Have been working at home this week – on my day job (magazine layout design) and on my quilting project (book project with Chronicle books) – so have been super busy but surprisingly not too horrible to live with. The key has been menu planning – yes indeed, planning breakfast menus and dinner menus. This not only helps to get shopping organised but manages everyones expectations about who is cooking and what they are getting – hopefully with the whole family having helped in this process we will have a little less dinner fuss (hopefully).

1. Valentines day … there is a wee bit of fuss happening over valentines day – I am not a showy romantic (and not at all into the commercial side of valentines) so this holiday usually passes us by – but I do enjoy all the pretty things that you clever folk are making … you might like them too … origami fabric pockets … valentine card bunting … heart hangings … toddler messenger bag … v day sachet … crochet hearts … valentines day card set … embroidered heart pin … felt fridge magnets …
2. Made me smile: … celebrate the boy a month of boy related crafts … embroidered pets bookmark …
3. BOOKS: … I recommend … Natural alternatives …
4. Made my heart sing … … printable cloth doll … antique pattern library …
5. Still time for Calendars: 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here (sorry no discounts as these are print on demand – but really they are worth it). … and don’t forget to check out our flickr community …
6. … More great tutes + crafty ideas to kickstart your year… food craft … ruffly neck scarf … insulin vial cosy … make your own house slipper pattern … seed beed rings … whale pocket … underspace storage jars … leafy table runner … scrappy eye pillow … make a stamp from a photo … easy pot holders …

Hope the year has started off well – happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

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I really can’t believe school is going back – I am just a little relieved – having the kids around has been nice – they have been very self sufficient these holidays with their own projects (kanzashi flowers with this book) and have been just a little bit addicted to audio books (Harry Potter read by Stephen Fry is really very wonderful). However I can’t keep up with the mess and the noise and I really need my space back + I have a lot of work to catch up on.

1. Need to make something … check out Nicole’s cute felt fridge magnet tutorial
2. Made me smile: … plush seahorse … doily pillow … woodland girl printable calendar … mario sweater vest …
3. BOOKS: … I recommend the photojojo book
4. Made my heart sing … … embroidered heart pin …
5. Still time for Calendars: 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here (sorry no discounts as these are print on demand – but really they are worth it).
6. … More great tutes + crafty ideas to kickstart your year… repurposed vinyl book bag … handpainted matyoshka dolls … lunchbag style diy shipping box … threaded bunting … carveit – carve your own signs … tiny heart crochet pattern … knit a vintage baby hat … mini fabric bunting (I also loved how about orange’s version here) …

Hope the year has started off well – happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

ps
(Hi to Kate if you are reading – happy sewing!)

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Back spasms from sewing quilt tops every day have abated – I found sewing standing up to be surprisingly comfortable – I put my sewing machine on top of a milk crate. Now I have been sadly neglecting this space – its all the fault of my (almost) new long arm quilter. I love it – its so much fun.

Thank you to everyone who entered the ‘Color your cloth’ competition – don’t forget Malka’s free scarf project too. And we had a guest post – a simple way to re-purpose vinyl packaging.

1. Need to make something
2. Made me smile: … Mario sweater vest pattern … birds in the brandy – vintage embroidery pattern … snow globe postcards … cat house - very cute …
3. BOOKS: … scraps – for collage …
4. Made my heart sing … … Did you see Eloole’s vintage felt radio – so very crafty cool …
5. Still time for Calendars: 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here (sorry no discounts as these are print on demand – but really they are worth it).
6. … More great tutes + crafty ideas to kickstart your year… vintage button heart … origami numbers art … string spool quilt block … chalkboard hangers … envelope purse … instant recycled flowers … sweet forever – valentines project … crayon bunting roll …

Hope the year has started off well – happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

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We are well into 2010 now – last year seems like a distant memory. So many projects + so many crafts to get into – right now I am working on several quilts for a project with Chronicle books – very exciting – but back breaking work. No really… sewing for 8 hours straight for 8 days straight has sent my back into spasms.

As we are well into January of 2010 whipup is business as usual – some worthwhile projects to get involved with include crafting for haiti – with craft hope - hope you can help.

1. Need to make something - here is a lovely small project: 65 Roses quilt for charity find out how you can participate and make a square for this quilt here.
2. Made me smile: Craftersize - time to get fit for your new year resolutions … tictac vases really made me smile … tawashi dishcloth …
3. BOOKS: The sewing bible and the knitters book of wool
4. Made my heart sing … for the style I love Kirsty’s faux wood and embroidery wrist cuff … + this crochet garland had my heart pumping and my fingers working the yarn.
5. Still time for Calendars: 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here (sorry no discounts as these are print on demand – but really they are worth it).
6. … More great tutes + crafty ideas to kickstart your year… totoro mittens are very cute … mustache embroidery patterns … these decals are lovely … quilt freebie from Lizzy house … these puffy pouches look fun to make …
7. + plenty of Craft challenges to get you motivated … granny a day … paintbox quilt-along …

Hope the year has started off well – happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

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Back from my summer vacation – beach holiday – with family – we have 4 more weeks of school holidays and I am not back at work till Feb – yahoo! heaps to do around the house – including a quilt a day for my [secret project] next book … I have a little fan set up next to my sewing machine and a massage chair in the corner ready. Welcome everyone to 2010 – 2009 was a good year and here’s hoping 2010 will be better.

