Cherry bakewell cake

I am more than a bit obsessed with cake at the moment - being on a diet and all - and this is one of my current faves.  I've posted the recipe on here and think my little sis in particular should give it a go.

Enjoy x

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/9074/cherry-bakewell-cake

Dotty Sparkle's Farmers Market

I thought I'd have a go at selling my wares a bit further afield so ventured off to Dotty Sparkle's Farmers Market in Thorpe Bay on Sunday.

It was a small affair with around 15 stalls - a mix of craft and foods - in the most gorgeous little church hall. Dotty (Caroline) did a fabulous job decorating the hall and the tea room in pretty vintage bits.  A lovely atmosphere and backdrop to the proceedings.

So, we had a dry run with the stall on Saturday to see if we could get it to look less of a jumble. Claire's parents very kindly lent me their bespoke shelving (they have antique stalls) to give our stall some height and interest. I was absolutely delighted with the result.

Well, the day turned out to be profitable and, most importantly, we had great support from lots of our Leigh friends who popped by. The kids had a great time setting up the stall, mooching around the hall and serving too.

Am chuffed to bits with a new idea of mine - small mice (in vintage dresses!!) in beds - which sold extremely well. I shall make lots of these for next time as I love fiddling around with the different fabrics and buttons for their garments.

Anyhow, off to get the kids to school. Got a bench cushion to make for my friends AC and John today and a tutorial to write for tomorrow's sewing lesson.

Ta ta for now.

Spice up your baubles

I absolutely adore this blog at teawagontales. Super vintage fabrics and cute but very cool handmade goodies.

And the clever lady who writes this blog has posted a tutorial to 'pimp up your Christmas baubles'. Take a look....

www.teawagontales.blogspot.com

...am off to order some vintage floral decals.

Mince pies in November....

... but we do have a good excuse. Dr Green's birthday tomorrow and he's promised the gang at work some home made mince pies.

mimiandcakes.com!

Well, I have FINALLY updated my website www.mimiandcakes.com. There's now information on sewing tuition as well as the goodies I make for the vintage fair. Phew.

Now need to blog more regularly. Laters x

More sewing course news

Am so excited think I might damage something! Yep, the sewing courses are finalised and Sharon at Roses and Rue is booking places. There's some cracking courses on offer. I'm particularly excited about the quilt course, appliqued pictures and the Christmas gifts: tea cosies, peg bag and laundry sack, toy sacks, Christmas bunting, Union Jack cushions, door stops, hearts, aprons, tote bags, Christmas stockings and lots, lots more.

If any of you guys fancy joining in, then please take a look at Sharon's website - www.rosesandrue.moonfruit.com for all the details and how to book.

Love to see you there.

Blackberries!!!

At the weekend we took the kids and the dog over to Two Tree Island for a bit of blackberry picking. Managed to get a huge bucket of them and there are plenty more unripe berries for a revisit.

Last night, Mimi and I cooked up a delicious blackberry and apple crumble (served warm with vanilla ice cream). And today, by chance, I was sent a link from the BBC Good Food website with some great blackberry recipes. Have made this amazingly moist blackberry and apple loaf cake. YUM!

Lara popped by with a couple of recipes too - blackberry and apple crumble cake (sounds similar to the one above) and a scrumptious blackberry fool - one to try tomorrow.