Cat Taylor Design

Single Duvet Tutorial

2012-01-20T16:15:00.001+13:00

~~My little one~~. Oh, sorry, my BIG 4 year old (as she is now known) was in desperate need of a new duvet cover. She 'accidentally' left a marker pen on her bed with no lid... all day... so you can imagine how the cover looked by bedtime!

She loved the balloon fabric (from Children at Play by Sarah Jane) that was lurking in my stash, so I finally sewed it up for her this morning.

If you are looking for a quick, and relatively cheap way to change your kids bedrooms up, then sewing a new duvet cover is a good solution. I always buy packs of sheets, but only ever use the fitted sheets. Which means I end up with quite a few crisp clean flat sheets hanging around looking for a purpose!

This is a very simple tutorial. Don't be put off by sewing large amounts of material, it really is just a matter of sewing a couple of straight lines (and your seams are mostly finished for you with the sheets and selvedge edges!).

Simple Single Duvet 'Tutorial'

what you will need:

1x single flat sheet (standard size 180cm x 265cm)
215cm of your little persons favourite fabric (112cm wide)
Pins
Thread
Sewing machine
Iron
Something for poking out corners (chopstick or similar)

* Duvet cover finished size approx. 140 x 210cm

how to do it:
1. Firstly, take your piece of 'duvet' fabric, fold the bottom edge over 1/4" pressing as you go, then over again 1/4" pressing as you go, and stitch along the length.
2. Lay your sheet out flat (smoothing it out completely), right side UP.
3. Lay your measured duvet fabric on top, right side DOWN, with the side edge seams meeting on one side. And the bottom edge (that you just stitched) meeting the bottom edge of the sheet. It will look a little strange, as though your fabric is not wide or long enough for the sheet, but this is correct.

4. Using a 1/4” seam allowance, stitch the two pieces of fabric together down the long seam.

5. Now repeat for the other side, so you will end up with a large 'tube'.
6. Again, lay your fabric out flat on the ground. Using your 'eye' flatten the tube out so there is an equal amount of sheet fabric on either side of the duvet fabric.

7. Now, cut the excess sheet fabric off the bottom, across in line with the fabric. Pin across this top raw seam. Using a 1/4” seam allowance. Stitch all the way across the top. Finish with a serger, or zig zag stitch to prevent fraying.

8. Pin along the bottom edge about 35cm, leave a gap, then from the other side, pin along about 35cm. This leaves you a good gap for turning and stuffing.

9. Using a 1/4" seam allowance, stitch across the bottom to the 35cm mark. Starting at the other side, stitch along the bottom to the 35cm mark.

10. Trim off any lose threads, turn your duvet cover right side out, iron flat and admire your gorgeous handy work!
11. You can add buttons or clasps to the bottom edge, but I just leave mine as it is (I am lazy and love quick projects, and changing bed linen easily!)

** You can also use the 'scraps' from your sheet as the backing for some little cushions, or even to make a pillow case to go with your duvet.

a little giveaway

2012-01-15T17:58:00.001+13:00

Who fancies a little giveaway?

I have been having a bit of a 'New Year' clean up in my studio, and found some lovely wee stationery items, so thought, why not do a stationery giveaway in time for Valentines Day!

Let's keep it simple. All you have to do is like my facebook page (if you don't already) and tell me your favourite colour (and why, if you like!). You can comment here, or on my fb page.

Giveaway includes:
5m of the most divine Italian, thick 100% cotton twine (red & white)
8 love letter seals
2 spools of Japanese washi tape (love hearts in red and white)
8 buff luggage tags
1 wee heart gift card

I will draw the winner on Sunday 29th January.

Good luck!
Cx

toblerone cookies

2012-01-11T09:41:00.002+13:00

My sister (who is completely tinny when it comes to winning things!) won the BIGGEST Toblerone bar (4.5kg!!) the week before Christmas. In an effort to clear her house of chocolate, she has gifted 'chunks' of it here, there and everywhere.

So, in order to clear our house of chocolate, we decided to make some biscuits with it.

TOBLERONE Cookies (slightly modified from this recipe)

Ingredients

75g butter, softened
75g sugar
75g soft brown sugar
1 egg
175g flour
1tsp baking powder
100g Toblerone, roughly chopped

Method

Lightly grease 2 baking sheets. Heat oven to 180ºC.

Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg. Fold in the flour and Toblerone pieces. Place large teaspoons of the mixture on the baking sheets, allowing room for them to spread. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Cool on the baking sheets for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wirerack to finish cooling. The cookies can be eaten warm or cold.

Enjoy!

ottoman

2012-01-10T22:07:00.000+13:00

I had a day with no 'little people' in the house, so I decided to tackle recovering an old ottoman.

We acquired this ratty old ottoman when we moved in (almost a year ago) and I have been meaning to recover it since then, so it was lovely to finally cross it off my never ending 'to do' list.

I had a few meters of bright, tropical, cotton upholstery weight fabric in my stash, so decided it may be safer to use that for my first attempt!

Thankfully the staples came out without too much trouble, and recovering the base was quite straight forward. When it came to sewing the cover for the box cushion, I loosely followed this post. I found it totally straight forward and simple to follow, and easily adaptable for what I wanted to achieve.

It has certainly brightened up a dull corner of my bedroom, and the girls have decided that it is a pretty cool spot to sit and read stories. The best bit is that I now know what to do, so when I am sick of the bright cover I can just recover it with something new!

pink ruffles

2011-12-29T16:41:00.001+13:00

My baby turned 4 yesterday! Yes, I know, F O U R! :)

Every year I say I will organise a party for her early in December, away from Christmas and before it gets overlooked.... and every year life goes crazy and all of a sudden it is the 28th December and we haven't had a party... and, as you know, everyone is always away!

Well, I'm afraid to say that this year was no exception, but, we did manage to have a lovely day, pikelets for breakfast, friends to play, bike riding, dinner out, and a very pink ruffly chocolate cake to mark the occasion. And you never know, I may just get my act together and throw a party later in January... maybe!!

I saw this cake recently on the Maisy & Grace blog and knew it would be perfect. It is also super easy (honestly) which in my books is a sure winner.

I also used the Chocolate Cake recipe from Annabel Langbein's 'The Free Range Cook'

The Ultimate Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Serves: 12-16 (1 big cake or 2 smaller cakes)

Ingredients
3 cups self-raising flour
2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda, sifted
200g butter, softened
1 cup milk or unsweetened yoghurt
3 large eggs
1 cup boiling hot coffee

Method
Heat oven to 160°C. Grease the sides and line the base of a 30cm round cake tin or 2x 20cm round cake tins with baking paper.

Place all ingredientsin a bowl or food processor and mix or blitz until the ingredientsare combined and the butter is fully incorporated. Pour mixture into prepared tin or tins and smooth top.

Bake for 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the centre comesout clean. Allow to cool in the tin.
* If not using at once, the cake will keep for about a week in asealed container in the fridge. You can also freeze it uniced.

Buttercream Icing (from Maisy & Grace)

400g softened butter
1kg icing sugar
Vanilla extract
A few tablespoons hot water
Few drops of food colouring/gel/powder

Cream the butter using electric egg beater or cake mixer, slowly add icing sugar and keep on creaming, adding hot water only a tablespoon at a time just to help with the blending, and not too much as to make the mixture runny. Just keep beating and beating until it's a smooth creamy mixture.
Test it by putting some through a piping bag, make a shape and wait a while to see if it holds its form.

To Ice

Join the two cakes together by 'gluing' them with some icing. Then cover the whole cake with the buttercream icing using a spatula/knife. This is the crumb layer, just to cover the cake and provide a good surface to pipe the ruffles onto, and needn't be flash.

Then, follow the tutorial on the clip below for the ruffles... honestly, they are that easy!

Good luck x

Holiday projects

2011-12-27T10:29:00.003+13:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Ours was filled with family, friends, good food, laughter, swimming, kayaking and maybe the occasional wine.

Not being one to sit still for long, I am already into my list of holiday projects!

I bought some old wooden chairs recently (actually, months ago!) that I intended to sand back and re-upholster. They've sat in the garage gathering dust and cobwebs, making me feel very guilty. But yesterday I finally pulled them out and made a start. I will show you them once I have finished....

But I did manage to start (and finish!) a quick and easy project recovering a little stool for Bella. I can't remember where it came from, but have been wanting to recover it for ages... I didn't sand the wood back or do anything tricky, so it was literally a 5 minute job. I had a small remnant of a pretty blue rose fabric from Kokka which was perfect, and I even had enough to sew up a small cushion for her bed. Easy!

Before

After

christmas baking

2011-12-22T14:14:00.002+13:00

Only 3 more sleeps! I love Christmas, and it is even more exciting with kids in the house.

