Setting the scene part 3.... a craft challenge.

Today is day three of getting the new year off to a big start!  I am noticing many of us are having what I would call indoor weather!  Here, in January, it is usually hot so I plan things to work on inside on warm days.  In the US and UK  I see it is the opposite and it is too cold to go outside!
During these times it is so nice to be busy working away on something lovely!

I am starting a sewing challenge today.  Yesterday I got as far as getting the sewing machine set up, going through my fabric stash and lining up my first projects.  This includes doing some alterations to clothes.   My first project is making Harper her first pillowcase and I bought her pillow and pillow cover.  The fabric is ballerinas!   I am making a spare as well since one pillowcase is not enough.  In my box of trims and laces I also have lovely daisy braid that I will edge it with.

The deal is I have to sew at least 15 minutes a day.  Usually this will be more but that is the minimum.  I did this once before and was amazed how much sewing I actually got done this way!
My aim is to turn all my odds and ends into useful things and to start to refill my gift cupboard which is almost empty since Christmas so it is time to start working on that again.
The other benefit is cleaning out my stuffed and messy craft cupboard.  So it will be a win/win!

I am going to run the Christmas Challenge again this year and have Show and Tell since seeing everything you all make is fantastic and we can share so many good ideas this way.

If you want a challenge then it can be anything!  If you have a stash of supplies to use up then it could be to make things from what you have.  Or if you would like to learn a new skill it could be to do fifteen minutes a day towards learning the thing you have wanted to do!   Last year Patsy did a 100 day crochet challenge to learn crochet.  Boy did this work!  You should see her crochet now!  And she produced so much!  Most things are just a case of STARTING.  Don't wish you knew how to do something just start. You tube has pretty much a free lesson on everything!

During December I didn't craft very much.  This will get me going again.  And I always notice when I am creating things I am much happier.  Busy hands really do make happy hearts!

Now for a few beautiful ideas!

Tania made me a needle book for Christmas.  You have to see this!

Each page is just gorgeous...

All I can say is 😍😍😍 

I love it Tania thank you so much, I treasure it!

Janine showed me some of what she made as gifts for her Grandchildren providing more beautiful ideas...

She made book pillows.  Sit, get comfy and read a story! 

And a fabric book for her Granddaughter which is just beautiful...

How amazing!  I LOVE that Flamingo!  Thanks so much Janine, these pages will give everyone so much inspiration!

Some of us are determined to add selling things to our year and incomes.   There are so many opportunities here.  We have so many ways to set up a little shop on Etsy, sell on Ebay, markets, Facebook pages... the world is your oyster really!

Yesterday in Spotlight I noticed these little crochet flowers were $7 each!   I thought I would show these as they are so easy to make!

Keep your eyes out for things people are buying and the prices they are paying.   I am noticing a big trend in anything that reduces waste.... i.e.  produce bags, shopping bags,  napkins, kitchen cleaning cloths, non paper towels, beeswax wraps...

If you would like to set yourself a challenge of some kind we will have a giant show and tell at the end of January.   I hope this gets us off to a running start on using things we have,  re building our depleted present cupboards.   Starting in January seems to be the key to success with gift making.

What supplies do you have on hand?  What would you like to learn this year!  There are willing helpers here.  

Now and then I hear someone say they have no one to craft for.  For Heavens sake then start making baby clothes for a preemie ward or warm hats for an orphanage or SOMETHING.  There is a group of Grannies I follow and Facebook who set up young Mums who are struggling with a complete kit of new born clothes,  linens,  warm blankets for the pram, you name it.  They are flat out keeping up with the need.   Fiona makes soft pouches for orphan Kangaroos and Wombats.  Mum makes baby blankets and hats which go to an orphanage in Romania,  to a mens shelter in the city and to maternity hospitals.  Jacqui makes the most gorgeous quilts and blesses everyone she knows and their families!  We can turn our supplies sitting in the cupboard into a way to help.

I hope your week is going well!  Which means I hope your year is going well! haha!
Tomorrow we are setting the scene for our financial challenges! xxx