The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Sunday 8 March 2015

There is more to craft than meets the eye.

Some of my best early memories are of Mum sewing baby sheets for my soon to be born baby brother and Nan knitting. I was very lucky and I learned to knit when I was about four and crochet not too long after.

Later my memories are of Nan who would have her spinning wheel in the lounge room and she spun her own yarn and knitted her projects from her own wool. She loved it. Evenings were industrious times. No one ever just sat and watched tv. You worked on your projects! We all did. It was a little hive of activity. Very pre industrial revolution! Nan also had friends who all got together with their spinning wheels and they would talk and spin and make a day of it. They were very happy times.

I am so glad I had all this going on around me as it was just natural to be creating something. But you don't have to have learned things when you were little to learn them now. I didn't do a stiitch of embroidery until I was in my thirties. Learning this was wonderful. Actually exciting and utterly addictive! And only last year I learned a heap of new crochet patterns and I found that just as exciting. It was so much fun I barely noticed winter.

Once you are absorbed in something you really relax and your heart just sings. I forget what time it is and that I should go to bed! I used to make up little designs from childrens books and just have so much fun with sweet little stories and innocence. It was just delightful. It did me good. 



You cannot think unhappy thoughts when putting a nappy on a baby mouse.


I made up mouse and bunny weddings, mouse flower girls, mice visiting friends with baskets full of goodies! lol


I know my Nan suffered anxiety. I look back and see now that when she sat there not doing anything (which was rare) she seemed anxious. When she was spinning or knitting she was happy!  When she was productive she was relaxed. It was visible. This is so applicable to me. Anytime I have stopped being creative has been a sign I'm not doing well. If I want to up my happiness and contentment I need to get itno some new projects and learn something new.

Many times I hear that people don't sew/knit/crochet or whatever as they aren't as good at it as someone else in the family, their work isn't good enough... but it is a natural process to go from learning, to being a beginner to being really good at something. That is part of the fun. Don't let perfectionism rob you from all the joys that should be coming your way.

Making things has always meant I can mostly have the things I really want. I am not tempted to pay hundreds of dollars for a huge vase of flowers or for decorator items when I can make them.
Making things means I can produce gifts all year round and have a stash of presents and cards to give that are personal and special and for a fraction of what it would cost to buy them all.

Being able to give or help through creativity is even better. You may not be able to donate large amounts to charity. But you might be able to make warm rugs for children that need them or beanies for premmie babies who's heads get cold! You may be able to bless a new mother or a person with something lovingly made.

In earlier posts I have shared some of the beautiful things people made for me when I had babies and how much they meant to me.

So what will I learn next? Nanna Chel has got me onto rag rugs. I have always admired them but never made one. So I am going to learn. Nanna Chel is putting up a tutorial and when its ready I will post a link to it. Start saving old sheets in pretty fabrics!

The proverbs woman was busy making things. Her skills were many and varied! You just never stop learning and fine tuning your skills. The Bible says that the skilled worker will stand before kings. 
Like everything in the Bible it turns out to be true on more levels than you ever thought. Now there are countless studies on crafts, knitting, crochet and their health benefits. Yes, health benefits.

We are meant to be busy with our hands. We were built that way. We are happier and more content. We are more relaxed. Our blood pressure goes down. (mmm except when you are making mistakes and then it goes up!)  Our minds are distracted from our worries. Our sense of achievement and satisfaction go up!

Creating things helps us balance the budget, earn an income, decorate our homes, feed our families, gives us purpose, helps us feel content at home. CONTENT AT HOME. If you can imagine how much this means. If you are content at home you have no desire to be loitering in the mall wasting money. You just don't have that unquenchable thirst for the next thing. You are content at home. What a thing to cultivate and instill in children. You never compare yourself to the Jones' as you are too busy to notice the Jones' (I hope this is also a US expression... "Keeping up with the Jones' is an expression here to mean the competitive pressure to keep up materially with those who SEEM to be wealthy).

So often I hear women say that their Grandma taught them to knit and gave them a life long gift. The other day I read this on a face book story. The question was when did you learn to knit and crochet? Many said that their Grandmothers had taught them and how thankful they were. One lady said her Grandmother had taught her to crochet and now she was herself in her 70's and it had given her a life of joy. How beautiful is that?

