Laura Strutt's Blog, page 37

Creme Caramel Rooibos Iced Tea

Ok so the clocks have changed and that means that British Summer Time is officially upon us. Or, in other words, it’s Iced Tea Season!

Sweet Iced Tea is one of my life long weaknesses – it’s taken me an age to master that silky, heavenly blend – but now that I have, I think that I’ll never tire of trying out new combinations.

When the lovely folks at teapigs sent over a few delicious samples of their amazing tea, I right away got to dreaming about new Iced Tea flavours. This, my friends, is one of my favourites so far!

Rooibos Creme Caramel Tea £3.99 per pack of 15 single cup temples c/o teapigs

Yes, this is delicious hot – and makes a great after dinner treat if you’re trying to skip dessert, but are a slave to a sweet tooth (like me!) But, brewed up, blended with a secret ingredient (well, not so secret, as I’m about to share that with you!) and served over ice, this is just heaven in a glass. I can’t predict the weather that we’ll be getting this summer, but I can predict that I’ll be drinking this by the pitcher full all summer long! Ok folks, let’s do this, let’s make Creme Caramel Rooibos Iced Tea!

Grab your supplies…

Creme Caramel Rooibos Iced Tea from tea pigs (one temple makes two glasses of iced tea)

Boiling water

Chilled water

Pinch of Bicarbonate of Soda (honest – trust me on this, this is that secret ingredient I was telling you about!)

Lots and lots of ice

This recipe makes two glasses of iced tea, if you want to make larger quantities, simply increase the quantities proportionately!

 Add the tea pigs Rooibos Creme Caramel temple to your favourite tea pot and pour over boiling water.  Add in a pinch of bicarbonate of soda, now I know that this sounds a little weird – and I guess that it is – but, this is what helps to create that amazing silky and glossy finish – if you love Iced Tea you’ll know exactly what I mean. Because you are adding only a tiny pinch, this doesn’t alter the flavour of the delicious tea.

If you’re a sugar in your tea kinda gal then you can add in your chosen sweetener now too. Although I don’t add sugar to my hot tea I’m known to add it in when fixing a pitcher of iced tea. This Creme Caramel Rooibos tea from teapigs however, didn’t need any additional sweetening for my taste. That’s the things I love most about this tea blend – it contains tiny little chunks of real caramel – yum!

Allow the tea to brew for 5 minutes – you need the tea to have a really strong flavour before transforming it into it’s iced tea masterpiece!

Once the tea has brewed – and you’ve just about died from that amazing aroma of caramel – fill your glass half way with the tea and top with the chilled water. Add in as much ice as you can fit in the glass, and top up with even more if needed to chill it to perfection.

This is a drink to be enjoyed at leisure, I can’t wait for the long hot afternoons and balmy evenings when a glass of this will, no doubt, be a constant in my hand!

I’ve got a sneaky feeling that trying out new iced tea blends is going be my a new summer pastime for me, which is a good thing as there are a whole heap of exciting varieties over at teapigs for me to get tasting and testing! So, idea tea fans, tell me, do you have a very favourite iced tea blend?

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Style Sunday: The Boyfriend Cardigan

What are Sunday’s for if not being comfortable in cute casual knits?

If there is one garment that seems to be a perpetual staple in my wardrobe (albeit in a range of different colours!) it is The Boyfriend Cardigan. These are great – slip over your PJs for cosy lazy loungewear, or layer on top of a pretty sundress – teamed with woollen tights and boots to look like you just stepped out of a Rowan catalogue (which is something I aspire to most days when I get dressed!).

I think that I might be lost without these versatile knits, I love this chunky grey version from TopShop – there is quite simply nothing in my wardrobe that won’t go with this. So, how about making your own? Check out today’s Style Sunday The Boyfriend Cardigan for inspiration on creating your very own bespoke knit!

The Pattern

Spephanie Japel’s Shapely Boyfriend Cardigan is the perfect combination of chunky cosy knits, with just enough clever shaping to keep this garment feminine. Available for free from Knitty!

The Yarn

1 Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in Grey, £4.95 per 50g Deramores

2 Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Worsted in Kakhi, £10.35 per 113g Magpielly

3 Cascade Eco Cloud in Charcoal, £9.95 per 100g NuttyKnittingSupplies

4 Sirdar Hayfield Bonus Aran in Dark Grey Mix, £9.99 per 400g WoolWarehouse

Stephanie Japel is one of my all time favourite knitwear designers – be sure to check out her other amazing knitwear designs too!

