Hello 2018

Happy new year everyone! I hope 2018 brings you good health and happiness, and everything you ever wished for. I've had a lovely Christmas break with the family and am still in holiday mode this week, truth be told. We are doing a major spring clean at the moment - decluttering the house and garage, sorting out the kids' rooms, and a big tidy up in my sewing room. We still had unopened boxes since we moved house in April! We did a major cull amongst the kids' toys and clothes (they outgrow both so fast) and have thrown out heaps of junk and filled several boxes with clothes and toys to donate. I really think clutter and mess in one's living space is a reflection of one's state of mind so it feels incredibly cleansing and therapeutic to get rid of it all.

I was especially shocked to see how much space is taken up in my sewing room by all my UFOs so I'm going to make it a mission this year to finish them. Starting with this cot quilt and cushion set I made for a dear friend's new baby - I started it in our old house when my friend was still pregnant (*blush*). The house move got in the way, (and then, you know, life), but I'm so happy that it's finally finished and being enjoyed by an adorable little lady.

The lovely fabric I used is Lauren Nash's first collection for Riley Blake Designs, called 'Bunnies & Cream'. I adore the soft pastel colours - and the bunnies & strawberries are so stinkin' cute. It's still available in stores if you wanted to get your hands on some. It's perfect for fussy cutting and hexies!

The sweet doll and bunny in the photos are alas not hand-made (mentioning as I have used them before in blog posts and always get questions about them and requests for a pattern). They are from British retailer Mamas & Papas from a few years back - the rag doll is called 'Famiglia' and the bunny is from their 'Millie & Boris' collection.  You may get lucky if you search for them on ebay.

I gave myself some time off our decluttering mission yesterday to start a tote for another special little lady - I am winging this one without a pattern and kinda still suck at bag making so I hope it comes out OK! Here's the panel I made with some precious fabric scraps which if all goes according to plan, will turn into a pocket at the front of the tote. I love some of these fabrics so much I decided to hand quilt the panel so I could savour the pretty designs. Seriously, I love fabric so much, I think I may need help! Anyone else in the same boat?

See you very soon I hope, with pictures of the finished tote. If I don't ruin it!

*** EDIT: The pattern for the Bunnies & Cream quilt is now available in my Etsy shop ***