So for ourselves and for our children and grandchildren it is so important we work creativity into our lives and teach the skills to others and learn new ones from someone who is more advanced. It is so much fun. This is another aspect of "encourage one another."

If you have skills you have let go for a while try getting started again. If you haves something you always wished to learn take a little time, even half an hour and take step one to leaning. It might be watching a you tube tutorial or go to the library for some books. When you are learning something new you will thrive! It doesn't need to be needlework, painting, cake decorating, card making, decorating and so many things are being creative. I think it's creative to make a meal from a few basic ingredients.

Mum is in her 70's and has always been very productive. No idle hands around her home! But she is still learning. I actually was able to teach her some more crochet patterns last yeatr (thanks to you tube) and we had heaps of fun trying these together. But now she is trying something new and making head bands and boot toppers. I can tell she's having fun! 

Here is my youngest Niece modelling some of Nan's headbands on the weekend. Very willingly I might add :)

I said she could be on my blog and she was very happy to help out. 


This was one of our collaborations, I made the flower and Mum makes the headband. My niece wanted this one. She said "Nanna this feels so soft and nice on my head."


Seriously do yourself a massive favour and be creative and productive. And keep learning new skills or resurrect old ones. 


The last picture reminds me today it is Lucy and Kato's first anniversary! They have had a big big first year. They got married, had a wonderful honeymoon, got a baby started and moved into a bigger home. That is pretty good for their first year! Now Lucy is painting up furniture, creating a nursery, decorating a house and cooking up meals I can see the creativity in her and that she feels that satisfaction too.

Have a wonderful and creative week. I always say busy hands really do mean happy hearts. It's true. xxx




47 comments:

  1. Oh Annabel. This post actually made me teary in the best possible way. I too, learned to embroider and knit at aged 4. From the age of 5, I was helping Mum and Nanna fashion fondant roses for celebration cakes for our family. We too, always had projects on the go, and I have fond memories of sitting watching Dr Who with Nanna while she and I embroidered together. Sadly she passed away when I was just 11, but through my own embroidery, cooking, gardening and crafting, she and my Mum live on. I love what you say about busy hands too. And so true. Congratulations to Lucy and Kato on their wedding anniversary. They've had a joyous first year together. May 2015 bring many more blessings!

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    1. Mimi you did a wonderful job picking up so much from your Nan while you had her and your Mother too. Some of it is in our veins I think and some of it learned.
      They have such a presence in our lives! They truly influence the generations!
      I hope this is a good week for you. xxx

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  2. Like you, Annabel, I cannot stand to sit in the car and look out the window. Sit and watch a video? Sit on the plane and look out the window? Never. If I neglect to prepare a project to work on, I'm up a creek without a paddle.

    All your projects you shared are simply precious!

    Hugs,
    Kelley~

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    1. Kelley the day they banned knitting needles on planes was the day Mum stopped flying. She looks like a terrorist too as you would have noticed!
      When we go away on trips and Andy is driving I get so much crochet done! Our next holiday is 6 hours drive each way. Thats a lot of rows! I feel just the same as you about it! xxx

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    2. Six hours each way - does that mean you're coming to Melbourne ?

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    3. I have to weigh in on the no knitting needles, needles, scissors on planes...so bad for us creatives...I too, have done ALL sorts of things on flights back I the day. Especially so good on long haul. Get desperately bored these days. Annabel, your little embroidered scenes are just divine. Xxx

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    4. Thank you so much Flora. Not being able to do anything seems such a waste! I have long car trips and at least I can crochet. I get miles done this way.
      We need more hours in a day. This would help our creative pursuits. I love your work by the way.xxx

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  3. Annabel, this is such a lovely post. I'm happy when I'm making something. Although I'm not overly crafty, I can make a few things. I can do basic sewing and made curtains for Megan's room many years ago. When my girls were little I made leggings for $1 each. Much cheaper than the $10 store bought ones. I made pjs and a few dresses. Now I make tote bags, take up jeans, troussers, shirts and sleeves.