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Creative Stitches Workshops: The Vilene Sewing Club

Yehaw for Saturdays! What’s not to love about Saturdays?

The last few weeks have been busy, busy, busy, so reaching a lovely relaxing weekend is just what the doctor ordered. Last weekend I was hosting a series of workshops at The Vilene Sewing Club at the Sewing For pleasure at the NEC and next weekend I will be bringing The Vilene Sewing Club to the Creative Stitches show at ExCel, London.

So, today I’ll be taking the quiet, enjoying the still and having some much needed time with family and friends. Oh yeah…and getting busy cutting and preparing all the awesome fabrics and materials for the workshops.

These workshops are completely free and will be running throughout the days of the event – the places for the workshops are limited but, they are bookable on the day of the event, on a first come, first served basis…so, be sure to swing in past and get your spot booked in when you arrive!

Here’s a little peek at what we’ll be making…

The Vilene Sewing Club Workshops, Creative Stitches Show

3 – 5 April, ExCel London

PETER PAN COLLAR

Create your own stylish removable Peter Pan Collar in a duo of designer prints.

Skills You’ll Master: working curved seams, neatening and clipping seams, turning through, slip stitch, adding double faced buttons, applying a snap fastener.

THE EVERYDAY PURSE

Discover how to make a simple and stylish purse with many unique customisation options.

Skills You’ll Master: creating neat box corners, neatening seams, applying a fastening/zip.

THE EASY BABY BIB

Create a reversible baby bib using a combination of stunning contemporary prints.

Skills You’ll Master: piecing contrast panels, working curved seams, neatening and clipping seams, slip stitch, top stitching, applying a snap fastener.

LOG CABIN POT HOLDER

Add a modern twist to a kitchen classic with a fun blend of designer print cottons.

Skills You’ll Master: log cabin piecing – using Vilene Quickscreen Square, layering elements for quilting, adding simple quilting, applying binding to finish raw edges

SLEEP MASK

Relax in style with a custom eye mask created in a duo of striking printed cottons, contrast piping and teamed with an elegant ribbon tie.

Skills You’ll Master: creating and inserting piping into a seam, securing ribbon ties, working curved seams, clipping and slipstitch.

 ♥ – ♥ – ♥

If you’re coming along to the Creative Stitches show at ExCel, London next week be sure to visit The Vilene Sewing Club and come say Hi!

Not got your tickets yet? Not a problem – you can buy them online right now!

Have a lovely weekend Peaches!

♥ – ♥ – ♥

Find your nearest Vilene stockiest by contacting crafts@stockistenquiries.co.uk

The Vilene Sewing Club In Association With…

All of the delicious fabrics for these makes are from the stunning range of designer prints from Art Gallery Fabrics  – take a look over the range, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

The ribbons and trimmings for these projects were supplied by Berisfords, who offer a range of ribbons for sewing and decorative projects in a host of colours styles and finishes. Priced from 70p per meter and available from fabric and sewing stores. For more information visit www.berisfords-ribbons.co.uk or call 01453 883581

 

The buttons and fasteners for these projects are from Hemline, who provide a vast range of products for all aspects of sewing and crafting which are available nationwide from sewing and craft suppliers. For more information contact groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581

Thank you to DotComGiftShop for the fab additions to the Vilene Sewing Club Goodie Bags!

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Free Mother’s Day Printables: 10 Fave Designs

Everyone loves breakfast in bed, so these pancake banner toppers are going to go down a real treat – part of the gorgeous breakfast in bed free printables set from StudioDIY

For all us UK folks, this Sunday is Mother’s Day – a day for telling that special lady in our lives just how much she means to us! I thought that I would share a few of my favourite Free Mother’s Day Printables so you can shower your Mamas with love this weekend!

1 Mother’s Day Coupons  ApartmentTherapy

2 Chevron Printable Mother’s Day Card ThriftyNiftyThings

3 Mother’s Day Party Pack CatchMyParty

4 Amazing Mum Card Koriclark

5 Mother’s Day Gift Tag CoolMomPicks

6 Mother’s Day Banner WhimsicalDesignStudio

7 Without You I’m Nothing wall art, HelloSweetLife

8 Mother’s Day Cupcake Toppers, Bakingdom

9 I Owe To My Mother Quote Wall Art, KikiCreates

10 Doom Girls Gift Tags, AndreaZuill

So, go forth and do something lovely for your Mama this weekend!

