunP1SjO6L5rOAwBGyLgu3iuT3Z8XTYm6rUxsATuL6pmDsyYKtsuYyRY6i8vEaMBZOGFTGPKwoZnc/s1600/IMG_2617.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>4. Turn burp cloth right side out, iron, and fold in the seam where the gap was, and then edge stitch around the whole thing.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHmyRXvuWYosOytJItzwraeFx8_anZR9abkE3KAT9C_U3GiLC2WqxzamiVgNrSwhR9VYep-ZY24lWaR6MzRSUDE3YVDnWI_0ilDPJe9gMPJOWJ65caO2go04ofmZeVY3LrPLR6FxUkaA/s1600/IMG_2612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHmyRXvuWYosOytJItzwraeFx8_anZR9abkE3KAT9C_U3GiLC2WqxzamiVgNrSwhR9VYep-ZY24lWaR6MzRSUDE3YVDnWI_0ilDPJe9gMPJOWJ65caO2go04ofmZeVY3LrPLR6FxUkaA/s1600/IMG_2612.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>5. Fold cloths into thirds, and sew 2 straight lines to divide it lengthwise into thirds. This makes it easier to fold the cloths, and also helps keep the layers in the right place.</b></div>
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There you have it! Easy as pie! I cranked out 5 of these in about 2 hours. It's really easy and requires minimal sewing skills. They'd make great baby shower gifts. You can also embellish them with ribbon or embroidery or appliqué or other things if you like, but these are just for me, so they're not perfect, they're a little wonky in places, and they're fairly plain. I have lots of leftover terrycloth, so I might make some more and try to fancy them up a bit, but we'll see if I can find some other creative uses for them first!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGkLBf7qthcyIzZ32NPkrxSetYSylH1ufTKxNAceRZk9_zajpB-w1ppv3WWLm9ILY-oCOlvAe2t9ZD9Wm3OxQGiR53SZJliBWmyR76WQDtB-T1EoC4yBw2yU2xlz5nfr0qgK1mTzJQ4o/s1600/IMG_2618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGkLBf7qthcyIzZ32NPkrxSetYSylH1ufTKxNAceRZk9_zajpB-w1ppv3WWLm9ILY-oCOlvAe2t9ZD9Wm3OxQGiR53SZJliBWmyR76WQDtB-T1EoC4yBw2yU2xlz5nfr0qgK1mTzJQ4o/s1600/IMG_2618.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>A stack of finished burp cloths! Tie together with some matching ribbon for a nice gift!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-37648144003440886272014-07-10T09:21:00.000-07:002014-07-10T09:21:18.827-07:00Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spice BreadSo given that we ate the <a href="http://buttonsbakingandbabies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/blueberry-coffee-cake.html" target="_blank">Blueberry Coffee Cake</a> in about 2 days (I could say my husband ate most of it, but I'd probably be lying), and I'm really bored waiting for more quilting supplies, I decided to bake something else!<br />
<br />
I chose another sort of cake/bread recipe that I found on Pinterest again. This one is called <a href="http://www.anediblemosaic.com/?p=7181" target="_blank">Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spice Bread</a>, originally from <a href="http://www.anediblemosaic.com/" target="_blank">An Edible Mosaic</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXvaLbXge27hzSQjLMuhgAohzadk8skEXN1dssZUb5OY_F1hj_-nTTyTHcVuM4JIp82lH-vU_sWPPgWNW8Kn1Hrv3EdH0lPXdNR0AYj7hVCx7xUJTJ9vP39owrbMQR6z8E5SVTxHtXYk/s1600/Pumpkin-and-Cheese-Spice-Bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXvaLbXge27hzSQjLMuhgAohzadk8skEXN1dssZUb5OY_F1hj_-nTTyTHcVuM4JIp82lH-vU_sWPPgWNW8Kn1Hrv3EdH0lPXdNR0AYj7hVCx7xUJTJ9vP39owrbMQR6z8E5SVTxHtXYk/s1600/Pumpkin-and-Cheese-Spice-Bread.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Looks yummy, right?</i></div>
<br />
Now, I don't have a loaf pan, sadly, so this was a bit of an experiment.<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
Cheese batter:<br />
<ul>
<li>8 oz (225g) cream cheese, room temp</li>
<li>1 large egg, lightly beaten</li>
<li>1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar</li>
<li>1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li>
</ul>
Pumpkin Spice batter:<br />
<ul>
<li>3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, lightly packed</li>
<li>2 large eggs</li>
<li>3/4 cup (180g) pumpkin puree</li>
<li>2 Tbsp canola (rapeseed) oil or sunflower oil</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1 1/4 cup (160g) all-purpose flour</li>
<li>1 1/4 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/4 tsp baking soda</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
<li>3/4 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 tsp nutmeg</li>
<li>1/4 tsp ginger</li>
<li>1/8 tsp cloves</li>
</ul>
Instructions:<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 F (175 C). Lightly grease 3 mini loaf pans (or, in my case, 3 round cake pans).<br />
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Combine cheese batter ingredients in medium bowl with electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Set aside.</div>
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Whisk together brown sugar and eggs in a medium bowl until light and fluffy, then stir in pumpkin, oil and vanilla.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvIoTHh5v5d2vz4OJmouEEE8s6pE-TWoIAHdmD6R-PItKyMKj1sFO7mrLNc5ynUCwBicFua8SpsqAt90e63NCLaHPB8rhoVD0hwSZG4IvSqO2Ua8i3BQLC-UYgjOnRI5FQb_buV6p01E/s1600/IMG_2601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvIoTHh5v5d2vz4OJmouEEE8s6pE-TWoIAHdmD6R-PItKyMKj1sFO7mrLNc5ynUCwBicFua8SpsqAt90e63NCLaHPB8rhoVD0hwSZG4IvSqO2Ua8i3BQLC-UYgjOnRI5FQb_buV6p01E/s1600/IMG_2601.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>The best kind of pumpkin, ask any American! </i></div>
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<i>It is ridiculously expensive, but well worth it :)</i></div>
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In a separate bowl, whisk or sift together the dry ingredients.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHJBKK9QQCrqWGYcVSNIuXwu2mZUnsjiXmPXWRgXNXahJyeCLuvKmedDtlzw-WLx4PGU_uBlW3BoI7A1heR_ddYIzcMhD9eHOxDMf4-2YavyDRrMfw2O6kBoSs4j0kL-UhxvDJqC_ElM/s1600/IMG_2602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYHJBKK9QQCrqWGYcVSNIuXwu2mZUnsjiXmPXWRgXNXahJyeCLuvKmedDtlzw-WLx4PGU_uBlW3BoI7A1heR_ddYIzcMhD9eHOxDMf4-2YavyDRrMfw2O6kBoSs4j0kL-UhxvDJqC_ElM/s1600/IMG_2602.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, careful not to overmix.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxX0qQVti6rrz5VQp1YwYIlgv_68B7mnyCJKQMrI1A9QRKF8JMF-5seI6et-OnNvExIISQbbeAZrsedzgBLu6mAi9PVzhKKYIwZPVDWQLNHDieSQf29RmrMUKMcm2gCAIS8X2MUwxYMo/s1600/IMG_2603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxX0qQVti6rrz5VQp1YwYIlgv_68B7mnyCJKQMrI1A9QRKF8JMF-5seI6et-OnNvExIISQbbeAZrsedzgBLu6mAi9PVzhKKYIwZPVDWQLNHDieSQf29RmrMUKMcm2gCAIS8X2MUwxYMo/s1600/IMG_2603.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>This batter, btw, tastes incredible. I know, raw eggs and all that, but if you're into licking the spoon, I highly recommend it :)</i> </div>
<br />
Divide the pumpkin batter between the 3 pans, then pour the cheese batter on top. It looked quite thin once I put it in the pan, but I figured I'd wait to see what happened when it was done.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6cEdyh8AvSN4KOR1wuqdTDdlzPbqijgqogWOtOTrCSotlLtpD0DSxGvHqKv1lnw2Vf-GT_E6FZ4fOlhtpZv4cIHqJ3Yk1dC4xUkPdnQ_v3uxUQNJddJGVmk33Vujt760PTSr_Fpefns/s1600/IMG_2604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6cEdyh8AvSN4KOR1wuqdTDdlzPbqijgqogWOtOTrCSotlLtpD0DSxGvHqKv1lnw2Vf-GT_E6FZ4fOlhtpZv4cIHqJ3Yk1dC4xUkPdnQ_v3uxUQNJddJGVmk33Vujt760PTSr_Fpefns/s1600/IMG_2604.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bake until golden around the edges, about 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted inside comes out clean. I checked mine after 30 minutes, and either because of the pan I used or my oven, it was pretty much spot on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRmE92_xbMa3g2-Zk4AZChc5ru9R5g-pe1yR8Xd6TMgUt7ZOz90SdUmablyRqAJrezvLKeSZuuEUlAOX-gzHTdcvjRrcReEkqlRtlkNSJQEKCix00IZIgT1ungnjOTxptlNgTA4oBSlg/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJRmE92_xbMa3g2-Zk4AZChc5ru9R5g-pe1yR8Xd6TMgUt7ZOz90SdUmablyRqAJrezvLKeSZuuEUlAOX-gzHTdcvjRrcReEkqlRtlkNSJQEKCix00IZIgT1ungnjOTxptlNgTA4oBSlg/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided because they were so thin to basically just stack them. I bet it'd taste really great with some cream cheese frosting in between the layers, but my second package of cream cheese went mouldy, so I just stacked them up as is, and it's just for us so the presentation doesn't really matter anyway!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Qjxg5Se-ONDL_E55DqjMvutR49qA4kgFOt3SO1Mf4orSOFSivNvBFbT-MR3__-LI7B7r8OKadil1ayTyZCoiOoBeD0H5nqSPRAoNK7MWOZOeY77FUUuTrfkHT_kUWO02QK1hOlWDtrk/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Qjxg5Se-ONDL_E55DqjMvutR49qA4kgFOt3SO1Mf4orSOFSivNvBFbT-MR3__-LI7B7r8OKadil1ayTyZCoiOoBeD0H5nqSPRAoNK7MWOZOeY77FUUuTrfkHT_kUWO02QK1hOlWDtrk/s1600/IMG_2607.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It smells amazing, by the way. Nothing like the smell of pumpkin bread in the oven to make you drool! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d0xhO6JpqnY3FEjYCg75Pkx84r9heCw_ZUy-4favWiE0YCwbcj8sDlAoXj9Hskwa70hsOMmz3f2DZANT61zPpY_pCYTnRmkvzrdPgy46vXgNn4Gk8WP4kEnWJsXTPRUK4fsUb4d6m8U/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d0xhO6JpqnY3FEjYCg75Pkx84r9heCw_ZUy-4favWiE0YCwbcj8sDlAoXj9Hskwa70hsOMmz3f2DZANT61zPpY_pCYTnRmkvzrdPgy46vXgNn4Gk8WP4kEnWJsXTPRUK4fsUb4d6m8U/s1600/IMG_2609.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was actually really good, but a wee bit on the bland side. I think possibly doubling the amount of cream cheese batter would go a long way toward making it less bland, because that had a nice tang to it and brought out the spiciness of the pumpkin bit. On the other hand, warmed up with a little bit of butter it was really delicious, so depends on your individual taste and what you want out of it. If it's a dessert, I think it needs a bit more sweet and spicy; if it's a smooth breakfasty sort of cake loaf you're after, I'd keep it as is and spread with butter.</div>
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Still, pretty yummy, so an overall success, I think :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-25712146023208978192014-07-09T06:14:00.001-07:002014-07-09T06:14:56.785-07:00Lattices and Lillies - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So today I set about trying to figure out how to make the back of the quilt work, given that I hadn't really gotten enough fabric for the backing, which was originally going to be solid green with one lattice block in the corner. Because I had a few extra triangles, I decided to just make a row of blocks instead.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHc6ZGeK9dO9t4DKa5KUmSPDk3Ww-8k4ibcyckFgqhjGsbHg68UChr5NJkvZz1DkZc3wKE15eptNXr8m3To_DBKF5J6pFsvDu6s3EeS3H5u3Oh92aAqEPpeIvmwDtgYZxvJSyhHUnbQY/s1600/IMG_2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHc6ZGeK9dO9t4DKa5KUmSPDk3Ww-8k4ibcyckFgqhjGsbHg68UChr5NJkvZz1DkZc3wKE15eptNXr8m3To_DBKF5J6pFsvDu6s3EeS3H5u3Oh92aAqEPpeIvmwDtgYZxvJSyhHUnbQY/s1600/IMG_2592.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The colour of the back doesn't really show well here, it's a bit more of a blueish green than the weird olive-y colour it shows here. But anyway, after measuring that my quilt was around 41" square, I decided (to be safe) to make the backing about 43" square to give a bit of leeway. After constructing the blocks I still didn't have enough width, so added some 3" strips to either side, and then cut the remaining fabric in 2 segments, one about 8" and one about 24". So that should give me a backing that is slightly bigger than necessary, which is good, better too much than not enough!<br />
