Blue stitches, black stitches

In my workroom clean-up I found a stack of old handkerchiefs that I'd collected thinking I could extend their usefulness with a bit of embroidery. Once the builders start I won't be able to do much crafting unless it's something small and portable - like embroidery or knitting - as most of our furniture will be stored in my workroom. So the hankies could be the perfect project to keep me sane through the renovations. I've been preparing with some random cross stitch. I like the strawberry but I'm not sure about cross stitch in general. All that thread counting ...

I also found this piece of blackwork that I started years ago. I don't know how I did it. My older self is impressed with my younger self.



Reading back issues of frankie + Watching Australian tennis open

The simple life

I'm struggling with simplicity. It's an elusive state. My life has been full - with a house guest and visitors. And now our kitchen and bathroom renovations are about to start early - in two weeks time. So... mad rush to find, choose, and buy a bathtub, basins, wall tiles etc. This should be fun, of course, but I often need a long time to make up my mind. I'm finding this a little stressful. But today there was an afternoon of calm so I sat and listened to the radio and, inspired by Diana Rupp's book Embroider everything workshop, practiced some stitches. With a little help from Eric.

Eating beans from the garden + Reading It chooses you by Miranda July + Watching The adventures of Tintin + Listening Bad as me by Tom Waits.

Getting off to a good start

Have you made any New Year's resolutions? I have a small list this year that focuses on getting more exercise and spending more time doing the things I love. I decided I needed to simplify my life in order to prioritise my time. So I have spent days - really, days - clearing out my workroom. I started with the books, ruthlessly keeping only those I haven't read but want to, those I refer to a lot and just a few with strong sentimental value. And then, once I got into it, there was no holding me back. I assessed everything and threw out so much including failed attempts at sewing and knitting. Huge relief. Now that I have an organised space I can see many possibilities for the coming year. Can't wait to get started. How about you? Any exciting plans for 2012?

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Making confetti candle jars + Eating at Cafe Hanoi + Reading The principles of uncertainty by Maira Kalman + Watching Drive