Because life is just too busy, the house is too messy, the kids are too needy and I am forsaking computer time this week to get back on schedule. Gah!
So some pretty pictures for you: quilts and sewing — applique, squares, triangles, pretty fabrics …
Swapsie:? During all this clean up – I have ended up with a bunch of bundles of fabrics I am getting rid of — yes a clear out! Let me know if you can use some scrap fabrics – quilting fat quarters, corduroy for kids pants, and other assorted bits and things – if you live near me and can pick up and a do a swapsie — even better! email me.
I have been very inspired this week by all the wonderful guest posts in our creativity series: Some amazing stories have been shared and good solid advice given – Monitizing your craft blog :: Two pink lines :: Value of creativity :: Creating for children :: Listen and watch.
Books – gah – have been reading some stuff – there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of time for reading – but I am part of a book club which meets monthly and I did manage to read this months book The White Castle by Orhan Pamuk
On a more crafty note – a couple of colour filled knitting books have entered my life: Knitting with The Color Guys — Kaffe Fassett 
[Thanks to publishers and distributors for sending me books to review, I don't get paid to post reviews but I am an amazon affiliate] (Australians can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)
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. But I did a little online search and found a few recipes that might fit the bill if you don’t have these two fantastic I-don’t-know-how-I-would-cope-without-them books. 
by 
with various contributors and published by Lark Crafts April 2012. Oh the wonderfulness. The variety. The inventiveness. This book contains a whole bunch of diy mini book book projects from the sweet and simple to the complex and artistic. Using different materials, paper, leather, recycled junk, wire and twine — to teach you how to make traditionally bound books, or more unusual books. You’ll be inspired.
By Whitney Cohen and John Fisher (from 
(Dec 2011) :: 
(March 2012) :: 
(March 2012) and 
(Jan 1012). All of these quilt books are full of traditional designs and techniques that have taught me a thing or two. That Patchwork Place always has such excellence in their quilt books. The instructions, diagrams, templates and images are straightforward. Don’t get these books for the pretty styled pictures or the conversational dialogue – you won’t find it. However do get these books for a good foundation in technique and some lovely traditional style quilt designs that will challenge your skills.
by David Crystal (Profile Books October 2011). :: Take 100 old english words and research them and tell stories about them — discover their beginnings and myriad of uses and meanings. Uncover their riddles and mysteries. From the earliest example of a written word (roe thanks to an archeological discovery) to the latest with a chronological selection in between. David Crystal uses words as ‘windows into the world of those who use them’. Fascinating read.
by Karen Musgrave (Voyageur Press February 2012). Well known quiltmakers share their stories of how their much loved old quilts came into their lives as they uncover the stories behind who made them they discover a love of quilts and quiltmaking.
by Deborah Newton (Sixth &S pring Books October 2011). Deborah Newton puts her 25 years of knitwear designing to teach others the skills and secrets of her trade. For knitters who already have basic skills, this book will take your further and give your confidence to tackle interesting and unusual patterns and techniques.
by 
which is packed with cute sewing projects perfect for beginners. Make Hey has a bunch of different summer crafts that are a little bit retro, a little bit eclectic, and a lot of fun. There seems to be a triangle theme running through the book (which I enjoyed very much), and a definite homage to nana crafts too. Once again the photography is sweet and artistic and Hardie Grant have done a great job with the styling too. The projects themselves range from papery crafts like the paper wall quilt, sewing crafts like the wall organiser and crochet crafts like the tortoise – as well as stamping, embroidery and beading too – a bunch of stuff perfect for dabbling.
Compiled by Susanne Woods and published by C&T Publishing (Stash books May 2012). A compilation of hat designs that range from milliner confections worthy of the races, to everyday basics for the whole family. Patterns and templates are included and the illustrations are clear enough – although many of the designs are better suited to those with sewing experience. There are some glorious hats in here – my faves would have to be the quirkier everyday hats – like the Rain bonnet made from clear vinyl and the Winter flap – aviator style hat – made from woolly tartan. Lots more fun though – fascinators and felt riding hats for stylish ladies, chicken and monster hats for kiddos and retro caps for retro guys and gals. This book is a keeper.
By Lauren O’Farrell of 