    I've been busy making the beaded Christmas decos that ACA featured. Next I'll be making the beaded angels. I'm hoping to sell lots of things later in the year.

    I've started card making. Thankyou for the inspiration Annabel. I'm using what I have on hand plus a few bought items from the $2 shop.

    I can do plain knitting thanks to my Grandma who taught me when I was about 9 or 10.

    What concerns me is that so much of the younger generation have no interest in making anything. If only home making skills along with budgeting were taught at school as a compulsory subject

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    1. Thank you Wendy! I am so glad to have helped you start on cards.
      A good thing is the hand crafted things are "in" and knitting is getting to be quite "cool" with the young ones. I am encouraged by seeing the young people in shows like Masterchef and Masterchef junior, some are so impressive! But it shows the interest is there which is really good. Also I noticed Jamie Oliver is conducting kids works shops in Sydney. This kind of thing is good. Lets hope it continues and grows!
      I totally agree basic skills should be taught in school, cooking, budgeting, sewing etc. as life skills! So important.
      Have a wonderful week and lots of frugal achievements! xxx

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  4. Dear Annabel, your embroidery is swoon worthy! I too was raised in the same sort of environment as you and Mimi. Fruit trees, meant making jam and stewing fruit and eating it fresh...vegetable gardens meant pickles, relishes and cooking stews, soups blanching and freezing, owning a house cow meant milking, separating the milk, making butter...mix that in with knitting, crocheting, simple sewing and a love of cooking over a combustion stove. We were busy literally from daylight to night.
    It was an atmosphere of steady achievement, where you could see the work of your hands. An open fire drew us all in the cooler months and the evenings would fly by. Firstly as a family after dinner we would gather in a circle and pray for each other.
    My life still is very similar to this. Today I made bread, and while all the steps were unfolding, I used the time to thoroughly clean my kitchen step by step. We could have bought bread, but the slow process of producing it, is good for me. It's lovely to have my husband peek over my shoulder to see how it's all going. A lovely set of DVD's around all these topics are from Homestead Blessings. I first learned about them from Ruth Ann at Sugarpie Farmhouse Blog.
    Congratulations to Lucy and Kato! What a truly wonderful blessed first year they have had. Love Helen xxx

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    1. Dear Helen,
      There is so much too this. There was no boredom. What was boredom? What was idleness? Unheard of! And I just bet the family you are speaking of were happy. Hard work and productivity just seem to = happy.
      This understanding is a big help. The more I am busy creating with my hands the better i am. I think it turns out Gods instructions were more than instructions they were a prescription.
      I love that the bread baking creates a sense of anticipation. How lovely. Love Annabel.xxx

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  5. Dear Annabel,
    Yes, keeping up with the Joneses translates perfectly!
    I've read this post twice already. And I will read and re-read it several times because it is so precious. I am so happy that you and Mimi and Helen have learned such creative things in your families! I'm including my children in all things creative! My youngest (girl twin) in particular is a gifted and talented artist. We are learning lots of things together and it is exciting. We equip and encourage the kids in all creative endeavors...ie musical instruments, singing, performing, drawing, painting, bracelet/jewelry making, sewing, scrapbooking, paper crafting to name a few. I do not make the kids put away projects, I encourage them to keep them out as long as they like (so long as they're actually going back to them regularly), as I feel like having it out and around you where it's accessible is encouraging. I'm fortunate to have a family room where this can happen and the "stuff" stays somewhat under control! :) Just everything you said about how being busy reduces anxiety, etc...that's so true for me. Your niece is adorable and I love your Mum's headbands! Thank you for this post. I wish Lucy and Kato a most wonderful First Anniversary with a lifetime more to come! xxx

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    1. I am so glad you encourage everyone along Colette. It is so good for them and apart from skills for life talents and loves might be discovered. It sounds like some talent is already clear!
      Given we were both crafting from an early age it makes sense it is an important part of life. I think I understand that better now. I said to Helen that it turns out the Bibles messages on this subject are a prescription as well as an encouragement. These things are a remedy in many ways at times for me. If I am worried I need to be doing things, if I cant sleep I get up and knit for a while and I feel calm and can settle down! Sometimes finding time for everything isnt so easy!
      Have a great week. We had a holiday Monday today so its a short week but I have lots of goals! xxx

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  6. Dear Annabel

    Lovely post. I was taught to knit before I started school. When I was four I made my father a scarf and I have it here today my mother kept it for me. At school we made aprons and crossed stitched them all by hand and we would have been younger than 11 when we did it, I have that here as well. My youngest dear daughter has found a love of craft and can quilt much better than I ever could, nothing makes me happier than watching her plan, cut out and sew a quilt.

