These Clever Hands

26/05/2026

These Clever Hands was never just about my clever hands. It is about all of our our clever hands. Here are some of the clever hands that attended Canberra CraftAlive & left excited & inspired to play with some fabulous, new fabric!

25/05/2026

Dopamine dressing & dopamine decorating are the buzz words of the moment. Little did I know that I’ve been dopamine quilting since 2018! Are you a dopamine quilter, too?

22/05/2026

22/05/2026

Georgia & I are playing favourites, from what’s on offer at CraftAlive Canberra…

21/05/2026

We’ve bought our world of colour to Canberra, so come on down!

18/05/2026

In conjunction with the - “Come along to our 2026 Annual Members Exhibition – a truly special event as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. This milestone exhibition features the stunning “50th Gold Challenge” quilts, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship from artists across Australia & New Zealand. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable collection.” We hope to see you there!

12/05/2026

Do you dream in colour? If so, you might like to check out my curated, colourful, & convenient fabric clubs. I currently have TEN (!!) clubs underway, each different, & each designed to help make your quilt making a bit easier. Imagine a colourful bundle of fabric delivered to your door every month. Handpicked, carefully co-ordinated, & thoughtfully packaged. Multiple club subscriptions also means big savings in postage. Or, you always have the option of adding extra purchases to each month’s mailing (also saving postage). Please feel free to DM or email me with any questions.

https://www.thesecleverhands.com.au/curated-clubs

10/05/2026

Let me explain. I haven’t been in paid employment since 2019. Yesterday’s post was a repost from that time, reflecting on my decision to leave work & to prioritise my mental health. I was looking back on that decision because I have been a bit wobbly of late, & had been gently reminded of why I left that job. Managing my mental health will be a lifelong commitment. There will be highs & lows, with a whole lot of “normal” (whatever that is) in between. In recent months I’ve stated that I’ve been feeling that best that I have for years, & that has been true. But I’ve again hit a small dip in the road, & it is simply a reminder to return to more of what helps me feel better. Like legs up the wall - so good for calming the nervous system. More journalling, more movement, more meditation, more cuddles, more water, & more time doing the things I love - like playing with fabulous fabric! Anyway, that’s the clarification. These Clever Hands has been my full-time job for nearly seven years now, & it has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. So, onwards & upwards!

09/05/2026

Today I’m reflecting upon where it all began, nearly seven years ago… “Today I am, as my son would say, living fast & loose. There has been a lot of change in our lives in the past year, & it’s been tough going... but I’ve just voluntarily added to the change by resigning from my paid work. Six years, with a relentless workload, a mountain of of stress & very little thanks. But, a lot of self pride in what I achieved. However, & it’s time to put myself first. A better me for the people I love; more space to breathe; more room for calm & more, more, more for These Clever Hands!!”

03/05/2026

April was a doozy! Fun, exciting, & exhausting!!