As our oven gradually stopped being able to reliably heat things (it’s one and only role in life) I as slowly stopped baking. I’ve been surprised by how much I missed it. But now we have a strange new oven. I’m not friends with it yet, but I think we’ll get along just fine in a few weeks. When he got home from school Henry said ‘Yes! Our house smells like cake again!’

I’m working. A lot. I’m tired. And when I’m not working I’m just completely distracted thinking about work. And yet, working for me actually means writing a pretty book and making quilts.

Tony and I have been enjoying this series which puts our work/ life problems into rather sharp perspective. We know how fortunate we are. But a little reminder every now and again doesn’t hurt.

My little business has had a bit of a growth spurt recently. So to celebrate I’ve treated myself to an ipad mini. And let me tell you, it’s a thing of beauty. I’m hoping it will make travelling, working and generally being away from home easier and more pleasant, and I can Instagram at last too!

So, of course I needed a cover. I liked the idea of protecting brand new technology with a vintage quilt. And then I thought you might like a little tutorial:

Requirements:

• main and lining fabric
• wadding
• hand quilting and machine sewing thread
• snap fastener
• side plate for curved end

Prepare fabric. Cut main, lining fabric and wadding calculating the required size like this: Width: the width of the device plus 1 1/2 inches Length: double the length of your device plus half of that again plus 1/2 inch seam allowance.

So, for my ipad mini I cut 6 1/2 inches x 22 1/2 inches.

Curved end. Draw round a side plate to create  a gentle curve for the flap end of the case. Repeat for main, lining and wadding.

Hand quilt. Place your wadding behind the main fabric and hand quilt with small even running stitches. I chose to do diagonal lines. You can machine quilt if you prefer.

Add lining. Place lining and main fabric right sides together, aligning the curved ends. Pin in place.

Sew together. On the machine and starting half way down one long side, sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance, all round until you are within 3 or 4 inches of where you started. Leave this opening.

Turn right side out. Clip the curves and trim the excess fabric away from the corners. Turn right side out. Press.

Close opening. Fold the seam allowances inside the case and slipstitch closed with tiny stitches.

Fold Case. Fold the flat end of the case up until it is the depth of your device (8 inches for my ipad mini). Pin both sides in place. Slipstitch the seam. I sewed the lining fabrics together, not the main fabric.

Attach fastening. Hand stitch a snap fastener to the centre of the flap.

Admire. Place device inside it’s new case, step back and admire your work and never, ever point out your mistakes!

moon cycle, created with linen, bleach and seed stitches

My Dad’s got a new telescope and we’re inheriting his old one. I haven’t told the boys yet as it’ll be a while before we get to Kent to pick it up. Waiting is hard when you’re 8.

I’ve been preparing myself for my new hobby by watching Stargazing Live with a glass of red wine and a bag of crisps. And playing with my fabric and bleach, of course.

I think I’m going to like it.

This is my friend Sarah having fun with ‘Freya’. And yes, Sarah is as delightful as she looks there.

So, Sarah is a photographer and is doing all the pictures for ‘A Field Guide’ (book 3- out August) which is just wonderful!

Sarah has also been gently encouraged (okay, nagged) by me to start a blog: ‘Treehouse Tales’. My boys have always called her Sarah Treehouse because once upon a time she had one in her garden.

Please go and visit Sarah Treehouse- you’ll like her I promise.

I’ve admired her work for so long and now I’m the very proud owner of a little piece. I mean, look at him! How could I resist such a character?

Visit Mandy’s Etsy shop and treat yourself to a real bargain.

Now, I’m saving for one of these stools.

So, here’s a book that you simply must read. It may seem that I am recommending every single book I read to you, but I’m really not.

I read at least one book a week (and I never even finish a book I’m not enjoying) and this is only the third I’ve told you about.

Just go read it.

The boys had an inset day today, so we headed to a bitterly cold and grey South Bank. The top picture is actually still in colour.

We finally went on the Eye (it’s only been open 13 years) and then to the Sea Life Centre.

The jelly fish were mesmerising.

I made blueberry pancakes for breakfast. We ate them with bananas and too much maple syrup. So far they’ve been the highlight of a rather unexceptional and lazy Sunday.

But tonight I’m watching Anna Karenina.

So the question is- will it be better than blueberry pancakes?

Yesterday, Joe went to the barbers with a picture of the new hairstyle he wanted and his own money to buy hair wax with.

Today, Joe played very patiently and kindly with a wooden train set for over an hour with a 3 and 5 year old.

We’re growing up.