Easiest Cushions Ever

If you are planning to make cushions next week or term 2 you will need the following:
.5m furnishing fabric( preshrunk)
1 x 45cm zip ( can use an invisible zipper)
1 size 18 cushion infill (45cm)
You can choose from several styles;
Button down ... No need for a zip
Outside flange
Decorative overlays using silk organza and stitching
Stripe effects
Button bobbles, bead decorations!

You should be able to make a cushion in an hour or two in a class!

Easter for another year...

Classes have been busy finishing the reversible jacket for this term with some really good results....well done to all ! I have suggested a lesson on ' my easiest cushion ever' should follow as a warm down after such a monumental effort, ideas, requirements and photos to follow.
Below are recipes for this term, one sweet and one salad. First is weight watchers carrot and zucchini cake, (well we do have them going mad in the garden) and then friend Jane W 's wonderful Chicken and Spiced fig salad which the family enjoyed over Easter.

Jane's Chicken and Spiced Fig Salad   

I just cook the chicken breasts in a baking dish in the oven on 180c for 30 minutes covered with baking paper.  So easy.  Don't bother frying etc as below.
serves 4.

4 x 200g chicken breast fillets
1 tbs olive oil
2 buffalo mozzarella balls or 6 bocconcini, torn into bite-size pieces
4 prosciutto slices, torn
2 cups rocket leaves

Spiced figs
1 cup (220g) caster sugar
1 1/2 cups (375 mls) dry red wine
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cinnamon quill
6 cardamon pods
6 peppercorns
2 star anise
2cm piece of ginger, thinly sliced
4 lemon slices
8 fresh figs

For the figs, placed all of the ingredients except the figs in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer for 10 minutes, then add figs and simmer for a further 3 minuts or until figs soften slightly.  Remove the figs with slotted spoon and set aside.  Return the pan to medium-high heat and simmer liquid for 4-5 minutes until reduced to 1 cup.  Remove from the heat, return the figs to the pan, then allow to cool. 

Remove the figs from the syrup and halve. Slice the chicken into strips.   Remove the figs from the syrup and halve. Since the chicken into strip. Arrange chicken, figs, mozzarella, prosciutto and rocket on a serving platter. Drizzle with some of the spiced fig syrup, then season and serve.  

Carrot, pineapple and zucchini cake


A nice twist on classic carrot cake - we've used pineapple and zucchini to keep the cake moist, yet healthy. Enjoy with tea or coffee.

Ingredients
1 x 3 second spray(s) oil spray
¼ cup(s) Canola Spread
½ cup(s) caster sugar
1 small egg(s)
1 medium egg white
200 g canned pineapple in natural juice
1 medium carrot
1 small zucchini
1¾ cup(s) white self-raising flour
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg

125 g reduced-fat cream cheese
¼ cup(s) icing mixture
1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 180 deg. Spray and line 20 cm cake tin.
 Using electric mixer, beat spread and sugar until light and creamy, gradually add combined egg and white, beat till combined. Stir in carrot, pineapple, and zucchini. Stir in sifted flour and spices. 
Spoon mixture into tin, smooth surface. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes, test with skewer  and then cool in pan. 
For icing, beat cream cheese and icing sugar till smooth, beat in juice. Spread over cooled cake.
4 points a serve when cut into 16 slices.... No cheating!