Newsletter

What’s new, what’s old

by kath_red on February 9, 2012

in Books, Newsletter

I am excited to bring on this year, not that I want to rush into it, no, I just am glad it’s here.

This coming year for me is going to bring a few new challenges, projects and preparation — more on those aspects later in the year, but for now I want to tell you about a few things that I have been into lately, things that reenergise me and that inspire me and that you too can participate in. 

I am now on Instagram @whipup - huh! how did that happen – I know … another thing to get addicted to. But there you have it … it’s fun — what can I say!

[you can view my images in a few ways: followgram or webstagram or at instagram] [ps. That crochet there is the beginnings of a Scrappy steps afghan (it's Chawnes fault), you can grab the pattern here and watch the how-to videos here.]

Do you twitter? I do and you can follow me here: Twitter @whipup : but I what I want to talk about are the chat groups on twitter – the crafty chat groups on all sorts of topics, they are helpful, fun and energising. There is one in particular that is at a convenient time for me and on a topic that I am immersed in at the moment #talknt is all about quilt talk, it is hosted by @caraquilts and is on somewhere between tuesday night (US time) and wednesday midday (Au time) depending upon your time zone. There is a sponsor each week which is always fun, but more importantly about 50 other quilting enthusiasts join in.

There are many crafty twitter chats and parties … which ones do you host or participate in – I would love to know! Do you know of any yarn/knitting/crochet twitter chats? Here are the few that I know about:

  • #talknt is a weekly quilting chat hosted by @caraquilts
  • #CraftSocial is a monthly chat with a changing topic each time, it is co-hosted by @penguintrax and @sisterdiane. The next one is February 14th from 2-3pm EST and the topic is polymer clay.
  • #crafterminds is a twice weekly craft/business chat (Monday at 4pm EST and 8pm EST) hosted by one Crafterminds.
  • #CraftChat is hosted by Craft Critique and is held every Wednesday at 1pm CST. A list of topics for the month is posted on the blog.
  • #omhg is hosted by @ohmyhandmade. They meet every Thursday from 1-2EST to chat about a monthly theme usually to do with building your business or improving your skills.

What is a twitter chat? A tweet chat or party is an organized group conversation which discusses a specific topic, it makes use of a hashtag (#) so everyone can participate. The chats are hosted by people with an interest in a topic and often pose questions to the group to build up a dialogue.

How to join in on a twitter chat: I use either my iphone or TweetDeck or TweetChat and then just search for the hashtag that the chat is using to keep track of and join in to the conversation – it is pretty easy but does take a bit to get used to the speed that conversation goes at sometimes.

——–

This Week I introduced a new series coming up over the next month here on whipup — and it is about my book  Little Bits Quilting Bee and pre-cut fabric: I’ll be discussing which fabrics you can use to make the quilts in my book and will be showcasing a few of the quilts. I was inspired by Weeks Ringle who has been showing the quilts from her latest book on her blog and discussing the design decisions behind each one.

In last weeks newsletter I introduced you to some dinner ideas – this week I am going introduce you to chocolate sheet cake: — inspired by this but using this recipe – chewy and fudgy at the same time – an instant winner!

And this week at whipup we had some guest posts: Baroque punk embroidery :: Valentines bracelets :: Mushroom love brooch.

I am reading… 

  • The big book of small business is written by a fellow Australian Andrew Griffiths (published by Allen and Unwin) — it claims to be the ‘Silver bullet to give you a competitive edge’, I am not sure there is such a thing — hard work, dedication, building relationships, creativity — those are the silver bullets. However it does have thoughtful, practical and useful guidance  – a checklist for success, and it does help you to ask yourself some hard questions. I am gladdened to read that I am on the right path … it is good to know when to stand firm and when to make changes … some valuable advice.
  • Graham Leslie McCallum has a useful series of books featuring various motifs: Flower & Plant Motifs,  Pattern Motifs, Art Deco Motifs and Japanese Motifs. These books include a CD of motifs and which can be manipulated and adapted for your own projects.
  • Sweat Shop Paris: Lessons in Couture from the Sewing Cafe by Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis (published by Andrews McMeel Publishing 2011). This indie style sewing book is written by the gang from the Paris based social sewing shop: ‘Sweat Shop’, it’s a cafe — a social sewing drop-in centre. The designs featured in the book are unusual and unique, hippy and punk and rock n roll diy — utilising refashioning and deconstruction, knitting and crossstitch, beading, glueing and stitching techniques to make a variety of hip and fashionable clothing and accessories as well as a bunch of playful things too.