<br />
I also had to decide what to do about the binding. Given the dimensions of my quilt, I calculated I needed about 172" of binding, plus a bit of extra, so 200". Ideally I'd have probably wanted to use either the lattice fabric or the backing fabric, but in typical me fashion, I cut too many strips for the lattice itself, which were too thin for binding, and wasn't left with enough. Fortunately, from the fat quarters I had a small strip of each left over, and managed to scrape together enough fabric. In fact, I probably have too much now. I think I have about 300" or so. I'm not sure how it'll look as well, might be too busy, but I'll have a play around with it before sewing it on. Otherwise I'll probably get an unrelated fabric in a matching colour.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVmOKuLOYEbe3ZMf_d865DWGiZFr_c-nTNhZ763Afwq1GrAcTtri2yML5XomLT1QJk7hQy8tn0g6TZwLpxO7oRNZqnxl8Lk17PB9VvlWBl-Z9eW7XBitx3z3Y8bnO6lVSAJ_Gi43RO68/s1600/IMG_2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVmOKuLOYEbe3ZMf_d865DWGiZFr_c-nTNhZ763Afwq1GrAcTtri2yML5XomLT1QJk7hQy8tn0g6TZwLpxO7oRNZqnxl8Lk17PB9VvlWBl-Z9eW7XBitx3z3Y8bnO6lVSAJ_Gi43RO68/s1600/IMG_2593.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>My binding roll!</i></div>
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Now I just have to wait for the batting to arrive in the post so I can start quilting, because the leftovers from my last quilts are just a few inches too small! I feel like I spend half my time waiting for things to arrive in the post.</div>
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In other news, I'm getting seriously ready to have this baby now, especially now that Button is considered full term (yay!). Much as I love being pregnant (most of the time), I have forgotten what it's like to walk without waddling, or turn over in bed without grunting. I feel like a bit of a time bomb, and I'm just ready to experience labour, and have my life totally changed. I know I'll probably miss feeling Button kicking inside me (even though sometimes it hurts!), and knowing that my body is capable of such a miraculous and amazing thing, but I can't wait for the adventures that Button will bring!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-36375307980208599882014-07-08T10:09:00.000-07:002014-07-08T10:11:13.441-07:00Lattices and Lillies Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because I ran out of white thread AGAIN while making a second <a href="http://buttonsbakingandbabies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/turning-squares-quilt.html" target="_blank">Turning Squares quilt</a>, and because our local HobbyCraft seems to have no white thread that's 100% cotton, I decided to get some fat quarters and some colourful thread and start another quilt to sell.</div>
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I found a cute line of fabric called Free Spirit by Rowan, which has sort of a modern Asian vibe to it. I wanted to do something a little more intricate than previously, and a little more challenging, so I decided to make some sketches first.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVlI3jvD8Lo2jxUXj7MYDGEDOqzHux9uHR-ekutCFyp5mXRDD6ELEk1zg8jMiX5UH_RbtImwWw7zcfAelyo67BROgLlE8QVazGRmV2pKJBgl8lmLkF_Nxr-dUFS66L65U5J1ktM-Zhi8/s1600/IMG_2589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVlI3jvD8Lo2jxUXj7MYDGEDOqzHux9uHR-ekutCFyp5mXRDD6ELEk1zg8jMiX5UH_RbtImwWw7zcfAelyo67BROgLlE8QVazGRmV2pKJBgl8lmLkF_Nxr-dUFS66L65U5J1ktM-Zhi8/s1600/IMG_2589.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>My sketch.</i></div>
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I like the kind of lattice look to it. To do this I calculated that I needed to make 36 half square triangles (HSTs) from my fat quarters, and I had 5 fat quarters in total. I calculated how many squares I could make of various sizes using this fat quarter chart I found on Google:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50Txqo2kRNKJrQdP13RfjR6urlXPNNM6d43urtC-DGsE9h-aF0MWj3jxFXWQ3GSVvcU69MtR8FlWPZyguxLtX-aFL5milf04uOVNHuoONF-diSWzWUic2Q7Hkhhdrh5de6s_nnE-mVIg/s1600/FatQuarterChart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50Txqo2kRNKJrQdP13RfjR6urlXPNNM6d43urtC-DGsE9h-aF0MWj3jxFXWQ3GSVvcU69MtR8FlWPZyguxLtX-aFL5milf04uOVNHuoONF-diSWzWUic2Q7Hkhhdrh5de6s_nnE-mVIg/s1600/FatQuarterChart.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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<i>I'm not sure the original author of this chart, sorry!</i></div>
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Using my 5 fat quarters, I needed to make approximately 8 squares from each quarter, so I needed to make 6" squares.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3amMngCCiRpVOmc55k38eNwat1bS4Ck7cLputyJC5LwoKCVVnyaT1UmZoLOmU6MzUrb-If6IkcdONiEEaAs_eV1Q55-s5FPBPuWvZGAOFizeRzI8Lu8ag3AAnK5NX9pEfWpO9jG_pE3E/s1600/IMG_2572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3amMngCCiRpVOmc55k38eNwat1bS4Ck7cLputyJC5LwoKCVVnyaT1UmZoLOmU6MzUrb-If6IkcdONiEEaAs_eV1Q55-s5FPBPuWvZGAOFizeRzI8Lu8ag3AAnK5NX9pEfWpO9jG_pE3E/s1600/IMG_2572.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>6" squares.</i></div>
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Once I made my 6" squares, I drew a line diagonally and cut across the line. Make sure you pin multiple fabric layers together so they don't swivel around too much while you're cutting, unless you are cool enough to have a rotary cutter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5dwk7qj5b-jn4qeX5QfJVkExamxPy1WBoUO_S5rD75P4hiJ38XvDDdrgeTHceZ0FZp5ZutKgG0khi87Zh-Kaam8uLZm2JfqlvGXODwSJHSKaBQPvR9ggR61DiVaxxLSpXtF-ZNg9r3g/s1600/IMG_2573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5dwk7qj5b-jn4qeX5QfJVkExamxPy1WBoUO_S5rD75P4hiJ38XvDDdrgeTHceZ0FZp5ZutKgG0khi87Zh-Kaam8uLZm2JfqlvGXODwSJHSKaBQPvR9ggR61DiVaxxLSpXtF-ZNg9r3g/s1600/IMG_2573.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Cut HSTs.</i> </div>
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If you're into a more random quilt you can just sew 2 squares together 1/4" to each side of the line, but I wanted it a bit more planned than that, so I just cut them all first (You wont need all of them if you're following along). I then took out 4 single triangles for the corners.<br />
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Then what I did was matched up the triangles and sewed them together so that I had an equal number of every combination of fabric, just to make sure I had enough to play with. I then laid them out in the desired positions. My only concern was that there were no identical fabrics next to each other, so other than that it was pretty much random.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbkK1P-Z7vaEkBZBmG4fbpG25_uHmG52JiIcn362j_V8xjGGz3bloBdrqNhi-YmWi3eCzidY8kErQ7mCrDtCF8O8Q9gGHB_s9ViYdNihn5CFeADZd1NJlg9RRlmYlpSifleBB2w5DfUs/s1600/IMG_2578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbkK1P-Z7vaEkBZBmG4fbpG25_uHmG52JiIcn362j_V8xjGGz3bloBdrqNhi-YmWi3eCzidY8kErQ7mCrDtCF8O8Q9gGHB_s9ViYdNihn5CFeADZd1NJlg9RRlmYlpSifleBB2w5DfUs/s1600/IMG_2578.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>My initial layout.</i></div>
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Once I constructed all the squares I then started adding the lattices. I chose to just make 1 1/2" strips of my lattice fabric and sew them on as is without cutting them to size first. I picked a corner and started from there, adding the short strips one by one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD2z5EbPRgyzlXUj2qgjzpoE1d0Q7GElH_KbOYaecTrj39_WyGOZ-OpaejmuiPfcsjYBV1YMr2IiJzkMrOiSjoaGop8wDD_9JKd8L1dnvk2xpbmeo2OYYe5-7TbBLB40deE_bzPJwNko/s1600/IMG_2583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVD2z5EbPRgyzlXUj2qgjzpoE1d0Q7GElH_KbOYaecTrj39_WyGOZ-OpaejmuiPfcsjYBV1YMr2IiJzkMrOiSjoaGop8wDD_9JKd8L1dnvk2xpbmeo2OYYe5-7TbBLB40deE_bzPJwNko/s1600/IMG_2583.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Starting the lattices.</i></div>
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Once I added all the short strips on the same diagonal, I then attached strips in the opposite direction. On the longest strips I had to sew two strips together, making sure to keep the seam in the centre of the quilt to avoid it looking odd.<br />
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I then wanted a border, but I decided to make it slightly bigger, so I made 2 1/2" strips and sewed them around the edges.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSf1uncvndsVT68FWmug9PenNiP7QNqaTkjg7NUDuLaZXc__RN2ludMUWr_nSOj2YsDn6RDzFbmYoAdy5L1gDcj9-QetijGq6d3cavuAIPElPvhlL2KDFKkXvXXi5aYaa4Mu6m2d401g/s1600/IMG_2587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSf1uncvndsVT68FWmug9PenNiP7QNqaTkjg7NUDuLaZXc__RN2ludMUWr_nSOj2YsDn6RDzFbmYoAdy5L1gDcj9-QetijGq6d3cavuAIPElPvhlL2KDFKkXvXXi5aYaa4Mu6m2d401g/s1600/IMG_2587.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The finished quilt top!</i></div>
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Originally I was going to add 2 borders, but I didn't get enough of the backing fabric, so I decided to just have the one border, it looks pretty good anyway!<br />
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For the back I only got 1 metre of a sort of light greenish fabric, but I have a bunch of extra HSTs left over, and some of the lattice strips so I think I'm going to put some kind of embellishment on the back as well. Possibly a horizontal strip of the lattice to divide the back up so I have enough fabric, but I'm saving that as tomorrow's project!<br />
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On a separate note, I have put up my first pattern in my Etsy shop - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Taradoodledoo" target="_blank">Tara Doodle Doo</a> - to sew your own knitting needle roll, designed to hold interchangeable circular needles, only £2.99!<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/195533498/pattern-circular-knitting-needle-roll?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBohrhg2RnHqzHVaXVOjWFVgk4_00NQLWC1c9DRYDCQb5khL-jyr1bJ6xxp3hRiHQsCl-dQY5GswXRTLr0PtRtyqDVzkrC1NokXR_7drRelUpEC_KP-lvScD-DNHog8ACt7MzuygLL1yY/s1600/Pic.jpg" height="208" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Or, if you want to just skip the crafting and buy a </i></div>
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<i>pre-made roll, I've got a few ready to ship!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-32085821602002655702014-07-05T05:44:00.002-07:002014-07-10T09:21:37.940-07:00Blueberry Coffee Cake<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">A coffee cake is not, as many British people around me seem to think, a coffee-flavoured cake (well, it can be, but that's not usually the point). It is instead a class of </span>cakes<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> intended to be eaten alongside coffee (for example, as part of a breakfast meal) or that may be eaten </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">during a </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">coffee break</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> o</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">r offered to guests </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">on or around a </span>coffee table<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">. I gather it's an American thing, this type of coffee cake (especially because here in the UK it's usually a tea break rather than coffee).</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCWm-OMzQLzyaN0solH2afFpaM4KWkkTuu87gd0-U_2-js0dmYn7GuostB4pptRivC06plkqb9Gzaj7nHVC9PsUBacvlFMh38HiOQP3SCbOmVPuCJODdc6TB7EkRsKtc77jPXVAlL7Z8/s1600/Blueberry-Crumb-Coffee-Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCWm-OMzQLzyaN0solH2afFpaM4KWkkTuu87gd0-U_2-js0dmYn7GuostB4pptRivC06plkqb9Gzaj7nHVC9PsUBacvlFMh38HiOQP3SCbOmVPuCJODdc6TB7EkRsKtc77jPXVAlL7Z8/s1600/Blueberry-Crumb-Coffee-Cake.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">I chose <a href="http://allofnewengland.com/newenglandfoody/blueberry-crumb-coffee-cake-recipe/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> based on the above picture on Pinterest, which is probably dangerous, but it just looked so good! In following the link, the ingredients looked pretty standard, and it called for a large amount of fruit, which I always feel is a good start.</span></span><br />
