f.y.i. #saturdaynightcraftalong + joining the discussion
I have received a lot of messages recently about the Saturday Night Craft Along and also questions about leaving comments here on my blog. I want to make it super simple for everyone to join in and my absolutely favourite part of both the craft along and this blog is the discussion, friendship and encouragement that results. This only happens with engagement though, and while I like the thought that anyone would read what I write, it's the emails and comments that provoke ideas, give support and keep me going. The same is true of the craft along and for many of us it's something to look forward to, like meeting up with a group of friends but while sitting at home and working on a crafty project! Today I am going to answer a few common questions, explain how NOT to miss out on blog giveaways and clarify a few things so that it makes it easy for you to join in.
#saturdaynightcraftalong
The Saturday Night Craft Along is built on the idea of SOCIAL media and is a way of creating a community that gets together each week, connecting with each other to share projects and progress on any type of craft project. It was created by Rachel @barefootcrafter and she kicks off in Australia/NZ/Asia Pacific every Saturday night. The craft along takes place in different time zones so Rachel starts, then I host the UK/European part at 6pm GMT and then Meg @teaandbrie takes over with the USA/Canada/South American. You can join in with any of the hosts, depending on the time zone or the time you are crafting on Saturday!
To join in you post a picture on your instagram of the craft project you are working on and in the caption you include "joining @[tag the host] for #saturdaynightcraftalong" with whatever you want to write about your picture. Here is an example of how it's done...
To join in you post a picture on your instagram of the craft project you are working on and in the caption you include "joining @[tag the host] for #saturdaynightcraftalong" with whatever you want to write about your picture. Here is an example of how it's done...
Win tickets to The Creative Craft Show Manchester + discount code!
Don’t miss the chance to win a pair of tickets to The Creative Craft Show Manchester taking place at EventCity, Manchester from 30 January – 1 February 2020. This show is the ultimate event for hobbyists and crafters to indulge your passion for crafting and explore the very best the creative market has to offer. Shop for supplies, take part in workshops and see a host of demonstrations and outstanding features. I will be attending so I might just see you there and I have TWO pairs of tickets to giveaway!
Features at the show include:
⬩ a free programme of quick and easy workshops and talks
⬩ papercraft demonstrations and jewellery making
⬩ beading as well as knitting, stitching and dressmaking features
⬩ the latest products and creations from the world of creative craft
⬩ new and exciting crafty ideas, tips and inspiration
Visit www.ichfevents.co.uk for more details and all the latest information.
The Creative Craft Show Manchester
Event City, Manchester
30 January - 1 February 2020
Open:
10.00 – 16.30 Thurs/Fri 10.00 – 17.00 Sat
Tickets:
Adult £10 (£8 Advance Price)
Senior £9 (£7 Advance Price)
Children free if accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket, otherwise £4.00
Use code EV270 for £3 off standard Adult and Senior Tickets!
Follow ICHF Events on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram - @thecraftshows
*GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED*
*Important* please ensure I can contact you if you win by leaving your email or IG handle in the comment or having an email in your blogger profile. No reply entries cannot win.
I will chose a winner on Thursday 23rd January. Good Luck!
I will chose a winner on Thursday 23rd January. Good Luck!
Standard Terms and Conditions apply. Travel costs and expenses to and from the venue are not included in the prize. Deadline for entries is 23.01.2020. Prize has no monetary value and is not transferable.
Visit www.ichfevents.co.uk to sign up to the free eNewsletters and stay up to date with the latest news from ICHF’s creative craft shows.
Just One Quilt
Jenni Smith has created a video series for Just One Quilt. In the films quilters talk about their story; what quilting means to them, their unique process and the benefits it brings them. Each quilter is obviously different and it's a fun way to get inspired and learn more about them.
Despite what my career history might suggest and the fact that I would happily speak in front of hundreds of people, there is always part of me that gets nervous when it comes to speaking about myself. What these films show is how valuable each and every creator's experience is, that we can learn from and encourage each other through our stories. And while we might approach things differently or have varying purposes, we are connected by our passion for making and the (sometimes unexpected) rewards that result from quilting.
A huge thank you to Jenni for including me in this project, as well as personally for championing and inspiring me so much.
A huge thank you to Jenni for including me in this project, as well as personally for championing and inspiring me so much.
It's a thrill to be in such excellent company, do check out the other quilters wonderful stories too!
Watch the film of my full story HERE
wednesday vibes ✿ hello 40
It seems going out dancing very much agrees with me as I am still glowing after my birthday weekend - although the large angry spot on my face that's appeared since my boozy night out is glowing very red!! I'll take the spot because it was worth it. I had a fabulous time and it felt amazing dancing the night away. New year and turning 40 has definitely given me a boost, things are clearer and I have renewed energy for what I want to do. There's a lot of thinking going on, I have plans but also fears and I'm working through some ideas so I can put out into the world things I am proud of. That is probably a bit cryptic but I will share when I'm ready... part of the sharing is the process. Whenever I step into something new I have worries and that becomes amplified when it's just me doing things on my own. I'm in a good place though, I have wonderfully strong friends around me and they give me strength and encouragement.
