I am excited to bring on this year, not that I want to rush into it, no, I just am glad it’s here.

This coming year for me is going to bring a few new challenges, projects and preparation — more on those aspects later in the year, but for now I want to tell you about a few things that I have been into lately, things that reenergise me and that inspire me and that you too can participate in. 

I am now on Instagram @whipup - huh! how did that happen – I know … another thing to get addicted to. But there you have it … it’s fun — what can I say!

[you can view my images in a few ways: followgram or webstagram or at instagram] [ps. That crochet there is the beginnings of a Scrappy steps afghan (it's Chawnes fault), you can grab the pattern here and watch the how-to videos here.]

Do you twitter? I do and you can follow me here: Twitter @whipup : but I what I want to talk about are the chat groups on twitter – the crafty chat groups on all sorts of topics, they are helpful, fun and energising. There is one in particular that is at a convenient time for me and on a topic that I am immersed in at the moment #talknt is all about quilt talk, it is hosted by @caraquilts and is on somewhere between tuesday night (US time) and wednesday midday (Au time) depending upon your time zone. There is a sponsor each week which is always fun, but more importantly about 50 other quilting enthusiasts join in.

There are many crafty twitter chats and parties … which ones do you host or participate in – I would love to know! Do you know of any yarn/knitting/crochet twitter chats? Here are the few that I know about:

• #talknt is a weekly quilting chat hosted by @caraquilts
• #CraftSocial is a monthly chat with a changing topic each time, it is co-hosted by @penguintrax and @sisterdiane. The next one is February 14th from 2-3pm EST and the topic is polymer clay.
• #crafterminds is a twice weekly craft/business chat (Monday at 4pm EST and 8pm EST) hosted by one Crafterminds.
• #CraftChat is hosted by Craft Critique and is held every Wednesday at 1pm CST. A list of topics for the month is posted on the blog.
• #omhg is hosted by @ohmyhandmade. They meet every Thursday from 1-2EST to chat about a monthly theme usually to do with building your business or improving your skills.

What is a twitter chat? A tweet chat or party is an organized group conversation which discusses a specific topic, it makes use of a hashtag (#) so everyone can participate. The chats are hosted by people with an interest in a topic and often pose questions to the group to build up a dialogue.

How to join in on a twitter chat: I use either my iphone or TweetDeck or TweetChat and then just search for the hashtag that the chat is using to keep track of and join in to the conversation – it is pretty easy but does take a bit to get used to the speed that conversation goes at sometimes.

——–

This Week I introduced a new series coming up over the next month here on whipup — and it is about my book  Little Bits Quilting Bee and pre-cut fabric: I’ll be discussing which fabrics you can use to make the quilts in my book and will be showcasing a few of the quilts. I was inspired by Weeks Ringle who has been showing the quilts from her latest book on her blog and discussing the design decisions behind each one.

In last weeks newsletter I introduced you to some dinner ideas – this week I am going introduce you to chocolate sheet cake: — inspired by this but using this recipe – chewy and fudgy at the same time – an instant winner!

And this week at whipup we had some guest posts: Baroque punk embroidery :: Valentines bracelets :: Mushroom love brooch.

I am reading… 

• The big book of small business is written by a fellow Australian Andrew Griffiths (published by Allen and Unwin) — it claims to be the ‘Silver bullet to give you a competitive edge’, I am not sure there is such a thing — hard work, dedication, building relationships, creativity — those are the silver bullets. However it does have thoughtful, practical and useful guidance  – a checklist for success, and it does help you to ask yourself some hard questions. I am gladdened to read that I am on the right path … it is good to know when to stand firm and when to make changes … some valuable advice.
• Graham Leslie McCallum has a useful series of books featuring various motifs: Flower & Plant Motifs,  Pattern Motifs, Art Deco Motifs and Japanese Motifs. These books include a CD of motifs and which can be manipulated and adapted for your own projects.
• Sweat Shop Paris: Lessons in Couture from the Sewing Cafe by Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis (published by Andrews McMeel Publishing 2011). This indie style sewing book is written by the gang from the Paris based social sewing shop: ‘Sweat Shop’, it’s a cafe — a social sewing drop-in centre. The designs featured in the book are unusual and unique, hippy and punk and rock n roll diy — utilising refashioning and deconstruction, knitting and crossstitch, beading, glueing and stitching techniques to make a variety of hip and fashionable clothing and accessories as well as a bunch of playful things too.