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So, the ingredients:<br />
Crumble topping:<br />
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<ul>
<li>1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar</li>
<li>1/2 cup (65g) flour</li>
<li>1/2 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1/2 tsp nutmeg</li>
<li>1/4 tsp cardamom</li>
<li>1/4 cup (57g) butter, softened</li>
</ul>
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Cake:<br />
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<ul>
<li>2 cups (255g) flour (I used cake flour for this part, but all purpose will probably do!)</li>
<li>2 tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1/4 tsp salt</li>
<li>1/2 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>3/4 cup (150g) sugar</li>
<li>1/4 cup (57g) butter, softened</li>
<li>1 large egg</li>
<li>1 tsp vanilla extract</li>
<li>1/2 cup buttermilk*</li>
<li>3 cups fresh blueberries**</li>
</ul>
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*Now before we start with the steps, I haven't really been successful at finding buttermilk very often, and I rarely have it on hand. You can use regular milk, but the acidity of the buttermilk reacts a bit better with the chemicals in the baking process, and because it's really easy to <i>make</i> buttermilk, there is really no excuse.</div>
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There are various methods for DIY buttermilk, but usually the standard is to add 1 Tbsp lemon juice <i>or</i> white vinegar to a measuring glass, then fill up to the 1 cup mark with whole milk (you can use 2%, but it really depends on the recipe). Since this only called for 1/2 cup of milk, I instead added 1 1/2 tsp (equivalent to 1/2 Tbsp) of lemon juice and filled up to the 1/2 cup measure. This way you don't end up with leftover buttermilk if you don't need it. Set aside for at least 5 minutes. It WILL get clumpy. This is normal, that's the point!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnbAxDpes28zJi37CTB-zSLM8Sjchyb7_s3EdGgNgiQ1VT8iQkrWrIALtcPYqqhAZ8WmLHSkDo9cEGkLzRrbx7acYp0lQCA6pUCvsRtHG-41wj7Az6h8ApyYRxUX3kEkCGl5pPNvTqxo/s1600/IMG_2551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQnbAxDpes28zJi37CTB-zSLM8Sjchyb7_s3EdGgNgiQ1VT8iQkrWrIALtcPYqqhAZ8WmLHSkDo9cEGkLzRrbx7acYp0lQCA6pUCvsRtHG-41wj7Az6h8ApyYRxUX3kEkCGl5pPNvTqxo/s1600/IMG_2551.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Homemade buttermilk - the clumps are normal!</i></div>
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** I actually misread this, and only put 2 cups of blueberries in, but I think it turned out pretty well, but I think even more could be even better, so I'd probably say, depending on the size of your blueberries, 2-3 cups would suffice.</div>
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Grease a 9" square pan (or a circular springform pan, which is what I used because it's what I had on hand!).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKJDAmIrFCR8x3_8bF0J-tl0NzdQZvSk5hYWAfln63ZAzEhnC5LfMwrc_hL9PnUfyWQSg9hW8Il7bVQ3D8xzj0YMwO02WrduwK8yWUQC7ji10Vtv6D4sM8CT9B1rl922_ZeQa2dTSX2Y/s1600/IMG_2552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKJDAmIrFCR8x3_8bF0J-tl0NzdQZvSk5hYWAfln63ZAzEhnC5LfMwrc_hL9PnUfyWQSg9hW8Il7bVQ3D8xzj0YMwO02WrduwK8yWUQC7ji10Vtv6D4sM8CT9B1rl922_ZeQa2dTSX2Y/s1600/IMG_2552.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Crumb topping ingredients</i></div>
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In a medium bowl, combine the crumb topping ingredients with a fork until crumbly. I'm not sure if it was the fact that my butter was mostly melted or the fact that my flour was cake flour, which is finer than normal flour, but mine was a bit more squishy than crumbly. It seems to have turned out fine, so I went with it. Should taste the same! I also should note that I didn't have cardamom or nutmeg. For some reason I always assume that I have these on hand, but rarely ever do. Instead I used Pumpkin Pie spice, which you probably can't find in the UK, but it's a delicious combination of spices used in pumpkin pies, and I'm sure will taste just as amazing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbKe0Stpvn15AF1whpfXGnbf5ym-R94AjD4lt3d0xO0gy62FJdu72z2q0SG7MJ4GwFgmYEzyOcfkQmUNshJZLQB_kBfLvrroS5gwF4ovXF0y2gAgM0H2KAqnZ-deW4ydOQKcGaASFebA/s1600/IMG_2553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUbKe0Stpvn15AF1whpfXGnbf5ym-R94AjD4lt3d0xO0gy62FJdu72z2q0SG7MJ4GwFgmYEzyOcfkQmUNshJZLQB_kBfLvrroS5gwF4ovXF0y2gAgM0H2KAqnZ-deW4ydOQKcGaASFebA/s1600/IMG_2553.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Cake ingredients</i></div>
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In another medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU5k_FHFPFxQOaC7BqJjmK6o4FzCyJ0lVKJzXLRFFmsiqFLCN0C5coPOouOwm_3-MBJYj0OGC5i-HyieRHCGnyV5t8tsRbGgbx3LUODtvH-rsp_3SYfYWTvWDbWQt0V6_xBkR6LUsbf8/s1600/IMG_2555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxU5k_FHFPFxQOaC7BqJjmK6o4FzCyJ0lVKJzXLRFFmsiqFLCN0C5coPOouOwm_3-MBJYj0OGC5i-HyieRHCGnyV5t8tsRbGgbx3LUODtvH-rsp_3SYfYWTvWDbWQt0V6_xBkR6LUsbf8/s1600/IMG_2555.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until smooth. Then <i>alternately</i> add the flour mixture and the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. I'm not exactly sure why this is important, but it does make it easier, as the batter is very very thick. Make sure to keep pushing your ingredients down with a spatula or else you'll get streaks of unmixed flour mixture in your cake, which no one wants.</div>
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Next is the best part, the blueberries! Add your blueberries and fold <i>gently</i>, trying not to burst them, because otherwise they'll not cook in the fabulously juicy delicious way you want. You can use either fresh or frozen, but in my freezer things tend to get freezer burned, and I again didn't want my cake watered down by the melting ice! If you do use frozen blueberries, don't thaw them beforehand, just dump them in as is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpOT0ywYW0s2CJAo2PM3j_0RjVwLYCvYGfNDbBbdSfpK-gmZV9FsvFUPQy0EL5lV4e1Hzv7LZ4TEI2iC5oEHAFCWAY4UVhun3PTaPDNyIhZUsEt8HbGq-F34Q4IznSljeUzr-vcYRDDI/s1600/IMG_2556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpOT0ywYW0s2CJAo2PM3j_0RjVwLYCvYGfNDbBbdSfpK-gmZV9FsvFUPQy0EL5lV4e1Hzv7LZ4TEI2iC5oEHAFCWAY4UVhun3PTaPDNyIhZUsEt8HbGq-F34Q4IznSljeUzr-vcYRDDI/s1600/IMG_2556.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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It looks like a lot of blueberries, but actually this is only the 2 cups. As I mentioned earlier I misread the instructions (I was using my phone, the screen was tiny!) but it still looked turned into a decent amount anyway. You can really use any fruit with this, I particularly like blueberries, raspberries or apples, but strawberries might be nice too. If you plan on washing your fruit first (probably recommended), make sure you wash them ahead of time if you can so that they're dry by the time you're adding them. You don't want to add any unnecessary water to your batter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOezQkb7ViCH-40WyovFWc4__TDza7NycrklSUMVPA6NcbckabiW-N8rj2IwBySsS7qAC8rHMO6dEVTSP10w2-Z-8WPALPeGqDIRBvgmyudHa6zpkggrHQtO6-Rfs693bzw9cbJOh26A/s1600/IMG_2558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfOezQkb7ViCH-40WyovFWc4__TDza7NycrklSUMVPA6NcbckabiW-N8rj2IwBySsS7qAC8rHMO6dEVTSP10w2-Z-8WPALPeGqDIRBvgmyudHa6zpkggrHQtO6-Rfs693bzw9cbJOh26A/s1600/IMG_2558.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Spoon the batter into your pan - it's really thick, don't be put off! And spread out as best as you can, but don't be too perfectionistic about it. The hallmark of a good coffee cake (in my opinion) is that it's not smooth and regular, but full of little holes and crevices.</div>
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Sprinkle the crumb topping on top. Again, I had difficulty with this part, because mine was very squishy. I probably could have added more sugar or flour or something, but I didn't want to mess with the taste, and I figured the butter would melt anyway and you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference. So I just went with it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEEXThQILjqitiO0JU7KgffIz2vbIs1Y684Uqk4n8dsG1tlZLdq2iImybYnNBy_SSLVcwGVJkR_gFOPpICy_ad14HCdpRsB0_aRkGa_jIrPzT5A51Vy3ZUUBu2REli2awNhmhVyw0k24/s1600/IMG_2559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEEXThQILjqitiO0JU7KgffIz2vbIs1Y684Uqk4n8dsG1tlZLdq2iImybYnNBy_SSLVcwGVJkR_gFOPpICy_ad14HCdpRsB0_aRkGa_jIrPzT5A51Vy3ZUUBu2REli2awNhmhVyw0k24/s1600/IMG_2559.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>All ready for baking!</i></div>
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Pop in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick stuck in the centre comes out clean. Depending on your oven I'd keep an eye on the top so it doesn't burn, as it will rise up a bit, and pop some foil over it if necessary to prevent burnage. I had to do this at around 40 minutes into baking, and I also popped the shelf down a level to try to control the heat at the top, as my oven is definitely top heavy on the heat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb_EJYPl9Z2w06_dbFNWHrU2mhMMJTVidrUZPSjMvSBqKo-JPuNhaWaaolozEsPM5fKMF0-Moy4ldDUtjmV4WqKlTLxJd5ls5mJUJd1XojSnF3UdKkhYBn0PrN8SK3qHUXGmkTDwxH9I/s1600/IMG_2562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb_EJYPl9Z2w06_dbFNWHrU2mhMMJTVidrUZPSjMvSBqKo-JPuNhaWaaolozEsPM5fKMF0-Moy4ldDUtjmV4WqKlTLxJd5ls5mJUJd1XojSnF3UdKkhYBn0PrN8SK3qHUXGmkTDwxH9I/s1600/IMG_2562.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Another good reason for a springform pan - it will cool</i><i> a lot more quickly, </i></div>
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<i>and therefore you can enjoy the deliciousness sooner!</i></div>
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I think the crumb topping doesn't really look like it's meant to. It kind of just became part of the cake in the end. It certainly doesn't look like the picture at least! Whether this was because of the type of flour I used or because I did something else wrong, who knows. Maybe adding the crumb topping 15 minutes before the end would have given a better result? Something to work on for the future anyway. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MjgmuiVbMIJqg3BeTHwadmJNQJz-fWSTyvqmyziLXBjNdz7-lp06dvjaP8fTAVel826-7mBoh58UIY-2oWGM6hgYdCPY4nrKgL8KuIIAG71S7Jnt-hxcNtG7A88u09ZGI_NTp7FxOQg/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0MjgmuiVbMIJqg3BeTHwadmJNQJz-fWSTyvqmyziLXBjNdz7-lp06dvjaP8fTAVel826-7mBoh58UIY-2oWGM6hgYdCPY4nrKgL8KuIIAG71S7Jnt-hxcNtG7A88u09ZGI_NTp7FxOQg/s1600/IMG_2564.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>My lunch today, really healthy, I know. I have somehow managed to only gain 5kg in my entire pregnancy (the average is 12kg), but if maternity leave keeps up like this that might change in the next few weeks!</i></div>
