Silhouette Easter Cake

I hope you all had a lovely Easter...

My daughter made a lovely Chocolate Cake to take to our relatives... we had been invited for dinner.

I couldn't resist an opportunity to use my Silhouette SD machine to make a decorative band to go around the outside.

I had searched the internet for ideas or a pre-made design, but could only find Cup Cake Wrappers.  I didn't have a lot of time to look, so I made my own.  I used the trace facility to get the rabbit shape from a picture I found on the net,  and used the flower which comes with the software.  The scalloped border is just some circles in a row and merged on top of a rectangle. And then some smaller circles inside the scallops. After cutting it out from yellow paper, I just lined it with the green paper and some grease proof paper.

The cake was received well and looked lovely on the table for the 2 minutes before it was sliced up and eaten.

Sarah xx

Credit Card Wallet

My mum mentioned the other day that she wanted a little holder for credit card and store cards.  We happened to be in TK Maxx at the time and we couldn't find one and I little voice in my head said, I could make one...  Mum was soon distracted by a pair of shoes and I hatched a plan.

I scoured the internet for ideas and patterns, and decided on drawing up my own.  I rifled through my fabric cupboard and picked out some likely candidates.

A few hours later, the time it took hubby to take the kids to the cinema to see the latest Disney offering 'John Carter' (funny I used to work with a John Carter, and there was a John Carter in ER,  OOoooo Noah Wyle). a'hem... I had made 3 credit card wallets.

The first, not bad, but too much iron on interfacing, I interfaced every piece of fabric and its just too bulky. I also forgot about a tag or elastic to hold it closed. I haven't included a photo of this one as it is very similar to my third effort!

The second, I only interfaced half the fabric, so turned out quite well, however I miss measured the top card pocket and the Credit Cards sit level with the edge, which I decided is not ideal, I also decided the outer fabric is upside down and the Elastic/ Button is on the wrong side.

Third attempt.... Just Right.

I am going to make another one, as I really like the finish of the fabric, the second attempt was made from.  It is a Japanese Linen Mix FQ that I bought at the MK Handmade and Vintage Fayre. I will attempt to photograph the steps and make a little tute for you.

Sarah xx

Milton Keynes Handmade and Vintage Market 3rd and 4th March '12

The fabulous MK Handmade and Vintage Fayre is back at Milton Keynes Shopping Centre tomorrow and Sunday.

Further details here http://www.mk-handmade-and-vintage.co.uk/home

I might just pop up there for a little mooch around!

Sarah xx

Off Work Today!

Here I am, sat on my sofa, I have contemplated do something crafty, alas I have pulled a muscle in my back and the slightest movement is very uncomfortable at best and down right painful at worst, so I have sat here all day watching day time telly, surfing the net and playing Angry Birds (Rio version) on my mobile phone!

It occurred to me whilst reading some Blog updates that, perhaps I should show off some of my handy work of old.  I used to do a lot of dress making in my younger days, and I am contemplating doing some more. Some items I have made no longer fit me, but I can't bear to throw them out. When my back is feeling a bit better, i'll dig them out and take a photo.

Talk soon!

Sarah xx

Call The Midwife - BBC1 8pm Sunday 15th January 2012

I just wanted to draw every ones attention to this brand new TV series starting this week.  I was lucky enough and privileged to be invited to a preview of this drama on Monday just gone. My oldest friend's mum (we've known each other for 40 years), was the author of the book which this is based on, in fact the stories are taken from 3 books - Call The Midwife, Shadows of the Workhouse and Farewell to the East End.  The stories are fact based from when the author Jennifer Worth was a young Nurse working with an order of Nuns and Midwives in the East End of London in the 1950's.

After the preview, which was held in a private cinema in an hotel in London, I mingled with the Cast, Crew and Production Staff. We were given a cotton hanky embroidered with Call The Midwife and we could take a BBC version of the Book, which after a few glasses of wine, I felt brave enough to ask the some of the cast to sign, including Jessica Raine who plays the lead role of Jenny Lee, Stephen McGann who plays Doctor Thomas, and Helen George who plays Trixie.

I also met Heidi Thomas who was the screen writer, she wrote a tribute to Jennifer in my book. (Sadly Jennifer passed away last year, just before filming started).

Famous faces to look for include Jenny Agutter, Pam Ferris and Miranda Hart (episode 2 onwards). Vanessa Redgrave provides the narration.

I am very exited for this TV series, having seen the first episode, it looks fantastic, it drew me in and left me wanting more.... I hope you will enjoy it too

Sarah xx

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone out there in blog land.  I have been very remiss lately and have not blogged... Alas time has got away from me and especially this month I just have not had time to gather my thoughts, let alone blog.

I just want to say thank you to a couple of bloggers out there....

Firstly Design Jessica, I won her lovely giveaway and my daughter promptly claimed the socks and the notebook.  I got the christmas cards which have all been written and posted to friends and family.

Secondly I won another giveaway from the lovely Sarah at Paper and String... Again my daughter claimed the book and felt and has spent time creating lovely felt finger puppets!

I hope to resume blogging sometime in the new year.  I plan to take steps to reduce my working hours and take control again.... LOL!

Merry Christmas

Sarah xx

Newspaper Article That Made Me Laugh

I've just got back from my mums, where I had a quick look at her newspaper.... I came across this article about receiving Crafted Gifts...  I had to laugh especially at the bit about the woman knitting Mug Cosies on the train!

As a crafter I appreciate the amount of work that goes into a hand crafted gift, and I love to receive something someone has put time and effort into... However, I think it is wise to realise not everyone does!

Sarah xx