Greeny baby quilt done

I've finished my colour-themed baby quilt. It's to go with the Next Ziggy nursery set and I'm really pleased with how well the colours go together.

I used a turquoise flowery fabric for the binding and I think it goes with the apple green backing really well.

There were a few 'deliberate mistakes' but then it wouldn't be a handmade quilt if it was completely perfect - you have to know it's home-made.

I love it and hope new mum and baby do too!

Won't be buying this

Here's something that no one needs in their kitchen! A cake slicer (that costs a ridiculous amount of money), for people who can't slice a cake properly. Or perhaps use two cake tins. 

I think one of the most endearing things about home cooking is that it looks home cooked, not bought from a shop. Yes, you might need one of these if you make cakes professionally, but I'll stick to my wonky layers thank you.

Oh pears!

So, it doesn't look exactly like it's supposed to... And, it didn't taste that great either. Too soggy, and the ground up hazelnuts made the texture odd. Not a complete disaster (like the plum pudding), but not a recipe I'll be making again any time soon.


Off to eat cheese, biscuits, grapes, and chutney, and drink wine. That can't go wrong!

Oh plums!

I made a plum pudding last night. It seemed a simple recipe - soak plums in sherry, pour a sugary batter over them in a dish, bake until golden brown, sprinkle with icing sugar. Ugh! It was horrid! It was just a battery stodge. I don't know if that was how it's meant to be, or if something went wrong, but either way it was nasty. What a disappointment!

Tonight I'm going to attempted a flourless pear and chocolate cake. I hope it's more successful (and edible).

Three stages to baby quilt

This is my latest baby quilt, with a specific colour scheme - my first quilt that's not been allowed to be random!

Step one: laying out the blocks.

There are two types of white fabric: one plain, and one with a paisley pattern that's very subtle and cute. I love the random patches of gingham, flowers, and the baby letters.

Step two: all the strips sewn together:

Although I think I got a bit gung-ho with the strips, and perhaps in the future I'll stick to making blocks up. I found that doing strips meant there was more chance of the width being slightly out in places. Not a lot, and I'm sure the receiver won't notice, but I do....

Step 3: the finished quilt top:

I think it looks lovely! A great time spent in my newly-painted sewing room which is getting more comfortable by the day - there'll be shelves going up soon.