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I had to give in to the caffeine today as well and make myself a French press coffee, it's been so long since I've had anything but instant decaf, and I'm a bit nostalgic for a proper cup of coffee! So, despite obviously not looking as perfect as the online picture, it was still amazingly yummy!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-62886923296095237662014-07-04T07:49:00.000-07:002014-07-04T07:50:53.862-07:00Turning Squares - FIUF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's done! I LOVE how this one turned out. I decided in the end to use the leftover binding from my last quilt, because the colour matched perfectly, and also the spots sort of echoed the orange spotty giraffes that appear in some of the patchwork strips. I had a little trouble attaching the binding because of the way the fabric warped with the spiral - I had to unpick it in several spots and resew. But I think I'm slowly learning some patience. Also my walking foot came in the post today, which made the binding go on a bit more straight. Definitely going to be using that foot a lot!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEBkAu_fOE9-A0JlHfbaVvo2Ke5R3kz_ZjARdhjj8nd9wr6idi69fdvl2j1Ih0j6NoAIPO-vv7kzZe2Adgf9ouGb60b5L3gbjqgQXlRfRIOV1l0SsziFExY4TJ7lXJjfQmxEVe5inGYo/s1600/IMG_2547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghEBkAu_fOE9-A0JlHfbaVvo2Ke5R3kz_ZjARdhjj8nd9wr6idi69fdvl2j1Ih0j6NoAIPO-vv7kzZe2Adgf9ouGb60b5L3gbjqgQXlRfRIOV1l0SsziFExY4TJ7lXJjfQmxEVe5inGYo/s1600/IMG_2547.jpg" height="372" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's just so colourful and fun! It's also incredibly snuggly and the perfect weight for a baby quilt. I used the same batting as in my last quilt - a cotton/bamboo blend, which I sadly am now running out of, so I'll have to get some more for my next project.<br />
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I'm debating bringing it to the hospital with us to bring Button home in, because I absolutely cannot wait to wrap him in this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxxlejKa7AnZ421JJ0NJ079S46tqOuJFqhaXHx0f9Wvus839IH-AtM5HidpFl5sdiXxKn0am_78PvJl6Z7Oc7iBbpVL4X0i0GRa8layT0DQGvRPN3jfTKVE0ZOzI_X2Kdd_TijN5P3Bk/s1600/IMG_2549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxxlejKa7AnZ421JJ0NJ079S46tqOuJFqhaXHx0f9Wvus839IH-AtM5HidpFl5sdiXxKn0am_78PvJl6Z7Oc7iBbpVL4X0i0GRa8layT0DQGvRPN3jfTKVE0ZOzI_X2Kdd_TijN5P3Bk/s1600/IMG_2549.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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The full quilt top with the binding. Needs a bit of ironing on the binding, but I'm so pleased with it! Now I have to come up with a plan for the remaining fabric from this line. I'm tempted to make another the same as a gift, but I'll have to have a think first. :)</div>
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Another finish it up Friday success!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-42239788426220763602014-07-03T07:38:00.003-07:002014-07-03T07:38:59.697-07:00Turning squares - Part 2I've finished the quilting of my turning squares quilt! I decided in the end to go with a spiral pattern. The somewhat challenging thing about doing this was that because both the back and front of the quilt had a distinct centre, I needed to find a way to match them up as near perfect as possible, otherwise the spiral would look strange.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RGqxFCiGi1gdGGi__QQaAOXM1Jb-gnvpP1VtLPOnwTSQjqCM5mAfrnnwz0galn7j671yZkjC9h2dI2f-sw5REPcCokeQrOR7MjXODjLipwwNtm9_3-p_PJtE5IgWk6OEl6-0dRGT2JU/s1600/IMG_2540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RGqxFCiGi1gdGGi__QQaAOXM1Jb-gnvpP1VtLPOnwTSQjqCM5mAfrnnwz0galn7j671yZkjC9h2dI2f-sw5REPcCokeQrOR7MjXODjLipwwNtm9_3-p_PJtE5IgWk6OEl6-0dRGT2JU/s1600/IMG_2540.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The way I decided to do this was before taping my quilt back to the floor, I stuck a straight pin through the centre, sharp side up. Then when laying the layers on top, I just had to make sure that I placed the centre first. It was a little challenging, because I also wanted to line up the corners and the centre seams of each side, so swivelling the fabric around on top of the batting was a bit of a pain. In the end I got everything pretty well centred.<br />
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Once all the layers were basted together, I found a small bottle cap to mark out a circle in the centre. In hindsight I probably should have just started in the centre and spiralled outward, but I thought a circle would look better. Oh well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy0wqLjGpGHaxuUe1LQWSzdN-pVvqRo7eb6Eo_-pDcnttsFR1KIoqacVTFsENnjyNOSu5-f78x9Ci8uS6zroep8G1zu8h4ILLh-YpxtJ7BYXQXR71zjw7Qs_QWv3-sPb0w6tYfyDQzzI/s1600/IMG_2541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQy0wqLjGpGHaxuUe1LQWSzdN-pVvqRo7eb6Eo_-pDcnttsFR1KIoqacVTFsENnjyNOSu5-f78x9Ci8uS6zroep8G1zu8h4ILLh-YpxtJ7BYXQXR71zjw7Qs_QWv3-sPb0w6tYfyDQzzI/s1600/IMG_2541.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used my normal presser foot for this, and think (again, hindsight!) that a darning foot would have been easier at this point, because the circle was so tight I had a lot of trouble turning the quilt. Eventually I got it, after a few false starts.</div>
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Another thing I'll say that would have made my life much easier had I thought about it. I recommend going CLOCKWISE in your spiral. I started out anti-clockwise, and realised as soon as I got a bit further out from the centre, that this meant that at some point I would be trying to swivel the entire bulk of my quilt through the harp space (that's the bit in between the needle and the arm) of the machine. Silly me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNndfRLwL348pKcHXfDgCwp9NgahvDl41FjuVSPvED3S5XOUVWu1AHoEyXYgD4qprrrcL1doxNaI1_9p_V_r9QZvkOZBDyGwjEAVM5580CXgS7GD8DP2giH4W9NIsbISqVkKgIaSGpoyc/s1600/IMG_2543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNndfRLwL348pKcHXfDgCwp9NgahvDl41FjuVSPvED3S5XOUVWu1AHoEyXYgD4qprrrcL1doxNaI1_9p_V_r9QZvkOZBDyGwjEAVM5580CXgS7GD8DP2giH4W9NIsbISqVkKgIaSGpoyc/s1600/IMG_2543.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fortunately, as you can see, this quilt was fairly small so it all fit through the machine and was only a little annoying at times, but if you're doing a large quilt in this fashion, it probably would get really difficult. I suppose on the flip side had I done it the other way I might have struggled with the bulk of the quilt pulling off the table, but I could have fixed this by moving my machine to a better part of the dining table.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G9ayVQcNnIoIRpby1AtXA3dDdHaUnoeBsOjJBIhE_Lh7-HlyRLeUprZBrF4dFcgf_T13xeS4Fgs1oE9ezfKStnk-gO7bWfPisKnVii3iUFAo1evoEYwSQ0p1lXBONZBjyxs3ZYkfl_M/s1600/IMG_2544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G9ayVQcNnIoIRpby1AtXA3dDdHaUnoeBsOjJBIhE_Lh7-HlyRLeUprZBrF4dFcgf_T13xeS4Fgs1oE9ezfKStnk-gO7bWfPisKnVii3iUFAo1evoEYwSQ0p1lXBONZBjyxs3ZYkfl_M/s1600/IMG_2544.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the result! I had some issues with the fabric warping a bit. Possibly a walking foot would be a better choice once you're out of the tight inner circle, but I don't yet have a walking foot. So it's a bit wonky in places, but I like the overall effect. I didn't do the spirals too perfectly. Not only did I think this would make the process much slower, but I also thought that if I <i>tried</i> to make it perfect, I'd undoubtedly notice any imperfections much more. So while I used my presser foot width as a rough guide I made sure to just do it in a rough sort of way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UKWpS6A8AyrwAltjcQ-cawFcqkkinZrdtxkb7lMwgeD1YTKM-zq_UgkyJHMe57Q7VHdAPVqf6z93CLbVGRzI16lJKOap3kCHtaT4WoG84sBvbUYLU3Y5gg8Xk4_-YqyUUCumaRMVVAs/s1600/IMG_2545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UKWpS6A8AyrwAltjcQ-cawFcqkkinZrdtxkb7lMwgeD1YTKM-zq_UgkyJHMe57Q7VHdAPVqf6z93CLbVGRzI16lJKOap3kCHtaT4WoG84sBvbUYLU3Y5gg8Xk4_-YqyUUCumaRMVVAs/s1600/IMG_2545.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Closeup of my somewhat wonky lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlCkc-rfctGNi_6NjEqNU7JIKk390a6A66gCKrgEJj9108uF2POagWiJiNfNzDG9X05Ql7lkWGZ9dos2tlRo5LcQFdI9hjjdnSz6HJOZ5nk5xWhPRvf6GsatNDN14ryUFF-PPkPP1Inc/s1600/IMG_2546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWlCkc-rfctGNi_6NjEqNU7JIKk390a6A66gCKrgEJj9108uF2POagWiJiNfNzDG9X05Ql7lkWGZ9dos2tlRo5LcQFdI9hjjdnSz6HJOZ5nk5xWhPRvf6GsatNDN14ryUFF-PPkPP1Inc/s1600/IMG_2546.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's what the back looks like. There are a few places where there are some wrinkles in the backing. It REALLY annoys me, but the majority of them were so far back towards the centre that it would have been an absolute nightmare to unpick and fix, and I only noticed at the end. Oh well, live and learn. Since this is just for Button, I'm just leaving it. If I were ever to bring a quilt to any kind of contest or festival or whatever, or if it were a gift for someone else, I'd probably be much more persnickity, but hopefully Button is not going to mind.<br />
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Now my next task is figuring out what to use for binding. I have a lot of extra stripey fabric, but I'm not sure if it would be better to just use white, as it's a very busy quilt as it is. But for now, a nap!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-9756108864265640622014-07-02T09:16:00.000-07:002014-07-03T07:07:16.390-07:00Turning Squares Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's my next project! I'm seriously on a bit of a crafting binge. So this is another <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/" target="_blank">Moda Bake Shop</a> pattern which features a quilt from <a href="http://www.kitchentablequilting.com/" target="_blank">Kitchen Table Quilting</a>, but I've made it much much smaller than the original pattern, because it's for baby Button! </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbNMm16ILAxu7elTAGfoRjv5cLtYGP5_VWOuaCYoIUKYfpT-I1lxgSG7K0au7nmiNhhhOr5ITp0SbW-PHmI670W7L4LoARwY0ei2OQbgIKvW5R7m1mIPtQw2fQL8TSeLjnhpz0sxCzhA/s1600/avant+garden+9.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></div>
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<i>Here is my inspiration. <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2014/05/avant-garden-turning-squares-quilt.html" target="_blank">Turning Squares Quilt</a></i></div>
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Gorgeous isn't it? I love the colours of it as well, but since this is for a baby boy, I wanted something a little less girly and pink. So I chose the Giraffe Crossing line by Riley Blake Designs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjM6c0hNJjF3J4cn4mmHmM7uOEsLgzS0W6ImgT-ki1i9_24xtOdeSWaLFY5F6EHAj8NvZSmknvyC0H5MAFjKcAvnX5AUeU7lUQn28JovMjZGHtGRdlhA_NJIdBt9r7MDGxjNS17f9oPY/s1600/giraffe+crossing+fq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQjM6c0hNJjF3J4cn4mmHmM7uOEsLgzS0W6ImgT-ki1i9_24xtOdeSWaLFY5F6EHAj8NvZSmknvyC0H5MAFjKcAvnX5AUeU7lUQn28JovMjZGHtGRdlhA_NJIdBt9r7MDGxjNS17f9oPY/s1600/giraffe+crossing+fq.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>It's hard to see the patterns, but there are giraffes, and it is adorable.</i></div>
