Friday Top 5 before 5 #1

Yep folks, every Friday I'm going to post a Top 5 before 5pm. It's my new blogging goal. Hold me to it. (No-one does any work in the office on a Friday anyway, do they?!)

I'm going to kick off with 5 crafty projects which have been filling me from head to toe with excitement this week. I'm truly giddy with excitement!

1. Granny Stars
I bought this pattern from Sarah London and amazed myself by actually following said pattern and making something. This truly is a first for me, as I am a pattern-a-phobe. It drives my mother insane. I always tell her about my idea for some new bag/outfit/cushion etc and she'll say - "So where's the pattern?" and I just point to my head.

These granny stars crochet up so fast which is super satisfying. I'm going to turn them into a garland  - stay tuned for my finished product! Also thinking about decorating all my Christmas presents with one. Got any other bright ideas for these stars people?

2. The Great 2010 Tea Towel Swap
I did a screen printing course last year with my best friend Grant. We had grand plans to take over the world with our amazing screen printed designs. We bought loads of fabric and ink and got our screens made up and finished the course and then left the lot in the spare room.
Here's some shots of our 'grand designs...

I was tidying up my stash the other day when I came across a bunch of tea towels and linen ready to be screen printed on and thought to myself - "You really need to get this project finished."

Enter The Great 2010 Tea Towel Swap - the genius idea of Sooz and Kate. This is the kick up the bum I need - I get to finish what I started and receive tea towels from people all over the world in exchange!

I just hope they like Dolly Parton, Frida Kahlo, Poppies or Jarvis Cocker.

You should sign up too!

3. Ink & Spindle meet my Couch
I've been meaning to update the cushions on my couch for a while now. I love the old ones, but it's been 3 years and now it's time for a change. I'm fickle like that.

Then I remembered Ink & Spindle and how I've been lusting after Lara Cameron's work for years now. Stunning designs, hand screen printed in Melbourne (which after my course at CoFA I have a whole new appreciation for!) and they're carbon neutral. What's not to love?!
I think these Ink & Spindle fabrics are going to get on very well with my couch.

4. Stitch n Bitch this Sunday
I love every 3rd Sunday with all my heart. I get to see the ever so lovely Alfalky, drink my most favourite thickshake in the entire world at one of my favourite cafe's (the Caramello at Mickey's in Paddington. $7.50 but worth every delicious sip.) and crochet away the afternoon with other sweet and talented ladies.
Do you belong to a crafting group? They are the best fun.

5. Meet Me at Mikes - The Book!
So I finally got around to purchasing the ever so adorable Meet Me at Mikes craft book, as a belated birthday/early christmas present for myself. I knew it would be filled with super awesome of course, but I guess I didn't realise HOW MUCH awesome could be inside.

Trust me, it's a whole lot. I have been carrying it around with me all week, taking it out of my bag and hugging it, or flipping through the pages and longingly staring at the sweet images. But where to start? The begining? I don't know - I can't decide as it's all so enticing!

I was thinking of starting up a group (online of course!) where everyone makes the same project, working our way through the entire book of course, and then blogs about each project when they are done. Would be cool to see how everyones project turns out.

What do you think peeps? Anyone in? I was thinking we could have 2 weeks per project, as life gets busy and all, huh? Maybe we need more time? Let me know if you are interested and I will get a McLinky list happening or something.

Got a copy of Pip's book? If not, get one!

That's my first Top 5. Hope whatever you're making this weekend turns out just splendid!