I love crocheting blankets / afghans — and spend a time finding a project that speaks to me … here is some of my research
It is 2 weeks until the end of our long summer school holiday break (I live in Australia in case you were not sure), and we have had a really busy and good break, usually around this time we are all pulling our hair out — can’t wait to get started on the school year — but this year it has been different, we have had, along with plenty of activities, some quiet time, time to reflect and be on our own, we have had time to work on projects, time to just chillax (in teen speak) and time to have some together-ness type fun. And despite not getting to the beach this summer we have had a really chilled out time.
The last couple of weeks of the school holidays we’ll be spending doing some projects, watching movies, going for bike rides and heading to the pool – swimming laps has been our summer recreation and we are all a little better for it. I think our summer of relaxin’ is due to my new direction of taking things easy – slowly – mindfully – intentionally – peacefully. Hoping it keeps going this way.
- This past week on whipup has been extra good. You may have seen a tutorial to make a washable lunch bag :: some links to help organise your kids activities :: a guest post on making seaweed soap :: and another guest post on a sewing apparel challenge :: as well as my new interest in pinterest.
- SOPA and PIPA were dropped by Congress this week thanks to the largest online protest in history. On January 18th, 13 million people took the time to tell Congress to protect free speech rights on the internet. Hundreds of millions, maybe a billion, people all around the world saw the protest last Wednesday. See the amazing numbers here and tell everyone what you did. Tweet with us, shout on the internet with us, let’s celebrate: Round of applause to the 13 million people who stood up.
- And thank you everyone for filling out my demographics survey – over 1000 have completed the survey so far – its not too late if you have not done it yet and it only takes 5 minutes – and I will posting the results on monday.
More crafty discoveries to keep you busy …
What I am reading:
- Beautiful Botanicals: 45 Applique Flowers & 14 Quilt Projects
. By Deborah Kemball. Published by C&T Publishing (April 16, 2011).: If you love applique and applique flowers in particular then you will love this book. It is unique and inventive and has a lot of tips for technique – not just applique but some really neat methods for borders and foundation piecing. - I am enjoying River Camp Knits pattern book for Rowan by Amy Butler — Since that first knitwear collection for Rowan she has produced two more collections – I haven’t seen the patterns in the flesh so to speak but I do love Amy’s style and so I am sure I would love them too. Colourful and simple but with flair and interest.
- Little Artists Handmade by Carly Schwerdt and published by Penguin Australia (2011), is much like her blog Moopy and Me — colourful, clever and quirky, featuring lots of handprinted fabrics and kids artwork. The book is divided into two sections – projects for kids (aimed at preschool aged kids and requiring adult help) to make and projects for adults to make from the kids finished artworks.
[Thanks to publishers and distributors for sending me books to review, I don't get paid to post reviews but I am an amazon affiliate]
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Last week I discussed my quest for taking things slowly this year … slowly is not about doin’ nothin’ – in fact quite the opposite. It is about intentional doing (and not doing). Instead of lazing about because you are uncertain about how to proceed with your day — do one important task and then take a break from life and read a book without guilt or anxiety; and instead of running to the shop for a quick fix meal because looking through the pantry and cooking something worthwhile is difficult — take 2 minutes to assess the ingredients on hand and make something simple; and instead of procrastinating on trying that new recipe/idea/project because you didn’t get around to researching it properly yet — make a list and tick one thing off every day. Intentional doing, does not have to be big or difficult – just purposeful.
For example – I have been washing my hair with bi-carb soda and rinsing in vinegar – yep – I have ditched shampoo in favour of something cheaper, easier and better for me and for the environment. However it took me a while to get to this point – I had to research and understand and then have a reason to do it and then I had to justify to myself. But really all I needed to do was just intentionally make a simple change. [There are lots of resources for how-to do this online - simple mom is a good place to start]
For example – for a long time I made my own laundry detergent. Again its easy and cheap and it works perfectly fine. But for some reason a few months ago, when I ran out, I got too busy to make up a new batch, so I bought some and then when that ran out I bought some more. And before you know it I was out of the habit, didn’t have time for this very simple half hour task once a month. Now I am back and realise why I love it so much. [You can google so many recipes - and can make a dry mix or a liquid mix]
Now onto other things:
- This past week at whipup I wrote a three part series on getting your craft book published – feel free to email me or comment with any questions you might have. Part 1 : Part 2 : Part 3.
- Also I would love for you to fill in my survey if you have not done so already – a couple of minutes of your time is all I ask – I’ll be posting the results next week.
- Make sure to go to wikipedia today and read more about PIPA and SOPA
And more cool things:
I am reading:
- Shake the World: It’s Not About Finding a Job, It’s About Creating a Life
, by James Marshall Reilly, published by Portfolio (December 29, 2011). Interesting and insightful book full of interesting real life stores about how people came to be where they are today – fascinating look into the journey of life. - Disaster Was My God: A Novel of the Outlaw Life of Arthur Rimbaud
, by Bruce Duffy, published by Doubleday & Profile books [distributed in Aus through Allen and Unwin]. I have always been a huge fan of Rimbaud’s poetry so was very interested to read about his life. A true story written as a novel — full of awkward moments about a bizarre and brilliant man. - Country Living Simple Country Wisdom: 501 Old-Fashioned Ideas to Simplify Your Life
, by Susan Waggoner, published by Hearst (September 6, 2011), distributed in Aus through Capricorn link. I do love these sorts of books, a combination of tips and tricks about organising, reusing, eco living, simple decor etc .. and lovely photos and peaks into people’s homes and lives.
[Thanks to publishers and distributors for sending me books to review, I don't get paid to post reviews but I am an amazon affiliate]
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