2011 into 2012

Hello friends!  It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks here, as I expect it's also been for many of you. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and that 2012 is off to a good start. One thing I wish for this year is that it goes a little slower than 2011.  I think the trick is to enjoy the moment and focus on each task or event rather than to be always thinking of the next thing you have (or want) to do.

Glasses cases and phone case from Folksy.

Although I didn't have time to make presents for gifts this year, I tried to buy handmade or eco friendly where possible.

Handbag mirrors from Folksy with cases (note the pretty matching crocheted flowers - it's the little touches that make all the difference)

On the day I finished work for the holidays, I arrived home to find that OH had put coloured lights on my shed for the season. 

I've compared my crafting and book reading pages from 2010 and 2011and  it's clear there's little difference in the book reading,which is a bit disappointing. I thought that having the previous year to compete with would give me more impetus to get reading. As for the crafting, I can't believe how little I got done compared with 2010.  Keeping a record is clearly not the way to inspire me to do more. I'll keep the record going out of interest but I'll have to think of some other way of motivating myself.

DD made starry biscuits to contribute to the Christmas Fayre

At least the last 2 weeks have given me the opportunity to complete a couple of long-term projects (details below).

OH & me at a New Year party (and no, it wasn't fancy dress or a masked ball - we, and 3 friends just decided it would be fun!)

I don't think New Year Resolutions are particularly effective at helping to motivate me.  Plans or goals, however, might be the way forward.  I'll think more about how to go about this but any ideas would be welcome.

Crafting since last time: -

Knitted cardigan - finished apart from adding buttons (after a little hiccough during sewing up when I realised I'd made a mistake in the decreasing at the top of each sleeve) The only problem now, and it's a biggie,  is that I don't like it!!  I'll add the buttons to see what difference that makes but I'm not too hopeful. I might show a photo soon if it isn't too horrible!

HST quilt - ALL FINISHED APART FROM SEWING DOWN THE BACK OF THE BINDING (which I will do at my quilting club on Saturday).  Can you tell I'm pleased about this one??  It's my first quilt, albeit a small one, so I'm quite proud of it and will definitely show a pic next time.

Bye for now
Teresa x

P.S. I'm afraid my blog reading has run away from me so I'm not sure when I'll be able to catch up with your lovely blogs.  I will definitely get around to it eventually because I'd hate to miss anything, so please be patient with me.