Monday, December 10, 2018

Plans for 2019...

With just three weeks left in the year I felt it was time to share with you my plans for 2019. 
Gosh, just saying 2019 seems a tad unreal...where did 2018 go? 
I guess for me, and the man who holds my heart, much of the year was lost in house hunting, trying to stay on top of design work, a new granddaughter, and of course that marvelous move into our very first home.

I had an inkling from just before our move in late September that there would soon be a change of season with regards to Elefantz the blog, The Stitchery Club and Elefantz Designs, but until I had prayed this through long and hard and waited on the Lord for clear direction, I was not at liberty to share anything. 

I have run ahead of God many times in the past 27 years but am pleased to say I held myself in check this time and gave Him the space and time to do whatever work needed to be done in my heart - and some of it was not easy. But I trusted Him and at the right time all was revealed, which is why now I can reveal some of it to you.




THE BLOG...

...will stay and I intend writing more often about choosing to live a gentle domestic life and the day to day living of it. This had been my intent during 2018 but my beloved and I embarked on a long journey to purchase our very first home and now looking back it's clear the Lord was using this experience to deepen my desire to write about home-making next year. He wastes nothing and is in all the details.

THE STITCHERY CLUB...

...which is now over four years old will close after the January 15th issue is emailed to members. It has been a joy to design and stitch a variety of embroidery patterns every month and offer them in an e-zine format, but it's time to do something fresh and in order to do that I must shut this much loved door. 

THE BEST OF THE STITCHERY CLUB...

...will be most suited to those who might not have heard of Elefantz or The Stitchery Club until recently, and would like to start over from the beginning with 'the best of' my Stitchery Club designs.
This Club will run for 12 months from February 1st, 2019 to January 1st 2020. Each monthly issue will include six of my original Stitchery Club patterns from 2015-16 in a PDF e-zine format and will be emailed to all members.

FAITH SEWING CLUB...

...will begin in March or April. The designs will all be Scripture based and will include embroidery patterns and a project each month.  This has been on my heart for a couple of years but it wasn't until now that I felt free to pursue it.

PROJECT OF THE MONTH...
As domesticity will be the focus of 2019 I've decided to offer a free home-inspired project on the 1st of every month instead of my usual free block of the month. I have some lovely fabrics on my shelf, vintage linens collected for years, and plenty of small scraps of lace and trims so I'll see if they can stretch it through a year of monthly projects, after all we gentle homemakers can be thrifty when we need to be, right? 

BLOCK OF THE MONTH...

...I'm currently working on a brand new Block of the Month, "Phyllis May's Kitchen", which won't be available until March, or April if life gets in the way, and this will be a month by month PDF subscription. My cutting table is covered in pieces of Tilda's new "Apple Butter" prints and I'm already stitching block 3. 
I especially love that this will be a tribute quilt to my sweet Nana.

KITS...

From March every so often I shall put together a few kits to make some of my favourite designs and offer them through a new online shop. I shall also be selling a 'Stitcher's Starter Kit' which will include the beautiful linen I use in many of my embroideries, a few threads, a pattern, pretty scissors and pieces from my collection of vintage lace. These would also make lovely gifts!

LIVING THE GENTLE DOMESTIC LIFE...

...will be an ongoing series shared through the blog with weekly topics taken from the book by Jane Brocket, "The Gentle Art of Domesticity". My friend Fee will be joining us from time to time and Blossom will also drop by occasionally.  I have broken the book up into 12 sections so we can go through a section per month together, and I have to tell you I'm very excited about this. 
You don't need the book to follow along, but if you want a copy I'd try Ebay first or purchase the Kindle issue.

Note - There are two different covers (UK and USA) but they are the same book.

I'll also have a few spare pre-loved copies of the book (with original UK cover) as giveaway prizes later in 2019.

I prefer to remove the dust jacket as the blue lacy cover beneath is simply beautiful. Both my personal copies are always close by, one for making notes and underlining, and the other to read just as it is.



