If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new Lotta Jansdotter Simple Sewing Book, you really must. I checked mine out from the library, but you can purchase a copy a jansdotter.com. The book is filled with simple patterns from a kitchen towels and aprons to a wall organizer and checkbook covers. I like the all-day tote, the wall-mounted magazine holder, the tool roll organizer, the curtain with pockets and all the bag patterns. All the projects are rated according to the level of difficulty with projects ranging from level 1 to level 4. The instructions are easy to understand and there are even patterns included in the book. I love Lotta’s simple yet sophisticated patterns and I think you will too. You can shop Lotta’s finished designs in her shop and see some of my favorites below.

I’m thinking of painting a mural in my office…I’ve never done anything like that before, but I figure how hard can it be.  I would like to do a very simple abstract hibiscus  design, like these.  I also found some very straightforward instructions.  It kinda seems almost too easy–I will probably knock over the paint onto the rug or something.