Girls Night In

A big thankyou those that were able to make it last night.
We had a good night mainly chatting, some of us were able to multi task; chat, watch chick flick and craft but I was not one of them. I think we all agreed that I shouldn’t take up being an auctioneer as a career but in saying that we did raise $114 for Girls Night In. Thank you Girls for your the yummy food and your very generous donations and making the night a success.

Hand Made by Lucy

Lucy is a very close friend and while she confesses she is not overly crafty she has given many things a try. The first thing she made (that I’m aware of) is a quilt for their bedroom. The quilt was made of large and medium squares from black and white Chinese printed fabric, she borrowed my sewing machine and for her very first attempt did a really good job. Together with her mum they latter made other quilt for her sisters 40th birthday and has since embroidered some napkins and made paper flowers that were simple but stunning. Her sister in-law recently had a baby girl, when they first announced that they were expecting she decided to make a babies quilt. She went to a lovely quilting store in Camberwell where they helped her out with the colours and she set to hand sewing the quilt. The baby arrived a little early so she enlisted the help of Ingrid to quilt it for. For Lucy’s first attempt at hand sewing, I think you would all agree with me that she did a minty fine effort. She confused to me latter that she only plans to make other 2 of these. Keep up the great work Lucy and we look forward to seeing more in the future.

October - Scrappy Christmas Decorations

While our Christmas tree looks great when it’s up, with my colour scheme of aqua/blues and silver there is still quite a bit of green showing though. So I decided that each year I would add at least one Christmas decoration, sometimes homemade and sometimes brought ones or maybe both. So with all the stores starting to display all their Christmas lines I thought it was time to start thinking about Christmas as well.

I would say that I have a bit of fabric at home, with quite a lot of the fabric being scraps left over from work (I work in a fashion house) when we make beautiful garments or from header cards that we acquire from fabric mills displaying their stock fabrics. So with the scraps of fabrics and a couple of other ideas that have been in my head for I don’t know how long, this month I made these scrappy Christmas decorations. Okay one of them doesn’t look very Christmassy but I just love the colours. While the ball is a little time consuming, if you have all your fabric pre-cut and ready to go, it’s defiantly something that can be done in front of the TV. For full instructions shoot me an email.


A number of you wanted to see a photo of my outfit that I was wearing to the hens party that I had to rush off for. Unfortunately in my hast to have lunch and get out the door I forgot, however here’s a photo of me at the hens (sorry not the best). I was very proud to be voted one of the best dressed on the day/night, but still thought the hen looked smashing in her outfit, and the boys agreed.



Happy Crafting
Trina D

Cake Recipe - Lemon Semolina Cake

This recipe is my adaption of the Lemon Semolina Cake from The Complete Cookies, Muffins & Cakes Cookbook.

6 large eggs, separated
1 ½ cups caster sugar
1/3 cup[ lemon juice
1 lemon, juiced and finely grated lemon rind
1 cup semolina
½ cup ground almonds
2 tablespoons self-rising flour
Preheat oven to 170⁰C. Lightly grease a 24cm spring-form tin and line with baking paper. Using electric beaters, beat the yolks, sugar the rind and lemon juice in a mixing bowl for 8 minutes.
Beat the egg whites in a clean bowl with clean electric beaters until firm peaks form. Gently fold the whites with a metal spoon into the egg yolk mixture alternately with combined semolina ground almonds and flour. Take care not to over mix. Carefully pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the centre of the cake. Leave to cake in the tin for 5 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Pierce a few holes in the cake with a skewer.
Poor over a lemon syrup and serve with thick cream

Happy baking
Trina D

Cake Recipe - Honey and Coconut cake

I've been asked by the girls to post the recipes of the cakes I make for CC&C. Here is my first one Honey and Coconut Cake from The Complete Cookies, Muffins & Cakes Cookbook.

125g unsalted butter, softened
⅔ cup raw sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
¼ cup honey
1 ½ cup desiccated coconut
1 ¾ cups self raising flour
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ cup milk
Extra ground nutmeg to decorate
honey and cream cheese icing
125g cream cheese, softened
½ cup icing sugar
1 tablespoon honey

Preheat oven to 180⁰C. Lightly grease a 28x18x3cm cake tin. Line with lightly greased baking paper. Using electric beaters, beat the butter and sugar in a small mixing bowl until light and creamy. Add the eggs gradually, beating thoroughly after each addition. Add the vanilla essence and honey. Beat until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and add the desiccated coconut. Using a metal spoon, fold in sifted flour and spices alternating with milk. Stir until just combined and the mixture is almost smooth. Spoon into the prepared pan and smooth surface.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the skewer comes out clean when inserted in the centre. Leave the cake in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rake to cool completely. Remove the baking paper from the cake. To make the icing, beat the softened cream cheese with electric beaters in a small mixing bowl until creamy. Add the sifted issuing sugar and honey, beating for 3 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Spread the icing evenly over the cake using a flat-bladed knife. Sprinkle the extra nutmeg over the top. Cake can be stored for 4 days in an airtight container.

Happy baking
Trina D

Famous Person in Out Mist

Yes we have our very own local famous person in our mist at CC&C.
Christina has made the local paper with her efforts in helping the NEAMI 3D artwork project at the Watsonia Library which is aimed at helping people with mental health issues.

A job well done Christina.

Keep up the hard work.

Monthly Comp

This month’s competition winner is Amy.
She has turned her little Crochet square into a badge and added some little beads. She even felted one of them. Thanks Amy for reminding us to think outside the square.


