Fiona Marie's Thread

French Knitting...

Scrap busting ball of french kitting.

Mia Hamilton's amazing entry in the Headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition on Waiheke Isaland. 

UK Crafts Council Exhibition.

Fancy trying to beat the world record?

Chrildrens party idea.

Inspired? Purchase your own french knitting dolly for $9.00 in the Piece for Creative Minds store.

Happy creating - Fiona marie x

Photo links

1. mima + moo - french kitting ball

2. Auckland West - tree decoration

3. UK Crafts Council - exhibition hoops

4. Absurd World Records - person

5. Beneath the Rowan Tree - Candy Cane Ponies

Tomato soup cake...

I hadn't come across the concept of putting Tomato Soup in a cake before I found the recipe in my Grandma Joanie's Recipe Book. 

This cake really surprises, it's light and fluffy, full of flavour, and pretty light on calories. I will continue to share some of Joanie's recipes as I make my way through her little modest notebook. You will find the recipes by clicking on the Joanie's Recipes icon on the right hand side, or the recipes button on the menu bar at the top of the page. I hope you enjoy this cake as much as I did and it would be great to have some feedback if you get the chance to make it.

Fiona Marie x 

Creative places...The Make Cafe

After visiting The Make Cafe for the very first time last Saturday during the Bloggers Connecting conference I couldn't wait to get back there this weekend with my daughter and a have another look around. 

I am definitely in my element when the 3 C's collide - Craft, Coffee & Cake.

So much beautiful fabric to choose from. In the end I picked up a crossword print, without the letters, seeing the potential for a bit of fun picking words to stitch and display in a hoop. That's shcool holiday project #1. We also bought a lovely little stamp to decorate Kraft paper for gift wrap, and some cute gift cards to give with handmade treasures. 

I love the crafty decor, the comfy couches, the creative atmosphere...

...and the friendly, helpful staff - yes, you Juliet...and Ruth, and Kirsty.

Mmmm. As Arnie would say "I'll be back!"

Fiona Marie x

Wal-nutty...

If someone hands you a big bag of walnuts fresh off the tree, what are you going to make?

Fiona Marie x 

Eat cottage cheese...

I came across this poster on FB and just had to print it off and pin it on the fridge. It was originally designed to encourage Americans to eat less meat, wheat, sugar and fats. These foods were needed by soldiers to keep them in peak physical condition for battle. The next one appealed to me even more because cottage cheese has always been my "need to lose a few kilos" go-to food. (I have a ready supply sitting in the fridge right now).

Ah...so true - just ask your pocketbook. I figure if I can save a little money on meat then I will be spending it at the next, and last of the season, Shabby Chic Market in Christchurch. This market is so popular that hordes turn up before opening time to grab the best treasures, so now the organisers have made a sign that reads "please let the stall holders set up". The market is held each month from October through to May on the first Sunday of the month. This month I bought the lovely knitted throw below. 

I picked it up to look at because I hadn't seen a log cabin design knitted throw before. I love knitting but the sewing up part is a chore so the idea someone knitted all these little pieces AND sewed them together really impressed me. I still wouldn't have bought it though (I was fancying a leg of lamb for Sunday dinner) if I hadn't heard it's story. The lady's 80 year old Mother-in-law who has to have a knitting project on the go was the creator. She knits with wool donated by friends or from op-shop jerseys she has unpicked. Perfect. I happily went without lamb on Sunday, and splashed out on some Lux Flakes to indulge it with a loving soak. Ahhh...

Fiona Marie x 

Quilts & books...

Two of my favourite things.

An immigrant women's group recently held an exhibition of their amazing quilts at the Beckenham Library in Christchurch. The quilts looked gorgeous sitting aloft rows of books.

These two quilts were made by Zhenquin, originally from China, who has lived here for 11 years.

I love this one - stars are my 'thing'. This quilt was made by Hsiao Ling who has lived in New Zealand for 12 years.

and finally this scrappy quilt caught my eye, made by Pearl. Thank-you ladies for sharing your creativity. Anyone interested in finding out more about this quilting group please email me and I will give you the details.

Be inspired - Fiona Marie x