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It's not specifically boy fabric, but I like that. I'd rather have it somewhat neutral anyway. I originally planned on having 3x4 squares for the quilt rather than the 6x6 squares of the original, and as usual I miscalculated the amount of fabric I'd need. For some reason I find this really difficult. Ask me to calculate a drug dosage and I'll give it to you in 15 seconds, but after an hour of trying to work out how many strips of each thing I needed, I got it all wrong.</div>
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So anyway, you basically need 3, 2.5x12.5 inch strips and 6, 2.5x6.5 inch strips for each square. This is a great jelly-roll project, as seriously cutting is so tedious without a rotary cutter! Also I feel like I'm more likely to have things straight and in line if they're precut in some way. Plus I'm a bit lazy. Hah!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDHc6klejdcsKq46ay4r9VcC_MgZsVE6MC9DAA1iZZ8gXSJf02ke4szfdUdYxJ1xDeEsCnbc95adXAhhBAXgA5gf-7Ljk89KZ6BY1FlAXi_uujpz1Y9JjJ6P14aPXjW1dm5dNmywqRhY/s1600/IMG_2526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDHc6klejdcsKq46ay4r9VcC_MgZsVE6MC9DAA1iZZ8gXSJf02ke4szfdUdYxJ1xDeEsCnbc95adXAhhBAXgA5gf-7Ljk89KZ6BY1FlAXi_uujpz1Y9JjJ6P14aPXjW1dm5dNmywqRhY/s1600/IMG_2526.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the tutorial, she has you just making a bunch of squares, however I know that if I just made the squares I'd end up with all the light coloured bits on one side and it wouldn't look random enough. So I chose to lay out the strips. I also drew a sketch of how I wanted the turning squares bits to look, as I was making it so much smaller so wanted it to still look okay since it wouldn't be able to be quite as symmetrical as the original.</div>
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As I was laying it out, I realised that, once again, my plans were a bit too big for purpose, so I decided to do a 3x3 square quilt instead, which is a bit more portable and can be used as the cradle quilt and a pram quilt. Plus now I have oodles of fabric left over and can make lots of other things with this adorable fabric!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsYe0vwkuRNdgOtNDCRvn1BmH5Ca35rSgecmSayztAWbOKQJBnztvrbKwU5X89A0OsdZrE9xew76c-X_N4clA_CAOSe6lCaB1cwHTOhr_uc1siPR-dpf_B4q4G4Vy2um_G3jMBXnhGyY/s1600/IMG_2531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsYe0vwkuRNdgOtNDCRvn1BmH5Ca35rSgecmSayztAWbOKQJBnztvrbKwU5X89A0OsdZrE9xew76c-X_N4clA_CAOSe6lCaB1cwHTOhr_uc1siPR-dpf_B4q4G4Vy2um_G3jMBXnhGyY/s1600/IMG_2531.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'll spare you the details of the actual sewing bit, as I basically did as Erica described in the tutorial. I did struggle to line up the seams, as usual, but I managed to muster the patience to unpick a few bits and lined nearly all of the seams up pretty well. I imagine this would be easier if I had a rotary cutter and mat and could trim the pieces to exact squares, as at the moment I'm really just eyeballing if things are square.</div>
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Now here's where I went off on my own for a bit. My backing fabric was from the same line, the lightest of the stripey fabric, but I wanted to do something a little more exciting with it than just slap it on the back. Partly this is because it was just after lunch and I still needed some way to occupy myself for the rest of today, and partly because I like how the last quilt had the patchwork detail, and I felt this one needed something interesting on the back as well.</div>
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After a few sketches of various ways to treat the striped fabric, I came up with a sort of play on the turning squares, and made kind of turning triangles for the back.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9KftFVnCTkxulNIvbOwqEtvUqT1Y1A4U0Q99Nxdk1eGPqm4rJBjaawpnPc4DGGFNxBdjQWP71CFm_CEKou_71ijUTlCfEuHybXcC2H0teuBrvaVg0L3vH6ceYDGSpqtuNIP_UlTGfd4/s1600/IMG_2538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9KftFVnCTkxulNIvbOwqEtvUqT1Y1A4U0Q99Nxdk1eGPqm4rJBjaawpnPc4DGGFNxBdjQWP71CFm_CEKou_71ijUTlCfEuHybXcC2H0teuBrvaVg0L3vH6ceYDGSpqtuNIP_UlTGfd4/s1600/IMG_2538.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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For this I needed 4 squares of the fabric, each measuring half the dimensions of the quilt top. I measured the quilt top at 36.5" (93cm) square exactly, so I halved it and then added some extra to make sure I had some leeway to line things up if the sewing wasn't exact. So I cut out 4, 50cm squares of my backing fabric. I then pinned it all together to keep it stable, and folded it in half into a triangle and ironed it to have a line to cut on. Sorry I didn't take pictures of any of this process, but basically it's as easy as it sounds.</div>
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Once I cut the triangles, I again laid it all out onto my table, played around with it a bit to see if there were any better ways to do it, and then started sewing!</div>
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Somehow I managed to match the corner seems up perfectly on the first try. This nearly never happens with me, so I was quite excited about it, and I think the back looks pretty neat!</div>
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Tomorrow, it's on to fixing the batting and starting to quilt it together! I'm thinking at this point I might try a new quilting pattern. I'm thinking doing either one big spiral around the quilt to contrast with all the straight lines or doing random wavy lines out from the centre. My only issue with this is trying to make sure I have the centre of the top and bottom lined up exactly, but I have a plan to accomplish this. More on this tomorrow! :)</div>
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In other, non-crafty related news, I had a midwife appointment today, and all is proceeding as planned. Button's head is engaged, and he's getting ready for his big entrance! Ahh!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-90825200662204533392014-07-01T07:48:00.000-07:002014-07-01T08:02:23.970-07:00Scrap-Buster Project #1Today is my first day of maternity leave. Yay! I decided rather than jump straight into my next quilt, I'd make a small project I'd seen on Pinterest awhile back - the <a href="http://thepatchsmith.blogspot.ca/2013/10/across-pond-for-skinny-pincushion.html" target="_blank">Skinny Pincushion</a>. It's adapted from a free pattern you can find on <a href="http://alexiaabegg.squarespace.com/free-patterns/" target="_blank">Green Bee Designs</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_zcg0C2PIWalIEDpjNOLKBOXiIIM4hjusgoU5o6UYGEiZDeuYYOpD5gmA-O9g17_BlcNLNPYyNBJLKRUb6k8aPy1ypsTvafpj62UYPhx-TBRCUFKRts-F5PvhyphenhyphenHBWTEIvREsi0bYejY/s1600/Finished+Pincushion+Mat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_zcg0C2PIWalIEDpjNOLKBOXiIIM4hjusgoU5o6UYGEiZDeuYYOpD5gmA-O9g17_BlcNLNPYyNBJLKRUb6k8aPy1ypsTvafpj62UYPhx-TBRCUFKRts-F5PvhyphenhyphenHBWTEIvREsi0bYejY/s1600/Finished+Pincushion+Mat.jpg" height="264" width="320" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://thepatchsmith.blogspot.ca/2013/10/across-pond-for-skinny-pincushion.html" target="_blank">Patch Smith's</a> finished project - cute right?!</div>
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Basically it's a combination of a pincushion and a mat for underneath the sewing machine. I thought this would be particularly good as when I moved my sewing machine from the dining room table earlier (it's the only big enough table for sewing!) there were depressions in my nice new padded tablecloth, which I want to avoid in the future. Plus, as the table is really the only place in the house I can craft, it'll allow me to slide my machine around more easily as everything competes for table space.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzK39N3kHnAgJeoohQZdmPDoQBVPa12bb5xAT2wP0VNa84zTTIuUy7odMTJaSHEbmhyphenhyphenqJmrpARLLyGvOrxJOkDW5MYTdxB4gL5qncDQVsPf4aclWa2pDj4nz-4WrbQhB1BEZ5fBNVKf0/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqzK39N3kHnAgJeoohQZdmPDoQBVPa12bb5xAT2wP0VNa84zTTIuUy7odMTJaSHEbmhyphenhyphenqJmrpARLLyGvOrxJOkDW5MYTdxB4gL5qncDQVsPf4aclWa2pDj4nz-4WrbQhB1BEZ5fBNVKf0/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This project is a perfect scrap buster. The pincushion itself really requires minimal amounts of fabric, and for the mat underneath you don't see it much, so you can just use really any old scrap. I happened to have a bunch of scraps left over from making a sewing machine cover, so I decided to make a matching/contrasting pincushion mat.</span></div>
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First, measure the base of your machine, or however big you want the underlying mat, and add 1/2" to each side for seam allowances. I used my new quilting and binding skills that I acquired from making my <a href="http://buttonsbakingandbabies.blogspot.co.uk/2014/06/stacked-coins-quilt.html" target="_blank">Stacked Coins Quilt</a>, plus some of the leftover batting to make the underlying mat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3VPMRHD6-K7ZJ4mN1TtRqVjuNF15XefaA3knQb25ZkxExvj_gCnSnepE7w_mpGkNmBC3LNbzLQflJL5pCU-jtayrEgY591chknEuYXCmk9lZKk6I2rFUcX6_RhveVMIp5xokGa4AD_o/s1600/IMG_2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3VPMRHD6-K7ZJ4mN1TtRqVjuNF15XefaA3knQb25ZkxExvj_gCnSnepE7w_mpGkNmBC3LNbzLQflJL5pCU-jtayrEgY591chknEuYXCmk9lZKk6I2rFUcX6_RhveVMIp5xokGa4AD_o/s1600/IMG_2523.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I just used a simple straight quilting, just because it's quick, and I didn't want it to be too lumpy underneath the machine. Now, the important part of the adaptation, which I didn't do properly and thus had to add extra fabric on - your pincushion should be WIDER than your mat. Otherwise it makes it a total pain to finish off at the end. So you need to make sure you add enough fabric to the template pieces to make this work. My finished width of the mat was about 33cm, so I <i>should</i> have made my pincushion about 35cm PLUS SEAM ALLOWANCE.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLj4Z_iC-YRTabpjU2KAAV2H6XkzFnTqIk2N4ViZ2LkPCeZbRdreBM8Q5eZi56xycd106NnKTLIgRmNPlX5cW7tmv6nZHclRgenRM_9-wGqfpd79pTgDHhFElQxTvFKjRCMbapjhDkXOg/s1600/IMG_2522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLj4Z_iC-YRTabpjU2KAAV2H6XkzFnTqIk2N4ViZ2LkPCeZbRdreBM8Q5eZi56xycd106NnKTLIgRmNPlX5cW7tmv6nZHclRgenRM_9-wGqfpd79pTgDHhFElQxTvFKjRCMbapjhDkXOg/s1600/IMG_2522.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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These are my original pieces, without extra fabric added on. Sew this right sides together along three sides (assuming you've measured correctly). Flip it right side out and sew one side to the mat with about 1/4" seam allowance (I recommend sewing the side you want to be the bottom first). For the second side, you can either sew it by hand to finish it off really nicely, or if you're like me you can just fold over and top stitch with the machine. Remember to leave a space unsewn to stuff it! I used just standard polyfiller. You want it to be really really full and firm so it holds the pins. I then stitched the rest closed. It probably would have been easier to do it by hand, but I'd already started at that point, so had to basically overstuff the middle part so I could then get the end under the presser foot. Then I had to sort of squish and knead the filler so it evened out a bit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyuWzzezipds0N2bGKEosqQorOhuXVQH4k_xuxS_kK5QbIT-i14GzZ6qEtvEyoxUnUsuCxaVO3DE672AoxudReSKF_B0nwsf6ITjQbwz9ODTe15TR-Zr4Ii3cg7uYwoZhL41wbDuqMwM/s1600/IMG_2524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyuWzzezipds0N2bGKEosqQorOhuXVQH4k_xuxS_kK5QbIT-i14GzZ6qEtvEyoxUnUsuCxaVO3DE672AoxudReSKF_B0nwsf6ITjQbwz9ODTe15TR-Zr4Ii3cg7uYwoZhL41wbDuqMwM/s1600/IMG_2524.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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My finished project. It's a little bit wonky as my seams didn't quite line up - this is something that is a constant issue for me! The filler is also a little bit lumpy, but I'm hoping that as I use it the filler will even itself out over time. This will be perfect for when I'm removing pins during sewing, because I'm constantly leaving my other pincushion at the other end of the table or in the other room depending on where I'm doing my piecing.</div>
