Umbrella prints - entry #6

This black design from Umbrella prints made me think of making a potholder. I think that darker fabrics work best on potholders, so they don't get too grubby or stained.

Umbrella prints - entry #5

As to these fabrics, I was a bit stumped. Before hearing about the Umbrella prints trimmings competition my intention was to make a cot quilt. For the purpose of the competition I didn't have the fabrics or the time needed to make it. So I ended up making a little decorator cushion with a chenille backing. I love that chenille for kids. Don't they just love tactile fabrics?! I'm thinking this may go to a niece for Christmas.

Umbrella prints - entry #4

Pin cushion made using Umbrella prints fanflower fabric in three colours and some peas and carrots fabric on the bottom. The pattern I used is by Kootoyoo.

Umbrella prints - entry #3

For my third entry I have for you a moleskine notebook decorated with a Boab tree and Kapok flowers (Cochloprerum fraseri). I was totally enthralled by the Kimberley when we visited there 3 years ago. So this is my homage to the remote Kimberley region of north-west Australia. The leaves are pieces of Umbrella prints Fanflower fabric.

Umbrella prints - entry #2

Teatowel applique using pieces of the fanflower fabric for the birds wings and a love heart for each birdy! Next time I think I'll applique all by hand and keep the design smaller.

Umbrella prints - entry #1

This is the first of my entries in the Umbrella prints trimmings competition. I made six quilted coasters featuring the Umbrella prints scraps, mostly Bird in Paradise in storm boy blue and Bambi brown. Only one features the Fan flower design. They were made using a pattern from Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. I was also inspired by Julie Knoblock's creations. The other half and Ethan made the gingerbread!

Something I've been working on

I just need to sand and varnish them. I've made about 50 of these so far. I'm finding it slightly addictive. I especially enjoy matching the papers, they're like mini patchworks! I'm having trouble finding papers I like that are more "boy-centric".

First Birthday!!

My little man is one year old. On the weekend we had a party for him in the local park amongst the trees.



We wanted to make a cake based on a train, plane or spaceship but I didn't like any of the designs in my kids cake book. So I created this design loosely based on Ethan's toy aeroplane. I found this easy and very tasty chocolate cake recipe. My Mother made up a new buttercream icing recipe using buttermilk and a dash of vanilla. It tasted amazing! The licorice was pulled at by one of the eager young ones before we sang Happy Birthday, that's why that part of the plane is flapping in the breeze!

Even more amazing was the Medovnik (Russian Honey Cake) which my sister made (pictured in background). It consists of many layers of cake and creamy filling. She fell for the Medovnik when she was living in Prague and has been craving it since she arrived back in Australia. She tried to replicate the recipe. The entire Medovnik cake was devoured, it was so good.

soft blocks

I made this block when Ethan was just a bump. I need to make some more so he can stack them...

the nursery

Here are some pictures of the nursery. Steve painted the feature wall in "Romaine" by Dulux paints. The curtains were sewn in a weekend with a good deal of help from Steve's Mum. I made the tie backs using some leftover fabric from the quilt. I painted the seahorse and fish pictures. The quilt I made using 50's style fabrics. It hasn't been quilted yet. The canopy is from IKEA. I made the banner and my sister-in-law Louise made the teddy blanket.