[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] (Australian’s can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)

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This week is the last week before my big baby starts high school (year 7). It is a huge milestone and we are all pretty happy about it. My daughter is pretty darn excited to be leaving primary school behind — she is keen to take up new challenges, make new friends and try new things. It is a new year and a fresh start and we have a few of our own challenges to face this year – as I am sure you do too.

In last weeks newsletter post I promised you the result to the survey which I asked whipup readers to fill in – thank you all – over 1300 folks filled in the survey and the results can be seen here.

Also last week I discussed using bi-carb and vinegar in place of shampoo for washing hair: I have been experimenting with using homemade hair powder in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh – I have been sprinkling bi-carb powder on my hair and then massaging and brushing it through (works wonders), but readymade has a recipe for a natural scented powder which looks kinda cool, also I hear you can use talcum powder too (just not too much unless you want grey hair).

Whats for dinner tonight? I am quite addicted to taste spotting and food gawker websites for leading me to some new and delicious blogs. This is comfort food week in our house: tonight we are having pea and ham soup, tomorrow night is curry night and I am making Butter chicken and Mung bean dal (also known as moong dal), then wednesday night is bolognese night (also known as ragù alla bolognese), thursday mmm it gets a little fuzzy on thursday so I searched for ‘comfort food‘ and had an array of choices in front of me … the rest of the week it will be braised brisket, garlic soup with egg and Mexican meatball soup. Unless of course the weather turns hot again and in which case its back to chicken schnitzel and salad. (Images above)

Now onto other things…

• At whipup this week we had an interesting guest post (language warning) from Chawne from completely couchy, she discussed her use of crass words on quilts, and received a mixed reaction. She wrote a follow up post on her blog about the more controversial quilt and I wrote a follow up post about some of the issues brought up in the comments too.
• Also this week at whipup: Creative organisation plus 5 ways to organise your kids : Guest post – convection mittens tutorial and pattern :: Guest post – seaweed soap tutorial ::  A back to school lunch sack tutorial.
• Lovely links…
• Stylish granny stripe blanket :: how-to crochet a granny ripple blanket :: wrapped yarn bottles :: recycled paper basket :: flower squares crochet pattern :: sewing pillows :: sewing boys undies (all found via pinterest – view my boards here for more inspiration)

I am reading…

• Hello My Name is Amineko: The Story of a Crafty Crochet Cat by Nekoyama, published by Creative Publishing international; Reprint edition (September 1, 2010): Amineko make his/her debut on the crafting scene many years ago when the author published a tutorial and wrote a craft book in Japanese. More pics on Ravelry. So needless to say I was pretty excited that she has written a craft book in English, republished the pattern to make Amineko along with a bunch of cute crochet cat accessories. Cat lovers and crochet lovers – be prepared for a new addiction!
• 55 Christmas Balls to Knit by Arne & Carlos and published by Trafalgar Square Books (July 1, 2011). Who are Arne & Carlos? This pair of talented knitters and designers have written a wonderful book for knitted traditional christmas balls – you might need to get started now so you can make a few in time for next year. Here is another lovely video by these guys.
• The Heart of Simple Living: 7 Paths to a Better Life by Wanda Urbanska, published by Krause Publications (May 11, 2010). Wanda has for many years hosted a tv show titled Simple Living – and if you are in the USA you can stream past episodes here or you can check out some episodes via youtube. I finding this book to be interesting reading and quite in tune with how I am feeling about slowing and down and simplifying my life. She is a big advocate for frugality, home cooking and the less is more mentality.