We are almost through the first week of the summer holidays, (how did that happen?!) and have been lucky with some gorgeous weather this week, so have been enjoying our days at the beach.

Last night I finished off the Christmas baking - well, I still have meringues to do! So thought I would share some of the recipes here:

Chocolate Peppermint Creams (Jo Seagar):

1 egg white
1/2 tsp lemon juice
2 1/2 - 3 cups sifted icing sugar plus extra for dusting
1/2 tsp peppermint essence
375g (1 packet) dark chocolate melts
5-6 mini candy canes for decorating

Lightly whisk the egg white in a bowl. When slightly foaming, add the lemon juice, 2 cups icing sugar and the peppermint essence. The mixture will get too tough to mix with a spoon. At this stage start to knead the mixture and slowly incorporate the rest of the icing sugar until you have a firm mixture that looks like royal icing.

Roll out on a clean icing sugar dusted surface to 1.5cm thick. Using a 3cm round cookie cutter, cut out shapes and place on to a tray to dry out a little. * I couldn't find a round cookie cutter, so actually ended up rolling the mixture into a 3cm round 'log' and slicing 1cm rounds off.

Gently melt the dark chocolate and dip the peppermints in. Using a chocolate dipping fork makes this easier. Drip off excess chocolate then turn out on to a sheet of non-stick baking paper to set. If desired, sprinkle the melted surface with crushed candy canes.

Cranberry & Pistachio Biscotti (Donna Hay)

2 cups plain flour, sifted
1 1/2 tsp baking powder, sifted
3/4 cup caster sugar
3 eggs, lighly beaten
2 tsp vanilla essence
1 tbsp finely grated orange rind
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries
1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios

Preheat oven to 160°C. Place the flour, baking powder and sugar in a bowl and mix with a wooden spoon to combine. Add the eggs, vanilla, orange rind, cranberries and pistachios and mix until a smooth dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead until smooth. Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and roll each portion into a 20cm-long log. Flatten slightly and place on lightly greased baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until firm. Set aside to cool completely.

Use a serrated knife to cut the logs into 3mm-thick slices and place the slices on baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper.

Bake for a further 8-10 minutes or until golden and crisp. Allow to cool on trays. Makes 80.

Raspberry and Lemon Shortbread fingers (Donna Hay)*

120g butter, softened
1 cup caster sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp finely grated lemon rind
raspberry jam

Place butter and sugar in an electric mixer and beat for 4 minutes or until pale and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla and mix to combine. Add the flour, baking powder and lemon rind and mix until just combined.

Step 1: Divide the dough into 2 equal portions and roll each portion out between 2 sheets of non-stick baking paper to make 2x 16cm x 22cm rectangles, using a ruler to ensure the rectangles are the correct size. Place on trays and place in the freezer for 30 minutes or until hard.

Step 2: Spread the jam over 1 rectangle and top with remaining rectangle. Wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for a further 1 hour or until very firm, which will make it easier to cut.

Step 3: Preheat oven to 180°C. Trim the edges of the dough and discard. Using a ruler as a guide, cut 1cm-thick slices and place on lightly greased baking trays lined with non-stick baking paper, leaving room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Allow to cool on trays. Makes 20.

* Donna Hay's recipe actually uses a sour cherry jam, but I just used what was in the pantry!

almost there

2011-11-30T09:47:00.001+13:00

So today is the last day of November! I am always amazed when December rolls around so quickly, but also quite relieved to think the year is almost over and the holidays almost upon us.

I have another two markets this week, and have been busy preparing stock for them. Yesterday I made a pile of kids aprons, with a little Christmas cookie cutter included in each pack. These would be lovely teamed up with a little notebook for recording favourite recipes, or there are some great kids cookbooks out there.

Today's task is finishing of some new oilcloth make up purses, pencil cases and make your own kits... and the list goes on!

Hope you are having a great week, and that the sun is out, wherever you are.

This week you can find me here:

Gladstone School Christmas Market
Thursday 1st December, 2011
5 - 9pm
8 Seaview Terrace
Mt Albert

Devonport Craft Market
Sunday 4th December, 2011
10am - 3pm
The Devonport Community House
32 Clarence Street
Devonport

and the winner is...

2011-11-15T11:21:00.001+13:00

Thanks for all your lovely ideas in response to my french inspired giveaway. I drew the winner over the weekend and posted on my facebook page, but forgot to update here. Sorry!

Michelle West was the winner, and I sent out her package yesterday. I was going to do a wee Christmas giveaway next, but all the Christmas bits sold out too quickly, so will have to think of another little pack for next week.

Another busy week in our household, and 2 markets this weekend (with eftpos!!):

Forrest Hill School Christmas Market
Friday 18th November, 2011
4.30 - 8pm
50 Forrest Hill Road
Forrest Hill

Devonport Craft Market
Sunday 20th November, 2011
10am - 3pm
The Devonport Community House
32 Clarence Street
Devonport

Hope you are having a good week so far.

Cx

Peony Love

2011-11-09T19:59:00.000+13:00

Have I ever told you how much I love November.... The one month of the year that we get Peonies!! Which, in case you didn't know, are my favourite ever flowers!

market time

2011-11-04T10:17:00.002+13:00

I can't believe we are into that Christmas season already. I have a stack of markets coming up, and have been a busy bee this week trying to get myself prepared for two this weekend.

Michael Park School Fair
Saturday 5th November, 2011
9.30am - 3.30pm
Michael Park School
55 Amy Street
Ellerslie

Devonport Craft Market
Sunday 6th November, 2011
10am - 3pm
The Devonport Community House
32 Clarence Street
Devonport

They are both fabulous markets, but as Michael Park is only once a year, I am really looking forward to it. Michael Park is a Rudolf Steiner school and it has the most beautiful grounds. The fair includes, a delicious range of fresh food stalls, exciting and magical games for the children, many quality stalls and unique hand-made crafts. If you only make it to one school fair a year, make sure it is this one!

ps. I will have eftpos available at both these markets too!!

french inspired

2011-11-02T10:33:00.003+13:00

I love France... it is definitely up there in my top 10 places to live. I was lucky enough to spend a year there when I was 21, in a beautiful old chateau in Cognac. It was such a magical time, and I often think about my daily trips to the boulangerie for fresh pain au chocolat and baguettes, and the local markets to buy produce...

So, I was thinking that it is about time I did a wee giveaway... with a little French twist! The winner will receive this little pack, which includes: a 'paris' coin purse, 10m of airmail divine twine, 1m spool of airmail washi tape, and 10 sweet airmail love stickers.

This giveaway is open to anyone, anywhere... all you have to do is 'like' my facebook page (if you don't already) and leave me a comment with your favourite book, children's book or film (I always love new ideas!). I will draw the winner next Friday, 11th November, 2011.

ps: make sure you tell your friends too, as when I reach 400 likes on facebook I will do another giveaway over there!

making

2011-10-31T21:18:00.000+13:00

My sewing table is piled high with a number of different projects at the moment. I have two markets this weekend and as usual have left a little too much to the last minute. Eeek!

Today I had a few hours to myself and managed to achieve A LOT. It always amazes me what you can get done with a couple of child-free hours! I finished off a few custom orders, packaged up some wholesale orders, made some new 'festive' lavender bags and bunting, and even got through a pile of owie bags! Tomorrow's list includes a pile of purses and cushion covers... watch this space...

Butterscotch Meringues

2011-10-30T22:07:00.001+13:00

A friend recently put me onto this perfect meringue recipe. It is super easy, and totally a hit with the little people in my house!

Butterscotch Meringues (Jo Seagar)

6 egg whites (room temperature)
2 cups caster sugar
1 teaspoon butterscotch or caramel essence (I used half vanilla and half caramel)
1 teaspoon malt vinegar
2 teaspoons cornflour

In a large metal, porcelain or glass (ie not plastic) bowl beat egg whites until soft peaks form. A hand-held electric beater is ideal for this job. Gradually, a teaspoon at a time, add the caster sugar. I emphasise, add the sugar slowly. The mixture should be getting glossy, thick and shiny with each addition and the whole sugar-adding process should take at least 10 minutes.

Beat in the essence, vinegar and cornflour. Spoon mixture out into little 'blobs' onto a baking paper-covered baking tray. Bake in a low 110-120 C oven (I actually did mine at about 90 - 100C) for approximately 45 minutes until dry and crisp. The meringues should just lift off the paper easily.

This also makes a fab pavlova recipe. Just make it into one large plate-size mound on the baking tray. Cooking time will be a little longer, but bake at the same temperature (110-120C) for about 1 1/2 hours.

holidays

2011-10-13T16:57:00.000+13:00

I can't believe the first week of the holidays are almost over. It has been a long year, and the girls and I are loving the lazy mornings and even the rainy days!