As I was away from the computer for the last 3 weeks, whipup had a series of ‘best of 2009′ going – hope you enjoyed them all as much as I did – rediscovering old favourites and finding things you might have missed during the year.

1. WHIPUP: BEST OF 2009 SERIES: … art meets craft … kids projects … sewing for you … craft spaces … quilt … lunch … bags … felt … refashion … crochet … knitting …
2. Need to make something – here is a lovely small project: 65 Roses quilt for charity find out how you can participate and make a square for this quilt here.
3. Still time for Calendars: 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here (sorry no discounts as these are print on demand – but really they are worth it).
4. … Nicole has been back on the job with some great tutes and posts to kick off the year … wedding favours … sewing in darts … 5 min doily garland … switching bag … resolution calendar download … best of the decade post from sew mama sew …
5. BOOK: Just before heading off on holidays I participated in the book tour for applique your way – a new and lovely book on things applique from Kayte Terry from the blog This is Love Forever.

Hope the year has started off well – happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

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I am heading off my summer vacation and this is my last newsletter for the year. By the time you read this I will be at the beach – away from phones and internet – a well earned interlude. I am hoping to get through a few novels, play some cards, go for lots of walks, swim lengths of the ocean, take the kids fishing, explore the rocks, eat, laugh and get some sun on my pale city body. So here’s cheers to you all – have a wonderful holiday break – celebrate with your family and friends – eat, drink and be merry wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Thank you all for reading whipup this past year, for making your wonderful things, for writing your wonderful blogs and for participating in this extraordinary creative blog world. Especially big hugs to nicole - love ya babe!

Here is the latest from whipup:

WHIPUP GIFT GUIDES: for the kiddos … for the menfolk … for the womenfolk

Pat Sloan did an interview with me - read it here … thanks Pat.

Need to make something – here is a lovely small project: 65 Roses quilt for charity find out how you can participate and make a square for this quilt here.

Quick order your Calendars before Christmas: 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here perfect for gifts for your crafty friends (or yourself).

1. BOOK guides … for the younger crafter … knitters and crocheters … stitchers and sewers
2. MY FAVE THIS WEEK … find out how you can quilt for peace … dolly dresses quilt pattern – you still have time to whip this one up before christmas … this paper mache boat is a great gift for nearly everyone … I love the cereal box houses …
3. LOTS OF HOLIDAY CRAFTING … love these retro gift cards … felt ornament … paper wreath … diorama holiday ornaments … retro cupcake ornaments … argyle ornament … felt ball wreath …
4. LAST MINUTE GIFTS … decorated moleskin … flex frame purse …

Have a happy and safe holiday season – see you all next year!
Kathreen
xxx

Did you miss last weeks roundup? get them all here or subscribe to this weekly newsletter via email here – if you already subscribe why not forward this email to a crafty friend you think may enjoy it.
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Its almost the end of the year – school concerts, graduations and parties are all in full gear – presents are being handed out and lovingly made. Its a very special time of year as the excitement builds. This year we are [almost] skipping the mall and are doing the diy thing. We made a bunch of cashew brittle for grownup friends, and lovely buntings for the little girls in my life, we also supported the local Tibetan store which helps Tibetan refugees. But of course the kids do have some things on their list that are really quite impossible to make – so that is where the internet comes in really handy. Whatever your gift giving plans these holidays – remember to keep your stress levels low -and include some diy and handmade goodies for your loved ones – look out next week on whipup for some diy gift guides to help you out.

65 Roses quilt for charity find out how you can participate and make a square for this quilt here.

Don’t forget to get your 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here perfect for gifts for your crafty friends (or yourself).

1. BOOK guides … we posted 3 guides to best crafty books of the year … for the younger crafters … knitters+crocheters … stitchers and sewers
2. MY FAVE THIS WEEK … Nicole’s whipup freebie for you – downloadable papers to make a festive garland … and I love the felt ball wreath … mini paper wreath … kanzashi ornament … ruffly felt rosette wreath …
3. LOTS OF HOLIDAY CRAFTING … terrarium ornaments … rosette ornaments … holiday cards to make with kids … acorn ornaments …
4. AND LOTS MORE: …

Happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

Did you miss last weeks roundup? get them all here or subscribe to this weekly newsletter via email here – if you already subscribe why not forward this email to a crafty friend you think may enjoy it.
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Its been a busy week – lots and lots of making – I am sure its the same for you too – crazily made all our little thank you gifts this weekend – yummy little homemade treat bags for teachers, neighbors, work colleagues etc – cashew brittle, sesame seed crunch, we also made nougat (man it was tricky but so worthwhile), tried making little jelly jubes – but they didn’t work out – we also got to card making – check out my little tute and free pdf download for making your own family 2010 calendar card this year.

