The housewarming quilt

Ta daa!

Presenting my first finished item for 2014.  It's just a very simple pieced quilt top with equilateral triangles. I used a watermelon spot for the backing and a grey moda pinstripe for the binding which I machine stitched down (much quicker!!). I used a bamboo batting too which I never have before. It did shred a bit during quilting but it seemed warm enough. Time will tell I guess.

I love how it turned out- the quality isn't the same as my usual standard since I didn't properly baste due to limited space. Still, for a utility quilt it will be good enough. I also love the shape. Its narrow ish but long so it's good for wrapping up inside.

#1 take more photos with my real camera

One of my goals this year is to try to use my dslr more often than I did last year. I think I've got far too caught up in the convenience of the iPhone 5 camera. I also love using Instagram and applying filters to my pictures.

Annoyingly, I'm away at the beach for a week and forgot to bring the camera with me! What a great start! When I return home I will take it down from the top cupboard and keep it in everyday sight to encourage more regular use and hopefully a "photo-a-day".

Here's what I really did next...

So, I got my big girl nickers on and I moved out on my very own.

That's right, I'm living on my own. And you know what?

I absolutely love it! I wasn't sure at first since I come from a large, loud family and I'm used to spending time with other people. Hey, I'm a teacher so I even get paid to talk to people all day.

But I have to say, this is absolutely the best thing I have done.

It's the most beautiful 1 bedroom right by the beach. Talk about lucky!

I'm looking forward to blogging more in 2014 too.

Happy new year!

Holiday Declutter

School holidays are here for me again! I feel fortunate to have a holiday break to look forward to every 10 or so weeks. I have spent this evening sorting through my clothes. I own so many and I needed to do a proper and thorough declutter. Unfortunately there was not a lot to throw  out this time but its a timely reminder for me to not keep buying and to use/wear what I have already.

Getting fit...

 

Ok, I confess I was probably fit before and should perhaps have titled this post "becoming strong" but you can always get fitter than you are. I have quite the stash of fitness gear now. A whole basket in fact. It's no surprise to me that lots of my things are striped too! I love a good stripe or polka dot. 

The point is I have enjoyed this adventure. Starting to run again, joining the gym and pushing my body to become stronger and fitter and healthier than I've ever been. My basket of lovely clothes and my new runners are just part of that story. It's about finding new challenges and new interests and creating and achieving goals. 

Hooray for that!

Hex on the beach update

I finished up row 4 of my hex on the beach quilt this afternoon whilst I sat chatting with two sweet friends and one of my friends darling little baby boy. Now I have been joining as I go, it's much quicker and more enjoyable and I keep turning to this project over my appliqué, embroidery and piecing projects I have on the go at the same time. I'm off to get ready for another busy work week and perhaps start glue basting the 5th row!

Sorting things out

I'm a bit nervous- this weekend I need to have a very serious conversation with myself. I need to work some things out future wise. Whilst one of the big lessons I have learnt in life thus far is not to be too planned or set on things happening a certain way, I do need to at least work out which direction I plan to turn in next. It's scary stuff, but some interesting opportunities have presented themselves and I need to think them all through carefully. I think a long run might be a great time to do it too!