She also had just finished her Granny Crochet Blanket, which I believe that her cat has taken a liking too.

Well done Amy

September - Fabric Yo-Yo's

More than a year ago I saw a flower made out of fabric, and me being me when home and made my own (not knowing how it was originally made). It was easy and while it may not have been done in the same manner it came out looking pretty much the same. I made a bunch of them and latter I made these fabric squares out of them.

Now you may called me old fashioned but I often feel that we get carried away with technology, making/buying things that make our life quicker and some would debate similar. Over the past few months I have noticed a flood in the market of these products called yo-yo makers. Now I’m not referring to the yo-yo’s on the string like many of you may think; these yo-yo’s are really fabric flowers (like the ones I made over a year ago). Now I don’t know how these yo-yo makers work but I do know that they cost about $10 and they say it will help you make yo-yo’s quickly BUT you will only be able to make one size. Honestly the yo-yo’s or fabric flowers that I make are quick and simple and you can make any size you want and I’m sure it doesn’t take much longer than using one of these yo-yo makers. The best thing is that you don’t have to spend lots of money on different plastic things in different sizes. Just find some old paper or card and make some circles in different sizes to make a pattern; priceless LOL. These flowers I made and turned them into magnets, but you can also turn them into really cute brooches. Feel free to contact me for the instructions.

Until next month, happy crafting.

Trina D

Girls Night In is Going Crafty

This time last year I was very busy organising the Pretty In Pink Pamper Day to raise money for Girls Night In (Cancer Council). I was going to organise other one this year but was unable to secure a function centre as the were all putting their charity efforts this year to the bush fire appeal.

So I have decided that I will organise a smaller event and change the vibe by doing a Going Crafty Night.
I confirmed any details as yet but wanted to let you all know so that you can keep it in mind as your planning the coming weeks/months. It will be in October towards the end of the month on a Friday or Saturday night. If there is anyone that would like to lend a hand to organise it I would love the help.

Keep an eye on this space for more details.
Trina D

August - Crochet

This month’s group pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a zone which would be called nothing less than a frustrated one. Wendy run this month’s demo and proved to be a very good teacher as I can now crochet, okay I need a little practise as my tension is a little tight and not consistent but I will get there. Now that I can crochet I have yet started other project, and for those that now me, yes you are correct I’ve started big. I have unravelled a knitted jumper from Sussans that I love the colour off but after a much loved life as a jumper it’s a little out of shape so it will now begin a new life as a blanket (it’s still going to keep me warm. LOL).

This month Judy also stepped out of her comfort zone of knitting and made last month’s craft project ‘Christmas Ornaments’ and won the monthly competition. Judy, you did a great job and well done for trying something new!!! This is one of the reasons why I started this group, to tease your taste buds and to encourage you to try something different. While Judy has a taste for new things and Christmas the prize was 3 paper mâché Christmas decorations. We are all looking forward to seeing how she decorates them. Well done Judy and good luck!

I’m collecting all the squares that our group is knitting for the longest scarf which is well underway. A big thank you to Margaret who has made over 30 squares and is still going. The girls at the wool shop will fall over once I john them together with the other ones that are made and still being made.

Next month’s demo will be something that can be hung or magnetised and is great for those that like to start and finish a project in an afternoon.

Oh I almost forgot. I have finished my shrug, just in time for the end of Winter. However I was able to wear it twice and I was very happy with the comments I received. I will post a photo or 2 soon.

Until next month, happy crafting
Trina D

July - Christmas ornaments.

Cino Vino has found some room upstairs for us to spread our self’s out and enjoy the freedom of talking wildly over our craft projects without upsetting their other customers. I sure I’m not the only one that thinks the extra room is great, I just need to work on providing more lighting for next month. Christmas in July was the theme this month so I brought out my little candy canes and beaded icicles. These little Christmas decorations are simple but are truly stunning and your friends will want to know where you brought them (you can keep is a secrete if you like) These little treasures are will not only save your wallet but if you have children it’s a great activity to do with them. Kits and instructions are available upon request tn06@bigpond.com.au.

I have been asked a number of times about my little re-enactment of my wedding. Well not quite re-enactment as there was no groom but I did have a bridesmaid. A friend of mine is doing a photography course and asked me to assist her in one of her assessments. In true friendship I pulled in other one of my friends to ensure there were more than a laugh or two (plus she is more photogenic). The twist on this little photo shoot was that the accessories and bouquets were all made from vegetables. Ahhh the fun one can have if you only think outside the veggie box. LOL

This is my favourite

The Longest Scarf

Coffee Cake and Create is helping the Watsonia Traders Association knit the Longest Scarf

This special activity will be launched at the Winter Wonderland event outside the Watsonia Wool Shop. A table will be set up outside the Watsonia Wool shop for me and anyone else that would like to join me knitting on the day.

The scarf will be revealed next year at the same time, by laying the LONGEST SCARF, along Watsonia Rd. The finished product will be presented to a worth while Charity, which will be announced at the Winter Wonderland event.

Launch Date: Saturday 1st of August
Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm

You can help by knitting 6 inches x 6 inches [33stitches on 4mm needles, 8ply wool]. If knitting more than one it would be appricated if you join them together. These strips of 6 inch squares will then be all joined together to help us produce the longest knitted scarf

Over the year, you can pass your sqaures to me for processing and drop off to Watsonia Wool Shop.

The more people involved the longger the scarf will be.
So talk to your friends and start knitting.