My trip to the AQC was a success!

Hi Everyone :)

I meant to post this last week as that is when I attended the Australasian Quilt Convention in Melbourne...But our home internet decided to die and be annoying until now, so sorry its a little late :)

I had a VERY successful day.  My aim for the day was to try out a bunch of different sewing machines (which I did), and choose one to purchase - as you all know I have been having nothing but issues with my current machine (which by the way has come back from the doctor and is working again), so hubby and I decided it was time for a new machine that was right for the job (ie: making bags!).  I didn't think I would be purchasing on the spot - but that is what ended up happening!

I bought a JUKI TL-98, and I am so happy I did!  It is a great machine and I have pretty much used it whether the task is big or small, everyday since I picked it up! Apparently purchasing a new machine is good for my sewjo ;P

At the Juki stand I spent some time talking to Molli Sparkles and trying out the Juki

I also purchased a few other small items...

Some cute buttons from the crafty squirrel, 

Some pretty fabric from Gail B patchwork, 

and some pretty Tula Pink Elizabeth fabric from Fifi's fabricology.

and I made sure to stop past Millrose and Quilting Gallery 

to check on Frankie and Dee, creations made by the ever fabulous Jodie (Ric Rac), 

and make sure they were behaving themselves ;D

All in all it was a good day :)
Emma

No Milk, No Butter and No Eggs...CAKE!

Hi everyone,

Yep, I made a cake with no milk, no butter and no eggs...and it was YUM!

It didn't turn out perfectly, its bottom fell off...but I think that was my silicone bakeware's fault - I hate it it always ruins my cakes - so next time I'm going to use a tin...

Samantha did suggest on IG that maybe I needed to let the cake fully cool before removing it from the bakeware...maybe that was my problem?  I'm always in such a hurry to eat the cake I always take them out of the bakeware early ;)

But once put on a pretty plate and sprinkled with icing sugar you cant tell it has no bottom ;)

The cake was YUM too!  It was light and airy and I will be making it again - its a great recipe to keep in mind for kids parties too with all the food allergies and intolerances that are around these days.

So you want to make your own?


Ingredients:

·  1 and 1/2 cups plain flour

·  1 and 1/4 cup sugar

·  3 tablespoons cacao powder

·  1 teaspoon bi-cab soda

·  1/2 teaspoon salt

·  5 tablespoons canola oil

·  1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

·  1 tablespoon white vinegar

·  1 teaspoon vanilla essence
·  1 cup cold water

·  Icing sugar

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cacao, bi-cab soda and salt. Combine well.  Make a well in the dry ingredients. Pour in the 2 types of oil, vinegar and vanilla essence into the well. Begin to stir gently, then slowly pour in the water as you stir. Continue to add the water slowly until all water has been added, then stir until thoroughly combined (the cake batter will be thin-ish).
2. Pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 180° (fan forced) for 30 minutes. Allow the cake to cool then dust with icing sugar.

Serves: 10-12 (depending on how big/small you cut the pieces)
Total time: 10min prep, 30min baking, plus cooling time.

Happy baking!

Emma

Spending the day at Mrs H's House...and she is having a SALE!

Hi Everyone!

The other day I guest posted over at Mrs H's house...

Samantha asked me to pick a few Companion Carpet Bags from the Bag of the Month flickr group to share...do you all know how hard that was? I mean...they...were...all...so...good!

Head over here to see the full post :)

Samantha is also having a SALE to celebrate Spring!
There is a 25% discount on the pattern bundles in her Etsy store with the code BUNDLEBONANZA

There are 3 bundles to choose from...

This 1st one is great!  I really want to make Samantha's Saddlebag one day :) 

I have made the Nappy Bag included in this pattern bundle.  It is a great pattern and I used mine until it fell apart from over stuffing!  I need to make another, but haven't gotten around to it yet...

I have made the Sling Bag from this pattern bundle...and as always, the instructions are so well written!  Well they must be as I made mine when I was in labour to distract myself :) 

The convertible bag is on my list to make too...

So head over  to Samantha's Etsy store right now to get a great deal now!
Emma