Op Shop Find

Op shopping last week turned up a couple of great finds, but I want to share this one in particular -Lovingly stitched and beautifully quilted, this chair backing fits perfectly snug onto one of our breakfast bar stools. Now I'll have to make another 3 to match!!

Lest We Forget

*I wouldn't be surprised if every Aussie creates a similar post today, but hey!!*

On April 25 every year, we in Australia celebrate ANZAC Day, a day of national commemoration of those that served our country in WW1 and made the ultimate sacrifice. One of the traditions of this day are Anzac Biscuits. They're so good, we eat them year round!The history of Anzac biscuits: During the first world war, food sent overseas in care packages had to survive 2+ months at sea to get to our soldiers. So the problem arose of making something nutritious that would also last a long time. The solution to that problem came in the form of a biscuit. One of the awsome aspects of this recipe was that due to the lack of eggs (too expensive!) an alternative had to be found, and that came in the form of golden syrup. It bound the biscuits together and gives them that unmistakable flavour.

Anzac Biscuits

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup plain flour
• ⅔ cup raw sugar
• ¾ cup desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons golden syrup
• 125g butter
• 1 teaspoon bi-carb of soda
• 2 tablespoons hot water

1. Preheat oven to 160°C.
2. Mix together the oats, flour, sugar and coconut.
3. In a pan, melt the butter with the golden syrup, mixing well to combine.
   
4. Set aside then mix the bi-carb and hot water together, before pouring it into the butter mixture, stir then pour this into the dry ingredients.
5. Stir well and then scoop out tablespoonful of the mix - roll in your palm then flatten into a rough circle.
6. Place on a baking paper lined tray, leaving space for the biscuits to spread.
7. Bake for about 8-10 minutes or until a golden brown. Cool on the tray before placing on wire racks.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

3rd Kitty - Done

I've *finally* finished the third embroidery in my series. Another nine to go before I start piecing them together into blocks! I haven't even started on the fourth one yet, as I haven't had time! It was my parents silver wedding anniversary on Wednesday!!! They didn't celebrate in any way because Mum was working 4 night shifts and by the end she's totally zonked. But Dad did take me out last night shopping to try and find her a present. We're thinking of a DEAREST ring. You know? Where the stones spell out "Dearest". Diamond, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire and Topaz. It's a beautiful ring but he won't buy it without me taking Mum to casually "look" at it to see what she thinks. I know she'll love it, as she told me she wanted it. lol

Anyway, I've decided to go shopping with her on Monday and get her an early Mothers Day pressie. Speaking of which, Mother's Day is the next "Holiday" and the shops are already going nuts over it.
So every crafty person out there, you better start thinking up ideas for all of us not so crafty people! (although you could always make a broach as in my last post.)

button brooch

This is my first FINISHED button flower brooch.

I started them late last year, but totally forgot about them and they remained sitting untouched. So yesterday I took this one -my favourite- and finished it off by adding the felt and brooch backing. The middle button was a broken one I got in a jar from the op-shop. I really love it but never would have been able to use it as a button, so it's perfect for this project!

They're easy enough to make by simply looking at the picture, but if you need help or have a question, just ask. If enough people ask for and need it, I'll make a tutorial!

Have a Happy Easter Monday!

Happy Easter

Of course, you know the shops are closed during the Easter break. Big bummer, as now I can't finish off my Easter Bunny! I need a pink puff ball for his tail before I can sew his bottom on and stuff him.Oh well, he doesn't seem to mind too much! I'll be changing his "ribbon" too, once I get the right colour.
Have a Happy and Inspired Easter, and don't forget the true meaning behind the holiday!

Block 2 Finished

Finally! Another kitten embroidery pattern finished, another 10 more to go! lol
Can you see that the kitty is black and white? She's sitting under the bed...The other day in the pet shop I saw the most gorgeous black and white fluffy Persian X and decided to mimic her in this embroidery. Now whenever I see it I'll think of that kitten!
I've already started number three, and will update once it's finished too. But at the moment, I'm loving all the Easter crafts going on, so have decided to make something myself. I'm halfway done, so will show you on Sunday!

Don't forget that when Jesus was on the cross, YOU were on His mind. Have a thoughtful Easter Friday!

A new challenge

Roary has been adopted! Yes, that's right!! Fantastic news, but I miss him already! The pitter patter of tiny feet and the small meows he gave us are now gone, and even though our house is full - another 5 cats - we do indeed miss the scampering and joy that a kitten brings. I'll be able to keep in contact with him, and his new owner, Mel. I'll let you all know how he's going next time I hear from them, but for now he's settling into his new home nicely!

I'm starting a new quilt top. Yes, I know I should finish the other one first, but oh well. I've finished embroidering the center of the first block, wanna see?I'm really happy with it! The second one's coming along nicely, and I'll show it to you once it's finished. There'll be 12 blocks altogether, with an embroidered kitten in the middle of each one, and cat/kitten material for the boarders. I can't wait to see the finished result, as this is one of my own designs, and I've no idea how it will turn out. Fingers crossed!!

flutterby

Isn't this just the most simple yet gorgeous embroidery? Well done Clare!If you'd like a copy of the pattern, she's sharing it here. Just comment and let her know! (Clare's having a giveaway too, so scoot over there quick!)

Also just a quick comment to say that my crafting's on hold as Spike's sick again. Yes, again. We're worried it's kidney failure. Please send a quick prayer for him and us. He really needs them!