My 7 year old has been 'perfecting' her cat drawing skills! My 3 year old seeing how many different colours of playdough we can make in one day... and I have been trimming a huge batch of crayon rolls in preparation for the stack of markets that are coming up!

Hope your holidays are going well.
C x

gifts

2011-10-05T22:09:00.000+13:00

This week has involved a lot of gift making... friends with new babies, a few birthdays, a gift for a little girl in hospital, and a couple of 'thank you's' sprinkled in for good measure.

I managed to make a few of the 'easier' ones yesterday, with some home baked chewy raisin cookies (recipe below), and a super-sized, plastic covered pencil case filled with crafty bits and pieces for a beautifully crafty little girl....

Chewy Raisin Cookies

Cream together:
300 grams butter
1 cup of sugar
2 tablespoon golden syrup

Mix together with creamed mixture:
2 cup flour
2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup coconut
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup raisins

Roll into balls, flatten and bake in at 180C for around 10-15 minutes, or until golden. This batch will make more than enough to fill your biscuit tin, and share some with a friend.

Enjoy!

procrastination

2011-09-30T12:22:00.000+13:00

I am a huge procrastinator! I always have been, and unfortunately feel that I always will be...

I have a hundred and one things to do today, but in between all those things I have been trying to snatch a few minutes here and there to work on a costume for tonight! It isn't like I haven't had weeks to work on it. It is just that I have put it off, and put it off, and then this morning realised I hadn't even started!!

So I am procrastinating just a little more and showing you some photos of my progress... or lack of... The theme is spots and stripes (but I decided to throw in a little All Black fever for good measure).

Hope you all have a great weekend in store. x

story time

2011-09-23T12:40:00.003+12:00

We are a little book mad in our house... Both my girls (and me) love reading, but we have been through a bit of a funny stage lately with my 7 year old. I was finding it really hard to source any decent reading material for Isabella. Books that she could read herself, but that were still interesting (she is definitely not a 'fairy' book kind of kid!).

It seems though, that we have come out the other side of that dilemma. She is currently obsessed with Roald Dahl. We have been slowly making our way through his children's books, at the moment we're reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I had forgotten what a magical book it is... As we read I feel just like a kid again, I can still vividly remember reading it as a child...

We also love Quentin Blake's illustrations. Both Quentin Blake, and Roald Dahl have quite fun, interactive websites if you fancy a look.. I love the 'paint-a-parrot' game on Quentin Blakes site! You can also download some free bookplates from here.

If you have any recommendations for great books for 7+ leave me a comment, I am compiling a wee list!!

liquid gold

2011-09-21T07:28:00.000+12:00

I am still slowly making my way through the bags of lemons I was given last week. Yesterday afternoon I made a coconut slice (with lemon syrup). As I needed to squeeze some lemon for the syrup, I thought I may as well juice all the lemons I had on the bench (about 6). Incredibly I ended up with almost 3 cups of lemon juice!! So I decided to also make a small batch of Lemon cordial (from here).

It looked just like liquid gold cooling on the window sill in the evening sun...

kraftbomb

2011-09-20T09:30:00.000+12:00

I'll be at Kraftbomb again this Sunday.

25th September, 2011, 11am-2pm,

Grey Lynn Community Centre Main Hall

510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland

But if you can't get along in person, you can buy online - and remember, I am currently popping a wee roll of washi tape in with any purchase over $10 in my felt shop (until the end of September)!

an island holiday

2011-09-19T12:03:00.001+12:00

It is that time of the year... Winter is over, but Summer isn't quite here. Everyone seems to be going on holiday, Fiji, Hawaii... Gold Coast. So we decided a little Island getaway was in order... We normally go to Kawau in the Summer, but we definitely had just as much fun without the sun!

It was a lovely weekend away, lots of bush walking, kayaking, reading, rugby watching (go Ireland!) and enjoying good company.

The girls are already talking about 'next year'...

warm bread

2011-09-14T18:19:00.002+12:00

My sister put me on to a new bread recipe. It is one of Annabel Langbein's, and has mashed potato in it.... Yes. I hear you. "What a hassle" you're thinking... but NO, it is soooo worth it, even more so if you have left over mash in the fridge just asking to be transformed into a new meal!

This recipe is so quick and easy, great to make the night before and let rise overnight to bake for morning tea/lunch the next day.

Crusty Flat Bread (Annabel Langbein - The Free Range Cook)

Ingredients

Crusty flat bread dough

1 1/2 cups warm (not hot) water

1 1/2 tsp dry yeast granules

1 packed cup cooked mashed potato

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (I use The Village Press which is divine)

4 1/2 cups high-grade flour, plus extra for kneading

2 tsp salt

Topping

1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves

1/2 tsp sea salt

*This recipe makes 2 large loaves.

Directions

Place warm water in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle yeast over the water and allow to stand for 2 minutes. Mix in the mashed potato and the 1/4 cup ofolive oil. Stir in the flour and salt and mix until the dough just starts to come away from the sides of the bowl.

Turn the dough on to a lightly floured board and using lightly oiled hands knead about 30 times. (*Note it is a quite a wet dough so don't be tempted to add more flour. I was totally frustrated with the 'wetness', and inability to really knead the dough, but so glad I persevered). Place the dough into a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with muslin/tea towel or gladwrap and leave to rise in a warm place for 3-4 hours until it has doubled in bulk. You can also leave it in the fridge, covered to rise slowly over night.

When you're ready to cook your bread, place a baking stone on the centre shelf of the oven and preheat to 220C. Turn the risen dough on to a lightly floured board, divide in half and shape each half into a ball. Roughly flatten one ball on to a tray lined with baking paper, pressing the dough out an oval shape about 25 x 20cm. Use your fingertips to press dimples in to the top of the loaf, then drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the rosemary and sea salt.

Slide the baking paper with the dough on it off the tray and on to the preheated baking stone. Bake for about 25 minutes until golden. When cooked the bread will sound hollow when you tap it. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking stone for a few minutes and then transfer to a rack to cool.

Repeat with the other ball of dough. If you want to save the second ball of dough to use later, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean cloth and place in the fridge for up to 48 hours. It also freezes well. Just thaw fully before pressing out and baking.

This bread is divine spread with another firm favourite - Anathoth Farmstyle Pickle!

lemons

2011-09-13T18:38:00.000+12:00

It is cold and blustery here today. Lots of wind and rain, with sprinkles of sunshine here and there... but all in all it has been an inside day!

We were given three huge bags full of large, juicy lemons, so Lucy and I have been busy making this delicious lemon slice. It never fails to deliver. Tomorrow afternoon I think we might try Heleen's Lemonade cordial recipe - it looks divine!

I hope your week is going well.

Liberty Love

2011-09-01T16:33:00.002+12:00

It is not a secret that I have a wee bit of a tendency to hoard... I have stacks of beautiful fabrics and papers, some that I can't even bring myself to use, as they are just too 'precious'! I am also fiercely protective of my scraps....

Today, to celebrate the first day of Spring (albeit a drizzly one!) I finally gave in, raided my Liberty scraps and created some new fridge magnets with some beautiful cotton lawn... I have popped a few packs in my felt shop too. Enjoy!

Kraftbomb's 3rd Birthday

2011-08-24T20:32:00.000+12:00

Kraftbomb turns 3 this Sunday! I'll be there with some new bits and pieces... why don't you pop along and say hi.

AUGUST KRAFTBOMB - 3rd BIRTHDAY!!!

Sunday 28th August, 2011. 11am-2pm
Grey Lynn Community Centre Main Hall - 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland free entry!
Lots of crafty stalls, food, rad people and playground!

little stranger

2011-08-23T13:27:00.000+12:00

I stumbled across this lovely wee book in a second hand bookstore recently... Little Stranger by Paul F. Svenningsen. It was published by Putnam & Co in London in 1951, and even has an inscription dated Christmas 1951. It has seen better days, but is just delightful! I have added a few of my favourite pages below, and the rest to this flickr group.

Giveaway

2011-08-18T20:57:00.001+12:00

My oilcloth pencil cases have been featured in the Groove Guide this week. They're even running a little giveaway! Head over here to enter for a chance to win.

C x

Fabric Bunting Tutorial

2011-08-16T14:29:00.000+12:00

I have received a lot of requests to sew custom fabric bunting lately. I guess the thought of brightly coloured flags waving in the wind is a great way to make the best of this cold weather. It is always so interesting to see the different patterns/colours that people select when I send them the link to my fabric stash. love that it's always something unique, and sometimes combinations I would never have dreamed of putting together, but they always end up looking fab!