[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] (Australian’s can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)

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Discussion, dialogue and dinner

by kath_red on February 1, 2012

in Books, Newsletter

This week is the last week before my big baby starts high school (year 7). It is a huge milestone and we are all pretty happy about it. My daughter is pretty darn excited to be leaving primary school behind — she is keen to take up new challenges, make new friends and try new things. It is a new year and a fresh start and we have a few of our own challenges to face this year – as I am sure you do too.

In last weeks newsletter post I promised you the result to the survey which I asked whipup readers to fill in – thank you all – over 1300 folks filled in the survey and the results can be seen here.

Also last week I discussed using bi-carb and vinegar in place of shampoo for washing hair: I have been experimenting with using homemade hair powder in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh – I have been sprinkling bi-carb powder on my hair and then massaging and brushing it through (works wonders), but readymade has a recipe for a natural scented powder which looks kinda cool, also I hear you can use talcum powder too (just not too much unless you want grey hair).

Whats for dinner tonight? I am quite addicted to taste spotting and food gawker websites for leading me to some new and delicious blogs. This is comfort food week in our house: tonight we are having pea and ham soup, tomorrow night is curry night and I am making Butter chicken and Mung bean dal (also known as moong dal), then wednesday night is bolognese night (also known as ragù alla bolognese), thursday mmm it gets a little fuzzy on thursday so I searched for ‘comfort food‘ and had an array of choices in front of me … the rest of the week it will be braised brisket, garlic soup with egg and Mexican meatball soup. Unless of course the weather turns hot again and in which case its back to chicken schnitzel and salad. (Images above)

Now onto other things…

I am reading…

[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] (Australian’s can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)

Sign up here to our weekly newsletter

Social: flickr :: facebook :: Twitter @whipup
Email: submit@whipup.net
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Updates and links and other good things

by kath_red on January 25, 2012

in Books, Link Love, Newsletter

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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Sorting, discovering, organising: intentional doing

by kath_red on January 18, 2012

in Books, Link Love, Newsletter

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:

[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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Email: submit@whipup.net
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Lets discuss slow

by kath_red on January 11, 2012

in my life, Newsletter

This year I am trialling something new and old for my newsletters – still going with the same provider who I started with last year, but returning to my old ways with posting the newsletter here at whipup as well. That way you can read it online here or via email – easy for you and easy for me. I would be interested in your feedback – if you are receiving this via email already — let me know how you like (or don’t like) it.

Today I want to talk about slow. This year I am going to concentrate on not rushing, not hurrying, not stressing about rushing and hurrying, and in doing so I am sure I will get more done.

I have started off the year by taking it slowly, easing my way into the routine, cooking slow dinners, relaxing in the evening with a snack and then cooking together with a relaxing glass of wine. I am not going to worry about the perfect meal, not going to rush to the shops to pick up something, instead I am going to eat half an hour later if necessary, or I am going to make omelettes for dinner or allow myself to declare cheese and crackers a perfectly acceptable meal. And then on weekends I will put on a casserole to cook quietly in the corner — emitting delicious aromas — while I get on with the business of life.

I am going to take this slow idea and ease myself effortlessly into housework by not rushing, not yelling, not stressing about a little mess and dirt here and there. I am going to declutter and throw things out or give them away if they don’t have a home. And then I am going to do the laundry only once a week – not every day – yes you heard me not every day! Let them wear yesterday’s clothes for another day if they are desperate. And then I am going to delegate tasks — the boys can clean the toilets! But in delegating I am not going to fuss if it is not done to my exacting standards, I am going to let it be (maybe give some advice here and there — that’s allowed), and let them get on with it with some trial and error. And while we are on the subject of housework, I am going to give myself permission to laze about on the weekends — yes, the dirty cups can stay dirty for a few more hours, I am not going to be cleaning the kitchen for the whole of the weekend — I am going to read my book . on the couch . maybe getting up for a cup of tea . or to update my twitter . so there!

Slow is also my mantra for work, for emails, for this blog and for crafting. I am going to take things one step at a time, write lists to help me get organised, and on those lists I am going to include some fun activities that I never seem to be able to fit in anywhere of late — like spending time in the garden or going for an evening walk, having lunch with an old friend, or starting to make that new pattern I have had bookmarked over on ravelry — lists will become my friend and slow will become my mantra. Will you join me on a quest for slow in 2012?

On whipup this week you might want to read about Sayraphim Lothian’s project Gilding the City or a read about a new book – Soul to soul parenting, make a sleep mask, or perhaps get into some crafty recycling. All good things to start the year off slowly.

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