It’s been a while since I’ve posted about weekend adventures; with the other half away for the foreseeable future its been hard to have a weekend that was massively blog worthy. This weekend was so good though I couldn’t help but share it with you
Yet again I’m about to sing the praises of a local venue. Apologies to non UK or Kent dwellers for this one but I hope you can appreciate the beauty of this weeks visit none the less.
A sunny afternoon called for a picnic (what else?) and Mount Ephraim gardens in Faversham seemed like the perfect spot. A little twitter research told us they had a vintage fair too; right now we HAVE to go!
800 aches of park land, including orchards, rose gardens, topiary gardens and a Chinese themed rockery all looked simply beautiful in the Kent sun.. Don’t you agree?
The vintage fair was so impressive. From VW camper vans, to vintage clothes, accessories, antiques, and even a tribute act, this was well worth our visit. For the first ever fair of this type at the location we where really really impressed with the amount and variety of stalls.
Overall a fab day out, and one I’d happily do again! Check back soon for an interview with some of the vintage stand owners 
Meg xx
Like most with a 9-5 job my weekend is a golden opportunity to get all those exciting jobs like going to the bank, done. This sometimes means that craft and baking however gets pushed aside. Interesting projects are usually too long and full of commitment for rubbish working hours, and days off are few and far between. So here are some projects and tips for those busy bee’s who still like craft and eat cake
DISCLAIMER: Not all crafts that are quick need to involve buttons on string and loo rolls, there’s so much more to do!
Train it up Baby
Originally when starting this blog travelling on the train was my biggest burden, and biggest gift of time. A 4 hour train journey each day gives me time to finish small projects on my way to and from work. My first project that was on going were my Felt poppies. Small felt projects are great, as are any projects on embroidery hoops that can be easily picked up and down between train changes!
Are you a commuter? use this time wisely, who cares if you get funny looks on the train..you get used to it.
These projects are perfect for some craft commuting, felt in particular is easy to work with and the perfect fabric for a simple project. Keep an eye on my ‘crafting on the move’ pinterest board for ideas!
Don’t be afraid to crochet
Now for crochet virgins this may seem a little bit full on. Learning a whole new thing isn’t quick right. Well I beg to differ where crochet s concerned. I learnt how to make a granny square in about two hours thanks to a few online videos. it really is so so simple, and you can end up with a finished result pretty quick by the time you have got through a few evening soaps. I find it much better than knitting (which I am still yet to master) and once you have the basics you can slowly teach yourself the more complex stitches. It’s a great project as you can do it for 5 min, put it aside and pick it back up with ease. Check out the videos I used to get me started:
Starting your crochet, Chain links and the basics HERE
How to Crochet a flower HERE
On Going Projects
The best way for quick craft- without it being naff and a bit pointless is to take on a project with lots of small quick elements that add up to one fantastic outcome
These are great as you can do one part, leave it, come back a month later and do another little bit, before you know it you have enough to add together to create a project you can be proud of
The perfect things for this is are garlands, patchwork, quiet books, etc,
I hope I gave you a little bit of inspiration here, I know sometimes life takes over, but get those projects on the go, who cares how long it takes, its the outcome that counts
Hi Everyone, Just a super quick post to say sorry for the state of the blog right now, we are changing over to our own hosting so posts may look a little scruffy and the layout is rather wonky at the moment. I’m battling the urge to sleep to get things sorted, so please bare with me while we go through the motions! Stay tuned for book reviews, a give away and cheese scones, Yum!
Loads of love, Craft it Bake it (Meg)
This weeks Great British Sewing Bee showed us a great Cushion Tutorial.. Albeit a little fast so here it is in case you missed it!
Quiet a plain design, but simple and effective, embellishments could easily be added to make this design more personal. More detailed instructions are available in the New GBSB book.
Start by cutting out 4 long rectangles, two for the outer cover and two for the contrasting lining. (Place your pillow on top of your fabric to give you an idea of the size of fabric you will need)
Put the 4 pieces aside
Then make the ties by cutting 4 strips of the cover fabric and four strips of the lining.
Snip off at the corners on one end at a 45 degree angle.
Pin a lining strip to a strip of your main fabric, lining up the 45 degree cuts neatly
Stitch along 3 of the sides. excluding the side that you didn’t cut a a 40 degree angle (the square end)
Push your ties the right way out with a pencil or chopstick
(repeat to make 2 ties in total)
Give everything a good press with steam
Next, assemble your cushion.Grab you 4 pieces that you put aside earlier, lay out on your bench.
Place the ties about a third of the way along the cover on each side, as shown in the image; line the raw square edges with the edge of your outer fabric
Pin the lining on top (as shown in below image) then stitch through all layers along the top edge
Repeat on the other end of fabric (obviously this end wont have any ties in it!)
Bring the two ends together and sew the sides up, leave the top open so you can insert your pillow
Turn inside out
Lastly Iron inside and out for a nice finish. Stuff with cushion pad and tie up your ties
Lovely! Simple but really attractive. Thanks again to the BBC for images and info used in this post!
I’ve been searching for a good Angel Cake Recipe for ages, cookery books came up blank, as did the internet. So here is my own version of that English three layered classic,
Angel Cake Recipe | A Traditional English Bake
2013-05-03 05:05:14
Serves 5
A simple vanilla sponge with a splash of food colour and buttercream, this is a great bake!
Basic Sponge
250g unsalted butter, at room temperature
250g caster sugar
4 large eggs, beaten
1tsp vanilla extract
250g plain flour
4tsp baking powder
3-4tsp milk
Yellow and Pink Food Dye
(If you don't have plan flour, use self raising but skip the baking powder)
Buttercream
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
40g Butter (room Temp)
90g Icing Sugar
Preheat your oven to Gas Mark 4 (180 degrees)
Make sure your butter is at room temperature. Cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy
Break your eggs into a separate bowl and lightly beat with a fork. Add the vanilla. Gradually add to your creamed sugar and butter, Stir until smooth.
Add half of your sifted flour and baking powder, mix well. Repeat with the other half of the flour mix. Add the milk and mix until you have a smooth mixture. add the milk and give it one last stir
Separate evenly into three bowls, Leave one as it is. In one add a touch of pink colouring, and then yellow into the last mix, try and be light handed with the food colouring, a little goes a long way!
Grease your loaf tins (if you don't have three, you can use one it will just take a little longer!
Pour your three mixes into your three tins and bake for around 20-30 min, depending on your oven
Remove from the tin and leave to cool down
Mix the butter-cream by whisking the icing sugar and butter. Level the layers if need be and sandwich with butter-cream.
By Craft It Bake It
Craft It Bake It http://craftitbakeit.com/
It really was tasty, not as sickly as the supermarket versions but it brought back some great memories!
