Link Love: Little Projects with Big Impact

I’m trying something new this week, it’s called “going to bed at a reasonable hour”. My sleep pattern has gotten seriously out of kink in the past couple of months (having HUBBY away for a month didn’t help) and it’s time to get it back under control. I’ve been going to bed late and waking up super early to try and get work done before I go to my day job and while it’s handy it’s not something I can keep up long term. It’s amazing how much sleep can impact on your quality of life. It’s something I’ve always just taken for granted, but as I get older it’s becoming more important.

As well as getting my sleep under control I’m back to exercising everyday and kicking the junk food. I did so well in January and then HUBBY came home and I just threw it all away. But better late than never, it’s time to get back on the wagon. I’m really enjoying meal planning and making all our lunches up in advance. The Mason Jar Salads are so handy and enjoyable (click here to see how I made these Caesar Salad Mason Jar Salads). I’ve eaten so much vegetable in the past week that my body doesn’t know what to do with itself. It’s brilliant.

I’ve also been using the forced break to do some much needed maintenance on my sewing machines. I like to get my machines serviced regularly (every 6 months) but I’ve let this one slip out to just over a year and my machine desperately needs it. I feel like sewing machine servicing is one of those things that so many people neglect and it’s the sort of thing (like sleeping, eating right and exercising) that if you don’t do it’s going to cost you more in the long run.

I’m spending today preparing for the coming week, so I’d better get moving and turn the oven on and get out the kitchenaid. I feel some baking coming on! Hope you have an amazing day!

FUN THINGS TO CLICK ON

• Have you been making the hour baskets I shared a few weeks ago? Well check out the Pixie Basket! Click here for tutorial.
• Looking for a project made for hand sewing then check out this hexie box finish (link to the tutorial in blog post) and free pattern from Clover & Violet. Click here for details.
• I know Valentine’s Day has passed, but I think every day is the perfect day to share your love via handmade. Loving this heart block from Kirsty atBonjour Quilts. Click here for the details.
• Loving this free (and unusual) pattern from Dear Stella. Click here for the pattern.
• I’m sneaking in another Valentine’s tutorial that I think is perfect for any celebration. Loving this Valentines Day Garland from Kitty at Night Quilter. Click here for tutorial.
• Loving this cat-eye zipper pouch by Kim, it’s from a free tutorial by Sherri at Thread Riding Hood. Click here for tutorial.

COMMUNITY CORK BOARD

• Patty of Elm Street Quilts is turning February into a month of Hugs. Hugs is about giving handmade to those in need – a way to tell them that someone cares.  Give a handmade hug to an ill friend or family member. Give a handmade hug to a charity that collects handmade for those in need. If you’d like to find out more click here.
• Hope of Hope’s Quilt Designs is collating an online resource for Australian Based Quilting Services and Online Fabric Stores. If you’d like your business included, or you’re looking to support an Australian Business, click here to find out more.
• Canberra Quilters Inc. are celebrating their 40th Anniversary in 2016 and to mark the occasion they’re holding a “Celebrate 40 Challenge”. It’s open to Australian and New Zealand Residents, with 40 quilts (quilts must be 40cm x 100cm) being selected to hang at the 2016 Annual Member’s Exhibition. (You don’t have to be a member to enter!) It’s a great challenge and you can find out more or enter by clicking here.

Want something included on the Community Cork Board, then why not drop me an email and if it’s applicable to the GnomeAngel community I’ll share it. It can be anything from a local fate, a charity raffle, a class you’re teaching, a pattern you’ve released, a sew-a-long you’re involved in to a community event that’s happening. Be sure to send me as much detail as you can and links to any applicable websites. I do not have any affiliation with the information provide, it is done so as a community service only. Click here to email me.

SPONSOR MESSAGES

• Fat Quarter Shop Crossroads Quilt-along to benefit the March of Dimes has started. You can find the free patterns by clicking here. I’m going to be an official blogger for it and so I’ll be sharing my version of the quilt (which I adore) you can find out more by clicking here.
• If you’d like to take a class with me, then why not check out my class list by clicking here or maybe you’d like to work with me to help promote your brand/business/store/product, click here to find out more about partnering with me.
• Craftsy have some amazing classes on offer and I’m currently eyeing off this Piece by Piece Quilt As You Go Techniques with Marti Michell. Click here to learn more.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a very small commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link, in fact in some cases I can offer you a better price via an affiliate link. I will not recommend something that I do not use myself. These commissions help me keep being able to provide you with great content for free. Thank you, in advance for your support!