thread storage finally

I have had my threads in a box for a while now. It's just so messy- a tangled mess of thread.

If you ever need inspiration for anything- there is always pintrest.

I found this storage box at bunning's. It's clear so I can see the thread inside and large enough to fit the spools I have.  I have seen actual thread storage boxes at spotlight but I didn't want to spend $25+ on thread storage.

I'm loving the rainbow effect of thread I already own. I now can find thread I need and already added black thread to my need to purchase list. I have 36 spools in the box and room for a fair few more. 

I still have a box of end of thread spools that I won't be throwing away any time soon. This thread is super handy for hand stitching projects - quilts, hoops, buttons.

A clear storage box with compartments is a pretty and cheap storage win!

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It's December- already!

We spent the 30th November putting up the Christmas tree. Master B was so excited- he was insistent on the gold star!

It was so great spending the time together and deciding on where special decorations should be put.

I've made a few changes this year. 

Shopping is already done and wrapped.

No stress of keeping up with the advent pots- I have just chosen not to get them out.

I've been making adorable Christmas angles with a friend.

I'm keeping things simple.

I'm enjoying the little things that make this time of year awesome.

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scrap vomit finished (finally)

I started this quilt last year. I kept looking at it in my unfinished pile of projects.

I was a little stuck on what to use for backing fabric. Deb was ever so helpful and sent me in the right direction. I settled on the red polka dot with red thread for hand quilting and black binding.

I'm so glad I settled on hand stitching across each row.

So thankful for a basket full of fabric..........a year later I have a scrap vomit quilt finally finished. 

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time away

We just celebrated our 8th Wedding Anniversary (last month). I was so excited when everything came together so that we were able to head away.We found someone to have the boys for the night (they were so excited about this which of course makes it easier) 

We found a place to stay- just out of Christchurch. The Oaks of Darfield.

They even had a restaurant so we got to get dressed up and head downstairs and enjoy an amazing meal! (I say the best meal I have ever eaten in my life amazing- and I wanted to eat more amazing food but had already eaten way too much amazing food)

So thankful to be able to have time away. I came across this link the other day and it has some awesome suggestions for 13 ideas for a date night at home - well worth a read!

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being kind

Its a month till Christmas Day. This year seems to have flown by.

I saw this post on Facebook recently (I couldn't find the original post to give credit) and nodded in agreement with every word.

Some thoughts as we enter the holiday season...It is important to remember that not everyone is surrounded by large wonderful families. Some of us have problems during the holidays and some of us are overcome with great sadness when we remember the loved ones who are not with us. And many people have no one to spend these times with and are besieged by loneliness. We all need caring, loving thoughts right now.

Now don't get me wrong I love Christmas. I love the excitement and have many great memories of my childhood around Christmas time. The simplicity and the joy. 

But no one has a picture perfect family with everyone always getting along. We live in the real world and in reality relationships are hard, expectations weigh us down. Its can be easy to smile and pretend all is okay.

I want to remind myself to be thoughtful of others, be kind and patient. No one ever gets to see everyone's big picture. We only ever get to see what people are willing to share. 

I know I love the ideal of Christmas more than the reality of Christmas- and you know what- I'm okay with that.

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crochet mixed stripe blanket complete

I was inspired by SophieSlim's  blanket  so I started my own using this pattern early this year.

It started growing quickly. It was nice learning new stitches and it required lots of counting! Getting to 100 rows was very exciting.

I wanted to use as much yarn as possible for the edges of the blanket. A mix of single and double crochet all the way around.

Its now finally finished. The finished size is  35'' (89cm) x 54'' (137cm)

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