Despite the fact that I can sometimes be the queen of procrastination, or more accurately procraftination, I actually find relaxing very difficult. There's not very many moments of rest in my day and there is always something to DO. I'm trying to find more calm, to be present and really pay attention to the little things. 

Surfing instagram I saw that Jan @isisjem had bought a beautiful candle from @candles_n_vintagestuff. It's a clever idea, taking vintage items - Hovis bread tins, ceramic pots, mugs and glass containers - and filling them with scented EcoSoya wax candles. So I had to get one! I found this beautiful pink glass bowl scented with Fig and Cassis, which smells divine.



So I have been lighting the candle and stitching / designing / writing. It's calming and I can enjoy focusing on the work without worrying about the next thing or what else I should be doing. 

There was also time this past week for me to meet up with my friend Di, who came to Manchester for the day. We had such a lovely time, with plenty of walking and talking! I showed her some of my favourite spots and we had a little mooch around the shops.


Di very kindly brought me a fabric gift, a pretty mail themed print and two beautiful Liberty fabrics tied so sweetly. Treasures! Thank you and for being such wonderful company Di!


And I got some delightful happy mail, a stationery package from lovely Hannah. All things I use daily so I will be making good use of it!
Finally I couldn't resist buying Jera Brandvig's gorgeous new book Quilt As-You-Go Made Vintage, full of pretty inspiration and detailed instructions, it's a book I'm going to relish! I didn't get her first book, though I know it was extremely popular, I think the vintage style appeals more to me and I plan on exploring her different joining methods. The styling in this book is also amazing and lovely to look at.


Happy Bonfire Night to my friends in the UK! We set off some lovely 'fountains' and other 'slightly pathetic but still beautiful fireworks' in our garden as is our yearly custom. 

Wishing you all a wonderful week full of crafting!

linking up to Sunday Stash at Molli Sparkles