Making a special space

Last week I was reflecting on sacred as part of the Unravelling course I am on. 

Some of my fellow unravellers had special places within their home 

and that made me think about where I could create the same. 

 I realised that I am never in one space consistently but wanted to create a talisman that I can draw strength from wherever I write

 - which I try to do every morning.

Why not quilt a mat that will always be under my journal? I thought. 

Maybe it can store up good thoughts to appear on the page? Well you get my drift.

 Long story cut short - I was searching amongst bookmarked pages when I was reminded of 

a 'ticker tape' quilt I had seen on Flickr.

Below is my effort - using favourite fabrics and colours.

 Now I write on it (not literally) every morning.

Maybe I need one under my keyboard too!

Here's to special places. 
Do check out my new adventure here

You can find instructions on how to make your own ticker-tape quilt at both these inspiring blogs sewmamasew or crazymomquilts.

Inspiration from Unravellers...part1

Don't you just love it when you open a blog for the first time and the page makes you go 'Wow'!
Well that happened yesterday morning when I took my first look at my online pal Sarah's Etsy site.
I just love the way she combines paper, fabric and stitches to create something so beautiful yet simple. Her blog also reflects the same ethos.

Take a look at Sarah's portfolio to see more. 

My workroom is filled with paper, yarn and textiles from my travels. I love them ... yet they sit unused on my shelves. Inspired by Sarah's art I decided to seize the moment and quickly gathered together this selection....

'The Sea, The Sea" - (never finished the book) but that's what I feel is coming together here.
2 hours later..... the fabrics remain uncut and the brow is furrowed - it seemed so easy to assemble to constituents but what now! 
I promise to come back on Sunday with a start. 


If you feel Sarah's superb pieces inspire you then stop what you're doing (after you finished reading this blog!) and collect together a few pieces from your creative lair. Then photograph it and please send it to me. I'd love to see it and the best  collection is going to receive a little chinese Tiger in the post from me, to welcome in the New Year of the Tiger on February 14th - and have it's own spotlight on this blog. Of course - like me you may just decide the smartest idea is to go to Sarah's site and buy one.

Sarah by the way is one of the amazing co-unravellers on the photo journalling course I am on now. Click here for info on how you can Unravel! 

Photos from my iPhone

photo: Ingrid Duffy

Wanted to share some photos I took this morning and show you what cool apps there are for the iPhone camera. Can you believe I could do this with just one click (and the Hipstamatic app too)?

I mentioned a couple of days ago that I am doing an amazing online course in photo journalling called Unravelling. I am learning so much from everyone there and this app was something that one of the great co-unravellers shared with our group. So if you have an iPhone could be that you need it too - unless you don't like scratchy retro feel photos.

Another really great download is Polardroid which allows you to turn a photo into a cool retro looking polaroid with just a click of the button. Then print it on photo paper and cut it to polaroid size and you have almost the genuine article. Thanks Kendra for the heads up on this.

photo: Ingrid Duffy

Playing around with photos can be so much fun. Please share any cool tips you have with me and my small but loyal? band of followers.

Which reminds me to ask if you like what you see on this new little blog, please make my day and sign in as a follower. Do share it with friends if you are feeling extra enthusiastic.

houses on every quilt

Started a new quilt today.......I have got a theme for the year ... houses.

Every quilt I make this year is going to have a house on it somewhere - maybe everywhere.

I was inspired by some photos I found on flickr for best house quilt ever and had to give it a try. Rather than white  background I am going for grey...... my new fave colour. Yes turquoise is still a love but just after grey now.

So with 30 house blocks to make, I am aiming to make 6 a day and have it done in a week.

Feeling very motivated this year- must be the unravelling course I am doing. Just love it.

I hope that by focussing my creativity on houses, I will find the house of my dreams this year - near the sea and in the Suffolk (UK). 

I'll keep you posted and have you round for tea when I find it.