CHARM ABOUT YOU

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...

*update - it appears this issue has not affected / been fixed for some but I will leave this post up in case people have image issues!*

If you blog with Blogger you might have noticed your formatting has gone a bit crazy! All of my photos were left aligned and no matter how many times I tried to format them they just wouldn't stay centred. If your photos aren't behaving you might want to give this a try...

.post-body img {

       display: inline-block !important;
}

It would be nice if I could call this post 'how I do it all' but that's not at all realistic, rather this is my 'how I get by' advice! I wrote some time saving tips in this post (including an easy way to clean your cooker) and I thought I would share a few more things I do to try and stay on top of household duties as a mum of three and how I make time to blog and sew...

I read somewhere that if you see a task that needs doing ask yourself if it will take more than 5 minutes, if not then just get it done there and then. It sounds simple but it does make a big difference to just do it! Most menial tasks don't really take much time and clearing up / tidying away as you go makes it easier than those little jobs piling up.

The biggest time saver, that also helps relive panic and stress in that crazy morning rush, is to prepare as much as possible the night before. I appreciate you might get tired towards the end of the day but it really is worth it! 

Here's what I do to get ready for the next day:

- While I'm cooking dinner I make the kids packed lunches. So if something is in the oven or cooking away on the hob, I quickly make up lunch ready for the next day. Dry food goes straight in the lunch box (granola bar, crackers, etc.) and anything that needs refrigerating (sandwiches, veggies, hummus, etc.) goes in boxes in the fridge ready to pull out and go in the morning. If it's a hot meal I just get what I need ready - like a thermos flask for soup.

- I get the kids and my own clothes laid out just before putting the kids to bed. Saves the 'where are my ... ' and the stress of me deciding what to wear in the morning.

- Go through the kids school bags, sign any notices or make note of any dates on the calendar and then recycle any unnecessary papers.

Just recently I found sticking slips and letters on the back of the front door with washi tape means I won't leave them at home and forget to hand them in to school! Just peel them off and go.

I also get household jobs out of the way in the morning, that way I can relax a little. My daughter usually helps (or just follows me around!) and I like the Clean Mama routine to keep things clean.

One of the things I dislike doing is supermarket shopping, I don't usually have a car during the day and I would much rather sew than go shopping in the evening. I prefer to shop online, I can think through what I need and quickly reorder items that we buy over and over again. There are usually deals or subscriptions for free delivery depending on the shop and time of delivery.

Another advantage of this is that many of the big stores have apps, which is really handy for creating lists or adding things to your order when you run out. When I think 'oh we need kitchen roll' I immediately grab my phone and add it to my shopping order. The day before my delivery I go through and add/delete things as needed. 

Before the shopping arrives I give the fridge a quick clean inside and check to see if there's any food that's gone off or needs eating. Then as I put away the food delivery I make a note of our meal plan for the week - usually based on the expiry dates of the food. It really helps to know what I'm cooking each night and means the kids won't keep asking me! I like this cute meal planner printable and stick it on our fridge.

I enjoyed Angie's recent post about being kind to yourself and think it's important we share the truth and admit we can't always do it all. Life is a juggling act, there might be days where the 'balance' feels right but there are also times I feel like I'm sacrificing something. The tips I have shared help me get those boring chores done more easily, which means I have more time to do the things I love and spend quality time with the people I love. 

I'm not perfect and I don't have it all but I'm getting by and keeping it together.

There's an awful lot going on in my world. I feel like doing a Bill and Ted, shouting 'excellent!' and playing air guitar... well I would if the kids hadn't totally worn me out ;)

I have a lot of upcoming sewing related things and plenty to do, so I have been trying to crack on with getting my WIPs done. First 'to sew' on my list is my Star Crossed Quilt. I had my pieces already all cut out and sitting on my desk and today was spent chain piecing:

This is a great pattern and should come together quickly.

I also finished up an Etsy commission this week. It was a custom order for a very special and personal embroidered cushion, I didn't ask permission to share so here's a peek of part of the embroidery:

I had an exciting delivery today, The Farmer's Wife 1930s Sampler Quilt book:

Having seen the book all over social media I thought I had an idea of what it would be like but I was blown away. This book is STUNNING. I haven't really had time to sit and digest it yet but even a quick flick through impressed me. The colours and fabrics are beautiful and the blocks are fabulous. And hello?!! A block with my name!  If you don't have a copy I would highly recommend buying one or seeing if it's available at your local library.

* edited to add - see my FREE TUTORIAL on hand piecing, it's so easy and how these blocks were sewn! *

I am thrilled to be part of the upcoming Sew-Along with the Fat Quarter Shop and Gnome Angel as a guest blogger. I will be sharing my blocks and, most likely, either hand sewing or English Paper Piecing them.