It's freezing again here today, my fingers are numb as I type, so I thought I'd put together a little bunting tutorial (click the link for a printable pdf with template, or read on after the jump) for those of you who are keen to make your own - just to brighten up your day!

Thanks for reading.
Cat

what you will need:

3m bias binding (25mm)
1m fabric of your choice
Scissors or rotary cutter
Bunting template (next page)
Pins
Thread
Sewing machine
Iron
Something for poking out corners (chopstick or similar)

how to do it:
1. Fold your fabric in half (right sides facing), so it is double thickness, then using the template attached, cut 12 flags.
2. Using a 1/4” seam allowance, stitch the two long sides of each flag (leaving the short side open for turning).
3. Once all the flags are stitched, snip the excess fabric off the ‘points’, then turn them right side out and gently poke the point out with your chopstick. Iron flat.
4. Lay out your bias tape, then position and pin your flags at regular intervals between the folds of the bias tape, leaving about 30cm at each end for hanging.
5. Change your machine setting to zig zag stitch, then sew along your bias, making sure to secure both sides of the bias and flags with your stitches. Remove the pins as you go.
6. Voilà! You’re done - admire your beautiful new bunting.

Odds & Ends

2011-08-15T12:10:00.000+12:00

It is bitterly cold here today... I mean seriously cold! Just when we thought the winter was over and things were warming up we get another cold snap. The girls spent the morning chattering excitedly about whether it was going to snow - after watching the news last night!

I have been slowly chipping away at my overflowing studio... sorting out fabric and bits & bobs. In the process I found a few items that need to be re-homed, so have listed them into an 'Odds & Ends' sale over on my facebook page. There are a few softies, some bunting, coin purses and fabric covered sketchbooks & crayon rolls.

Wherever you are, I hope you are warm!
Cat

sunday morning

2011-08-14T19:30:00.000+12:00

Hot pikelets dripping with butter and jam on a cold winters morning... is there anything better?

warming up

2011-08-13T20:43:00.000+12:00

Another few weeks have slipped by without me! Sorry. The weather is slowly warming up here, it is always lovely coming out off the other side of winter... the girls and I were at the beach in shorts and t shirts today. Amazing!

I finished the bias tape, and am loading into my felt and etsy shops this weekend... a sneak peek below.

winter colour

2011-07-25T22:09:00.000+12:00

Today was freezing. A real deep, bone cutting cold! It was amazing to see all the snow filled pictures from around the country on this evenings news... my girls have had their fingers crossed all day for snow in Auckland!

We nestled in and spent the afternoon by the fire - watching movies, drawing and cutting strips of colourful fabrics to be turned into some new bias tape. I will show you the finished product later in the week. I have a few new bits and bobs to get ready for Kraftbomb this Sunday!

holidays

2011-07-22T17:24:00.000+12:00

We are one week through the school holidays already, and have done very little... the girls have enjoyed the slow time, walking to the beach, playing at the park, catching up with friends and lots of arts, and crafts, and baking!

I had a few 'big' girls in the house today and they decided to make Gingerbread men... it was lots of fun all round. My girls are not normally big Gingerbread fans, but this recipe is a great one, and is sure to please!

Gingerbread Men

2 cups plain flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp mixed spice
2 tsp ground ginger
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar (we used soft brown sugar and it was fine!)
150g butter
1 egg, beaten

Icing sugar, raisins, pebbles etc to decorate

Method
1. Preheat oven to 180C. Line 2 trays with baking paper
2. Sift flour, baking soda, mixed spice and ginger together in large bowl. Add brown sugar.
3. Add butter and rub in with fingertips until it resembles find breadcrumbs. Add egg and mix to firm dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour to the mix (or if too dry you can add a little water). Roll into ball, wrap in gladwrap and pop in the fridge for half an hour (my girls were in a hurry so we actually popped it in the freezer for a bit!)
4. Roll out onto lightly floured surface until about 5mm thick. Using cookie cutters, cut shapes, place on trays and bake for 8-10 mins.
5. Make icing by added 1 1/2 tsp water to the icing sugar. Drop a small amount under each spot where you wish to place pebbles/raisins.

* We actually used some fancy icing writing pens that the girls spotted at the supermarket and wanted to try out!
** You can freeze half the mixture and use another day....

winter days

2011-06-21T11:25:00.000+12:00

It is the shortest day here today, but absolutely stunning. The sun is shining brightly and life feels good!

I have the house to myself this morning, for the first time in days. I have had sick kids at home for what seems like forever! So I am enjoying some quiet time catching up on work, and trying to get myself organised for Craft2.0 next week.

Drinking hot coffee... listening to Vol. 2-Uncovered and working in the sun... heaven.

Awataha Marae

2011-06-15T20:39:00.000+12:00

Today we were lucky enough to take a trip to the Awataha Marae for Playcentre. For years I have driven down the motorway, past the huge Totem Pole, and wondered the significance.... so it was interesting to finally visit the Marae and learn about the history behind the pole.

The Nuu Chah Nulth pole was carved (in Canada) by Tim Paul and presented to the Awataha Marae by the People of British Columbia to commemorate the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games. Incredible to think it was carved from one tree, and transported all the way down here!

I have always loved Whakairo, and thankfully the light inside the Marae was wonderful for capturing some photos of the lovely carvings.

vintage love

2011-06-14T19:50:00.000+12:00

I found these beautiful books at a second hand dealers the other day.... they actually had a couple more, but I tried to resist the temptation to buy them all, and just walked away with two! Love is a Special Way of Feeling, and Childhood is a Time of Innocence, both by Joan Walsh Anglund. I love the illustrations in these books. My first intention was to frame some of my favourite pages, but I can't bear to cut into the books - so instead will share some of the pages here!

foggy day

2011-06-09T14:19:00.000+12:00

Winter is definitely settling in here. We have been pretty lucky with the warm weather lasting right through May, but all of a sudden, this week feels COLD!

Lucy and I have been in baking mode today... an oven warmed kitchen seems the best place to be on cold days! Our efforts this morning included a Carrot & Walnut slice, and Pumpkin soup.

Hope you are all somewhere warm today!

a bit of a break!

2011-06-06T20:40:00.000+12:00

Wow! I can't believe how many months have passed since I last updated this blog... I have to apologise... SORRY! I have no real reason, apart from the fact that it has been a very busy year...

I have to say, it is quite a stressful thing, returning to a blog you have otherwise abandoned, so hopefully I can start here, and continue.. hopefully!

Anyway, to kick things off, I am having a wee sale over on my facebook page. The sale items will be up for around 48 hours, and it is basically first in, first served. I am discontinuing my fabric covered sketchbooks, so have listed the last of my stock in the sale items. Enjoy!

the weeks end

2011-02-26T23:43:00.000+13:00

This week has felt a little surreal. I (like most of New Zealand I imagine), feel as though I have been moving in slow motion. All thought and conversation has centred around Christchurch and the Earthquake, and we have been glued to the television in disbelief...

We have a few family birthdays this week and it feels strange to think about celebrating when there is clearly so much suffering going on. But I guess, if anything, this weeks horror makes you aware how important it is to enjoy every moment!

To show my support, I will be donating the proceeds from all sales in my Felt shop this week to the 2011 Red Cross Earthquake Appeal.

hope

2011-02-23T23:13:00.000+13:00

Yesterday, around lunchtime, New Zealand suffered one of its worst natural disasters, as Christchurch was rocked by yet another huge earthquake. This time, the devastation was so much more horrific.

A huge search and rescue mission is currently taking place, and whilst there has been so much tragedy, I'd like to think there is still a lot of hope... If you would like to make a donation to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, there are various options here. Alternatively, if you would like to help in other ways, there is a bit of info here.

Kia Kaha Christchurch, our thoughts are with you all. xx

party bags

2011-02-22T07:49:00.000+13:00

So, wanting to use up a little of my paper stash, I decided to make some surprise envelope bags for bella's party on Sunday. I found a whole packet - unopened - of translucent paper in one of my folders, that is about 10 years old! I used 2 sheets per bag and just zig zag stitched them together with red thread to enclose the goodies inside.

I have a love affair with Japanese things, so lucky for me we have a Japanmart nearby. I found some super cute stationary sets (notepaper, envelopes and stickers), sweet stackable stamps and some lovely wee rubbers. Add some chocolate into the mix and you have the perfect ingredients for some 7 year old party bags.

paper

2011-02-21T12:59:00.000+13:00

So you've probably already worked out that I am a bit of a hoarder... not only do I have an overwhelming fabric stash, but I also have a bit of a paper addiction. This can come in handy though, as I found this past week when Bella and I were making her party invitations.

