Sewing Project 2014: 11- Headscarf

Recently, I stumbled across a new blog to read - Tilly and the Buttons. Tilly was on the first series of The Great British Sewing Bee and recently released her first book, which is on its way to me as I write.

I was on the lookout for another little project to keep me busy without the possibility of getting into something huge and going into labour. I was also keen to make something I can wear without having to wait until I lose my bump.

This project was perfect. I had it done in under an hour and got to use a new stitch on the machine for decoration. I love Tilly's back to basics approach and really recommend her site for sewers of all levels. I'll be scouring it for a while yet.

1000 posts!

I'm finding this hard to believe but this is indeed my 1000th post! How on Earth did that come around so fast? I didn't realise I'd had quite so much to say over the last four years. Thinking about it, an awful lot has happened in that time - moving to a new country, starting a new job, meeting and marrying Nico and starting a family.

I've tried to keep things relevant and interesting on here with a new zest since the summer break and I hope you are enjoying reading as much as I enjoy posting. Thanks for sticking with me!

Here's to the next thousand!!

Reading LIst

source

How do you decide what book to read next?

At the moment, I have more than enough to read thanks to lots of lovely Christmas presents.  Above is the book I started this week and am really enjoying so far (thanks Dad).

I've always browsed the top classics lists or read books that others have bought me.  Last year I started a new little list of books that I read good things about on the blogs I read or in the news and today I decided to add this one to the list.

I completely get Sarah's point that sometimes you really have to go outside of your comfort zone.  There are several books I would not have read without the recommendations but I am really glad that I did read them.

So while I am working my way through the next sixteen or so books I have waiting, I'll be keeping up to this list too.

Back to Blogging

My idea of Summer relaxation

There have been many changes for me this Summer and after a nice long break from the blog, here I am, feeling refreshed and ready to go again.  

I hope you like the design changes I've made here.  For me, the look is much cleaner and more personal.  That picture up there is from our honeymoon in Scotland and the colour is my favourite - as well as very clean and calming.  I'm still making some changes to the layout so look out for those in the next weeks too.

As to the content of this blog, I took stock of what I was posting and while there are some things I want to keep, such as my monthly goals, there are also many things I want to introduce more of, such as my projects and crafts, so look out for that.  

I read a lot of advice about writing a good blog over the Summer and one tip that came up time and time again, is to write posts that I would like to read.  It sounds so obvious but is something I had lost sight of. 

I'm working on some posts updating readers on some of the major events for me this Summer - our wedding, the honeymoon in Scotland, my brother's wedding and the return to school - they'll be mingled in there with some of the newer content, so watch out for those!

Blog Swap Update

  

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I am taking part in the Soak up the Sun blog swap. Last Monday I sent of my little parcel of goodies and on Tuesday I received mine from way over the Atlantic, and it couldn't have come at a better moment. 

Carly sent me this cute pink bucket filled with goodies including a gorgeous scented candle, sweet post it notes, some funky notecards, an amazing 'cool beans' iced coffee set, a cereal bar, a mini body lotion and even a toy for Pete - which he loves!  Such a great idea from Meg - it really brightened up my week and I will be using these goodies all Summer!  Thanks Carly!

Blog Gift Swap

I love this idea from Meg over at Life of Meg.  It's such a lovely idea and a way to connect with other bloggers.  Check it out for yourself, but hurry!...it ends on Wednesday.