My current work in progress is the cushion pictured above. I had planned to just add a little bit of hand quilting but then I added a bit more. Enjoying every stitch! It just needs a back and then it can go to live on my sofa. I am replacing some of our tired looking cushions with new ones. I've decided bigger is better and I will probably make just a few more until you won't be able to see the sofa, haha! Truly though the ones I made a few years ago are looking worn and it's nice to be able to update them to suit my style now.
I've realised I am hugely affected by my surroundings. Mess and disorder makes me crazy and unfortunately it's hard to keep on top off. Little by little I'm tackling all those spots and areas of rooms that collect clutter. Once something is at least organised (if not neat) I do feel better. Clearing out mess is like a weight lifted. It's also about things looking homely, inviting and happy! Even if there's 'stuff', if it makes me feel warm, inspired or peaceful that's a win. At the moment my house is like the most beautiful florist. I got four bouquets for my birthday, some so large I had to split them up. It means I have vases, jugs and jars of flowers everywhere!
A room with flowers becomes beautiful automatically. It's a mood booster for me.
With a good mood comes ideas, creativity and planning. I enjoy setting aside time to get our family routine, appointments and commitments written down. We have a family calendar and then I have my cherished planner. I have switched to a week on one page inserts, I find now I'm working full time I don't need so much space each day. I still like to keep track of my schedule for evenings and weekends, especially as I'm teaching quite a bit and electronic planning does not work for me. I like to write things down, tick things off (ahh that checking things off my list feeling is SO good!) and there's something about flicking through the paper pages of the weeks that is not the same as swiping on a phone.
And this new, excited feeling I have is also because I got a hair cut and a fringe. Amazing how a hair cut can make you feel. It was time for a change. Hello 40.
✱ FORTY giveaway! ✱
I was absolutely spoilt at work yesterday, it's my birthday this weekend and apparently turning 40 is kind of a big deal! There were banners, thoughtful songs, beautiful flowers, cards and gifts. I'm so lucky to work with a group of such nice and kind people. I arrived home to more gorgeous flowers, from wonderful John Scott and a hamper of really delicious Italian food from my friends at Patchfinders. I will be celebrating my milestone birthday this weekend with family and friends. I have lots of fun stuff lined up - getting my hair done, going out-out with my sister and best friends (hoping for a night of dancing!) and having a family brunch. In the moments in between I'm going to sew, or read, or walk or whatever I feel like because it's my party. I am super excited and totally have that good vibes birthday feeling.
I like to share joy. Thank you for all your support, for reading or following along with my quilting journey. I know you're a little sad you won't be coming out dancing with me but you can do a happy dance for this giveaway!
simple shawl I can't get wrong?
My attempts at dressmaking are practically none existent, other than some very cute baby dresses made way back and the occasional make for my kids. Simple stuff but simple is a good place to start isn't it? Patterns terrify me and for a long, long, long time I have wanted to make my own clothes. I'm saying this knowing I have said it before but maybe this will be the year.
This is perhaps the simplest make ever because I cheated. I used this knit jersey from The Textile Centre.
It's lovely Melange Check Fleece Backed Wool, it feels amazingly soft and snuggly. I bought 1.5 metres and it was a bargain - not least because I got 4 things made from it!! I will get to that...
word of the year 2020
As is now my custom, at the start of the year I chose one little word. I do this rather than make resolutions because quite honestly my resolutions would probably be the same every year! Instead, picking a word allows me to encapsulate my intentions for the year ahead. Focusing on a word gives me drive to achieve my goals and I can reflect on it daily.
Should you be interested, you can read about my previous picks and feel free to adopt any of the following words for your 'one little word' if they speak to you:
2019 ~ Fortitude
2018 ~ Centre
2017 ~ Shift
2016 ~ Enthusiasm
2015 ~ More
2014 ~ Better
This year my word was going to be 'no'. Quite honestly I need to focus on things that things that help me grow, that benefit me somehow; stretch my capacity or expand my purpose. Too often I say yes to everything, whether it's out of duty or even just because it's 'new and shiny' and I want to join in the fun. That's alright but (I am stopping myself right here, as this is part of the problem. I am getting off track with my ambitions, and convincing myself that other projects aren't distractions is false). Working on other projects, agreeing to things that take time and energy, can be at the expense of time working on my own ideas and that time is important if I am going to make my designs a reality and accomplish my dream.
There's also that standard voice inside, the one that creeps up saying 'you can't do it'!
top nine / one quilt
The year of colour site is an interesting tool that assesses the dominant colours used in your instagram photos. You can play with the sliders to adjust the pixels and brightness etc. and it's cool to see which colours it picks out. I have seen a lot of them pop up on other peoples feeds and they are all so different. Mine was a bit of a surprise, I know I've used brown a lot but I did think they'd be more pink and less blue. I guess it doesn't feel completely 'me' but then as I look back on the past year I was surprised by the fact that there hasn't been a whole lot completed...
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