I found these really cute Index Stickers at the Daiso shop recently and spent Sunday afternoon dividing the book into sections for next year, whilst also baking up a storm in the kitchen while it rained and rained and rained outside. 





As I write this post it is Monday evening in the northern tropics of Australia and the rain is still falling. The wet season has arrived with gusto and both our front and back yards have been renamed the Reynolds Sea, but fortunately we have in-ground pumps so we can pump the water away from the house and out to the road when the water level gets too high. 

The cooler summer temps (28-30 C) are a welcome relief from the weeks of extreme heat lately and the break from constant air conditioning is also a blessing. Makes a girl want to bake.


















Days...
We really relaxed this weekend and there was a lovely calm about the place which we knew came from being not quite so hot. It's been many years since we had a proper wet season in our tropical region and we'd forgotten just how well our bodies respond to that relief from the heat.

Nights...
But don't get me started on the frogs.
Hey, I love them...but they are in all the drainpipes, on the fences, every rock and stone, through the gardens, around and in the pool. The chorus of what seems like a hundred green tree frogs all night has left us extremely sleep deprived as the noise is louder than I can say. 


I'd love to hear your thoughts on my plans for 2019. What interests you the most?

Must be time for a cuppa and some of those yummy honey cakes, so I'll sign off tonight and be back soon.

hugs and blessings,


63 comments:

Fee said...

Would truly love to sit with a cupola with you and share one of those honey cakes xxx

Fee said...

Ha ha meant cuppa

Guida said...

Jenny so excited for you with the new direction. Elefanz is your baby, so obviously you know which direction makes sense to you and makes you heart sing. As for me I will eagerly follow along with the blog and will enjoy your new adventure. Thank you for all the handwork that you have provided in the monthly club, I have loved every single month's projects. Good luck Jenny, I wish you every success, love always. Guida xxx

Caroline said...

I am looking forward to following your journey into 2019. It has been wonderful to share in the gifts you have shared with all of us and I thank you for your generosity. The “best of’” stitchery club sounds like a great idea.

dixigirl said...

Life is a series of changes. I know what ever you do will be done with God's will first in your heart. Hope this new direction is very refreshing for you. Looking forward to what you come up with next.

Beth said...

I have heard that having frogs in the garden means that you have a healthy garden, so you must have a really healthy garden if you have that many frogs. So many good things in that book. And I think you are right about the lacy blue cover. I'd be taking off the dust jacket too!

Donna P. said...

Like always holds some exciting adventures, doesn't it? Looking forward to hearing yours.

Joanne said...

Hi Jenny,
Wow! What creative plans for 2019! ...home inspired projects, block of the month , living the gentle domestic life and so much more! I will be reading along ! Thanks you so much for continuing on with blogging! Love this blog!always a treasure to read!
Hugs,
Joanne

selina said...

some wonderful ideas there & glad you're keeping the blog going, such a pleasure to read
i'm certainly in for one of those 'beginner kits' i haven't embroidered since high school & then it wasn't very much; i have no idea where to start or what to buy, so i think the kits are a good idea (as long as I can afford them!)
i love frogs & we have quite a few here too but being almost deaf I barely here them; put some lighting out away from the house & make a refuge where the frogs can rest then it might not be so noisy; also i think you can get 'plugs'? to cover the down pipes to stop frogs from going down them, check with the plumbers. good luck
lovely post
thanx for sharing

Sheila said...

Hi Jenny,
I'm looking forward to seeing the plans for the new year.

Little Penpen said...

2019 sounds very exciting!!!! We have frogs during the summer time here. The little green wet ones. They love to stick themselves on windows and glass doors and occasionally will sneak inside the house. They are a nuisance, but still so cute to me!

matty said...

I think it sounds like a perfectly wonderful year’s plan! I am looking forward to it!! We have 20-plus inches of snow on the ground in the past 36 hours... so it is funny to think of you deep in summer and me in snow!!! Can’t wait to see what the year brings!! ❤️

JeanneMc said...