I have a few folders that are just bulging with all the papers that I have collected over the years. Whenever I design an invitation for someone, I always get extra paper 'just in case', and then pop them into my folders. I have that 'can't throw it away, as it just might come in handy one day' disease, so there are even folders full of paper bags and kraft papers of all different grams and shades!

I also have bags full of scraps from the vintage children's books I use for my upcycled envelopes. I just can't seem to throw them away in case they'll be useful one day.... although I am wondering if I should take a leaf out of Heleen's book and have a big sort out and start up an Etsy shop for all the wonderful bits and pieces that could do with a new home....

stitching

2011-02-20T13:51:00.000+13:00

I have just finished stitching some new fabric coasters. I love sifting through my scrap drawers and using a mixture of vintage and new linens. And I have actually managed to list these in my felt store too.

Hope you are enjoying a lazy Sunday. I have no children today - for the first time in weeks, so am enjoying some quiet me time!

colourful

2011-02-18T14:21:00.000+13:00

As I mentioned the other day, I have made a few commissioned buntings lately, and still have a few on my sewing table which I hope to finish off today... I thought I would share some of the finished products with you.

Hope you are all having a productive and colourful Friday. We are off to the Lantern Festival this weekend which is always fun!

birthdays and bunting

2011-02-16T22:14:00.000+13:00

I have been busy with lots of custom bunting and birthday invitation orders of late. So busy in fact, that I almost completely forgot to sort out my own daughters birthday invitations (for a party that is next week!). As she is turning seven, and is completely 'crafty', Isabella wanted to hand-make her invitations, rather than me design them on the computer... So we had a bit of fun last night putting these together.

Bella is having a small party at a bead shop, so she wanted 'bracelet' invitations. We used some scalloped card and attached a small bracelet to each, then popped them in petal enclosures, and sealed them with round stickers with the girls names. Bella had a ball putting these together, and was really pleased with herself when she was able to tell her friends that she made them!

long weekend

2011-02-11T09:45:00.000+13:00

The girls and I are heading away for a long weekend. In preparation my beautiful 6 year old informed me she needed a new sponge bag for her toothbrush, toothpaste etc, so I let her loose in my fabric stash. I actually made one for Lucy too (in pink which used to be her favourite colour), but was promptly told - after the fact - that she no longer likes pink, just what Bella likes! So they now have the same sponge bags - hopefully one less thing to fight over!

I have to say, these were a little fiddly, as I lined them with laminated cotton, and covered them with plastic to make them waterproof. Just as I was turning the first one out I was politely reminded that they needed to have 'handles'. So there was a little unpicking involved, some bias made and voila, some handles added!

I hope you enjoy your weekend - whatever it may involve!

the day the cow sneezed

2011-02-10T07:29:00.000+13:00

Whilst Lucy and I were at the library the other day, I was lucky enough to spot this book on the edge of one of the shelves.

The colours and composition of the cover automatically grabbed my attention, then when I saw that it was 'The Day the Cow Sneezed' by James Flora (1957) I quickly grabbed it and popped it in our pile. I remember loving this book as a child, and now as an adult the illustrations are even more alluring.

James Flora died in 1998, but, thankfully there is still a lot of interest in his art. You can find more Jim Flora here, or etsy shop here, blog here, facebook here!

bias tape

2011-02-09T13:44:00.000+13:00

I finished off some bias tape today and have added it to my shop. More to come... How satisfying!

Smokey Red Tomato Jam

2011-02-08T10:27:00.000+13:00

I had a few emails after a recent post asking for the recipe of the Smokey Red Tomato Jam that I made. It was from this book, and so good that I actually made another batch on Sunday. I even had a kitchen helper...

Here is the recipe (click to enlarge):

strips

2011-02-07T21:30:00.000+13:00

It was hot and sticky this afternoon. So whilst my baby... (mmm, she just turned 3, so I guess I can't technically call her a baby anymore!) spent a couple of hours sleeping on the middle of my bed, I spent some time methodically cutting strips, and ironing strips, and sewing strips... and trimming. It has been a while since I have had any time to myself, so it was bliss! Hopefully I can show you the finished product on Wednesday...

treasure

2011-02-04T12:47:00.000+13:00

I have been lucky enough to be featured in a few sweet Etsy Treasuries lately. I even managed to make one up myself this week which is always fun!

wallpaper

2011-02-02T13:02:00.000+13:00

The upside of the school term starting is that I can get back to some creative inspiration... Lucy is curled up quietly enjoying her own space after the first morning at playcentre and I am enjoying working my way through this book with a strong cup of coffee!

lunchboxes

2011-02-01T18:35:00.000+13:00

The girls start back at school and playcentre tomorrow. It always seems so cruel sending them off over the hottest month of the year... ! We planned to spend our last day at the beach, but arrived to a large sign saying they are still closed with polution (from all the rain we have had of late)!

Instead we pottered in the garden and filled the biscuit tins for the lunchboxes! We still have tomatoes coming out of our ears. I am going to make some more of the Smokey Red Tomato Jam as it is so delicious! I think our oven is on the blink though as all our bikkies turned out a little on the dark side.... I am sure this couldn't be human error :-)

Thankfully a short week ahead.

summer fruit

2011-01-27T19:24:00.000+13:00

We have had a bumper season in our garden this year. Not too many pests and just the right amount of sun and rain. Normally I plant 4 or 5 tomato plants, but this year I planted only two and we have had more tomatoes than ever before! Our strawberries and rocket have also been utterly delicious!

We had a jam making day today. Mixed Berry Jam, and, I tried out a new recipe this year for Smokey Red Tomato Jam from this book. It is delicious! I think it will be even better in the middle of winter with some strong cheese and bread, in memory of the summer sun. For the Mixed Berry Jam, I just used the basic method from Chelsea with a mixture of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and strawberries. Yum! The girls hovered in and out of the kitchen telling me continuously how delicious it smelt.

Mixed Berry Jam

1kg Mixed Berries*, hulled and rinsed (I used strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries)
1kg Chelsea Jam Setting Sugar
A Knob of Butter (10g)

Crush berries coarsely with a potato masher or blender.
Place strawberries and sugar in a large, heavy based 6 litre pot.
Heat mixture over a low heat until sugar is dissolved. Do not allow to boil.
Add a knob of butter then increase heat and bring to a full boil (a boil that cannot be stirred down).
Boil for 4 minutes only. Remove from heat, skim off any foam, test for set and bottle in pre-sterilised jars

* You can use fresh or frozen berries for this.

On a another note. I came across a wonderful blog the other day, Baking for Hospice. It is a fantastic concept, and hopefully in time will spread throughout New Zealand.

summer days

2011-01-27T10:25:00.000+13:00

I can't believe our summer holidays are drawing to a close. We have had such a lovely, lazy holiday; beaches, birthdays, bike riding, baking, zoo days, farm days, swimming, gardening and just simply reading books in the sun. I am in no way ready to go back to the morning lunchbox/school bag rush!

slow time

2011-01-02T15:06:00.000+13:00

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, and that you are enjoying some rest & relaxation, and all the holidays have to offer.

I promised myself I would have at least a week with no work, or sewing or making of any kind (apart from a baking a birthday cake for Lucy and some muffins etc - that doesn't really count now does it)... just slow time. Somehow I thought a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle (that has been sitting in it's wrapper in the cupboard for about 5 years) might be a good idea. You know, just pop a piece in here and there on passing. But a. I underestimated how big it was, and b. I underestimated my Type A personality... so it has been bugging me immensely having this puzzle taking up the whole kitchen table... and I have spent far more time that I would like to admit putting it together!

noël

2010-12-24T10:18:00.000+13:00

School finished a week ago and we are well into the rhythm of the summer holidays, still in our pj's at 10am, swimming the afternoons away, bits and pieces for dinner and falling asleep late with no bed covers in the sticky humid nights.

We moved into our house a year ago, just the three of us, and we are a much different three this Christmas. It has been a huge year for the girls and I, lots of changes and new beginnings. So it is such a nice feeling being able to settle into the long summer holidays with a sense of acheivement and hope for the new year.

From our home to yours, I wish you a very happy Christmas.

See you in 2011!

rainy days

2010-12-17T19:44:00.000+13:00

It has rained for the past couple of days here.., like buckets of the stuff! We have not had any rain for such a long time that it is quite a welcome relief! Also well timed as we had more Christmas baking to do. This morning we made some lemon curd, mini banana and chocolate chip muffins, creamy chocolate fudge and some more white chocolate rocky road. I am feeling rather smug and relaxed about Christmas this year... no last minute shopping or rushing around for us.