The other mad thing I did last week was to purchase a second hand long arm quilting machine with table – made because I have never used one before – but what a bargain and its hardly ever been used before – so excited to get started on that soon after the christmas / holiday craziness.

For some holiday ideas: 30 of the best advent calendars and 30 of the best holiday buntings .

65 Roses quilt for charity find out how you can participate and make a square for this quilt here.

FIND OUT HOW to get your 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here

1. BOOK REVIEWS THIS WEEK … knitted toy tales – great for making darling toys for pressies … kata golda’s handstitched felt – another adorable book … color by kristin - knitting in bold colours
2. MY FAVE THIS WEEK … I love the printable paper house - fold and colour in – so so fun and lovely … Let it snow applique hoop - festive and adorable … mini tree quilt - perfect holidays quilt …
3. LOTS OF HOLIDAY CRAFTING … salt dough ornaments … printable gift tags … printable paper house … cupcake liner garland … crochet snowflakes … yarny christmas trees … elf shoes … matchbox advent calendar …
4. AND LOTS MORE: … cosy cowl … reversible felt basket … handbag pouch … crocodile softie … handsewn string pouch … diy laundry detergent …

Happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

Did you miss last weeks roundup? get them all here or subscribe to this weekly newsletter via email here – if you already subscribe why not forward this email to a crafty friend you think may enjoy it.
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Find out more about our fantastic Whipup 2010 calendar

Yes it is nearly the end of November (oops sorry – confused and dazed) and dangerously close to the end of the year. Crazy kid activities – seems there is a performance or party or school related thing every other day. Crafting this week has been relegated to 20 mins here and there – small projects – buntings/garlands (check out our 30 of the best and more in my 30 of the best holiday crafting series) and advent calendars.

We have 2 giveaways this week – mixtape zine … and kids craft holidays … goodluck.

65 Roses quilt for charity find out how you can participate and make a square for this quilt here.

FIND OUT HOW to get your 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here … check out more featured artists – Malka, Blair and Maritza - last one next week.

1. BOOK REVIEWS THIS WEEK … haiku knits – oh how delightful … and vintage knits for modern babies … and its my party and i’ll knit if I want to …

   MY FAVE THIS WEEK … create your personal manifesto …

2. LOTS OF HOLIDAY CRAFTING … advent garland – very shiny … german stars - fab idea … download this matroshka calendar … mini photo calendar template …
3. AND LOTS MORE: … find out why to pre-wash fabrics before quilting … wool roses - so simple and elegant … ruffled messenger bag – love this … mini tool belt - great idea … origami wrap sweater … succulent applique sachet …

Happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

Did you miss last weeks roundup? get them all here or subscribe to this weekly newsletter via email here – if you already subscribe why not forward this email to a crafty friend you think may enjoy it.
Access our blogging tips series here. Grab a featured on whipup button here and find out about advertising on whipup here.
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Another quiet-ish Sunday morning – whipped up 3 pairs of pajama pants for the kids this morning – some nice summery crisp cotton shorts. After croissants and scrambled eggs and coffee for breakfast and in a relaxed mode knowing that we cleaned the house yesterday, I can sit and breath and do some emails and blogging.

Thank you all for entering the Amy Butler pattern giveaway - more giveaways coming up next week …

65 Roses quilt for charity find out how you can participate and make a square for this quilt here.

FIND OUT HOW to get your 2010 whipup crafty collectible calendar here .

1. BOOK REVIEWS THIS WEEK Manga cross-stitch + Felties - 2 really excellent books. I loved the little book of vintage paper crafts … MY FAVE THIS WEEK … the crochet flower fridgies …
2. LOTS OF HOLIDAY CRAFTING cluster of glee – check it out … felt poinsettia … fabric pumpkin … russian nesting doll cards … tree bunting … felt ornaments …
3. AND LOTS MORE: chocolate cups … linen scarf … modern vintage potholder … 70’s inspired beaded chandelier … little bag of secrets …

Happy crafting!
Kathreen
xxx

Did you miss last weeks roundup? get them all here or subscribe to this weekly newsletter via email here – if you already subscribe why not forward this email to a crafty friend you think may enjoy it.
Access our blogging tips series here. Grab a featured on whipup button here and find out about advertising on whipup here.
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Feel free to send in letters, ideas and links to whipup[at]gmail.com
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Find out more about our fantastic Whipup 2010 calendar