I love your plans for 2019, sounds like a lot of wonderful things!

MarLane Dows said...

Jenny, your plans sound exciting, full of passion and hope. I will be there.

diana said...

I am so happy you are going to be writing on the blog more often!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Always so fun to hear of your plans and design ideas. So glad for the rain you so needed, but hearing the temperature made me smile. Here in northern Minnesota your new LOWER temp would be HOT here and the air conditioning would be coming on not off! Diane in Minnesota

Lin said...

It all sounds very exciting Jenny - looking forward to working through that book with you. xx

morninglorycottage said...

2019 sounds like it will be a great year for you. Good luck in your new endeavors!

Brenda@CoffeeTeaBooks said...

I love The Gentle Art of Domesticity! My copy is well loved (with the American cover, of course). It is one of those few books that bring joy just looking through the pages. It has been very cold here so today's Christmas baking will be a welcome to turn on the oven (not something I like to do in our summers).

Marie said...

Oh, it all sounds so exciting Jenny! Glad to hear you're keeping the blog and the sewing club sounds wonderful. Looking forward to 2019!

Chin said...

Lovely blog! Your 2019 plans sound great and I would love to be a part of them ♥️♥️

Brenda said...

Hello Jenny, I am so thankful that I discovered your blog and all of the love that you put into it and every project that you share! It sounds like you have it all planned wonderfully. You are a very special artist and so much more that I always leave with a smile and look forward to the following day. Thank you for sharing so many special inspirations, lessons and projects. I hope you have a spectacular day!

Unknown said...

The Faith Sewing Club, the Block of the month and the kits interest me the most! Looking forward to 2019 and how God leads you ( and me)!

Sharm said...

Oh Jenny, it all sounds wonderful! I've loved trying to follow a domestic life for many years now (rudely interrupted by outside work lol), so I'll be no doubt following you along with the book which I'll try to get hold of! Also looking forward to your blocks of the month. Hubbie & I are driving up to Townsville for a week leading up to Christmas to visit our son, DIL and grandchildren who are moving into there first home this week!

Margaret said...

Jenny, your plans for 2019 sound wonderful. Am so looking forward to the Faith Stitching Club and Phyllis May's Kitchen. Can't wait to see what you come up with but am thinking perhaps apron, tulips, vase? How wonderful to have some rain. We had very light rain last night and I am hoping that it might be around for a few days ... garden is looking very thirsty. I have the Art of Gentle Domesticity but do prefer the lacy cover to my brightly coloured one lol. Enjoy your week of baking and gardening or "pumping water".

Angie in SoCal said...

Yes, it does all sound wonderful. I got my book via Amazon and am ready for my improved domestic life. I have no excuse as I am retired and now a grandma who does babysit during the week, but I'm sure I'll be able to fit my dear ones in and around my domestic day. The other bits, I'm going to observe as I still have as my goal to finish up all the UFOs (and there are many) that I have in my sewing room. Thanks for the heads up, Jenny. Time for earplugs to block those singing frogs, lol. Blessings,

Martha MCH said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Martha MCH said...


Jenny, is this book work for the blog walk thru?

https://www.amazon.com/Gentle-Art-Domesticity-Stitching-Comforts/dp/1584797363/ref=olp_product_details?_encoding=UTF8&me=&qid=1544473353&sr=8-1

Emma Christian said...

Your plans for the coming year sound really wonderful! I look forward to following along. I have not read the book you have suggested but I will certainly be checking it out.

May the transition go well for you and may you continue to find joy and peace as you move forward in this new direction!

xx

Nanna Chel said...

How exciting Jenny. Such wonderful,plans for the new year. I am so pleased you are finally getting some much needed rain and there may be more if Cyclone Owen decides to come back as is predicted. Pity about the frogs :-)

Anonymous said...

