A Return to Simplicity.

My new diary for 2014 is now complete and ready for use. I decided to use the fabric given to me in our stitching girls Christmas swap. Thanks for the beautiful fabric Jenny. How lovely it will be to look at on a daily basis.  This is where I write my personal appointments, what I will be planning to cook on the weekdays and those little reminders for the jobs I need to complete during the week.  I usually sit down with my diary on Sunday night, flip through a few recipe books, write a grocery list and plan which days we are having what. I love being organised and knowing what to cook when I come home from work. I made a pen holder and used one of  Jennys designs   for something stitched on the front. I even changed the ribbon page marker for a matching one. The original was blue . . . . can't have that ! You can even catch a glimpse of the original green cover. Really enjoyed making this as the stitchery and cover didn't really take too ...

We actually had two Christmas Days this year. As half of the family were going to be away over the Christmas holiday period,  we had one on the Saturday before. Trying to decide what to cook so that we didn't double up was a bit of a challenge but we managed to get it right.  One was outside on the patio, noisy with presents, food and games. and one was quieter with talking, food and movie watching. We sure did miss those kids ! But with formalities now over and as I read other blogs I notice that we all seem to cook way too much ! There is a bright side though,  there's not much to do now except relax for the next few days! Anyone who is hungry is promptly directed to the fridge. LOL ! How I enjoy this time following Christmas..... no work and no cooking . . . . . this leaves plenty of me time. I have decided to get a new diary this year instead of buying refills and as it has a vinyl cover (in green) I wanted to make something nice to cover it. Somethi...

Sometimes it's hard keeping what you are doing secret. Especially when you know your friends are stalking your blog looking for hints and tips. Well thank goodness the secret part is over and I can show what I have been up to. Making some things for my wonderful friend and swap partner Michelle. The Elefantz Stitching girls of Jenny , Wendy , Michelle (no blog) and I had our Christmas break-up on Monday and it was time to exchange gifts.  P.S. Pinched this piccy from Jenny's blog and did a bit of playing with it ! There was excitement in the air when we all started to cover the table with lovely wrapped gifts and bags. I made Michelle a covered folder using Michelle's Alphabet pattern . This was for the craft room and inside the folder I had a fat quarter pack and some pins and sewing needles. I also made her a  bag to carry her latest stitchery project, a small zippered pouch and a matching thread catcher. A Gail Pan design was just perf...