Why sir, you flattr me!

I was once again glomming Craftypod.com and came across the concept of showing your blog love in a more supportive way than hit counts or comments. Welcome to the mirco-economy of Flattr.com. 

It is an amazingly simple concept. You sign up, commit a min of 2 Euros per month through paypal, and then you  "flattr" people who have already signed up. Your 2 Euros, or more if you want to, are then spread evenly between all the people you have flattr'd that month. There are some widgets to add to your blog and away you go. Check the bottom of this post for my 'Flattr' button. 

I really like this idea. There are lots of blogs - like Craftypod, where I feel I really benefit from the work the author has put in and I am happy to give such a tiny amount per month to show that. As with all online projects though you need a critical mass to make it work so....why not sign up yourself? It is terribly easy - go to Flattr.com and sign up!

Some people to Flattr, just to get us all started...

• Craftypod.com
• Radical Cross-Stitch
• Faster Craft
• Leethal Knit Blog
• Woolly Mammoth
• Max's World - knitting sculture, anime and jewellery
• Polka Dot Cottage
• Shopless
• and me!

Leave me a comment and your blog address if you sign up and I'll come over for a visit!

Antici...................................................................pation

I am foolishly excited about the Festival of Quilts. I am going on sunday and then have the next two days off work so I can truly revel in whatever goodies I bring back. I have been trying to work out why I am looking forward to it so much, and have concluded the answer comes down to antici......pation. I can never say the word all in one go, ever since seeing the Rocky Horror Show.

I booked it quite a long time ago and have been putting off buying fabric and bits until I have been there. Of course there has been the occasional purchase, but nothing major. One thing I am excited about getting hold of is the CurveMaster sewing machine foot which allegedly makes it easy to sew curved seams so they lie flat. This is something that never ever happens for me. There is a video of it in action (youtube) here, and I am looking forward to trying it out for myself since there are a number of quilts which it would be useful for.

I think on that note, it's best to end on a Flickr mosaic.

Credits from left to right, starting top row, 

1. Red n Aqua D9P, 2. metamorfosi 2, 3. 229. drunkard's path - about half the blocks, 4. 8-16-10 Quilt Sandwich Points of Pride for John, 5. T - Storm of Scraps, 6. Another polka dot quilt, 7. Bargello for Mary, 8. The Gobstopper Quilt, 9. "Spot On" Circle Quilt

Lastly, I made another bowl.

Loving those bowls.

Tutorial Tuesday - Podcast Competition Winner

Welcome to Tutorial Tuesday! For a kick off I have compiled all the suggestions you submitted as part of the podcast competition plus a few of my own favourites.

So the challenge was to comment here or on the podcast site leaving a link for a last-minute christmas present tutorial. The list is.....

• Easy Owls to sew (from Lauri) Pooch bought me a cushion like this about 2 months ago and I *love* it!
• Handpainted Santa Plate (from Ivy) Would also make a brilliant "baby's first xmas" present.
• Tea Towel Bag (from AlisonK) This would also work brilliantly with my knitting bag tutorial here.

Then these are some extra ones you might like:

• House Christmas Tree Decorations - I've made one and they are very easy. Print or trace them onto red or green card and add some glitter glue for xmas fun!
• Jewellery Pouch - I've made two of these and plan to make more. I use mine everytime I go away.
• Pouches of sweets/nuts - use 'bauble' or xmas tree shapes and you've got a great and cheap stocking filler. 

So drumroll......the winner Mr Pooch pulled out of the hat is......IVY! Congrats to you and please email me your address to littlelixie at hotmail dotcom.

Later this week I'll be posting a book review, plus the chance to win the book.