It all sounds so exciting. I wasn’t peaking but I came across my Christmas gift from my husband when I was putting the laundry away. He has bought me the book for Christmas as it was on my wish list. I’m looking forward to doing the study with you. Laura

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Yes it is. :-)

Martha MCH said...

Thank you.

Debby in Kansas, USA said...

Jenny, I'm new here. I've peeked in at your wonderful patterns often, but never more than that. I'm intrigued to know how it all works. I just let Santa know about the book....he's pretty good about my list, wink wink. He knows I don't ask for a lot. I'll apologize now for any stupid questions I might have!!

I've embroidered for years. My mom, aunt, & grandma were the ladies that could do it all. Unfortunately, I was the ding dong kid that felt there were more important things to do- like chase boys- Now, in my 50's, I'm learning what I should have back then. Embroidery was the only thing I kept at.

Karen said...

EVERYTHING!!! It all sounds exciting! I love new plans! Baa is most impressed you used Sheep tags for dividers!! He's sheep dancing away!

Farm Quilter said...

I love your plans for 2019! What I enjoy the most is the loving wisdom you are guided to share with us and I look forward to reading that with every post on your blog. You have become a dear friend I just haven't had the pleasure of hugging yet! One day I will get to your part of Australia (because one of my bucket list items is driving around your beautiful continent, following the coastline) and I'll pop in for a visit!

e said...

Looking forward to reading through The Gentle Art of Domesticity. I have my copy which I found on Amazon a few years ago.
If we are in stitchery club now, will you terminate our subscriptions or do you need us to do that? I've already purchased those designs and don't need to purchase another set. Thank you.

Susie said...

sounds very exciting. I'm looking forward to it.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and safe Christmas.

Wendyb said...

Great plans ahead Jen-girl. Admire all you’re doing xxx

PennyP said...

Love the sound of your plans. I am interested in the gentle domesticity posts and will be following along. It's so good to clarify in our minds a new direction or plan for the new year isn't it. Looking forward to it!

Susan said...

ALL your plans interest me! I am excited to see what the Faith Sewing Club will be like. The block of the month sounds wonderfully interesting, and the project, too. I've order the book, as I've meant to before, but didn't get around to it. I'm just so happy that you are doing things that bring you joy, happy that it is cooling off for you, and hoping the frogs aren't laying little tadpole eggs in your pool!

Ingrid said...

Cuántos planes! Que maravilla! Difícilmente llegue una copia del libro a mi país, pero encantada seguiré tus comentarios sobre el libro. Recibe un fuerte abrazo!!!

Beverly said...

Jenny it is so lovely to read of your enthusiastic plans for 2019. I have a copy of the book, but look forward to going through it together.
One question will your patterns still be available from your online shop as now?

Jenny said...

So pleased that you will be continuing with your lovely blog. I love reading your gentle stories, and have tried some of your delicious recipes. Good luck with your plans for 2019, you readers will be right behind you.
Jenny from New Zealand

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Yes, I'll always have the pattern shop. :-)

Carrie Anderson said...

So delightful.

Tania said...

You are so generous with your time Jenny. I enjoy coming here and reading your lovely blog, so I am very happy to hear that you will continue on in 2019.

So many plans for the New Year, I love your enthusiasm and look forward to what you share with us.

Love Tania xx

the warmfireplace said...

I am so looking forward to your plans for 2019, do have a peaceful Christmas hopefully the frogs will find a new home.
Sue x

Julie said...

Hi Jenny, I came across your blog a couple of years ago, would you believe after hubby and I left Townsville. We lived there for 9 years and 7 years in Mt Isa before that.
We made the move south to the Adelaide Hills to be closer to our elderly parents and families, a total lifestyle and weather change.
I can relate so much to your post, weather, plants in your garden and of course the frogs.
I love reading your blog, first time writing on any blog. I'm really looking forward to all your post next year. The BOM "Phyllis May's Kitchen" sounds wonderful, my Grandma's name also.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New year
Julie x

Charito said...