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This was a nice and easy morning project. I think in all it took me about 3 hours or so, with plenty of tea breaks! Now.... what's next?!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-46384620177865330732014-06-29T11:49:00.003-07:002014-07-01T08:02:40.395-07:00Bringing NY to the UKIn the form of the best cheesecake ever.<br />
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I've always been a bit disappointed by the 'cheesecake' that people in the UK seem to find acceptable. It's not really cheesecake. It's light and fluffy and almost mousse-y. This is not cheesecake. Cheesecake is dense, crumbly, intense and cheesy! I found <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2010/04/new-york-cheesecake/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/" target="_blank">Smitten Kitchen</a> a few years ago when in my final year of vet school, and every Friday was 'Cake Friday'. It was such a hit that not only did one of the scarier professors tell me that it reminded him of his visit to NYC, but I also was requested to make it not once but twice more. It really is that delicious!<br />
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If you want to see really yummy and fancy looking pictures, or just go straight to the deliciousness that is the recipe, I suggest you head straight-on over to Smitten Kitchen, because hers looks way more professional than mine does. I'll let you know some of my little alterations to her recipe that I've found helpful for life in the UK.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bhVVnlGjr6hCiy-7O9GfO_SpBhzkT1gNNZpn3QzLfHL5Jfj03qeA18RJOOU-kwztfOOloTKttY3kp7V4YpLR-a3dOjx7I4zAOeQMiPxydg3wTt8gjRYZBfYrsSDLJYGdr7q7Vib5Esg/s1600/IMG_2510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bhVVnlGjr6hCiy-7O9GfO_SpBhzkT1gNNZpn3QzLfHL5Jfj03qeA18RJOOU-kwztfOOloTKttY3kp7V4YpLR-a3dOjx7I4zAOeQMiPxydg3wTt8gjRYZBfYrsSDLJYGdr7q7Vib5Esg/s1600/IMG_2510.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></div>
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First off - <a href="http://www.food.com/library/graham-cracker-376" target="_blank">Graham Crackers</a>. They are a distinctly American cracker/biscuit that is kind of sugary and cinnamony and honey-molassassy and amazing (the preferred brand of with is Honey-Maid. Nothing compares!). I will never understand why they aren't a thing here in the UK, but I have yet to find them and most British people don't understand the concept. Sometimes I manage to bring a box or two over with me for special occasions like Thanksgiving, where graham cracker crust on a pumpkin or pecan pie is pretty much necessity, but I don't usually have them on hand. So the nearest thing is digestive biscuits. I like McVitties originals, as they're the most similar things I've come across, and I use about 225g of them, all mushed up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBZBJ-xsZsDETlCoAIaVP0sE5j_pGuCmIA6hQ8PPBP7aWrOnswB3CaLZGl0gYO6PI5T26zBo4YqSd0QoGzu8PuF5iTIo6ScjrcNPf7W8B0RuQLGTWzYVAD8-pmLKUiZR37_LF3sQ-fRM/s1600/IMG_2511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBZBJ-xsZsDETlCoAIaVP0sE5j_pGuCmIA6hQ8PPBP7aWrOnswB3CaLZGl0gYO6PI5T26zBo4YqSd0QoGzu8PuF5iTIo6ScjrcNPf7W8B0RuQLGTWzYVAD8-pmLKUiZR37_LF3sQ-fRM/s1600/IMG_2511.jpg" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
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I also line my pan with baking paper. Partly because I don't have a tall springform pan, and last time I tried making anything with a springform pan the sides came away with the pan. So I use baking or parchment paper. I probably would try to cut it off a bit more evenly at the top, because it can get in the way of the cake puffing up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtny7d7wPlWVRKjsGmNtl4zOOV9SQM17073eiI_EbwbmV1y7Dp5t9wt0O-YCSejT-079EoVFC41o7c4hngkIkKVA-7qGg5Ea-XaH4wtt4IpewqdDFiys5yjokUN2MFSoQxoOMfv06Xy2k/s1600/IMG_2512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtny7d7wPlWVRKjsGmNtl4zOOV9SQM17073eiI_EbwbmV1y7Dp5t9wt0O-YCSejT-079EoVFC41o7c4hngkIkKVA-7qGg5Ea-XaH4wtt4IpewqdDFiys5yjokUN2MFSoQxoOMfv06Xy2k/s1600/IMG_2512.jpg" height="320" width="310" /></a></div>
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Here's the crust all pressed into the pan. Try to really get into the corners and press them well, because otherwise you end up with a giant wedge of crust in every piece, which I find a bit much.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVcR6__8X-E_tfgmDTU3rEbDbBn7-1iZmJG8gXsJcRNccdwViY6gxh-5BJGin3M00R49JV1csK56_pANN4Wo7pjS70K8OAI3NEinEFH25TE26kMbT6CgBVyuxBS3Svh6f0y-GghHlzwk/s1600/IMG_2513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVcR6__8X-E_tfgmDTU3rEbDbBn7-1iZmJG8gXsJcRNccdwViY6gxh-5BJGin3M00R49JV1csK56_pANN4Wo7pjS70K8OAI3NEinEFH25TE26kMbT6CgBVyuxBS3Svh6f0y-GghHlzwk/s1600/IMG_2513.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
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I also use vanilla bean paste (or if I have an actual vanilla bean on hand I use that), because I love the look of the little seeds, and it tastes a bit better in my opinion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxge0Qt5IjNO-asDCOKSz2rDnptsQVuAuwuXuRvnDflmZIVqVUfi8tTpEf12GizsfQP7z1iptajcUCWwcXWU0k5_YZr4SllSDT7rHYBfzpmjDfKMpplrkEMqjb9RA6nw5XHDa0tZslV-w/s1600/IMG_2514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxge0Qt5IjNO-asDCOKSz2rDnptsQVuAuwuXuRvnDflmZIVqVUfi8tTpEf12GizsfQP7z1iptajcUCWwcXWU0k5_YZr4SllSDT7rHYBfzpmjDfKMpplrkEMqjb9RA6nw5XHDa0tZslV-w/s1600/IMG_2514.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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My pan here is a bit too short. You really need a TALL springform pan for this. Like really tall. My cake puffed up at least 4 inches beyond the pan, and as a result cracked a bit. I have yet to make one that doesn't crack. Hence why a topping is sometimes nice to cover up the mess that is the top of the cake. I didn't make one this time mostly out of laziness, but I'm bringing some nice Blackberry jam in with it. I have, however, made SK's cherry topping in the past and it is fantastic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZZ1s7S9LiDPyAMwfMGBPxYDZuQMCK6SADx9kAimbmmtYiCSyf1WOpw4_ZHfs8NDy2eKS1fL5es9kFqhftIU_qfQQmDAGvtDd7NNi5H7CY3zhFLYhBlWWom_5To8GYEIzDjim1JK8xvs/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTZZ1s7S9LiDPyAMwfMGBPxYDZuQMCK6SADx9kAimbmmtYiCSyf1WOpw4_ZHfs8NDy2eKS1fL5es9kFqhftIU_qfQQmDAGvtDd7NNi5H7CY3zhFLYhBlWWom_5To8GYEIzDjim1JK8xvs/s1600/IMG_2515.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Pa0TJFdf1dYtd0XnJXZwIuWSDjhbNOB6HLdoapXwQeDS3v6NRfI0Ra0_Dh-H2A37Cq7h4hmz_tMH5bo4cI2VILlgyMXW0tK8B8Gf8EVn2ETOm5vfB33LGsZ4hrQgTubrHvf4-7Xvuuw/s1600/IMG_2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Pa0TJFdf1dYtd0XnJXZwIuWSDjhbNOB6HLdoapXwQeDS3v6NRfI0Ra0_Dh-H2A37Cq7h4hmz_tMH5bo4cI2VILlgyMXW0tK8B8Gf8EVn2ETOm5vfB33LGsZ4hrQgTubrHvf4-7Xvuuw/s1600/IMG_2516.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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This is my result. I had to chop off the top as it was burnt, and then popped it back in the oven for another 10 minutes to try and cook the top a bit. I'd gotten pretty good at this when we lived up in Edinburgh, as we had a fairly new oven, and I felt like I could trust the temperature reading (plus the oven actually was able to get hot enough to cook it properly). This was my first time making this recipe in my much older oven in our current house, and, as you can see, it's a bit of a disaster. The oven only went up to 250 C despite needing to be at 300 for the beginning, and it's a bit top-heavy on the heating coils, even with the fan oven on. Usually I put some foil over the top to prevent the top from burning, and tend to have better results, but wasn't really thinking it through this time and didn't really know how this oven would behave anyway. Oh how I can't wait to get back to Edinburgh!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OCXqhMO8xQERaEUgagzWLf_-2XzWiVUVeiMmxxrZ7ypaVIUMQClVnkmZTTel_eHjK9sWPKlPQqzVleP-CSzWmUNhbfIgpCcAZyqmlRieWM22i0UOs_PQHfytIDf9U6n3grKyrj2A8J0/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8OCXqhMO8xQERaEUgagzWLf_-2XzWiVUVeiMmxxrZ7ypaVIUMQClVnkmZTTel_eHjK9sWPKlPQqzVleP-CSzWmUNhbfIgpCcAZyqmlRieWM22i0UOs_PQHfytIDf9U6n3grKyrj2A8J0/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the result once the pan and paper are off. It collapsed a bit in the middle (and every time I look at it as it cools it seems to be sinking a bit further, so it may have been a bit raw in the middle. Hopefully the girls at work will appreciate the cheesecake despite it's somewhat disastrous appearance. It really does taste amazing!</div>
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I can't believe my last day of work is tomorrow, but seriously I am so ready for mat leave. This weekend I've started to really feel the discomforts of being so big and whale-like. I think this might mean the baby has dropped, because it feels like I have a cantaloupe sitting in my pelvis. I am imagining that standing up to do surgery for 4 hours tomorrow is going to be really uncomfortable!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-15963145776347509652014-06-28T13:15:00.000-07:002014-07-01T08:03:32.186-07:00Knitted ChevronsHere's a project I've been working on pretty much since the first month of pregnancy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP9UfZG0VMhPMStNyElVRWqco3y2EOzPZHnBn8CDtiVtq0nXLA1ahyD34cLz9QuRlXcorR3rpTyOKlQTTpVQ25eKUYnhkvMsYj7uuF4tMg0J0YfmAxNzm3YsVWoKEEolyAc_0CocmJVA/s1600/IMG_2498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQP9UfZG0VMhPMStNyElVRWqco3y2EOzPZHnBn8CDtiVtq0nXLA1ahyD34cLz9QuRlXcorR3rpTyOKlQTTpVQ25eKUYnhkvMsYj7uuF4tMg0J0YfmAxNzm3YsVWoKEEolyAc_0CocmJVA/s1600/IMG_2498.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Really recommend this book, lots of great patterns!</i></div>
