It's been a little while since my last post, as I've been rather busy with work. I've been working on some great stories recently, and been published in Reveal, Take A Break and That's Life. You can read my features here.

Getting there!
In the meantime I've also started the patchwork quilt course at Cordial and Grace. This time I'm doing the course with my friend, Dani, from work and it's lovely to have someone to share it with. We're doing the course on Tuesday evenings, and I've discovered that quilting is the absolute, best way to relax after work. I don't normally find watching TV relaxing, because I'm always checking emails on my phone or multi-tasking. But I get absolutely lost in patchwork, and having some delicious homemade cake on the side is a nice little extra.
What I'm using for inspiration

I'm halfway through making my quilt, which is in a runner-style so perfect for the end of a bed - or even a kitchen table. Once I've completed this quilt, I'm going to start a new one using inspiration from a book given to me by my grandmother. I've already started cutting squares for it! I'd like to make a double-bed size quilt, and I want it to be as chaotic as possible. Can't wait.

I've also bought a sewing machine - finally! I got a call last Friday about an ad I'd replied to on Gumtree a few weeks before. Apparently she hadn't checked her emails. Anyway, one quick dash up Whiteladies Road later...and I'm the proud owner of a Toyota 8002 sewing machine.

Finding a good, second-hand sewing machine has been a bit of a nightmare. So check out my handy guide at the bottom for advice on getting a bargain.

I bought mine in a used condition, but I'm hoping the adage 'they don't make them like they used to' applies to sewing machines. It was a bargain at £25 (and I lost a few pounds (lb-pounds, that is) carrying it back down Whiteladies Road too...) so I'm not fussed if it packs in after a year.

It didn't come with an instruction manual, but luckily the excellent teaching from Laura at Cordial and Grace meant I could figure it out. I still have a lot of practicing to do, but this weekend is dedicated to crafting so I'll hopefully make some progress.

I've got a few projects lined up first; some iPhone and iPod pouches, bunting and another bag similar to the one I made in January. If you see someone walking around Clifton looking like they have a very sore neck, it's probably me.

I've also got a stack of magazines to read this weekend including Bath-grown Mollie Makes, and Bristol-grown Craftseller. Now I just need to decide what cake I'm going to eat while reading...

Where to buy a second-hand sewing machine - for a fair price
  1. Charity shops - Believe it or not, you can find a sewing machine for a fiver in your local charity shop. But you might have to wait twelve months. Tip #1: Ask the cashier to call you if one becomes available. Tip #2: Check the posh areas of town as you're much more likely to find a pricy machine for a good price
  2. Sewing shops - A lot of places sell brand-new machines, but they also sell them second-hand and refurbished ones. If you're looking for a bargain, this isn't the place, but if you want guarantees, expert help and a well-cared for machine this is the place to go
  3. Gumtree/Viva Street/Preloved - These are just a few of the most popular Classifieds websites online. Gumtree is especially popular, and available in lots of areas (although best for a major city). You can also put up wanted ads, which is always worth a try. Tip #1: Download the Apps for your iPhone or Android the phone, and check the websites daily. It only takes a few minutes on the bus, and you'll be the first one to spot a bargain
  4. Ebay - I have mixed views about Ebay these days. I sell and buy my second-hand clothes from an online community, TSUK, which in my opinion outdoes Ebay in every respect. Mostly, price. It can be tricky to navigate Ebay so try using the filtering functions to narrow down your search as much as possible. Sellers [and buyers] on Ebay are increasingly employing unfair tactics to increase the final sale price - including getting their friends to bid up, or using a sniping website. Tip #1: Join them. Try a free Auction Sniping website like this which puts in your bid at the last moment, stopping people from outbidding you. Tip #2: Always research the machine before bidding - it might not be such a bargain after all!
  5. Local press - Try your local newspaper. You're much more likely to find a machine for a fair price from a local seller. Plus you can then try it before buying which you can't do through sites like Ebay.
And finally, some cakes I've made recently...