Jenny que alegria saber de tus nuevos proyectos, me emociona el bordado con las escrituras, aunque lo tendre que traducir, te deseo lo mejor en esta nueva etapa, eres una bendicion para muchas mujeres, y se que lo que hagas sera lindo, gracias por siempre compartir de tu corazón, lo que nos anima, exhorta y da fe para seguir adelante, disfruta la lluvia, no me gustan las ranas, asi que espero pase luego esa temporada para ti, muchas bendiciones para tu Familia, Esposo, hijos, nietos en este 2019, sobretodo que la presencia de Jesus este siempre presente en cada uno de ellos. Un abrazo desde Guatemala.

Sherry said...

Jenny I am so grateful I have benefitted from your Stitchery Club all these past years and that I have hoarded each month’s designs. I shall look forward to your new blog journey and I know you will always be the most Gracious and Giving Hostess ever. Thank you very much and may you and yours have all wonderful Blessings in 2019. XO

africanaussie said...

Oh it was lovely to read your post, you have such great ideas for the new year. I actually just downloaded a few of your stitchery patterns from craftsy as my daughter and I are both doing squares and then next time I visit her in America I will sew them together into a quilt. I am loving doing stitchery in the evenings! I am going to go back and look at a few of your things on offer, but it looks as though it is going to be an interesting year. The gentle art of domesticity sounds fabulous, I will have to look out for it. we were hit by the storm last weekend too and it looks as though it is back on its way get us from the other side!

Mandy Currie said...

Hello Jenny, Oh I've loved reading through your plans for 2019, it's all do exciting and inspiring. I've always loved your blog and now you've given us even more to look forward to. One request, your so organised and seem to achieve so much, how about a blog post on how you do it, time management, goals setting and organisation. I used to be so organised but illness has set me back and I want so much to climb back into life again. God bless you Jenny and best regards Mandy

Mrs. Paul said...

Jenny, your blog is such a blessing to me. Your heart for dependence on the Lord is so encouraging to read. I just ordered my Domesticity book at ebay and will look forward to being a part of the discussion. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and your family.
Hugs from Arizona,
Dorothy

Janene said...

Looking forward to sharing 2019 with you Merry Christmas to you and yours

Moira said...

Jenny - your blog is always a blessing to me as I read it and all that you write. May 2019 be a time of blessing for you as you follow the Lord in new paths, just as you've blessed all those who follow along with you.

Debby said...

Jenny, your plans for 2019 sound wonderful. I am looking forward to all you have to share. Merry Christmas.

Kezzie said...

Hi Jenny

Thanks again for your gift of a free pattern. You are such a blessing.
May you, Mr E, and your lovely family enjoy a blessed Christmas and New Year.


I love the sound of the Faith Sewing club and look forward to hearing more in March. How lovely to have projects centred around scripture. Sewing, embroidery and stitching along with scripture-my favourite combination!

Cheryl B. said...

Omgoodness I hadn't either! Then I joined the monthly club and an older lady I know helped me get started tracing and now I am obsessed!

Cheryl B. said...

I'm confused and need to find out more details as to whether we will automatically be enrolled in monthly clubs or we need to reregister or what. I hate change, but I love you. I am retired also for 2.5 years and I need to declutter and organize my home. I spend a lot of time in my sewing room!

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Cheryl B, its a completely different club so you will NOT be automatically subscribed. I'll share all the details to join the new club around mid February. Bless you heaps!

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Mandy, I'm a planner, ideas person and a doer - who needs pockets of absolute peace and solitude to function. I don't use any time management techniques, I just 'do the next thing' and give myself deadlines. I write a list every morning and cross off as I go along...what's still there at the end of the day is moved to the next day. Also, I stay at home a LOT...some weeks I don't leave the house from Monday to Friday - and to be honest, that's the main reason I achieve so much. xx

Patter Cross said...

I am new here but very interested in your faith sewing club. Can't wait to see what you do! Blessings,