Oh HELLO mojo!

When I first moved into this house in August 2009, emotionally, I was coming out of a slumber phase. I was aware that my life was going to change dramatically in the weeks to follow. I was called into a meeting room by my supervisor and told that I was being made redundant. Amazingly, they gave me a month's notice and  one of the four days I worked I was allowed to not come in and go to interviews. Even though the thought of being unemployed scared the crap out of me, the fact that I was being so well looked after warmed my heart. I was a casual employee, they could have simply called me up one night and said don't bother coming in.

As I was working in a recruitment office and jobs were our thing, my supervisor gave me a pep talk about using the opportunity to further my career. I decided that as I loved shopping, I wanted to get into the purchasing field. (It helped that I knew how much I'd earn long term there too lol) The first position I applied for was the one I got and loved. 

I know this post is about mojo, but without explaining where I've been and where I am now it doesn't really make sense. 

I was working 21-25 hours a week for the recruitment company. I scrapbooked in my spare time. I used this space below (that has become a dumping ground for 'stuff') as a crafting area. I had a huge desk (read door with Ikea legs) and I loved it, except, after a month I never used it anymore. My hours had doubled and the only time I was scrapbooking was if I got a request for a page for the Top 10 in Scrapbooking Creations. Whilst I loved seeing my pages in print, I felt like a fake only scrapbooking for these requests, so I stopped doing them. 

the view from my bed of the verandah

I then used the area as an office come reading nook, although, because of my back I don't sit out there at all. I go in there to retrieve papers out of the filing and that's it. Seems like a waste to me! 

For a few weeks I've been thinking about turning it back into a craft space, because I don't like the mess I make of the dining room when I want to sew or scrapbook. As everything is packed away into cupboards it's a major operation to do anything and once all the stuff is out, it seems like such a waste to only sit there for a tiny amount of time! (which is all I can do because it hurts too much) 

SO... this morning while procrastinating about going outside and doing some repotting of seedlings and planting some more out, I was looking at Katrina's blog The Organised Housewife, which I've had open with my timetable spreadsheet since the last post. (I did say I wasn't moving fast at the moment right? lol) I clicked on the craft room inspiration and then it hit me how I could actually rearrange things in my 'very tiny packed with furniture' house so that I could get my table back in.

I really do think that if I have an area where everything is easily accessible I'll be able to craft more and without the mess stressing me out. Which will also help me feel a little less like I'm doing nothing! 

This is the photo that sparked something in my brain... hopefully, when I've done the gardening I'll be able to start planning on what will go where.

lovely crafty space found here

New Habits

It's amazing how our lives change and we have to change with them so we don't get overwhelmed. My lack of stress due to my CTP claim for my back being finalised has been a liberating thing, but on the flip side I've felt a little lost. I have managed to finish a lot of crochet projects that I had on the go, but other than that I don't seem to be getting anything accomplished. I find that rather frustrating. Each day I promise myself that I'll do something that's been bugging me but the day whizzes by and it doesn't get done.

I've devised a plan. A plan to get me out of this rut until uni starts. No doubt if it works (which I have complete faith that it will haha!!) I'll be able to factor study in too. I'm making myself a timetable in Excel. I love Excel and miss it like crazy. (It was the program I used most in my last job and I really do love it's amazing organising abilities!) I'm factoring in things I do like doing as well as things I don't like doing. (which are currently being ignored) 

My days revolve around being a mum and my pain levels, so from that respect, hopefully I'll find the transition easy! Mornings are usually when I go out because my pain is more manageable than the afternoon, when craft will be my thing.

I'm hoping that it will also get me back into the routine of making yoghurt, bread and washing powder (which I've run out of and need to make... err today lol)

A lot can be done in 30 minutes when you devote yourself to the task for that period and don't let yourself get distracted. Like I am now really... blogging about making a timetable instead of just doing it *sigh* but I'm also hoping to get in a routine for blogging as well. 

Here's to new habits on my new path! :)

Finished Crochet Projects

In my time of crocheting non-stop, I've made a few projects, for presents and for Isaac and I. The first one I did embark on was a poncho/shawl for myself. I was going to make it out of Granny Squares but quickly realised that because my crochet had changed, it was probably going to be a bit too warm for a Queensland winter! (maybe if I was living somewhere where it snowed it would be okay lol)

Granny Square Cowl

I ended up joining the squares then going around them with DC and making a loop, adding a button and turning it into a cowl. Probably still a little warm for here but I hope I get to wear it!!

Wool used - Moda Vera 8 ply Wool
Hook used - 4.5

Ripple Scarf  

The next project was one for Isaac, a ripple scarf, using this pattern by Attic24. She does fabulous tutorials if you're unsure about how things fit together!

Wool used - Moda Vera 8 ply wool
Hook used - 4.5

Bright Cushion

The above cushion is a gift for a friend. As it's only going in the mail today I don't want to share a complete photo of it, just a sneak, but I'll be making more of these to sell. Great project to have on the go as a row doesn't take too long to do. Perfect for school pick up time!!\

Wool used - mostly Moda Vera 8ply wool

Hook used - 4.5

Beanie

The wool in the above beanie is AMAZING!!! It's this one from Kaalund Yarns. Yes it is a bit more expensive than good old basic Moda Vera, but it's SO soft and the colours are amazing, they're hand dyed and unlike any that I've seen before. (I am new to wool buying though lol) It's a bit dangerous that their shop is only down the road from me. I loved that my skein of wool was wound into a ball for me too. I think I want a wool winder :D

Now that the cooler weather seems to be set in, I'm contemplating another blanket. What are you working on at the moment?