Something new for a new year

Do you have a new year's resolution? Get healthy, exercise more, loose weight ... they just don't appeal (although they would do me the world of good if I could achieve them).

No, my resolutions are far more indulgent and fun - each year I teach myself a new craft (or refine my skills). Last year it was decoupage. This year it is patchwork, applique and quilting - all related.

There are so many amazing fabrics that are so accessible courtesy of the internet. I particulary like Bolt of Cloth, and My Place along with nosing around in Spotlight.

And of course the local library offers a great selection of books for inspiration and guidance (I've just finished browsing The Practical Guide to Patchwork - new basics for the modern quiltmaker by Elizabeth Hartman).




I've started with the basics - making rosettes to cover an existing cushion. The cushion is for a window seat in my daughters room - the next stage of her bedroom makeover. However the possibilities are endless and the fabrics alone are truly inspiring.

I highly recommend this take on new year resolutions - it's like eating chocolate but without the calories.

   

Space reclaimed

As much as I love having visitors during the silly season, I also love reclaiming my home. A bit of space helps get me into a creative mind set - a struggle while the small people (and their mates) are asking about food, visiting dogs are chasing the cat (later retrieved by a reluctant husband from the top of a tree) and the dishwasher is going day and night.

After the visitors departed I did a massive clean up and reclaimed my space. However to quote Louisa May Alcott "housekeeping ain't not joke" so I'm always keen to find quicker or better ways to get the chores over and done with.

One of my shortcuts is my homemade 'does everything cleaner': equal parts of methylated spirits and white vinegar in a spray bottle and topped up with water. It is fantastic on any surface - floors, benches and particularly glass. For stubborn muck I use a paste of baking soda (1/2 cup) glycerine (1 teaspoon) a few drops of essential oil and enough dishwashing liquid to form a paste consistency.

With my desk and kitchen clean, I'm ready create!

Give these cleaners a go or let me know your favourite cleaning recipes.