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A little something lovely

Sometimes in life it is the little things that can make us the happiest. The smallest gesture, a quick bright smile.

And, because I know y’all are going to ask. Yup! That is a vintage pewter brogue pin cushion – a most excellent Christmas gift from my Dad!

When I was working (my fingers to the bone – I shall add for dramatic effect!) getting ready for The Vilene Sewing Club workshops Sewing for Pleasure, my darling friends over at DotComGiftShop decided to get involved and make my life (and that of those attending the workshops!) just a little bit sweeter! Everyone who attended the workshops at the NEC got to take home a little goodie bag jam packed with handy user guides for getting the most from the Vilene range, and a selection of samples to try out for themselves at home – what could be better than that? Well, I might not be able to better it, but I think that the cherry on the top might come in the form of an itty-bitty vintage-style sewing kit!

Retro Flower Basket Sewing Kit, £2.95, DotComGiftShop

How many of y’all remember these sweet kits from when you were stitching as a Little? What, is my age showing?!

If you are coming along to the Creative Stitches show at Excel on the 3-5 April, be sure to book your spot on one of the many Vilene Sewing Club workshops – and you’ll also find one of these sweet little stitching kits in your goodie bag – along with some fun Vilene products for you to play with! The Vilene Sewing Club Workshop are bookable on the morning of the event on a first come, first served basis – so y’all are going to have to get in quick smart! To find your local Vilene stockist contact crafts@stockistenquiries.co.uk  In Association With… All of the delicious fabrics for these makes are from the stunning range of designer prints from Art Gallery Fabrics  – take a look over the range, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed! The ribbons and trimmings for these projects were supplied by Berisfords, who offer a range of ribbons for sewing and decorative projects in a host of colours styles and finishes. Priced from 70p per meter and available from fabric and sewing stores. For more information visit www.berisfords-ribbons.co.uk or call 01453 883581 The buttons and fasteners for these projects are from Hemline, who provide a vast range of products for all aspects of sewing and crafting which are available nationwide from sewing and craft suppliers. For more information contact groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581 Thank you to EQS and DotComGiftShop for the fab additions to the Vilene Sewing Club Goodie Bags!

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Guest Post: Craft Candy DIY Fabric Mother’s Day Card

Mother’s Day is right around the corner! What better way to show your mum how much you love her than with a handmade Mother’s Day card?

When my chums over at Craft Candy asked if I’d like to design a cool and contemporary card for Mother’s Day, I jumped at the chance!

I know that the thought of card making can sound really tricky, I mean you need a whole heap of fancy paper crafting supplies, you’re going to need to know how to draw or paint, or be artistic in some way, you’re going to need fancy motifs and weird and wonderful adhesives. But, you know what? That isn’t always the case!

With just a few simple supplies – that chances are you already have in your stash – you can create this simple yet modern fabric greetings card!

I love to mix media and team fabric and stitches with paper craft to create something that it a little more exciting! There is something amazing about the addition of a few little stitches to really transform a simple design. I love this striking print from ArtGalleryFabrics and using a few small pieces of Bondaweb makes the construction quick, easy and give a really professional finish.

One of my very favourite things about handmade cards is that they are blank on the inside, so you can write your very own message – no Hallmark sentiments here! Be sure to go and check out my guest post over on Craft Candy to see the full step-by-step guide!

And, if you’re sending a handmade card – why not check out this Handmade Gift Guide with lots of ideas for those special mamas out there!

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The Vilene Sewing Club: What a blast!

I’m just going to come right out and say it – I’m feeling pretty euphoric about the workshops I hosted at The Vilene Sewing Club at Sewing For Pleasure at the NEC last week. Yes, euphoric. Exhausted also, but mostly euphoric! I had the very best time! I got to meet so many wonderful people, see some pretty amazing stitching and it was a real joy to be able to help those that were a little daunted about jumping on a sewing machine for the first time. My very favourite thing about these workshops was how happy you all were to be taking some time to be sitting and stitching; whether you were learning something completely new, or whether you had experience and just wanted to try out some of the amazing Vilene products – it was like being surrounded by a big bubble of stitch happiness all day, every day! The workshop spots were limited and as they were only bookable on the morning of each event, they were booked out pretty quickly. I’m sorry that some of you were disappointed to not be able to join in. So, in order to share the fun, I will be adding all of the project how to guides to this site for you to download and work on at home (and yes – you can email me if you get in a pickle, so you won’t be all alone!) So, if you didn’t get the chance to attend the workshop you wanted, or you weren’t able to join us at the show, be sure to watch this space!