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A knitted baby blanket! I found this great book of baby blankets, and loved so many of them. I chose one that looked interesting enough to hold my attention while being easy enough that I could watch the tele while knitting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4ltY7fLNIxXm9mc3X6BIPNaJ1ugKUU0XIVgzOtzqhshWbLypQKxYHcAc-2QyqrWQj0koi3PnLjmF0XBxHMXalyq9IqRdvHfwxA6xf4_ptnXR8gyh_Nxtjy9XO6OnG-ox3jYjBo7zOxs/s1600/IMG_2496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4ltY7fLNIxXm9mc3X6BIPNaJ1ugKUU0XIVgzOtzqhshWbLypQKxYHcAc-2QyqrWQj0koi3PnLjmF0XBxHMXalyq9IqRdvHfwxA6xf4_ptnXR8gyh_Nxtjy9XO6OnG-ox3jYjBo7zOxs/s1600/IMG_2496.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I chose fairly gender-neutral colours, since at the time I didn't actually know whether Button was a he or she, but they actually lend themselves quite well to a baby boy anyway, since it's mostly the blue and grey. The yarn I chose was Sirdar's Snuggly Baby Bamboo, which is really soft and cozy and nice, and the blanket hangs quite nicely without being stiff. I kind of wish I'd chosen the colours a bit better, and had white replacing either the grey or blue (the orange is for the border), just so it would have a bit more contrast, but it still looks pretty nice anyway.</div>
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The pattern actually called for a heavier weight yarn, and originally the pattern was coming out way too loose, so I reduced the needle size by 1 mm and also added an extra chevron to it to keep the width. In hindsight I think the extra chevron panel was unnecessary, as I feel like it's now got to be super long to keep it in proportion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXwGrRMOO7NDU8YiJfRGNkMl3_vBa83cmDmt9FcgAXTVlmy0H5qJDJ6zb8ry6y7YJC4YYDctBkURnWR2-UstXd4zJ2Gb9KE6Jde4oUlSJ7f0IzUxMh1vzTmXkoJWdPAR7SHHB0IZI508/s1600/IMG_2497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkXwGrRMOO7NDU8YiJfRGNkMl3_vBa83cmDmt9FcgAXTVlmy0H5qJDJ6zb8ry6y7YJC4YYDctBkURnWR2-UstXd4zJ2Gb9KE6Jde4oUlSJ7f0IzUxMh1vzTmXkoJWdPAR7SHHB0IZI508/s1600/IMG_2497.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i>Closeup of the chevrons</i></div>
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I do quite like the pattern still, and I think it looks really nice, but I have to say I am not the biggest fan of making blankets anymore. They take SO LONG, and use SO MUCH YARN! I imagine this will be another project that gets finished while I'm on maternity leave because I'll just have to crank it out while watching a film or something. I kind of wish I hadn't started it now, but I'm about 2/3 done, so I just really have to suck it up and finish it.</div>
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As an aside, here is a little glimpse of our nursery! It is a VERY small little room (A's former study), but at least it has just enough room for the cotbed and a nursing chair. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG-YlCiT-0wqMVXB0FP81jAL5kjReKBlAJo_-yGrd4ePTXsQLG8FuYNG3fb85nxz7YX4DG748qx-LF8YJSqiL0LGXlzkO1AtONxsywDjj4-u_4qA3hc8bYTGUBLWd5pbI7NwTRLMaYVU/s1600/IMG_2346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG-YlCiT-0wqMVXB0FP81jAL5kjReKBlAJo_-yGrd4ePTXsQLG8FuYNG3fb85nxz7YX4DG748qx-LF8YJSqiL0LGXlzkO1AtONxsywDjj4-u_4qA3hc8bYTGUBLWd5pbI7NwTRLMaYVU/s1600/IMG_2346.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love the colour we chose, it's such a nice happy lemon-y colour! The awesome little whale pillow was commissioned by A from a crafty friend of ours for my birthday. It's so sweet! The shelves were an absolute nightmare to put up because the outer walls are all masonry. It was a very frustrating process for A. But he did a good job!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk31lY9QHSQU2NmEDHMxXI3Ex56SMLkSfZRCKI02PEocDoz0aMj5AGOjDRwMiA-bm0wdr28Lq1N055HrJVcSFLcAIv4_J8s9e1Tg0H2CUpNH6SFxzPucZ1rUPv7Cf5PL6HXmRkCZQjJ0/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKk31lY9QHSQU2NmEDHMxXI3Ex56SMLkSfZRCKI02PEocDoz0aMj5AGOjDRwMiA-bm0wdr28Lq1N055HrJVcSFLcAIv4_J8s9e1Tg0H2CUpNH6SFxzPucZ1rUPv7Cf5PL6HXmRkCZQjJ0/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The cotbed is our kind of baby gear dumping ground at the moment, as there's really no storage in our house at all, and Button will be in a little crib in our room or in a moses basket wherever I am for the first few months anyway, so this will probably be mostly used for nursing at night when A is asleep and storage until Button is old enough to sleep on his own in here. In hindsight I think we went a bit overboard with the cotbed, but it will be handy for the future as it converts to a really nice looking toddler bed!</div>
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It's all getting a little bit real now - I have my one final day at work on Monday, and then I'm officially on maternity leave for 9 months! Ahh! Tomorrow I'm baking a delicious New York Cheesecake for everyone at work to celebrate (and to introduce them to <i>proper</i> cheesecake, not the weird mousse-y stuff that they consider cheesecake here in the UK), so I may make a post on that as it's the best recipe I've ever found, and I need to share it with everyone. Ta ta for now!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-73169356927699807372014-06-27T02:49:00.001-07:002014-07-01T08:04:10.349-07:00Finish it up Friday!Here is my finished quilt for Button! I didn't actually finish it today - as could possibly have been anticipated I got bored one night after work and finished the stippling, and then started on the binding. Please excuse the crazy expression, I stayed up a bit late to finish it off, and it was way past my bedtime (which, during pregnancy, has been about 10pm!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WUGV9HdVfJ7P62PvZs2jmwMKol9BIu86Aiq0tFVS2eqch1hca_PP_u9_OSWLnqrwPMZDO-uR_1l2kxMXCj0mps5u-IQGIQxdGGwZoaDhMkG6nu2_Fp8Q_w6nQuKWhRnU-P6940uCLt0/s1600/IMG_2501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WUGV9HdVfJ7P62PvZs2jmwMKol9BIu86Aiq0tFVS2eqch1hca_PP_u9_OSWLnqrwPMZDO-uR_1l2kxMXCj0mps5u-IQGIQxdGGwZoaDhMkG6nu2_Fp8Q_w6nQuKWhRnU-P6940uCLt0/s1600/IMG_2501.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I really love the orange binding pop on the front, and my little dark patch at the bottom, random though it is. I think it helps bring out the orange on the quilt itself. Oddly, I calculated the number of cm of binding I would need as 500cm (the quilt was 133 x 108cm plus a bit of wiggle room), and thought I had JUST enough to make the binding strips and even made them a bit smaller than I would have otherwise, I seem to have ended up with nearly twice the amount of binding strips I needed. I have no idea what happened. But better too much than too little! Only shame is that now I used up the remaining orange fabric for binding. I'm sure I'll find a use for it at some point!<br />
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I was surprised at how easy the binding process itself was, and even though I had to hand-sew the last side of the binding it went really quickly and I did it all in a few hours while cuddling up to my hubby while he watched football. I only poked him with the needle once, I swear!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWySCvEHCdWzEaZrGWQbezZnJ6IBHVd4ZcFHPKENfl47YFhAx2mJQ9BjM8fJ6n_Qwu9jwt9hqqGvynKYe0o4QGegEAjSeZpOyjkFW1isflFyfTRb326sDe0av2EOitpMz3Y23-6Oyi8U4/s1600/IMG_2502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWySCvEHCdWzEaZrGWQbezZnJ6IBHVd4ZcFHPKENfl47YFhAx2mJQ9BjM8fJ6n_Qwu9jwt9hqqGvynKYe0o4QGegEAjSeZpOyjkFW1isflFyfTRb326sDe0av2EOitpMz3Y23-6Oyi8U4/s1600/IMG_2502.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here's the back view so you can see the patchwork detail. It ended up lining up pretty well and I didn't have to chop off too much of the two coins on the edge.</div>
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All in all a pretty good job I think! I've just gotten my fabric for the pram-sized quilt now (another Riley Blake design - Giraffe Crossing!), but I've been threatened with divorce if I start it before my maternity leave (A knows me too well, and knows that I would finish it this weekend if I got going on it!). So instead I am perusing patterns to try and find a pattern that works. I'm not sure I can handle waiting until Tuesday to start, especially because I have today off while A is working, and I'm not really sure what to do with myself while watching trashy tv!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-12188410350837816552014-06-20T13:45:00.001-07:002014-07-01T08:04:39.899-07:00Stacked Coins QuiltSorry there'll be a few posts coming rapid fire to showcase my current projects! First up:<br />
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I decided to make this <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/02/stacked-coins-baby-quilt.html" target="_blank">Stacked Coins Quilt</a> for Button, from the pattern on Moda's Bake Shop. It's a fairly simple quilt, good for cranking out in a relatively short time. As it was my first foray back into quilting after a few years, I wanted something fairly quick and easy. Also I didn't really know how long it would take me, and I envisioned Button arriving early and chaos ensuing. I only fairly recently got a new sewing machine, a Janome DC3050! I haven't named it yet, but I haven't used it much, so hopefully as I start to use it more I'll come up with something suitable.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfrxG04yfPk5rmvuu3vQAvktccrlkLPonTYDT7P8t6dfBYMn-kLWUBWyREIlgvb7draen6ctwb4APu7pK-QFBIDaQovivhXzEC3p922RePAwH4Vb-HQzy-5NYlyxWB3V56L5UwyMFyn4/s1600/IMG_1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfrxG04yfPk5rmvuu3vQAvktccrlkLPonTYDT7P8t6dfBYMn-kLWUBWyREIlgvb7draen6ctwb4APu7pK-QFBIDaQovivhXzEC3p922RePAwH4Vb-HQzy-5NYlyxWB3V56L5UwyMFyn4/s1600/IMG_1330.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd never heard of the brand Janome before, but I have been pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to use, and how versatile (and no, I'm not being paid to say that - I wish!) I don't know if the brand has made it to the US - I always used a Brother machine which was pretty great, especially given that I got it in middle school (I was a crafting geek even then!), and it was still working well when I left. However it was a bit difficult to transport to the UK!<br />
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Anyway, the quilt. In hindsight it is pretty big, but I didn't really have a concept of size in my head (I literally googled 'Baby Quilt' and found this one). Oh well, I have a smaller, more portable crib quilt, planned for later, so maybe this one will be kept until Button is big enough for the cotbed (yes, we got a crib and a cotbed, we maybe went a bit overboard!). Or I can use it when I'm sitting with him or something (Ahhh I got all excited again, only a few weeks now!).<br />
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<i>'Little Ark' fabric by Riley Blake Designs</i></div>
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I started out by sourcing this adorable fabric on Etsy, which is Noah's Ark themed by Riley Blake, who I've only just discovered, but there are so many adorable fabric lines! The fabric came from the US. Normally I would go to a fabric store and try and be a bit more frugal, but I've found it very difficult to find really good fabric stores in the UK, at least now that I'm not in Edinburgh, which is really sad. John Lewis does have a good haberdashery section, and usually has a small selection of designer fabrics (at great expense!), but being in the centre of Sheffield it's a pain to get to. So this fabric, plus the shipping cost probably ended up being as expensive as going to John Lewis, but on the other hand I wanted really cute fabric, and I fell in love with this fabric as soon as I saw it.<br />
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I got charm packs for this quilt (which probably drove up the price further) because I do not yet have a rotary cutter and mat. I really like working with charm packs and roly polies or jelly rolls and whatever other silly names these things are given, because cutting is probably the part I find the most tedious, I like to just get to the sewing! At some point I want to get a rotary cutter and mat, but scissors works well for most purposes, so until I see how much crafting I actually am capable of once I am responsible for a small person, I will hold off.<br />
