Book Review: Growing up Sew Liberated by Meg McElwee

A few months ago I requested that the local library buy 3 books about sewing that I wanted to check out. They said that they would buy them, which at the time I was very excited about! I also got to have first look at them! Months later the first has appeared, not sure what has happened to the other two, but I was very excited to get this one to have a look at!

The book contains both clothes patterns for babies and children up to five, as well as some patterns for play objects such as a tee-pee, doll art folder. The pictures and styling are lovely, and the instructions are detailed and clear. The writer Meg McElwee has a blog and is also a Montessori early childhood teacher, so the book has a lot of great hints about playing with and teaching your pre-schoolers and using the objects in the book. Here is an example about teaching your child numbers:

Here are some of my favourites in the book that I am looking forward to making:

Crossover T-shirt, both long and short sleeved:



Doll Papoose:

Reversible play cape:

I love these pants!:

Can't see me getting through all those before the book is due back, but a highly recommend it if your local library has it. First of December tomorrow!!

Photo books

Nathan's Mum, who is a primary school teacher, has made Mia a couple of books, one about going to Grandma's house, and one about going to the zoo. Mia loves these, and for ages I have wanted to make my girls a book each about themselves. I got these two printed for Xmas when warehouse stationary had a half price deal.

Mia's is about what she does in a normal day, and what she does each day of the week.




Ellie's is about our extended family, I figure Mia will be able to "read" is to her by telling her who is in the pictures. Notice the picture of my sister, that will teach her for taking silly pictures of herself on my camera!!

I think my girls are going to love them!!

Book Launch and Crostini

Today my extremely talented friend Nic had her book launch for her poetry collection, Leaving my arms free to fly around you (which can be purchased here). Nic is one of those inspiring people who lives life like we all should, with passion and fulfilling her dreams. She is a dedicated environmentalist who campaigns for issues she really believes in, such as the local movement to stop a motorway being built through the middle of our community. I first met Nic 9 years ago when we first taught together, but we have since both had babies and she has moved on to a creative writing course and is the regional enviro-schools coordinator.

When I was about 18 I imagined that by the time I was 30 I would have had a book published and have travelled the world. I have kind of travelled the world, but I never did write that book. However it has made me in absolute awe of anyone who does get a book published. Living vicariously through Nic!

As part of the proceedings Nic asked myself and some other friends to come up with vegetarian finger food. I had fun coming up with some crostini recipes that I was pretty happy with. Here are the recipes if you wish to make them for yourself.

Crostini

Cut french bread in thin slices and baste with olive oil. Bake at 180 C for about 10 or 15 mins until golden.

Beetroot and Feta Dip

Roast 3 peeled beetroot (this takes quite a long time, often over an hour!). Blend in the food processor with 200g of feta and 1/2 t thyme and salt and pepper. This is yummy with anything. You may need to add olive oil to get a good consistency depending on how hard the feta is.

Spiced Lentils

Fry a finely diced onion in olive oil until soft. Add 1 t cumin and 1/2 t each turmeric and smoked paprika. Fry for a few seconds. Add 5 c water and 1 c brown lentils. Simmer until water is absorbed and lentils are tender.

Rocket and Walnut Pesto

Take 2 large handfuls of rocket and pour boiling water over them. Immediately drain. Blend in the food processor with 3/4 c walnuts, 1/2 c olive oil, 1 clove garlic and salt and pepper. Store in fridge with extra oil on top.

Pumpkin

Roast 2cm square chunks of pumpkin at 180 C for 15 mins until cooked but still firm. Toss in a dressing of juice of 2 lemons, 1/4 c olive oil, 1 large t brown sugar, 1 t mustard and salt and pepper.

To assemble:

Spread beetroot and feta dip on half of crostini and top with a spoonful of lentils. Push lentils in to ensure they don't fall off. Top the other half with rocket pesto and top with a piece or 2 of pumpkin. Yum!

Your local library

Mia and I went to the library on Wednesday afternoon, a not uncommon occurance, although she usually goes with her Dad. After checking out the sewing section I decided that they didn't have enough recently published sewing books. I suggested that they buy 3 books I have been wanting to test for a while. The librarian said they are always on the look out for books to buy and would purchase all 3 and give me first go with them! Sweet! You should try the same with your own local library! You've got nothing to lose!!

The three books I requested were:

Carefree clothes for Girls by Junko Okawa

Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross

Growing up Sew Liberated by Meg McElwee

Now I just need to get them to stock Burda Magazines!!