[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] (Australian’s can purchase craft books online through can do books or booktopia or else browse booko for the best prices.)

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It is 2 weeks until the end of our long summer school holiday break (I live in Australia in case you were not sure), and we have had a really busy and good break, usually around this time we are all pulling our hair out — can’t wait to get started on the school year — but this year it has been different, we have had, along with plenty of activities, some quiet time, time to reflect and be on our own, we have had time to work on projects, time to just chillax (in teen speak) and time to have some together-ness type fun. And despite not getting to the beach this summer we have had a really chilled out time.

The last couple of weeks of the school holidays we’ll be spending doing some projects, watching movies, going for bike rides and heading to the pool – swimming laps has been our summer recreation and we are all a little better for it. I think our summer of relaxin’ is due to my new direction of taking things easy – slowly – mindfully – intentionally – peacefully. Hoping it keeps going this way.

• This past week on whipup has been extra good. You may have seen a tutorial to make a washable lunch bag :: some links to help organise your kids activities :: a guest post on making seaweed soap :: and another guest post on a sewing apparel challenge :: as well as my new interest in pinterest.
• SOPA and PIPA were dropped by Congress this week thanks to the largest online protest in history.  On January 18th, 13 million people took the time to tell Congress to protect free speech rights on the internet. Hundreds of millions, maybe a billion, people all around the world saw the protest last Wednesday.  See the amazing numbers here and tell everyone what you did. Tweet with us, shout on the internet with us, let’s celebrate: Round of applause to the 13 million people who stood up.
• And thank you everyone for filling out my demographics survey – over 1000 have completed the survey so far – its not too late if you have not done it yet and it only takes 5 minutes – and I will posting the results on monday.

More crafty discoveries to keep you busy …

• Making fabric from paper
• How to dye with bleach
• Love Betz White’s handbag from neckties
• I love me some plarn
• Love this crochet elephant baby hat (on etsy) (pictured)
• This granny square design is cute – and the blanket is fantastic. (pictured)
• And these 5 minute crochet hearts are too too sweet (pictured)
• Love the granny a day project  by crafty minx
• I have been playing with Kuler colour
• Anne Weil has a new knitting pattern out for a lovely ribbed hat
• Shannon Cook has a new cowl knitting pattern out 
• Loving Helen’s felt fortune cookies - perfect for valentines day
• Alicia’s counted cross stitch tutorial part 1 is here
• Am loving the peaks at Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr’s new quilt book – this one especially.

• Beautiful Botanicals: 45 Applique Flowers & 14 Quilt Projects. By Deborah Kemball. Published by C&T Publishing (April 16, 2011).: If you love applique and applique flowers in particular then you will love this book. It is unique and inventive and has a lot of tips for technique – not just applique but some really neat methods for borders and foundation piecing.
• I am enjoying River Camp Knits pattern book for Rowan by Amy Butler — Since that first knitwear collection for Rowan she has produced two more collections – I haven’t seen the patterns in the flesh so to speak but I do love Amy’s style and so I am sure I would love them too. Colourful and simple but with flair and interest.
• Little Artists Handmade by Carly Schwerdt and published by Penguin Australia (2011), is much like her blog Moopy and Me — colourful, clever and quirky, featuring lots of handprinted fabrics and kids artwork. The book is divided into two sections – projects for kids (aimed at preschool aged kids and requiring adult help) to make and projects for adults to make from the kids finished artworks.

[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]

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Last week I discussed my quest for taking things slowly this year … slowly is not about doin’ nothin’ – in fact quite the opposite. It is about intentional doing (and not doing). Instead of lazing about because you are uncertain about how to proceed with your day — do one important task and then take a break from life and read a book without guilt or anxiety; and instead of running to the shop for a quick fix meal because looking through the pantry and cooking something worthwhile is difficult — take 2 minutes to assess the ingredients on hand and make something simple; and instead of procrastinating on trying that new recipe/idea/project because you didn’t get around to researching it properly yet — make a list and tick one thing off every day. Intentional doing, does not have to be big or difficult – just purposeful.

