I have been a busy girl!  I am currently crafting 6 gifts.  All are for family or a secret swap, so I can’t reveal too much as I don’t know how many of them read it.

I also have a couple of aprons in mind to make myself.  If only I can get the time!

I have long loved the look and nostalgia of the almighty Apron.  Being a bit of a Vintage Grrl at heart, the thought of donning an apron before my days duties sends a bit of a shivver up my spine… in a good way.

So I have a stash of fabric and a sewing machine itching to make me some domestic wear!

Keep your eyes peeled for some apronage here..

This week’s giveaway on The Apronista is GORGEOUS!!

Aren’t they too cute??? They’re from Carolyn’s Kitchen. She has some lovely stuff!

Not a write off, even though I’d planned it to be. I’m not feeling great today, so had planned quietness. But something deep within said “I can do these dishes” .. and .. “I can clean these oven doors” .. and .. “Let’s wipe up these dishes and put them away”.

I don’t recognise this voice. This is not a voice I’m used to hearing. This is a voice I’m sure I silenced when I hit puberty.

This is a voice that tonight said, “make gravy from scratch”.  “You can make a roux without stuffing it up.” … and guess what?  I did!  It was nice gravy too.  I’m not going to share my secret yet.  I’m going to make it again later this week to see if I can duplicate it… I’ll share if it works again.

So my housefaerie voice is audible now.  Which I guess is good.  I just hope she sticks around.

I can’t just blog about knitting.  I don’t get to knit as much as I like, so my blog would remain relatively empty.  And well, what’s the fun in that?

So here I go and set out to clutter it all up again.

Yesterday my MIL, son & I went out on a Craft Crawl.  We started at the Epping Cottage Crafts Christmas Sale.  I presume it’s an annual event, and they probably do something before Mothers/Fathers day as well.  Well, we saw some GORGEOUS handmade stuff.  Most of it was very simple, but precious.  I felt bad about feeling that I was more inspired to create than to spend.  I think it’s hard being a crafter and going to those things.  Because you know you can make it, but you feel that you should make your own, and leave that one there for someone who CAN’T make it to buy.   But yes, very inspired to create.

Next was Craft Depot in Pennant Hills.  I love the fabrics in this place.  I am on a bit of a stash-diet at the moment so really wasn’t able to buy anything here either.  Although I have images for next year.

Lyn’s Fine Needlework followed.  LOVING THIS PLACE!  The inspiration to get back into some embroidery flourished here.  The silks, the hand dyed cottons.. LUSCIOUS!  I have some presents in mind specifically.  Along with some home pieces.

Finally was Purple Patch  in Concord.  Lovely little shop   Some very unique fabrics that I will definitely be returning for once the stash-diet is over

I guess that brings me to my very early New Years Resolution.  This is the BIG one.  This one can’t/won’t/shaln’t be broken.  2008 for me is “The Year of the Home“.  I am determined to completely de-clutter our home-space, and transform it into the warm, inviting, cosy and comfy home I know it can be.  By Christmas in ‘08, I plan on having the extended family over for Lunch in an environment that says “this home is loved”.

I firmly believe that if I can get my home ’sorted’, everything else will fall into place.  So here I go.