    When I was six I was gifted a craft book and my mother tells me I locked myself in my room and didn't come out until I had taught myself to crochet. I was blessed to have a mother that sewed, knitted and crocheted. She made many things for her Glory Box that I still have and adore.

    I remember when I was pregnant with my first I went to visit my Grandfather in hospital and my Mother, Aunt and myself were all sitting around his bed knitting and my Grandfather jested that our tongues moved faster than the knitting needles.

    Great memories. I think that it has become more "fashionable" to have hand made goodies in the house and that they are much more appreciated.

    I went to visit my son and daughter in law today, just a quick pop in and I marvel that their paths are so close to Lucy's, they were married last March and have their own home and expecting baby number one very soon. My first grand child. Such exciting times.

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    1. Mel the scent you describe with you all sitting around your Grandfather in hospital knitting... oh my goodness that is my family. Mum has kept people company in hospital, waited in waiting rooms and so on knitting away. Click clack is a comforting sound to me now.
      Yes handmade is more valued now. Hence its often expensive too. I am so happy to hear of your daughters quilt making! That is just wonderful and no doubt helped by all the craft work you do in inspiring her.
      As little girls were were very similar. I had my head in a craft book and had a favourite one for many years.
      I am so excited for you with the baby coming. I think your baby arrives slightly sooner than ours (May)
      Have a great week, I hope it is not too busy, Im glad the public holiday gave you the day off today! xxx

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  7. I started hand sewing very simple doll clothes when I was eight. I did an embroidery sampler at school when I was 10 along with all the other girls the boys did basket work. Then in grade six we did tapestry bookmarks and hand sewed pillow cases. When I got to high school I discovered that activities of this type were quite rare in primary schools at that time, but the school I attended was very old fashioned.

    Annabel those headbands are just so cute. Last week I downloaded a pattern from the Spotlight website for a knitted headband with a crochet flower that I am going to try to make for my niece's birthday. I am knitting her a scarf at the moment. She asked for money for her birthday which is fair enough as she puts the money aside for a special purchase,- last year she saved up and bought herself a tablet. However I also like to give something that can be gift wrapped as well. Hence the knitting.

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    1. Sherri it was great you had some opportunities at school to help get you going. I am noticing a lot of lovely knitwear in the shops and I mentioned last week the really expensive scarves I had seen so I am getting started on some! Also I have a blanket to do that I have promised for Chloe. I like having a few things on the go. You cant hayl a blanket everywhere but a scarf I can take with me places where I might have time to work on it!
      I would love to see how you headband and scarf turn out! xxx

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  8. Annabel, your hand work is so beautiful! You inspire me to keep on keeping on in my efforts to grow my abilities in this area. Another lovely post!

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    1. Thank you Patsy, what we need is pantry crafts! I am actually working on how we can combine the themes. This way I can kill two birds with one stone! I will let you know how I go on this! xxx

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    2. Annabel that sounds intriguing.

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  9. I am counting down the days until I can get my knitting needles out and start knitting again - I want to finish up what I have been doing and not have that 'in my space' so the end of next school term and the needles come out.

    Hopefully the rooms will be painted and we have our things out of storage and I can get stuck into making curtains for here when the weather warms up I have lots of pieces of fabric to be turned into cushion covers or curtains, even some Sheridan sheeting to be used as lining in storage. Thermal lined ones are better for winter than summer up here, they do not breath.

    I still have my dinosaur patterns and the patterns I used for dolls dresses that I use to make a fair amount of money from, I only knew one way to sew the dolls dresses so they were made that way, bodices were completely lined if there was no sleeve.