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The first thing I'd say about the quilt itself is that I think I probably should have chosen a fabric more suitable to the pattern. Once I cut the 5" squares into 2.5x5" coins, the pieces that had the actual ark on them were cut up so you can't really tell. I tried to rectify it by lining up 2 of the half ark squares in the centre of the quilt, but I'm not sure it's really noticeable to anyone but me. It's still an adorable fabric, and you can still see the animals and the raindrops, and <i>I</i> know it's Noah's Arks, so I'm happy with it regardless. Perhaps at some point I'll get some more of this fabric to make something else, but for now this will do. Hindsight, eh?<br />
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Here's the pieces lined up to create the stacked 'coins' - 22 in each stack. I was really trying hard to plan this quilt properly so it looked really random. I realised as I was laying the pieces out that I'd cut the coins the wrong way around, so that the patterns are 'upright' when the quilt is horizontal. I even was consciously thinking about this while I was cutting and I still managed to get it wrong. Oh well, again, not really that important in the grand scheme of things, but it bothers me slightly.<br />
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Here's the top all done. This probably took me about 3-4 hours, mostly because my ironing board was in the other room, and because I realised halfway through that I'd sewn one of the strips upside down and had to undo it. I am a bit of a speedy sewer, which often leads to mistakes and things lining up poorly Fortunately this pattern didn't have to many fiddly corners to line up, so worked out well!<br />
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Here's the back. I really love the idea of putting a patchwork detail in the back (not my idea, it was in the pattern!), and I think I'm going to use this in every quilt from now on. It makes such a nice touch! I planned the back before I'd fully cut all the charm squares, so I decided to cut these coins the opposite way so that it would still look upright when the quilt was horizontal. Maybe that way it will look like I planned it that way from the beginning! Sadly one of the patches on the back will probably get cut off in a weird way depending on how the binding goes on, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.<br />
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I didn't take pictures of putting the layers together, but there's a really nice tutorial that the pattern links to (here's the links here for <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/2007/09/one-way-to-baste-quilt.html" target="_blank">basting</a>, <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/2008/03/free-motion-quilting.html" target="_blank">quilting</a>, and <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/binding-tutorial.html" target="_blank">binding</a>). They're really easy to follow with lots of pictures and even a video link for the quilting bit, so I definitely recommend having a look. I had a bit of a problem with this one because I have very limited floor space and my table is too small, and also being so heavily pregnant this did not make my back or pelvis feel very happy, and A was sitting on the couch watching the World Cup, alternating between saying 'Make sure you're not overdoing it, Dear!' and 'Move move you're blocking the tele!'.<br />
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I was utterly terrified of all of quilting and binding before this quilt, so much that when I made quilts back in high school and college I usually sent my quilt top and back off for a professional to do the rest. Basting seemed easy enough, but when I sent them off I just let them do the batting as well. It was VERY expensive. So knowing how to do it myself is definitely a bonus. All I needed was a darning/embroidery foot, which I got on Amazon for £5. It's a bit squeaky, but it does the job! For the batting I found a bamboo/cotton blend on Amazon, which from the reviews sounded perfect for a baby quilt, and I have not been disappointed. It's really soft, and is the perfect weight to make a baby quilt that still has lots of movement and isn't stiff, but still feels like it should be pretty warm and cozy. I have no idea what the brand is, but if you're interested, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00AAZK398/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">this</a> is what I got.<br />
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I decided to do the quilting bit in stippling all over in white, as in the tutorial. Partly because it seemed fairly straightforward, and partly because it looked like I'd be very forgiving! I practiced on some scraps for a few minutes - I found I had to play with the tension a little bit to make sure both sides looked good. I probably should have practiced more, but I'm very impatient, and I also didn't have that many scraps as my fabric stash is still small.<br />
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<i>Starting out!</i> </div>
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Free motion quilting was actually a lot easier than I was expecting, and I think this pattern lends itself well to the stippling because you have convenient strips to follow. I think the key is just really paying attention to where you're going so you don't go back over your lines (unless you like that look, I guess!).<br />
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<i>After a few strips are done.</i></div>
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I like that the strips are slightly different in width. I think it makes it look a bit more polished on the front.<br />
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<i>Just over half done, and I really like the effect. You can see my basting pins in the right half. I ran out of pins, so they're spaced perhaps a bit too far, but so far it hasn't been a problem!</i></div>
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This is as far as I've done so far with the quilting, because I ran out of thread. For some reason I thought 300m would do it. WRONG. So I went to HobbyCraft to get more thread, and would you believe they had no 100% cotton thread in white?! You'd think that would be a staple, but then again HobbyCraft has never been really great for quilting. So I ordered some online, again from Amazon, but it wont arrive until next week! :( That is basically how this blog came about. I really can't handle doing nothing.<br />
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Because I got home from the shops around 4, and I really couldn't handle just sitting around, I decided to use the time to making the binding, which because of the cutting and ironing aspect I wasn't looking forward to. It went pretty well actually, and now I'm all ready to finish up when my thread arrives!<br />
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<i>A longggg strip of binding.</i></div>
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I decided to put a very small patch of colour in the binding, I don't know if you can see it hidden in there, but I used one of the dark raindrop patterned coins and added it in. I thought it'd make it a bit more interesting since the binding is the same fabric as the back of the quilt. Again, in hindsight I think it'd have been better to use a different fabric from the binding, but partly this was a cost issue (I could only get the fabric in full metre lengths, and I had just the right amount left over), and partly this was because that was how it was done in the tutorial. It should look brilliant from the front though.</div>
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So until my new thread arrives next week, that's all for the moment. I'm working Monday to Thursday next week, so I suppose I'll probably be too exhausted to have done much work on it anyway (being a vet at 35 weeks pregnant is <i>really</i> tiring!). Maybe I'll jump on the 'Finish Up Friday' bandwagon and post next week if/when I've finished by then since I have that day off from work!</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3355147355424159433.post-57718184770500325862014-06-20T12:21:00.002-07:002014-07-01T08:05:10.606-07:00Buttons, Baking and BabiesHello! Welcome to my new blog, Buttons, Baking and Babies.<br />
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First off, a bit about me. I am a veterinary surgeon, originally from Connecticut, USA. I managed to get into the University of Edinburgh's vet college, and, while it was never my goal or intention, fell in absolute love with Edinburgh, and met a really fantastic man as well. To make a rather long story short, we had a low-key registry wedding for the purposes of allowing me to stay in the country after graduation, then had the whole big proper wedding exactly a year later at one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland - <a href="http://www.dalhousiecastle.co.uk/index.php/home/" target="_blank">Dalhousie Castle</a>! What a great day!<br />
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<i>My husband and me!</i></div>
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Anyway. After many months of searching I finally landed an awesome first job down in near the Peak District of England. If you happen to be interested in animals or my exploits in vet school, or the lead up to this blog, feel free to check out my other blog <a href="http://vetscapades.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">'From Auld Reekie to the Peaks'</a>.<br />
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So, moving on. This blog will probably start off mostly about my crafting projects and possibly culinary exploits, but very quickly will probably become obsessively about babies. That is because....<br />
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<i>This is me!</i></div>
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That picture was taken just last week! I am currently 35 weeks pregnant with our first child! Andrew, my wonderful husband, and I have nicknamed him 'Button' for while he is still a bump. I think A is a bit superstitious about announcing the name before he's born. Which leaves me at a bit of a loss cause that's the first thing everyone asks, and I have to say, well yes, we have a name, but I'm not telling you. So for now he is Button. I have a feeling this nickname will continue well into childhood, but that's okay cause it's a pretty cute nickname :)<br />
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Being so heavily pregnant, I've got exactly 5 days of work left before my maternity leave (yikes!), and I am notoriously bad at sitting and doing nothing. So I have got some projects lined up for when I'm on leave before Button arrives (and hopefully I'll find some time to craft when Button is sleeping, although I imagine at least in the beginning I'll be sleeping whenever he is sleeping! I'm not sure I'll be baking for awhile, but it's another thing I hope to get back into, especially as Button gets older (I am already excited about making birthday cakes, how sad is that?!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02607723861777066011noreply@blogger.com0