A Make A Month ...

... and a birthday present.

I had been wondering what to make and then remembered the project kit that came free with Cath Kidston Patch book that I got for Christmas.

I've done a different Suffolk Puff to the one suggested and used different backing fabric to the cream cotton that was supplied.

I have done very little patchwork in my life, so it was quite nice to do something different. I think I overdid the amount of stitching required, but it's all a learning process!!

Goodbye Sketchy Thursday ...

... like many people I was a bit sad to hear the news that the Sketchy Thursday challenges were going to stop. I never played along as much as I would have liked, but their sketches were always easy to use and adapt. I couldn't not take part in their last challenge.

Challenges ...

... first week proper and I'm on track with my goals. It was completely appropriate to play along with this challenge on Sarah's Card - scrap your 2012 creative intentions.
A card sketch challenge for a Scrapbook Circle (may have over done it with the red!)

Take 12: January ...

A Make A Month ....

.... thank you to Fiona for pointing me in the direction of A Make A Month - so I've signed up!
Hopefully this'll keep me on track.

10 things: Creative Goals 2012 ...

1. To make curtains for Lily's bedroom. So this might not be the most creative goal, but I've had the fabric for 6 months now. I started them yesterday.

2. Make this cushion

Source: 1.bp.blogspot.com via Fay on Pinterest

This is the jelly roll I've chosen - the fabrics are so lovely in it.
3. Crochet a blanket. I actually started this before Christmas but progress is quite slow - I don't think I should have tried to make it so wide. Am pleased with how it's going though and it should be ready for next Winter!

4. Weekly photo challenge with my sister as previous post.

5. Take 12 "Take 12 photos on the 12th of each month. Scrapbook 144 memorable moments this year." I try to stay away from these sorts of challenges but I've found myself being drawn in!!! I enjoyed 'Scrap Your Day' that I completed nearly 3 years ago, so it'll be good to have something as comparison.



6. To make more She Art (and mixed media in general) - I've promised some for Mia's bedroom.

7. To do a LO a week for a challenge website. My favourites are:

Sketchy Thursday
Scrapbook Circle
PencilLines
Stuck?

8. To learn to freestyle machine embroidery. I've had a little go, but I think I need to get a proper attachment for my machine. I really like Poppy Treffry's work.


9. Make more cards. I don't know why I always struggle with this, maybe it's the lack of sentiment stamps and stickers.

10. Give more handmade presents. I've got a library of patterns of things I can make now and I especially like the ones from Gingercake - the owl cushion is next on my list.

Happy New Year ...

... well it looks like I took an unplanned blog break as seems to happen from time to time.

I had a good Xmas and New Year, the girls were uber excited as expected. It seems like an age ago now. Here's a few presents that I managed to make for Christmas, mainly teacher's presents. I had planned to make much more but I've been doing some supply work for easyfundraising which took any spare time I had (although some much welcome money was earnt!)

Mug cosies

Notepad cover, bookmarks and key ring.
Earwarmers (modelled by their gorgeous receipients!)

I'm hoping to get back to crafting soon, the house still needs some order to be restored to it first.

I've not made any crafting resolutions, the only plans I have is a photography challenge with my sister. After getting a new camera for Xmas she mentioned that she wanted to take more photos, so we've set up a weekly challenge - I'll set it one week and then she'll do the next one. Will be interesting to compare a teenager's photos to a 40-somethings!