    My grandmother obviously influenced me but I never remember having a lesson from her (she was a tailoress), perhaps being near her as she sewed was all it took. I know she taught me to darn. I have a sewing box that has been passed onto me, came from my grandmother (dad's mum) but I think it may have been her mother's or grandmother's. The velvet is worn, it is a shallow box with a satin lining and still has most of the original items.

    My mother taught me all about sewing clothes for me, how to read the pattern back and tack in the darts and the list goes on - once I learnt I was on my own. Hopefully it is like riding a bike because as I get more time I would like to get back into sewing, at least in the summer months. Pretty aprons keep calling me.

    I have most of Edith Gilchrist's pattern books so I am sure that I have a couple of apron patterns at the very least.

    This afternoon we made rabbit's from facewashers - a simple craft that took a lot longer than they should have. I have a feeling that a lot of children are not use to using their hands as we did years ago. Last year I decided to teach them simple running stitch by making felt heart shaped bookmarks and sewing on a button - took them an age to get them done, the idea of passing the sewing needle through from one side to the other escaped most of them let alone when it became time to sew on the button.

    We had a sleepover (mini camp) this past weekend and the usual problems became apparant quite quickly - using a knife and fork is alien to some of them. Setting the table and washing and drying dishes was also a problem for some. I think there are quite a few parents who think that it is easier to do things themselves instead of investing the time and teaching their children basic skills, this also covers simple things like using a needle and thread.

    Lynette






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    1. Lynette I would LOVE to see your work and see the dinosaurs and little dresses! I cant wait for you to get back to it again. I am sure you could still sell them too if you wanted to.
      Also aprons are really popular! With all the cooking shows etc aprons are "in" ad I love them!
      I have seen quite old children not knowing how to use a knife and fort or any table manners which horrifies me! I am glad you have taught so many children some of these basic skills. Usually they love to learn too.
      The sheeting for the curtains is a great idea. You have wonderful supplies. And just making the curtains will no doubt save you a fortune. I am sure we did learn just by watching to some extend. Your sewing box sounds like a treasured item to me. How lovely to have it.
      Thanks so much Lynette this was a joy to read. I hope you might show me photos when you are back to your knitting! Have a lovely week. xxx

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  10. How lovely! Annabel you are quite talented :~) I especially enjoy embroidery, and have numerous silk ribbon projects completed. It has been a while though since I regularly made handcrafts. My hands fall asleep and ache so quickly. I recently bought a wrist support, and hope it will help, so that I may once again enjoy the craft :~)

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    1. Thank you Kathryn. I dread problems with my hands. If my legs give out at least I can still crochet and sew! I hope this wrist support might help you or working in short bursts even?
      Silk ribbon is so lovely! I am mad on really soft colours and coffee creams etc. Plus it feels so nice. I have some lovely wools to work on at the moment. I have found wool to be very expensive now. We have a great shop Country Bumpkin nearby. They publish Inspirations embroidery magazine plus Smoking and Embroidery magazine. They are just beautiful and give me so many ideas. Just going there is a way to get motivated.
      Thank you so much.xxx

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  11. Your embroidered scenes are just precious!!

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    1. Thank you Tracy they are a joy to do! xx

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  12. You are so very busy! beautiful work -sometimes I don't feel like I have enough free time to keep up my creativity. I guess I should make some time.
    I love the last photograph on this post -can you tell me what it's on- a blanket?

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    1. Thank you very much Vicky. THis is on a fine wool and cashmere rug. You can see the wider scene on an older post herehttp://thebluebirdsarenesting.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/mouse-weddings-and-country-bumpkin.html
      I made up the design from reading childrens books. It was really fun to do! xxx

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  13. Annabel I am tossing around the possibilities but I know in my heart that I need time for me to settle here first. So much has happened in the 3 years since we moved up and I feel like I am playing catch up.

    Lynette

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    1. Lynette because you have always been so active you will catch up and the time will come. But dont hurry. Somehow the moment strikes and you see a project you really want to do! But you have been flat out since you moved into that house! xxx

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  14. Oh Annabel, what a beautiful post! I have always done handwork but have done a lot less lately because I just haven't felt like myself. I am going to follow your advice and get back to it.