Last year was such a hectic time with moving in to a new house etc, that this year I vowed we would just enjoy it all. So far so good!

ps. I put the recipes in separate posts - I find it a bit easier for reference :-)

creamy chocolate fudge

2010-12-17T19:41:00.002+13:00

Fudge

250g butter
4 1/2 cups of caster sugar
1/2 cup of cocoa
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/3 cup of good quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped

Place butter, sugar, cocoa and milk in a large deep pot (this is important, the fudge will boil up high!). Bring to the boil over a medium heat and cook until mixture reaches soft ball stage (116C). Stir occasionally whilst fudge is cooking with a wooden spoon.

Remove fudge from heat and beat with an electric mixer (beater) for about 3 minutes. Add the vanilla essence and chocolate, then beat for a further 4 minutes. The mixture should loose it's shine and go a little dull. Pour into a 33cm x 23cm baking tray, lined with baking paper and quickly smooth with plastic scraper. Score 3.5cm squares when cool and cut when cold.

White chocolate Rocky Road

2010-12-17T19:41:00.001+13:00

White Chocolate Rocky Road

180g packet pink and white marshmallows, halved
70g pistachio nuts (lightly toasted)
100g dried cranberries (or a mixture of dried blueberries, plums, cranberries etc)
50g thread coconut (I actually used dessicated)
375g packet white chocolate melts

Line a 20cm square cake tin with baking paper leaving an overhang on all sides. Place marshmallows, pistachios, cranberries and coconut in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Place white chocolate melts in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan half full of gently simmering water (don’t let the bowl touch the water) for 3-5 minutes, to melt. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool a little.
Pour chocolate over marshmallow mixture and toss to coat (try not to over mix). Spoon into prepared tin and press evenly over the base. Leave in a cool place to set.
Remove from tin and peel off the paper. Cut into small squares to serve. Store in an airtight container.

Lemon Curd

2010-12-17T19:41:00.000+13:00

Lemon Curd Recipe

220g butter, diced
1 1/2 cups caster sugar
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
1 1/4 cups lemon juice (about 6 juicy lemons), strained
6 large eggs

Place the butter, sugar, lemon zest and juice in a heatproof bowl over a pot of boiling water (or double boiler). Heat over medium heat until the butter has melted. Whisk the eggs in a seperate bowl and stir them into the butter mixture. Over a gentle heat, stir constantly with a wooden spoon, until mixture thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, about 3-5 minutes. Make sure the mixture does not boil. It's ready when the lemon curd holds a line when you run your finger across the back of the coated spoon.

Remove from the heat, and quickly pour the hot mixture through a strainer into a clean jug to remove any lemon zest and flecks of egg white, then pour it into hot sterilized jars (about 4) and seal. This will keep for several weeks in fridge.

special offer

2010-12-15T14:41:00.000+13:00

... just to say a little thank you to all my blog, twitter and facebook friends, I thought I would offer a special discount of 15% on my felt shop.

Just enter the code: XMAS2010 in your message at checkout and I will send you a revised total with 15% discount. Offer valid until Friday, 17th December 2010.

I have only one more market to go, then it's holiday time!

Kraftbomb

Sunday 19th December, 2010

11am - 2pm

Grey Lynn Community Centre
Main Hall - 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland

sunny sundays

2010-12-12T21:16:00.000+13:00

The girls and I have enjoyed a lovely sunny Sunday - we had lots of Christmas baking and goodie bags to put together for friends, so started our morning making some with sticky buns. Sticky, sweet, cinnamon buns and coffee have to be up there in terms of Sunday morning treats! I have a picnic to go to tomorrow and the other half of the dough is sitting in the fridge waiting to be popped into the oven for 10 minutes in the morning!

After baking sticky buns, vanilla shortbread, white chocolate rocky road and brownie, we packaged it up then spent a lazy afternoon at the beach. Perfect.

and the winner is...

2010-12-10T13:30:00.000+13:00

I used the random number generator to pick a winner from my little Christmas giveaway and that person is Joanna from Little Minx. Congratulations Joanna! I will email you for postal address etc. Thanks for your lovely comments, they are always so nice to read through.

I have been at school all morning for Bella's Athletics day, now Lucy and I are enjoying an hour in the cool of the house before we head back up to collect Bella. It was stinking hot up on the fields, I bet there will be a few hot tired kids tonight! Hope you are all enjoying your Friday, be it hot or cold :-)

two to go...

2010-12-09T22:41:00.000+13:00

I love markets, I love the people watching (some people have the most amazing personal style!), chatting to market friends and meeting loads of interesting characters, but I have to say that I am excited that I am now on the countdown with only two to go! It has been a busy few months, and I am so tired. Thankfully I am prepared, so I have been able to enjoy finishing off a few last minute items without the usual panic. Today I even managed to whip up some New Zealand Christmas inspired key rings from some gorgeous pohutukawa fabric scraps I had.

This Saturday I will be at the second Auckland Art & Craft Fair. First time for me, so I am looking forward to see how it goes. If you are in Auckland, pop along and say hi, have a look around and support New Zealand handmade by buying some gorgeous Christmas gifts.

Auckland Art & Craft Fair

Saturday 11th December, 2010

11am - 4pm

Aotea Centre, THE EDGE

Auckland City

toffee

2010-12-08T20:27:00.000+13:00

I received a lovely email today letting me know that my bias tape was featured in the 'sweet bites' section of a lovely new indie art and craft magazine called toffee. This magazine is super sweet and packed full of lovely articles and beautiful eye candy - why not check it out!

in the shop

2010-12-05T19:48:00.000+13:00

I had a lovely day at the Devonport Christmas Festival today. It was so nice being out in the green in the middle of all the goings on. We managed to watch the Santa parade and listen to the live music all day. The only downside was the gorgeous Pohutukawa tree that we were under shedding all its flower stamen all over us and our tables. A lot of shaking was required at pack up!

I am in the midst of a wee shop update and have just listed some more of my 'make your own' kits in my felt store. Peg dolls and felt flower hair ties - great stocking stuffers!

Christmas Festival

2010-12-04T08:04:00.000+13:00

Tomorrow I will be at the Devonport Christmas Festival. I can't wait. All year we have been inside the Community Centre for the Devonport Craft Market, and it will be so lovely to be out in the green enjoying the sunshine (I hope it's sunny!!) and watching all the floats on the Santa parade.

If you are around on Sunday, pop down to Devonport and enjoy the parade and the market stalls. It starts at 11am with the Santa Parade followed by Dance in the Park which will run until 3pm.

A mini Devonport Craft Market will be held on the Windsor reserve. There are about 20 stalls set up for the day. This will be your last time to purchase from Craft Market sellers, in Devonport for 2010.

Hope to see you there!

The Gifthorse

2010-12-03T14:28:00.000+13:00

On the look out for cool places to shop for Christmas gifts? There is a cute little pop up shop opening next week and it will have a few of my things too.

The Gifthorse

24 Graham Street

Auckland City

Weekdays 11am - 3pm

8th December - 22nd December

Hope you have a great weekend planned, we have been swimming all morning so will hopefully sleep well tonight!

my creative space: retro fabric

2010-12-02T10:18:00.000+13:00

I found the most amazing vintage fabric yesterday. Well, actually, I found the most amazing vintage kids quilt cover (complete with very, very, old feather duvet inner inside!) which I snatched up and bought at lightening speed before anyone else could see it!

I took it home, cut it up, soaked, washed and aired it on the line - so it is now the most amazing vintage fabric ripe to be used! The only problem is I have so many ideas of what I want to do with this gorgeous fabric that I might need to just pause, and think it through first. Watch this space...

I have just finished packing up a new batch of upcycled envelopes after spending the last couple of evenings cutting, folding and gluing (whilst watching Master Chef Australia!), I also have a stack of other things to do this morning (as my sick 2 year old is asleep...) in preparation for the Devonport Christmas Market in the Park on Sunday, before I head to an afternoon training course, then Bella's Christmas concert tonight! Better get a move on :-)

For more creative peeps, head over to Kirsty's

Christmas Giveaway

2010-12-01T19:56:00.000+13:00

Wow - it is the 1st of December! I can't believe it just snuck up on us like that. So, to get in to the Christmas spirit (and to make up for my woeful lack of posting!) I thought I would do a wee giveaway....

The giveaway includes: A 'paris' linen pencil case, 3 yards of pretty rose bias tape, a lavender bag, some bakers twine, a couple of packs of gift tags and small gift cards.

