Journal

No Screen Time brings Productivity

17/01/2026 villamakerLeave a comment

I haven’t had much screen time the last couple of weeks, as determined to limit my time scrolling thru my social media and clicking on “suggested” was just sucking me into some god forsaken rabbit hole. I’ve proven to myself that I can be very productive!

1) I’ve set up these three notebooks to plan, organise and document some of the coming and goings of my life. The Longchamp ringed planner is my EDC and my analogue record. The Traveler’s Notebook has three Notebook inserts to organise my thoughts and ideas, the brain dumping ground. The third Notebook is for my knitting projects and the Knitworking in 2026.

2) Screen time at home has been replaced with KNITFLIX.Binge watching the Netflix series, Run Away and catching up with TV programmes I recorded over the Christmas holidays.Which enabled me to complete my first FO of 2026, Carol Feller’s Duvet Day Sweater. It’s so cosy and warm. It had it’s first outing for a breakfast date at The Fumbally

3) Intense studying for a communication certificate… and I passed the written and oral exams!

Glitz n Pieces

27/11/202527/11/2025 villamakerLeave a comment

I recently discovered, Glitz n Pieces, a new to me Irish-owned business while scrolling through my IG feed.

In 2013, Ellen and Grace from Dublin, Ireland created their ultimate dream of an affordable women’s online boutique with access to all types of women’s accessories under one roof.

They are cool and hip 30-something entrepreneurs on social media selling handbags and accessories.

I followed them both on IG and TikTok, then only started to engage with them when a comment was made about their bags were made in China, right away they disclosed their bags were made from Italian leather in an atelier in Italy. This is transparency, one of the key elements on where I spend my money.

I was quite taken by their enthusiastic sales pitch, yet they were so down to earth.

I bought my first ever Glitz n Pieces handbag last month, a Kate Bag Mini in suede and leather, based on the many positive reviews. I went with Burgundy, the colour of the season!

The quality is exquisite and the workmanship is so beautiful. It’s Italian luxury without breaking the bank.

Also comes with a strap and use as a cross body bag

Disclaimer: This is a non-sponsored post and I paid for this Kate Bag Mini myself.

Journal

Knitwear on the Catwalk

13/10/202515/10/2025 villamakerLeave a comment

Knitwear On the Catwalk

An opportunity to showcase your cardigans, sweaters, shawls, cowls, gloves, hats, scarves, etc. At our November 1st Knit & Stitch Social

This will take place after lunch. For those who want to participate, it’s a chance to share with everyone what you made, pattern, type of yarn, was it easy/difficult?

Not limited to knits, but also crochet FO’s.

Louise Boughton will be doing LIVE illustrations focusing on all the beautiful outfits that will be showcased.

Book your Place here

Journal · Planner

Have I finally achieved planner peace?

23/09/2025 villamakerLeave a comment

I found my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a Longchamp planner/organiser.

For years, I’ve been searching charity shops and online buy/sell sites for preloved Filofaxes. I’ve lost count how many of these ringed binders are in my collection.

These past few months, luxury branded organisers have peaked my interest on online sites like Catawiki and Vinted. I’ve often lost out because I have placed a self-imposed price limit when bidding on a particular planner.

Then one morning while scrolling thru my Vinted feed, the algorithm worked up a charm, a Longchamp organiser.

It’s a pebbled leather in a mellow mustard yellow. There are Longchamp inserts from 1999. It’s also stamp embossed Made in in France.

For now, I’ve stopped chasing rainbows and found planner peace.

Dublin Knitwork · Journal · KNiT · Knit Social

Autumn Knit & Stitch Social

21/09/202521/09/2025 villamakerLeave a comment

We had a great start to the 2025/26 season of the monthly Knit and Stitch Social on September 4th at @la caverna. It was a fun and happy afternoon. The new set up of smaller tables was well received so we will continue with that.

As many of you know, the monthly Knit and Stitch Social is held on the first Saturday of each month.

We have booked for the rest of this year to give everyone certainty.

The next three Socials will be held on: Saturday 4th October, Saturday 1st November and the Knitmas party will be Saturday 6th December.

Tickets are available to purchase now for Saturday 4th October.

Looking forward to another great monthly Knit and Stitch Social.

Journal · Notes on · Spinning

From the Dye Pots

26/01/202526/01/2025 villamakerLeave a comment

Last Sunday was the day to dust off the drop spindle and get over to the Dublin chapter of tbe IGWSD January meeting.

It was lovely to see familiar fibre friends again in the Timber Yard in Dublin 8.

There was an amazing talk by Lisa Cassidy, who talked about her experience in the year long Natural Dyers Academy By Apple Oak Fibers.

Lisa brought along her samples and dyeing portfolio…

Journal

Launching a Supper Club for Makers

14/01/202514/01/2025 villamakerLeave a comment

Monday 13th January was the launch of our Meet the Makers Supper Club. When Greg initially thought of the idea of a weeknight meet up as a result of comments made from the craft community that some folks would not be able make it to our monthly Knit and Stitch Social on a Saturday.

So the Supper Club was born to encompass not only knitters and crocheters but also to include all domains of the craft community.

Greg reached out to Shannon at La Caverna, and a menu with 3 meat and 3 vegetarian/ vegan options was created.

6 of us, an intimate number, enjoying the lovely meal at La Caverna.
We were not only knitters. We were crocheters, dollmakers, dressmakers, knitting instructor, sewists, patchwork quilters, yarnshop owner…. we were a creative and talented group of Makers.

I am delighted to announce there we will be doing it again!

Dublin Knitwork · Journal · Knit Social · Notes on

Meet the Makers Supper Club

03/01/2025 villamakerLeave a comment

Hi Everyone,

The Meet the Maker social event is a trial to see if there’s interest in a monthly evening dinner social that welcomes all makers whether it’s crochet, embroidery, knitting, paper crafting, sewing etc. It’s a chance for those who prefer an evening for meeting up with like minded makers.

Greg and I are organising this trial supper club at La Caverna Restaurant to socialise over a lovely dinner of your choice from a select menu at a very good price. The supper club is not for profit. The amount you pay is simply to cover the cost of your meal plus gratuity and sum up fee.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

If you attend the monthly Saturday knitting socials, you will know what to expect. If you are new and have any questions, please feel free to write to us at:

murphyleaf2@gmail.com

Diane

Journal · self care

Hands Up….

06/12/202408/12/2024 villamakerLeave a comment

As a Nurse, my hands take a beating with handwashing and hand sanitiser.

Hands Up video

I may be 59, however, my hands do look 20 years older. Years of on and off self-caring for my hands have led to bouts of eczema.

Keeping a routine is difficult enough when I’m at work. I’ll need to make it a habit of applying hand lotion regularly.

Adding nail varnish each weekend does make me feel good.

Journal · Planner · self care

Journaling for Self-care

01/12/202401/12/2024 villamakerLeave a comment

Traditionally the month of December is a busy one when I prepare for the Festive Season. Taking a slow and reflective approach as I reacquainted myself with the journaling.

Journaling for self-care can be an easy way to practice self-care.

Writing has been proven to have a beneficial effect on one’s mental health and sense of self.

A friend gifted this Voyager Notebook to me

I’ve prepared a Traveler’s Notebook for expressing myself in the written word and it’s day one of keeping a self-care journal which is my first step toward putting my physical, mental, and emotional health needs at the top of my priority.

Self-care journal