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    1. Dear Rhonda, Over the years I have finally realised that with me stopping enjoying and doing these things means I am really overtired, I am a bit depressed or unwell. Which is ok in short bouts as we all get overtired, sick etc but for a longer spell I know it means I am not ok! It has been a sign or symptom in itself. There can be many reasons but the loss of enjoyment of the things you normally love can be a sign of depression too. So look after yourself a little bit extra and I hope you are feeling back to your normal self soon. And that a project you really would love to do helps.
      Something new can be good as it takes more concentration to work on, Love Annabel.xxx

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  15. A lovely post as usual, Annabel. We learned how to sew at school back in the 1950s and I am sure my class remembers doing 'samplers'. My mum was a talented seamstress and taugt me to make my own clothes as a teen which was the norm in those days. When my children were born the Knitwit classes became very popular so I sewed my children's Tshirts, trousers, track suits and undies out of stretch fabric. Now that I have grandchildren the sewing machine has been unearthed and I made a lot of dresses and skirts for the girls when they were little. I have bought them a sewing machine and taught Miss Six to knit. I hope that my grandchildren will continue to be interested in handicrafts as they grow as it will hold them in good stead in adult life.

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    1. Nanna Chel you have a whole array of crafts going on... and now the rag rugs too. I am from the same era... I learned stretch knits in the knitwit era from my neighbour. I made Chloe little tracksuits and pyjamas first!
      I know your Grandchildren will learn so much from you, and your daughter has already no doubt. Mum made my kids so many lovely things, sewing and knitting. It was wonderful. I treasured them all and still have most things! Thank you for a beautiful comment.xxx

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  16. Oh my what a little cherub, your niece. That is the sweetest, cutest little face, makes me want to wrap her up in a big hug.
    Your embroidery is to die for Annabel. Lol that you can't think bad thoughts when sewing a nappy on a baby mouse.
    When I was a child my mother tried to teach me to crochet/knit. It was a great big flop because "you're holding it wrong" "you're cack handed" "you can't do it right" and so on. My mother and elder siblings who were both taught to knit, sew and crochet by mother were all right handed. I was left handed and as a result I was not taught. She hung it on me a lot, if I was called cack handed once, I was called it a thousand times.
    Anyway despite this I bought myself a daisy maker, a crochet hook and some wool and also a wooden spindle. With these three items, i taught myself the rudimentary of knitting and making daisy flowers. Never got the crochet thing but we had sheep and I used to help dad shear them. So I was always spinning wool on my spindle. We were lucky to have a merino ram and I used to spin his soft plump wool into spindle after spindle of beautiful wool. Then I knitted baby toys with it. I knitted dressing gowns and jumpers for my teddy etc. Could only do plain or purl or rib, no fancy stitches. When I look back on those days, it's amazing I actually learnt anything. My eldest sibling had a spinning wheel that our nana gave her but I was not allowed to use it. She ended up giving it away when she left home.
    I do so love reading your blog.

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    1. Thank you Fiona. My little niece is a darling. She is currently the baby of the family!
      Fiona my Dad is left handed and dyslexic. Being in his 70s now he was treated dismally as a child at school and hit and told he was worthless. One day I will tell you the story of my Dad. So he had to teach himself everything. And he is so clever! But this early treatment stayed with him forever.
      Whatever you want to do ie crochet or learn a new pattern... on you tube search "learn to crochet left handed" or whatever pattern you desire and learn it from a left hander. Its all there!
      You can spin! Being a farmer Dad saved the best fleeces for Nan. Brown and black fleeces and really long ones from a sheep that might have been missed a year or two. I did learn but I was never as good as Nan. Now wool is so expensive this would be fabulous to get into again!
      I know you have overcome this stuff and achieved so much but early hurts stay with us! But now you get to be a legendary Nanna and start a whole new generation off with love and encouragement. And Ill make a crocheter out of you yet!
      Much love, thanks Fiona.xxx

