How to Create an Inspiring Workspace

I find that having an inspiring workspace is one of the most essential ways to stay creative and motivated while working. Here are a few things I do to keep my space inspiring:

1. Keep it tidy. One thing that really motivates me and helps me get started on work (such as uni assignments or dress making) is a neat and tidy space. There is nothing worse then wanting to get started on something only to find you have to clean up your workspace first. A great way to keep your space neat and tidy every time is to clean up at the end of everyday, so that it is clean and ready to go the next day.

2. Choose a space with great natural light. I'm a huge fan of natural light. Not only does it make a space more inviting but it also helps you see what you're working on a lot more clearly, preventing you from having to strain your eyes. If your space doesn't have a lot of natural light, I'd suggest finding a space that does, as it really is easier to get started on your work when you have a lovely light and inviting space to work at.   

3. Stay organised. Having a calendar and some notebooks close by is a great way to stay organised. A calendar in your space (mine is a freebie that comes with Frankie magazine) will help you keep track of deadlines, and notebooks are always handy to write down lists in and little reminders in. I also use a handy downloadable to do list that really helps me to stay on track with the things that need to get done.

4. Fill it with things that inspire you. I think this is the most important step to create an inspiring space. Filling your workspace with things that inspire you will create a happy environment and will give you the creative boost you need when you are feeling a little unmotivated. I like to fill my space with inspiring magazines and books, teacups, flowers and little pops of mint green.

5. Flowers. A jar of flowers really freshens up a space and makes it a much better environment to work in. Not only do they look really pretty, but they smell amazing too. Surprisingly, these flowers lasted a good two or three weeks so it doesn't even require that much effort, as you don't even have to change them every few days. I'm definitely going to keep flowers in my space more regularly from now on.

I hope these tips were helpful for you! What things do you do to keep your workspace inspiring?

How To Make A Granny Square

Today I'm sharing a tutorial on how to crochet a granny square. Granny squares are super easy to make once you know how, and the end result is adorable! At the moment I'm making a granny square blanket and if you would also like to, then hopefully this will help you get started! Crochet terms are different all over the world, but for this tutorial I will be using the Australian terms (the same as the British terms, I'm pretty sure!) Okay, let's get started!

First, what you will need:

+ Some cute and colourful wool.

+ A crochet hook (I used a 4mm crochet hook)

+ A tapestry needle (a needle that wool can be thread through)

+ A pair of scissors

1. To begin, make a slipknot with your first choice of wool and thread your hook through it. 

2. Make four chain stitches, letting the hook do all of the work and making sure they aren't pulled too tight.

3. Join the chain stitches with a slip stitch into the first chain stitch, creating a ring. This is the foundation for your square. Make three chain stitches (this creates the first treble for the round).

4. Next to the 3 chain stitches, make two treble stitches. This is the first cluster of stitches.

5. Make two chain stitches in order to create the corner of your square. 

6. Make three more treble stitches to create the next cluster. 

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 another two times to create all four clusters.

8. Make two chain stitches and poke the hook into the top edge of the first treble cluster.

9. Slip stitch into the top edge of the first treble cluster to end the first round.

10. Finish the first round by cutting the wool and slipping the thread through to hook loop and pull tight. 

11. To begin the next round, take your second choice of wool and slip knot it onto the hook. Then slip stitch into a corner of the first round and make three chain stitches. 

12. Similar to the first round, make two treble stitches next to the three chain stitches, then make two chain stitches and make three more treble stitches to make the first corner of the second round. Make one chain stitch to create the gap between the corner cluster and the next cluster.

13. Repeat this three more times to make the second round, remembering to make two chain stitches in between the corner clusters and to only make one chain stitch in between all other clusters. Finish off round.

14. Take your third choice of wool and repeat the same steps as for round two. Each round has more clusters then the last. 

15. Repeat again for your fourth choice of wool...

16. ...and your fifth choice of wool. I have chosen to only have five rounds for my granny squares but you can choose to keep going for as little or as long as you like.

17. To finish your granny square sew up all of the ends by threading the tapestry needle and threading through 3-4 stitches at the back of the granny square.

18. Then thread through the same stitches again but this time thread the other way to ensure the wool won't some undone. Repeat for all of the ends. As this is the boring part of crocheting, I like to stitch each finished square as I go so I don't end up with lots of squares to sew up right at the very end. 

And there you have it! An easy, and super cute, granny square! I hope this tutorial has help and inspired you to maybe crochet a granny square blanket of your own! If you have any questions leave a comment and I will hopefully be able to answer them. Also, let me know if you do have a go, I would love to see it!