A Return to Simplicity.

Is it any wonder that I have lots of projects on the go at the moment.....I don't think I am so different to many of the crafters out there,  so it's not hard to pick a project for this Friday night sew-in and  I'm doing some hand quilting on my new table runner.   I wanted something bright and cheerful for the dining table and lots of houses seemed just about right. These sweet homes come from A Scrapbook of Quilts by Joanna Figueroa & Carrie Nelson. As soon as I saw those Quilts, Cushions, Runners and Pin Cushions I knew that book was for me.  I have already made a cushion and I love the bright colours using some of the fabrics used in the book. The quilting is a mixture of machine and hand as I wanted to do inside the windows by hand to make them stand out. I think I'll also do some swirls in the trees.......not sure yet! It's still warm on most days here is the tropics so having this much bulk on your lap can become uncomfortable and sometimes I take it out...

 Although I am not quite retired (just doing a few casual shifts now in the wind down) I am finding it difficult to settle into a new routine at home.  I like having structure to my days and although I don't mind spur of the moment things I do LOVE routine! I think this comes from being a nurse when routine and time management are crucial to providing the best patient care you can. I am busy making my to do list that stretches off into the years, some I will definitely get done and some maybe never! There are plenty of things to do, some are bigger such as the re-organizing the craft room and some are just simple things that will be ongoing like cleaning out various cupboards.  A type of Death Cleaning!! WHAT!  You say.......  The practice arises from Swedish author Margareta Magnusson in her book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning : How to Free Yourself and Your Family From a Lifetime of Clutter . She explains the notion of döstädning, which translates t...

2022 Another new year has rolled around and I've decided it's time to begin again on the blog. I will have more time now to do the things I love as I head into retirement. There's no slowing down but renewed enthusiasm looking forward. Things like gardening, sewing, baking and taking time to read more books etc. As I sit in the garden every afternoon I look around and see lots of things to do and rather than becoming frustrated, I am excited to finally make a reality some of those Pinterest  ideas I've been saving. I also brought a new Air fryer cookbook while doing my Christmas shopping and am going to make my way through it during the year. I can't wait to show you what I cook.   I have already made Pizza in the Air Fryer, but it's not a recipe from this book.      From the sewing table there is a lot of wonderful fabric waiting to be turned into everyday items for around the home and for a little market stall I intend to have, as well as things for wearing...