start off stashing
Today I'm sharing a monthly sewing themed treat and my new favourite custom thread organiser!
How brilliant are these stickers?!
Part of the latest Signs of the Sewdiac subscription box from Sew Crafty, which has now ended but you can still snap up some of the goodies from the range in Samantha's Etsy shop. I'm not a knitter but still appreciate the design of this month's box 'The Knitting'.
And although I will probably pass the pin on to my knitting mum, these two products made me do a happy dance...
first finish
woo hoo!! I'm happy to start the year with a finish. I was encouraged by Carolyn Friedlander's informal QAL and, while this isn't a quilt, I knew it would be the push I needed to get it done. The fact that I have purchased a new cross stitch pattern, specifically to stitch this year, also meant this one had to be finished. A woman with so many quilt projects on the go can't possibly work on two cross stitch projects - so not true - but I'm sticking to that because it will prevent a slippery slope.
Keep it Simple is a kit from Stitchsperation - Charlie creates such a cool selection of modern cross stitch kits and the hand painted fabric makes them so unique! You can choose your colour / colours / or even rainbow too. I picked 28ct evenweave (she also has 14ct aida) and obviously I went for pink. The kits are so nicely packaged, with everything you need (I actually had a bobbin of thread left over) and I definitely recommend getting one of the snap frames. I got mine last year and love it, it's so easy to use and adjust. Great for embroidery and cross stitch.
And not only did I finish stitching it, I actually framed it too!
Makes us stronger
I cannot tell you how very important the word of the year has been for me. Especially this past year. My word for 2018 was 'centre' and I did a good job of staying centred, to pay attention to what was affecting me and focusing on the core of what I wanted to achieve.
This year is really one of new beginnings, lifestyle changes and even more attention on that determination to make each day my own. I set my intentions for the year, this year it seems to be smaller and simple ideas that have taken priority. The little ways I can enjoy my time, which we all know can make a big difference.
Being present is going to play a big part in achieving this, not getting absorbed in social media too much and trying to make the most of each day. That doesn't mean the endless to do lists (which I constantly have) but finding a small amount of time for the things that bring me joy. For me that's mostly silence, reading, writing and of course sewing. These things I can do for just a few minutes - mostly any where. It's like a reset for my mind that gives me great inner strength. It would be nice to not put as much pressure on myself, not feel so hectic and (I can't think of a better word...) chill.
Being present is going to play a big part in achieving this, not getting absorbed in social media too much and trying to make the most of each day. That doesn't mean the endless to do lists (which I constantly have) but finding a small amount of time for the things that bring me joy. For me that's mostly silence, reading, writing and of course sewing. These things I can do for just a few minutes - mostly any where. It's like a reset for my mind that gives me great inner strength. It would be nice to not put as much pressure on myself, not feel so hectic and (I can't think of a better word...) chill.
It isn't just about relaxing though, it's far more than that. Switching off and focusing on what's in front of me is empowering. It makes me more 'me'.
As I thought about my one word for the year, the word that would lead me back to my intentions, I realised it had to be something strong. My word for 2019 is 'fortitude'. For me that suggests inner strength, staying focusing and being bold but that doesn't have to mean loud. I like that the word gives me courage and yet it also has a sense of stillness.
It encapsulates how I'm feeling and how I want to continue the year. Being strong, motivated, challenging myself and having strength of mind. I aim to work hard, always being thankful for the blessings I have and to make the most of my creativity. I have specific goals within the three categories that are listed out in my vision board above. They are quite personal so I've decided not to share them here but my overall goals are to have 'create, health and quiet' be at the forefront of my decisions and actions. The whole vibe I get from looking at my vision board makes me really happy and I'm keeping it where I can look at it daily and be inspired.
I am feeling very positive and tenacious about my life right now and what's ahead in 2019.
This year began with a big change, last week I started my new full time job at Janome as Customer Service/Education Assistant. The UK office and Training Centre are based nearby in Stockport and I'm very happily settling in to my new routine. I will continue to do workshops at Patchfinders and am looking forward to teaching at the Purple Stitches retreat this March. There may well be other classes coming soon and all the information about my classes can be found HERE so keep an eye on that!
Of course I will be sewing, click here to see a list of the projects I'm hoping to work on - mostly some old favourites I hope to finish.
I am daring myself to grow stronger, to have spirit in the things I do and create. To be gleeful and mischievous, to be authentically me and have fortitude in all that I do.
Wishing all of you a very Happy New Year and a joyous 2019!
social media slump
I am feeling pretty fed up with instagram and social media generally. Sure it can be really fun and there's a fabulous supportive community of quilters but the fast pace and option of just hitting like ❤ isn't cutting it for me anymore. There are so many photos, so many great accounts and just so much to see. I don't feel as much joy though. Too much of a good thing?
my last quilts
I have two quilts that I finished recently, both made for Sewing Quarter. These are the last quilts I will make for them (for now at least) as I start something new. This one is the pretty Hot Air Balloon quilt pattern by Sarah Ashford.
giving and receiving homemade ♡
Something wonderful happened, my best friends kids asked me to make them quilts. They really, really wanted quilts to snuggle with! The best kind of making is when you know the recipient is going to love it, use it and enjoy it.
This has been a long time coming but I'm so glad I took the time to create these quilts for her boys. They are simple, based on things they love and I had a lot of fun sewing them.
First is this Pokeball quilt, obviously because the elder boy likes Pokemon! For the central block I used the awesome pattern by Kelli of Seriously I think it needs stitches, from her Pokemon sew-along. I doubled all the measurements so the block finished at 40".
planning party
I like writing lists. I write them a lot, about all sorts of things! It's become essential for me, lists give me focus and direction. I'm joining Quilting Jetgirl for the #2019planningparty and in this post I am outlining a list of plans for 2019. I'm trying to stay realistic with a hint of optimism, bringing back some much loved projects and joyful sewing. This is what I want to do...
endings and beginnings
Today Sewing Quarter announced that my last show is on 28th December. That's because I have a new full time job starting in January.
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