When I tell you I am feeling euphoric, it is not an exaggeration (although I have been known to exaggerate!) I was completely blown away by the response to the Vilene Sewing Club workshops, the lovely friendly people that I met and the experience of being part of something so fun and exciting. I have made a whole heap of new friends – friends that love to make things which, let’s face it, are the best kind of friends to have! So thank you all for our fun times – and I hope that we get to do it again soon – I’d like to give a special Thank You Shout Out to the very sweet and kind Pauline, who dropped off a very thoughtful little gift. So, I think I’m totally justified in my announcement of feeling euphoric about the whole Vilene Sewing Club Experience! I think the only thing that I miss out on at this show was the quality shopping time…but, my bank account is probably glad of that. I’ve noticed that some of you have been adding your makes to Instagram, like  EmmaLou and DebHickman - I love to see what you’ve been making so be sure to add #MadePeachy or tag me @MadePeachy so I can see your makes! The lovely Deb also wrote a wonderfully sweet post about the show and her time at the workshops over on her beautiful blog – AWorldofImagination – you really should check it out…even though I’m rather envious of that shopping haul!

Did you come to the show, attend the workshops? Did you write a blog post about it…share your links in the comments below, I’d love to read them! Get Stocked Up! Lots of people that attended the workshops are looking for stockists for the Vilene products that were featured, so I thought I’d share with you a little list of some stockist for each of the Vilene products featured in each of the makes…

Peter Pan Collar Vilene G405 medium-weight white fusible interfacing DragonflyFabrics Every Day Purse Vilene G405 Decovil 1 Light  EmpressMills Easy Baby Bib Vilene G405 Medium Weight Iron On Interfacing Fabrics Plus Log Cabin Pot Holder Vilene Quickscreen Square QuiltRoom Vilene Thermolam  EclecticMaker Vilene Cotton Batting CottonPatch Sleep Eye Mask Vilene H640 Volume Fleece  PuddleCrafts This is by no means an extensive list, there are many many more stockists for Vilene, so you can also contact crafts@stockistenquiries.co.uk to find your local stockist for the products featured in the list above.

 

 

 

 

 

 

All of the delicious fabrics for these makes are from the stunning range of designer prints from Art Gallery Fabrics  – take a look over the range, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

 

 

 

 

 

The ribbons and trimmings for these projects were supplied by Berisfords, who offer a range of ribbons for sewing and decorative projects in a host of colours styles and finishes. Priced from 70p per meter and available from fabric and sewing stores. For more information visit www.berisfords-ribbons.co.uk or call 01453 883581

The buttons and fasteners for these projects are from Hemline, who provide a vast range of products for all aspects of sewing and crafting which are available nationwide from sewing and craft suppliers. For more information contact groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk or call 01453 883581

Thank you to EQS and DotComGiftShop for the fab additions to the Vilene Sewing Club Goodie Bags!

Now, I really must busy myself with preparing for the next show at Excel on the 3 – 5 of April - I hope I’ll be seeing you there!

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DIY Peacock & Diamonte Hair Accessory

Hello my pretties! Nothing says vintage glamour more than a peacock feather and diamond hair accessory! When the lovely Kelly over at Boho Weddings asked if I’d like to share a fun DIY wedding project – couldn’t wait to get making! With just a few supplies you can make your own stylish little hair accessory – that is perfect for parties, weddings and any glamorous event that you are lucky enough to get invited to! head over to BohoWeddings to check out this quick and easy step-by-step guide to make your very own DIY Peacock & Diamonte Hair Accessory!

If you’re looking for more DIY ideas for your wedding, why not grab yourself a copy of my DIY wedding book? Or, read up on these handy tips for holding a budget-friendly wedding in the 5K Wedding series with tips from real life brides in The US Edition, The Canadian Edition and The UK Edition! For more ideas for something fun to make be sure to check out the Gallery too!