For example – I have been washing my hair with bi-carb soda and rinsing in vinegar – yep – I have ditched shampoo in favour of something cheaper, easier and better for me and for the environment. However it took me a while to get to this point – I had to research and understand and then have a reason to do it and then I had to justify to myself. But really all I needed to do was just intentionally make a simple change. [There are lots of resources for how-to do this online - simple mom is a good place to start]

For example – for a long time I made my own laundry detergent. Again its easy and cheap and it works perfectly fine. But for some reason a few months ago, when I ran out, I got too busy to make up a new batch, so I bought some and then when that ran out I bought some more. And before you know it I was out of the habit, didn’t have time for this very simple half hour task once a month. Now I am back and realise why I love it so much. [You can google so many recipes - and can make a dry mix or a liquid mix]

Now onto other things:

• This past week at whipup I wrote a three part series on getting your craft book published – feel free to email me or comment with any questions you might have. Part 1 : Part 2 : Part 3.
• Also I would love for you to fill in my survey if you have not done so already – a couple of minutes of your time is all I ask – I’ll be posting the results next week.
• Make sure to go to wikipedia today and read more about PIPA and SOPA

And more cool things: 

• Make a seat sack 
• Make a rainbow spool rack
• Make some valentine paper dolls
• Make a mid-season quilt
• I love this t-shirt refashion
• I love these men’s shirt aprons [Pictured above]
• This jute table runner looks useful  [Pictured above]
• I love this linen dress
• Loving this blog
• I want to try crochet star stitch
• I like this blanket  [Pictured above]

• Shake the World: It’s Not About Finding a Job, It’s About Creating a Life, by James Marshall Reilly, published by Portfolio (December 29, 2011). Interesting and insightful book full of interesting real life stores about how people came to be where they are today – fascinating look into the journey of life.
• Disaster Was My God: A Novel of the Outlaw Life of Arthur Rimbaud, by Bruce Duffy, published by Doubleday & Profile books [distributed in Aus through Allen and Unwin]. I have always been a huge fan of Rimbaud’s poetry so was very interested to read about his life. A true story written as a novel — full of awkward moments about a bizarre and brilliant man.
• Country Living Simple Country Wisdom: 501 Old-Fashioned Ideas to Simplify Your Life, by Susan Waggoner, published by Hearst (September 6, 2011), distributed in Aus through Capricorn link. I do love these sorts of books, a combination of tips and tricks about organising, reusing, eco living, simple decor etc .. and lovely photos and peaks into people’s homes and lives.

[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]

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This year I am trialling something new and old for my newsletters – still going with the same provider who I started with last year, but returning to my old ways with posting the newsletter here at whipup as well. That way you can read it online here or via email – easy for you and easy for me. I would be interested in your feedback – if you are receiving this via email already — let me know how you like (or don’t like) it.

Today I want to talk about slow. This year I am going to concentrate on not rushing, not hurrying, not stressing about rushing and hurrying, and in doing so I am sure I will get more done.

I have started off the year by taking it slowly, easing my way into the routine, cooking slow dinners, relaxing in the evening with a snack and then cooking together with a relaxing glass of wine. I am not going to worry about the perfect meal, not going to rush to the shops to pick up something, instead I am going to eat half an hour later if necessary, or I am going to make omelettes for dinner or allow myself to declare cheese and crackers a perfectly acceptable meal. And then on weekends I will put on a casserole to cook quietly in the corner — emitting delicious aromas — while I get on with the business of life.

I am going to take this slow idea and ease myself effortlessly into housework by not rushing, not yelling, not stressing about a little mess and dirt here and there. I am going to declutter and throw things out or give them away if they don’t have a home. And then I am going to do the laundry only once a week – not every day – yes you heard me not every day! Let them wear yesterday’s clothes for another day if they are desperate. And then I am going to delegate tasks — the boys can clean the toilets! But in delegating I am not going to fuss if it is not done to my exacting standards, I am going to let it be (maybe give some advice here and there — that’s allowed), and let them get on with it with some trial and error. And while we are on the subject of housework, I am going to give myself permission to laze about on the weekends — yes, the dirty cups can stay dirty for a few more hours, I am not going to be cleaning the kitchen for the whole of the weekend — I am going to read my book . on the couch . maybe getting up for a cup of tea . or to update my twitter . so there!

