Why I've been neglecting K&R!

I've been neglecting my blog of late, as I've been drawn into new ways to spend my time.

One of my new loves is sewing; i just can't seem to drag myself away from my sewing machine as I am having so much fun creating in a new way.

One of the things I have made is this grocery bag from vintage fabric that I found at a local thrift/bazaar shop.  I can just imagine this fabric as kitchen curtains or maybe in a 60's caravan, tootling around the country.  Don't you think?!

I also just created this simple tote for a friend's birthday present.  It was a super easy pattern from 'Sew La Tea Do' and I also attempted the suggested embroidery! I'm completely new to embroidery but am pleased to report that it wasn't that tricky.  Hindsight would have me embroider the text in a colour that contrasts strongly against the fabric, but that's a lesson I'll take into my next project.  That's one of the things I love about crafting; you're always learning and improving your skills, which means that the subsequent projects are always bigger, better and even more special.

My other new project is a little organisation that I have started with a colleague - Big Fat Smile. For about 6 months I have been dreaming and planning for ways to become more integrated with my community and to make a difference in the lives of a few (or many). I think that Big Fat Smile is going to be the medium that allows me to achieve this vision. Stay tuned for more BFS updates over the months to come.

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world'.
- Author Unknown

Reflections on a crafty year

Before Christmas I had a really fun time sewing presents for my girlfriends.  I turned out quite a few of these super cute grocery bags for my lovely friends and I really loved spending the time to make them.

In 2011 I really surprised myself with how much I enjoyed making and crafting.  I received such a huge amount of pleasure from making something with my own hands and most of the time, giving that special something to someone else.  Developing my skills and enjoying the making process is one of my 2011 highlights and is something that will continue for me in 2012.

I already have two 2012 projects on the go! I'm making a special something for a cheeky almost 1 year old and I've also cast on a second pair of fingerless gloves, like the ones below (as I've had a special request from the previous recipient's younger sister!)

I'm planning on making 2012 a year where I continue to make, give and learn, cos it's just so much darn fun ;)

Knit, sew and ramble

Hold the press... I might have to change the name of my blog to Knit, Sew and Ramble, as I can now proudly call myself a sewer!

I've been wanting to continue to develop my love for making and giving and I felt that re-learning how to sew would be a great way to help me achieve this.  I've also set myself a new life goal of ensuring that I always create an atmosphere of growth; to keep learning, developing and growing as a person, both personally and professionally ('creating an atmosphere of growth' is something that really resonated with me from The Happiness Project). The first task that I set myself was to get back into sewing.

This weekend, I took steps one and two in this journey...

Step one looks like this:

My new Janome sewing machine! Yay!

Step two looks like this:




My first project; a small drawstring bag to house my sewing bits and pieces. I also think that I've found project number two here; apparently this is the world's easiest skirt... sounds like a good place to start to me! So now to find some funky fabric to make this super easy (fingers crossed!) skirt.

More updates to come!!