Sep 24, 2009

Recycled Denim

It's no secret to people who know me - I love wearing denim. So when I was about to throw out 3 pairs of jeans the other day, I suddenly thought - why not cut them up and make something!
So I did, mixed up the 3 shades of blue, and made a bag. In the style of rag-quilting with the frayed edges.And I think the best bit - the strap - made by cutting the waist band off one pair and backing it with calico. I was so lazy I didn't even line the bag. Denim is tough enough and I'm only going to use it to run to the shops with.So what do you think? I have plenty more denim if anyone would like one!
On another note, if you are lurking around, please drop me a line. I love to hear people's comments, suggestions etc. And my photography is due to improve soon - I'm getting a flash new camera for my birthday!

Cinco Bistro

Guy and I have been wanting to try this great little suburban bistro for years and years. And finally we had a kid-free night the other weekend and on the spur of the moment made a booking. Cinco is owned and run by a chef who has worked all over the world, and is more than happy to have a chat with you at the end of the evening! With a predominately French/ European menu at an affordable price. The atmosphere is nice without being over the top or too daggy. Basically you can dress up or just dress smartly and you'll be fine.

We had for starters:
Wild Mushroom and Foie Gras Tartlet, Porcini Veloute, Port Wine Syrup and Buratta, Blistered Truss Tomato, Pesto Genovese, Crostini. The Tartlet is a specialty and it was TO DIE FOR.

Mains: we both had
Crisp Duck Confit, with bacon and apple. Another regular on the menu and of the 100's of Duck Confits I've ever eaten all over the world - this would be in the top 5.

Dessert: we shared the Lavender Creme Brulee with a hot cinnamon donut - one of the best desserts ever with no chocolate at all! The Brulee was silky and the donut - well you could have just eaten a plate of them on their own!

Wine: 2007 Pirie Estate Pinot Noir, Tasmania and 2007 Yalumba Hand Picked Botrytis Viognier (Wrattonbully)

Overall the service and atmosphere were great and the food was excellent. Very well priced for such awesome food. And a lovely chat with Chef at the end.




Sep 12, 2009

Everything Tote



I've had a busy week of sewing. Whipped up this Everything Tote from Heather Ross's Weekend Sewing book. It is really easy although in my defence the instructions for attaching the handles were a little unclear. Hence the fact I put them on the wrong way! So I need to unpick and resew. I like to wear shoulder bags and was a little disappointed that this was more of a carry/ over the arm bag, until I realised it was my error! And the bag is massive - really a bag to carry everything in. Will definately make more but will scale down the size. Would be a good beach bag though, could easily fit a towel and clothes and lunch etc in.


And the fabric! One of my faves. Purchased a while back from Amber at Fresh Fabric Australia and I was savouring it, occasionally taking it out to pet. But now it's all gone and there is no more to be had for love or money!

Sep 9, 2009

Quilt and another Amy Butler bag

Well I've finally done it! I finished the quilt. And since today is the recipient's Mummy's birthday I made an Amy Butler bag for Mummy too.

My photos aren't too artistic today, just not in the mood I'm afraid.

I do love the colours in the quilt, really girly without being too obvious.

And here is Mummy's bag, it's the Amy Butler Frenchy Bag. I've wanted this pattern for ages, I saw it in a shop and just loved the fabric and the shape. And my lovely Mum bought the pattern for me on a recent trip to Melbourne.
Naturally the fabric is Amy Butler as well.


So happy birthdays girls! Love you lots!

Sep 3, 2009

First ever quilt nearly finished

Guilt is a marvelous thing! I feel so guilty about this quilt that I made it my priority to finish it ASAP. My little friend turned 1 in February and this was intended for her birthday, so I'm only 7 months late.

Anyway it's nearly finished, all I had to do was bind it. Which I'd never done before as it was my first ever quilt to reach completion stage.


I found the instructions in Anna Maria Horner's 'Seams to Me' very helpful and I think Heather Bailey has some on her blog too. Not only does Heather Bailey design beautiful fabric but she is beautiful in real life too - some people have all the luck!


Anyway here is a sneaky peak at the quilt with the binding pinned on. My mitred corners aren't too bad.


This is the back side of the quilt, I will reveal all once finished. You can see the front in a post from a while back about Stack & Slash quilts.

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