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  17. I can imagine how difficult it was for your Dad, the left hand stuff was just changing as i hit school. I had some teachers who were mean to me and said it was wrong, but at the same time it was becoming (slowly) acceptable that you are what you are. I remember Dad going up to school and speaking to a teacher who had hit me on the head with a ruler because i was only writing left handed. I still remember that clearly. Dad had said something along the lines of if you touch my daughter again, I'll fix you up or words to that effect. This teacher never hit me again, but his attitude to me was not good. I am glad that children nowadays are allowed to be what they are. Funnily enough both my children were left handed from the get go and have never been teased or treated differently because of that. I do like the yolanda lady you put me onto on you tube. I've had some success watching her. I remember having the softest hands when i was spinning wool, all that lanolin. I have to be honest and don't want to take that up again, my knitting is very very basic. But the other crafts, well that's another story.
    I made lavender and green tea soap last night. I got the pigments and scents from Aussie Soap Supplies. Normally I don't colour soap, but thought i'd give it a try.
    My little grandson hopefully will want to learn how to make things too. Just not sewing hey? I hope he will learn how to make things and fix things. If we can teach him those sorts of things then I will be very happy. Catch you later Annabel, it's almost 5am and I must get back to bed. (woken by close by earthquake a few hours ago).

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  18. What a wonderful post! I have been reading your blog for a while and it is so uplifting and inspirational! I found your blog through Pasty's blog, A Working Pantry. You are a very blessed and gifted lady! Thank you for sharing your life! Nancy Gonzalez

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    1. Hello Nancy! I know your name! I am loving Pasty's face book page and all the activities!
      Thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate it and I love "meeting" you and getting to know you as we have similar interests and goals. I just find that helps me a lot. Thank you very much! xxx

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  19. Annabelle, I loved your post and your beautiful, whimsical embroidery! I love to crochet and knit, and I sew as well. My mom, grandma, and aunt were wonderful at sewing, and my aunt made me many cute outfits when I was young. What you say about using your hands and being creative is so true. It is based in science! The good brain chemicals start to flow, and relax and calm us. If I am stressed, I like to take a little time to knit or crochet, just to relax. Also, those long car trip...the ride can be the best part of the vacation, because I get to work on my projects! This past fall we took a train trip that was over 24hrs long, both ways. I brought along a blanket I was making as a Christmas gift. What a delightful way to spend the time! I like to look out the windows, too, but you can do both! :) Thanks for a wonderful post.

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    1. Thank you so much Julie. That train trip sounds wonderful to me with all that time to work on your blanket! We have a little break coming up and it is 6 hours drive each way. I am starting a rug for my daughter and thats 12 hours right there to work on it! Yay! I am so excited!
      This is a big asset to our lives. Thank you for sharing this I just appreciate it so much.xxx

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  20. We aim for a productive busy-ness in our home too. We have been tv free for a long time so the children have grown up without it. "Doing something" is just what you do around here! I feel there are never enough hours in one day and they certainly shouldn't be wasted :)

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    1. I think thats wonderful Kelly. "Screen time" has replace real life for a lot of people. Real life is better! And time is precious! Thank you for your comment!xxx

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  21. I enjoyed reading this post so much Annabel. You are right about how making something makes you feel good. I love your needlework, it is so pretty, and so are those gorgeous headbands, they look fantastic as does your dear niece :)

    xTania

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    1. Thank you Tania! It is thanks to you that Mum is on to boot toppers now! xxx

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  22. I love the whimsical embroidery! I do find knitting very relaxing and productive. I did a lot of it until my little one came along. Now my days are productive, but in a slightly different way. I know I'll get back to knitting days sometime, and I'm looking forward to passing down that love of projects myself.

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  23. I couldn't agree more. I wasn't taught to work with my hands but my grandmother influenced me in this direction and this is what I am trying to instill in my daughter. I am always excited by her creativity and know she will never be "bored". What a blessing it is to work willingly with our hands ;) Thank you for sharing this on the Art of Home-Making Mondays. And yes, "Keeping up with the Jones's" is also an American phrase! :)

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I really appreciate your comments thank you! The aim of my blog is the be a place of encouragement and happiness. Very rarely is anyone rude. Actually only twice so far! If you post a rude or aggressive comment I will read it but not publish it, thanks for understanding.xxx

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