To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post, or comment on the giveaway post on cattaylordesign facebook page.
For extra entries, you can:
* Follow my blog (if you don't already)
* 'like' my cattaylordesign facebook page
* Mention my giveaway on your facebook page or blog
Just leave a comment here letting me know what you have done :-)

Entries close Friday the 10th December. This is open to anyone, you don't need to be a blogger - just leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win. International entries are most welcome!

bugs

2010-11-26T23:58:00.000+13:00

Oops, Firstly I guess I need to say sorry for the lack of posts! We have all been sick with coughs and colds and lots and lots of green snot. Yuk! Why is it that you manage to survive winter only to get sick when the summer weather starts?

Just a quickie tonight. I am only doing one market this weekend, which feels lovely after all the markets I have done recently. If you are out and about and looking for some Christmas inspiration, come along to Kraftbomb on Sunday. I have been busy sewing up stacks of new crayon rolls and oilcloth purses so head down and say hi.

Kraftbomb

Sunday 28th November
11am-2pm
Grey Lynn Community Centre

Main Hall - 510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn

more peony love

2010-11-18T10:32:00.000+13:00

more markets

2010-11-17T09:30:00.003+13:00

I have another couple of markets this week. So have been trying to finish off a few last minute bits and bobs. I currently have 100 button bookmarks drying on the kitchen table, 50 lavender bags to fill and sew up, 40 oilcloth purses to trim, turn out and iron, 20 keyrings which need hardware, yards upon yards of bakers twine to package, a few matryoshka dolls to finish stuffing and stitch up... maybe I should stop typing and just get on with it!

Anyway, if you want to find me, this is where I'll be:

Gladstone Christmas Market

Thursday 18th November

5pm-9pm
Gladstone School Hall
8 Seaview Terrace, Mt Albert

Devonport Craft Market

Sunday 21st November

10am-3pm

Devonport Community House
32 Clarence St, Devonport

Hope your week is going well!

pizza dough

2010-11-16T22:13:00.000+13:00

Lacking in motivation for dinner, the girls and I decided to make pizza's tonight. The pizza dough recipe we use is really quick and easy, rises within 30 minutes so definitely something you can whip up last minute. I made some flat bread to have with a salad for myself as I just wasn't in the mood for pizza - the dough is equally as lovely just flattened out and brushed with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and some herbs.

Pizza Dough

1 1/2 cups luke warm water (I actually use cold as I am scared of killing the yeast with too warm water)
7g (1 sachet) dried yeast
Pinch of caster sugar
4 cups plain/strong flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil + extra for brushing

Combine the yeast, water and sugar in a small bowl. Pop aside for 5 minutes or until foamy. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl, making a well in the centre. Add the oil and yeast mixture to the well. Using a bread and butter knife, mix until just combined, then use your hands to bring the dough together in the bowl.

Brush a clean bowl lightly with oil. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes or until smooth and elastic.

Place dough in the prepared bowl, turning to coat in oil. Cover with glad wrap and set aside in a warm, draught-free place to rise for 30 minutes or until dough doubles in size.

my creative space: new faces

2010-11-11T11:16:00.000+13:00

We have funny weather today, light misty rain, but still warm. Lucy and I did our morning post/coffee run after dropping Bella at school, and have come back and bunkered down for the morning. I have loads of new supplies to sort out, and am aiming to finish off some more matryoshka dolls made from my vintage sheet collection.

Hope your are having a good week. For more creative inspiration, head over to Kirsty's.

hummus

2010-11-10T14:59:00.000+13:00

I don't know about you, but there always seem to be an abundance of hungry mouths to feed after school in our house. I find the easiest thing to feed my kids and their friends after school is a platter of fruit and veges with rice crackers or hummus. It fills them up, but doesn't ruin their appetite for dinner.

Hummus

400g tin of chick peas, drained and rinsed well
juice of 2 lemons
1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
2-3 Tbsp of tahini (I tend to be quite heavy handed with the Tahini as I love it)
1 Tbsp olive oil
S&P
a couple of tablespoons of water to thin out

Method
Blend all ingredients together until smooth, add salt and pepper to taste, and thin out with a little water if necessary. Serve with toasted pita bread, rice crackers or vege sticks. Store in an airtight container in fridge.

peonies

2010-11-09T11:48:00.000+13:00

By far, my favourite thing about November has to be peonies! I wish they flowered all year long, but then again, maybe I wouldn't love them so much if they weren't so special...

I am having a quiet catch up day today. I am still tired from all the recent late nights and market filled weekends. It is nice to have a bit of thinking time... My kitchen table is full to overflowing with fabrics ready to be cut and sewn into items for the next few markets - but for now, I am catching up on orders, emails, and a bit of blog reading!

the low down

2010-11-05T09:00:00.001+13:00

So if you want to find me this weekend, this is where I will be:

St Philip's Christmas Market

Friday 5th November

5-9pm

St Philip's Anglican Church
92 St Heliers Bay Road, Saint Heliers

Michael Park School Fair

Saturday 6th November
10am-3pm

Michael Park School, Ellerslie

Devonport Craft Market

Sunday 7th November

10am-3pm

Devonport Community House

32 Clarence St, Devonport

Along with a stack of shiny new crayon rolls and sketchbooks for the kids, and some gorgeous new oilcloth purses (including some lovely marimekko oilcloth!).

Have a great weekend!

my creative space: chocolate hedgehogs...

2010-11-04T13:54:00.000+13:00

I have 3 markets on this weekend, so another busy one for me. The house has felt a little like a sweat shop this week!

Lucy and I met up with my Mum and nephew this morning at the park. The weather has been just glorious this week. Long may it last!

I also managed to get some more bookmarks and magnets made for the weekend as I was very low on these, and we made some delicious chocolate hedgehog slice (as my kids call it) from this recipe on Melissa's blog. Yum.

For more creative spaces, head over to Kirsty's.

craft2.0 wrap up

2010-11-02T12:11:00.000+13:00

Well I had a great weekend in Wellington at Craft2.0. The lovely Sarah, from Songbird Designs and I went together, and after the exhausting one day trip to Christchurch for A Craft Affair in July, we decided to be a little smarter and have a more leisurly trip this time around!

We travelled down on Friday morning, which meant we got to set up on Friday afternoon with no stress. It was lovely being able to take our time and wonder around TheNewDowse without too many frantic bodies!

Saturday went in a blur. It was madness from 10am when the doors opened, until 3pm when they shut. Sarah's fabulous Mum came to help out on Saturday, so I managed to sneak away before closing to make a few lovey purchases. The market was so well curated, and there were so many beautiful items from very talented people which made it hard to choose!

We headed home Saturday night and I unpacked and repacked my market stuff for Kraftbomb the next day..., another very busy day, so come Sunday night I was very ready for bed!

This weekend is set to be another busy one for me, with 3 markets, so I am very busy this week trying to replenish stock!! I managed to do a bit of quick ordering on Sunday night and already have some of the supplies I need... like a new order of gorgeous oilcloth!

Better get on with it!

a bit of housekeeping

2010-11-01T18:06:00.000+13:00

Well we are in to November already, and I am completely in Christmas mode, so I thought I would share the NZ Post mailing dates info with you.

There is also a link on my sidebar if you need it!

my creative space: packing

2010-10-28T11:05:00.000+13:00

My creative space today is quite frantic... I have what feels like a million things to do. I have just finished off a stack of purses, I have vouchers to cut, stock to pack, float to get, post office run, and a course to attend this afternoon... Oh and the school run, playdates etc etc!

Roll on bed time!

I am looking forward to getting out to the airport in the morning and enjoying a coffee in the knowledge there is nothing more to do before Craft2.0 !

For more creative spaces, head over to Kirsty's.

almost there...

2010-10-27T13:29:00.000+13:00

As you have probably gathered (from lack of posting!) life has been pretty busy here...

We had a long weekend with Labour Day holiday on Monday, so I managed to achieve quite a bit over the weekend... a market, some time at the beach and park, catching up with friends, BBQ's, some gardening, some (real) work, and lots and lots of sewing!

I have 2 large markets this weekend, Craft2.0 in Wellington on Saturday, and Kraftbomb on Sunday. I have a feeling I am going to be a little tired come Monday morning!

If you are in Auckland, or Wellington, come and say hi.

Craft2.0

Saturday 30th October, 10am-3pm
TheNewDowse

45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington

Kraftbomb

Sunday 31st October, 11am-2pm
Grey Lynn Community Centre, Main Hall

510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland

my creative space: market preparation

2010-10-21T11:38:00.001+13:00

I seem to have over committed myself again this year... I have a stack of markets coming up and was rather smug in thinking I was organised, but lots of recent sales including some very large orders has left me quietly wondering if I maybe underestimated my stock levels!

This Saturday I will be at a new market in Parnell, it is in the Jubilee Building, running along side the Parnell Farmers Market. If you are in the area, pop in and say hi.