Slow is also my mantra for work, for emails, for this blog and for crafting. I am going to take things one step at a time, write lists to help me get organised, and on those lists I am going to include some fun activities that I never seem to be able to fit in anywhere of late — like spending time in the garden or going for an evening walk, having lunch with an old friend, or starting to make that new pattern I have had bookmarked over on ravelry — lists will become my friend and slow will become my mantra. Will you join me on a quest for slow in 2012?

On whipup this week you might want to read about Sayraphim Lothian’s project Gilding the City or a read about a new book – Soul to soul parenting, make a sleep mask, or perhaps get into some crafty recycling. All good things to start the year off slowly.

If you would like to read whipup in your email, then you can subscribe to this weekly email here.

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Every week I get lots of email – and also love to trawl through my rss feeds for cool things – so here i give to you some of my finds and some things that landed in my inbox this week.

If you would like to send press releases or submit your own project please send to submit[at]whipup.net.

Are you following along on the Kids’ Crafternoon blog tour - Poppytalk posts interview with me about the book :: Picklebums reviews the books and makes some of the crafts with her 7yr old kids :: Little eco footprints makes the limby dolls with her little ones (see image below of their limbys)

Also Jo made the Utility belt with her son (with a few mods) - a project from Action Pack issue4

Tutorials and crafty ideas

• Rules are meant to be …. a simple DIY family rules sign.  Vintage-inspired, repurposed canvas.
• A refashioning tutorial for changing zip fly jeans into button flies
• Roubidou sewed a changing pad and diaper pouch for their October baby by repurposing an old shower curtain.
• Summer peeps craft apron and Summer peeps patchwork pouch
• A tutorial for kaftan/poncho tunic

Crafty others stuff

• New! Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair is now accepting applications from young makers for its Young & Crafty section. On Saturday, Oct. 1,  This indie craft fair will return to the Marie Reed Learning Center in Adams Morgan Washington, D.C.
• 30 Inspirational Blogs for Your Dorm Room Design
• NEW emagazine all about entertaining – Kinfolk magazine
• Another NEW emagazine Live Urban Love Rural is a new online magazine showing Londoners the country side of city living – features include step-by-step guides to urban bee keeping, thelatest community garden initiative, and celebrating London’s eclectic craft fairs.
• The Amy Butler Raffle for Relief raised $2,000! They will be donating all of the proceeds from this raffle to the American Red Cross and splitting it between the need in the Southern United States and Japan.

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Just returned from a few days away. We were in Hobart for an extra nice long-ish weekend. Birthday party, outings, hiking, skimming rocks, feeding fish, making snowmen. We walked up Mt Wellington (not all the way) it was lovely and snowy, and we visited MONA - amazing – if you have a change to go – make sure you do. The most original and interesting art gallery in Australia.

And that teapot pic that snuck in there amongst the holiday shots is my crochet tea cosy that I made this week. Snug and fitted and lovely and blue. I freestyled it – began it like a crochet beanie and then split it at the handle and spout and then joined it back up again. And then added a little cup at the spout. You like?Similar Posts:

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I have been thinking a lot lately about what I want to achieve from my life, what my purpose is, what my creative goals are, personal goals – family goals. Analysing what is important, what I need and what I can live without – and what I can’t live without – what are my priorities? All this angst – just like a teenager – but actually I have never been more sure of myself than I am now – about to turn 40 and I feel like my life is on track – I know what I want – finally! After all these years I have a sliver of a clue!