Have yourselves a beautiful Monday Y’all!

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Style Sunday: Cute Collars & Skater Dresses

Happy Sunday Y’all! Today is another work day for me – it’s the last day of the Sewing For Pleasure Show – and wow, has it ever been a busy show! I’ve been hosting workshops on the Vilene Sewing Club stand and we have been having the greatest time!

It has been so awesome to meet so many stitchers and to help so many people work on – and complete – their first project, or discover a new skill or technique! I think that one of my favourite makes from this series of workshops is the Peter Pan Collar – not only is is a lot of fun to make, but a contrast collar is a really fun touch to add to a top or dress.

You know when you love something, you seem to spot it popping up everywhere? Well, that’s what’s happening to me right now – everywhere I look there is another amazing looking contrast collar! I mean, how adorable is this simple French Connection skater dress with a contrasts collar,  £67, Asos? Fancy having a try at stitching this look for yourself? The check out today’s Style Sunday: Cute Collars & Skater Dresses!

The Pattern

Simplicity 1755, Leanne Marshall Collection, Sizes 4-20, NOW £4.05, SimplicityNewLook

This petite dress has pleated skirt, tie belt and buttoned neck slit opening with collar. Select design B for the short raglan sleeves and the knee-length skirt.

♥ – ♥ – ♥

Psssttt! If you’ve not had the chance to come over to the Vilene Sewing Club at the Sewing For Pleasure Show – or, the workshops were booked out before you had the chance to sign up – don’t fret, You can still join the fun! In the coming weeks I will be sharing the projects for each of the workshop makes, so you’ll be able to give each one try at home…so, watch this space!

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Easy Duo Point Nail Art Mani

As I’ve been staying away from home this week, working at the Vilene Sewing Club at The Sewing for Pleasure Show at the NEC, staying in a hotel room (away from all the usual daily chores of home) leaves me with a lot more time on my hands in the evenings.

So, while I’ve been here – aside from eating a widely calorific dessert every night – I have been catching up on some reading and trying out new nail art ideas.

I really love how this Duo Point motif has worked out and lots of folks at the show who have been sewing with me at the workshops wanted to know how to make the design at home – so, my friends, here how to create this Easy Duo Point Nail Art Mani!

Grab your supplies…

Two colours of nail polish – I picked out a matte red and teamed it with a glittery gold shade.

Base & Top coat

Magic/Scotch Tape

Apply the base coat to your nails and leave to dry fully – this is the most important part of this style of nail art, rushing and trying to add in the next layer of colour before the last is fully dry will ruin the finish.

Cut a series of small strips of the Magic/Scotch tape -you will need two strips for each nail that you are going to add the pointed motif to. Woking with one strip at a time, position onto the nail so that the side of the tape runs diagonally across the nail from the outer edge towards the centre. Smooth down and apply the second strip from the other side in towards the centre.

The two strips of Magic/Scotch tape will create a small V shaped guide for you to apply the nail colour. Apply the shade picked for your base colour. Be sure to brush on the nail polish evenly – you can always apply a second coat to this once it is dry before moving onto add the second pointed accent. It doesn’t matter if some of the nail polish goes onto the surface of the tape, as this will be peeled away later to reveal a neat, crisp edge!

Allow the colour to fully dry – I mean fully dry – rushing this is going to peal away the nail colour and you’ll probably have to remove the whole lot and start over!

Carefully, peel away each of the two strips of Magic/Scotch tape from each nail – and you’ll reveal a neat pointed shape of colour!

If you want to add an accent colour to these pointed colour motifs – you can do this in exactly the same way. You can also reuse the tape strips, just turn them around to work on the nail polish free edge.  Position the tape strips across each nail in the same manner – ensuring that the new pointed shape in the centre will be slightly smaller than the first one.

Apply an even coat of colour to the nail, you can add a second coat of colour once this one has fully dried if needed.

When the colour has fully dried, carefully peel off the strips of tape and dispose of them. You will reveal a neat double pointed design on each finger! Add a top coat over the design to finish the mani.

Now, how easy was that? Super striking designs, with a neat professional finish, and all completely DIY – just the way we like it!

I love the way that Magic/Scotch tape creates the perfect edge when trying out fancy nail art ideas – what shapes are you going to try out?

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