Parnell Farmers and Craft Market

Saturday 23rd October, 8am-12pm
Jubilee Building, 545 Parnell Rd, Parnell

It is a wild windy day today so I managed to spend an hour this morning finishing off some purses and cutting out yards of fabric for some new kids sketchbooks and crayon rolls. Lucy happily played with the barbies and play dough and dress ups and she is now going through her big sisters treasures (shhhh). Ohh, and did I mention she decided to paint her face when I wasn't looking... with nail polish! We might try and brave the park after lunch if the rain stays away.

Hope you are having a productive Thursday. For more creative spaces, head over to Kirsty's.

strawberries

2010-10-20T16:04:00.000+13:00

On our way home from Playcentre this morning, Lucy and I drove past a man selling strawberries on the side of the road. Now that is a sure sign that summer is on it's way. We finished one punnet for lunch, but I managed to save the other for pudding as I know how much Bella loves them!

Lucy loves everything strawberry, and as such I seem to have collected quite a bit of strawberry fabric. I made Lucy a little strawberry pouch to keep some of her treasures in, and have popped a couple in my felt shop too, along with some more bias tape.

my creative space: oilcloth

2010-10-14T11:55:00.001+13:00

It is a lovely sunny day here today - the start of the week was a little cold, so it's nice to be able to get out and enjoy the sunshine today.

I have been busy choosing and cutting lining fabrics for a stack of oilcloth purses this morning. I have a large order, plus more to sew for up coming markets, so have a few late nights ahead of me I feel!

But right now, we are off to the park! For more creative spaces, head over to Kirsty's.

Enjoy your Thursday!

Getting prepared...

2010-10-13T14:18:00.001+13:00

I have a stack of markets coming up prior to Christmas, so have been trying to get myself prepared ahead of time this year. I have a few new things on the go; new bunnies made from upcycled wool with silky satin ears (stuffed and awaiting stitching up and faces!), and loads of new gift cards and candy stripe gift tags.

back to school blues

2010-10-12T13:12:00.000+13:00

The school holidays are over and we are back to the morning rush of school and playcentre... I got out of the shower this morning and was summoned to the royal palace... this is what awaited me.

Lets just say at least one member of this house is pleased the holidays are over... I think she is over playing dress ups! We are lucky Cinnamon has such an easy temperament!

so why did the chicken cross the road?

2010-10-07T12:06:00.000+13:00

I was sent this in an email this morning... I just had to share it!

Things have been pretty quiet here, just enjoying our school holidays and the lovely weather - so nice to see some sunshine and be outdoors. Back to school next week, then it's all down hill until Christmas!

poppies

2010-10-02T19:16:00.000+13:00

I had a few hours to myself yesterday - a rare commodity in our house! So rather than tackle all those things on my to do list, I did a little spring cleaning...

I lost my studio recently when the girls decided they absolutely needed their own rooms. So I moved my bedroom, and studio into the super large room they shared, and they now have their own rooms. Sounded like a great solution in theory, but the reality is that I lie in bed thinking of all the things I should be doing, and my bedroom is now always surrounded in clutter. So I spent some time yesterday trying to de-clutter and make my room more of a sanctuary and less of a studio with a bed.... !

I used some gorgeous Marimekko Unikko fabric to make some new cushion covers for my bed. I love the vibrant colours, and the room already feels so much lighter and brighter. I made a couple extra and popped them in my etsy shop too.

summer muffins

2010-09-30T18:42:00.000+13:00

We had a bit of a drizzly day here today. Not cold. But drizzly. One of those days where you are happy to find things to do inside. So we made some delicious summer berry muffins, using frozen berries and dreaming of summer fruit!

Summer Berry Muffins

2 cups self raising flour
1 cup caster sugar
2 pottles (300g) sour cream
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups of mixed berries (we used frozen...)

Combine sifted flour and sugar. Whisk together the sour cream, eggs and oil and stir through the flour mixture. Fold in berries and spoon into 12 medium muffin tins.

Bake for 20-25 minutes at 180C. Dust with icing sugar to serve. Yum!

Puffle-icious...

2010-09-28T15:05:00.000+13:00

One of my gorgeous nephews, Sam (or Shammy as his two year old brother calls him, much to Sam's disgust!) is turning five. Yes FIVE! I can't believe it, seems like yesterday he was just a little baby. Funny how the middle child slips past you in a flash.

Now I have designed my far share of birthday invitations for these boys, but there has always been a bit of negotiating. They have requested things like Lightening McQueen, and I just don't like doing branded stuff... BUT, somehow, when Sam requested a 'blue puffle' I just couldn't say no...

Lucy has been following me around all morning telling me she wants a pink puffle invite for her birthday... what have I started!

black and white

2010-09-27T23:21:00.001+13:00

I finally managed to get a bit of sewing down over the weekend. As I was selecting my fabrics, I came across some beautiful Florence Broadhurst prints that I had been hoarding (for longer than I care to admit!!). I finally felt brave enough to cut into them, and made a few wee coin purses and pencil cases.

I have listed a couple here in my Etsy shop.

The girls are on holidays for the next 2 weeks. Today was just glorious, beautiful sunshine and lovely warm weather. Lucy and Bella were dancing around the backyard in the togs at 7pm! Roll on summer.

my creative space: buttons and magnets

2010-09-23T19:23:00.001+12:00

Lucy and I enjoyed a home day today - our weeks have been so busy lately, it was lovely to just sift about and enjoy a quiet day. We did lots of playdough and painting and cutting and drawing and cooking. Then I did lots of tidying up :-)

I also managed to get a stack of new magnets and buttons made from my scraps, which felt great. It has been on my 'to do' list for ages. That means I will have lots of shiny new magnets at Kraftbomb on Sunday.

Pop over to Kirsty's to see what everyone else is up to today.

oranges and lemons

2010-09-17T14:13:00.000+12:00

The girls have been waking anywhere between 5am (when the birds start chirping) and 6am lately. This morning they got themselves dressed and had their gum boots on before I had even opened my eyes! Their plan was too take a basket and pick some grapefruit for breakfast. I am sure the neighbours appreciated the two of them chattering outside at 6am, and then having to have a bounce on the trampoline on the way back inside... I can't wait for daylight savings to kick in so the kids aren't up at 5am each morning!

Lucy and I made a cake this morning to take with us this evening. We were going to use the grapefruit, but ended up with oranges and lemons (as you often do when you have a 2 year old helping you bake!).

We used the basic butter cake recipe from the Edmonds Cookery Book, but adapted it slightly to make an orange/lemon cake.

Orange/Lemon Cake

150g butter, softened
1tsp vanilla essence
3/4 cup of sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
3tsp baking powder
3/4 cup milk (approx)
1 orange*
2 lemons*

Orange/Lemon Syrup

Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 2 lemons
1/4 cup of sugar

Cream butter, vanilla and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour and baking powder together. Fold into creamed mixture. Add grated rind of orange and lemons, then add enough milk to give a soft 'dropping' consistency. Pour mixture into a greased, lined 20cm round cake tin and cook at 180 degrees Celcius for about 30-35 minutes.

Remove cake from the oven, then spoon over the syrup whilst still hot.

*or any citrus fruit of your choice.

creative space: needle books

2010-09-16T18:21:00.001+12:00

Lucy had a little rest this afternoon so I managed to finish off some needle books I started a while ago. I spent a couple of evenings in front of the tv hand stitching the round patches on to some vintage linen and denim, then today finished them off with lining and New Zealand wool felt.

Now to get some in the shop !

Check out Kirsty's for more creative spaces.

shop update

2010-09-14T13:14:00.000+12:00

I managed to get a huge amount of sewing done over the weekend, I have been neglecting it for a while, and had a lot of patterns cut and ready to go, so it was quite a sense of accomplishment to finally get some of it done!

Now I have the task of loading it all to the shop! I have managed to do a small shop update this morning, including some more of my bias tape.

Enjoy!
Cat

freebies...

2010-09-13T22:16:00.000+12:00

How cute are these!? I love book plates, and stickers. You can download these free from here.

felt... like helping out

2010-09-10T12:55:00.000+12:00

Feel like helping out after the Earthquake in Christchurch?

My lovely friend Sarah McLeod of Songbird Designs, has teamed up with another crafter to create Feltaid, an online shop as a fundraising scheme to help rebuild Christchurch. It's still in it's early stages, but people will be able to donate and/or purchase handmade lovelies for sale on Felt. I have donated a couple of items, so go have a peep, and buy something lovely :-)

You can check out their blog or their facebook page for more information.

How gorgeous is this Spring weather. So lovely to be without jackets. Our house is full of little jars or freesias as the girls find more and more around the garden outskirts!