I was sitting in my local cafe yesterday morning, having a cup of coffee, I was a little early for an appointment and had 20 minutes to kill. So I sat and drank a double shot of espresso (I needed it) and as I sketched a few designs in my journal I listened to the conversations going on around me. A sentence sort of popped out from the general hubbub “I am halfway through my degree and I feel like I haven’t learned anything”. Oh what a gem – here I sit, halfway through my life and only just beginning to feel like I may have worked out a few things.

So what have I worked out?

1. Life is good
2. Moon face is acceptable
3. I look cute with pig tails
4. My bum is not so fat (just wide)
5. I should’t drink too much red wine
6. Food additives are evil
7. A cup of tea can solve many problems
8. Acceptance of a messy house is good
9. I don’t have a green thumb
10. I don’t need so much stuff
11. I love books
12. Crochet is good
13. Hand stitching is not my forte
14. I want to have lots of adventures
15. I love baking but not cooking dinner
16. I want to raise my own cows/goats/pigs/chickens
17. Sport is over rated
18. TV is not essential
19. Reading is essential
20. People are amazing
21. Hats suit me
22. I need lists and notebooks and calendars
23. I never want to renovate a house ever again
24. I yearn to go tramping in New Zealand
25. Steak and salad is a perfect meal

What have you worked out?

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Each week many of you get a whipup newsletter right in your inbox – you are one of over 6000 subscribers. Wow I know – 6000… that’s awesome! But it is time for a change.

Up till now I have used the feedburner service to send out my newsletter. There is a neat way to configure your rss feeds so that you can create a weekly newsletter. It’s a free service, pretty reliable and easy to use. I have been using it successfully for a couple of years now and have been very happy with it – for what it is.

But now I need more. After some research I have decided to go with a paid service – and have chosen aWeber. There are few reasons for the change – aWeber offers a lot more than a free service – including statistics, tracking, multiple newsletters etc…

In the next couple of days those of you that already receive my newsletter will be sent an email asking you to reconfirm your subscription. The subject of that email will be “Please confirm your subscription to the Whipup.net Newsletter”. You might want to look out for it.

My new newsletter will offer heaps more functionality to me, and lots more cool things for you too. And when you subscribe – or confirm your subscription with the new service over the next few days, you will receive a thank you present from me – in the form of a free sewing pattern via pdf download. Just a little something to thank you for your time in reading whipup.net.

If you don’t already subscribe you can do so right now!

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I am seriously excited about the next Action Pack – my e-mag just for kids! So much is happening – I have been so crazily busy with it – oh man- But just you wait. This next Action Pack is no ‘mini-mag’ – its going to be a ‘Mega-Mag’ – with 60 pages jam packed of projects for kids to do these holidays. Those 60 pages are all projects – there is no advertising in our Action Packs. The image above is just a little taster of whats inside. Camp cooking, fishing, knot tying, boredom buster driving games, plus craft activities including a must-make utility belt – every kid needs one of these! I will introducing more of the Action Pack in the next week and will be launching it the week after.

During the week I will also be launching the new Action Pack website (its up already so you can take a sneaky peak before launch day) – and as a part of our new website we will be launching an affiliate program – which you can have a not so sneaky peak at here – and even sign up early if it takes your fancy!

This past week at Whipup.net

• 65 Roses Community Quilt
• Whipup flickr pool roundup
• General good stuff
• A pair of sewing books
• Action Pack – coming soon
• Crochet a tea cosy
• Make your own tea towels
• Tea party week
• Crafty tea at flickr

Crafty news and links

• Pattern spot is up and running – I have a pattern on there too!
• More tea inspired crafts + some cool tea towels
• Great post on advanced natural dyeing
• Love these interesting pot planter ideas
• Felt food round up on skip to my lou and some creative ways to use a cardboard box (both via se7en)
• Am enjoying reading SteadyMom and I also want my kids to be weird - but maybe my reasons are a bit different.
• I enjoyed this article about breaking out of the 9 to 5.
• And I found many of these articles via the ultimate blog swap.
• I am onto this once a month cleaning gig for sure.
• And I am enjoying these blogs too.

Thats it for now

xx

Kathreen

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