
8 Simple Things to Make and Do in February
We've hunted around and found 8 simple things you can make and do this month. Some of them are lovely things to do with the family or friends, others are for moments of quiet and rest away from the bustle and busyness.
Sew
Whilst the weather is still cold and the days slowly get longer it's the perfect time to start some new creative projects or cosy up with some interesting books and podcasts.

You could use up fragments of material to sew a special quilt. Working in small pieces like this is great if you don't have much time, and once the whole thing has come together you'll have something unique that tells its own story.
Or why not make yourself a skirt, in readiness for the coming of Spring? Use salvaged vintage fabric or sustainable linen fabric for a slow-fashion wardrobe addition that you can proudly tell everyone you made yourself. We love this pattern by Alicia Paulson.
Plant
If you have a garden or outside space now's the time to plant some sweet pea seeds, so you'll have clouds of scented, frothy flowers in summer. Sweet peas are so easy to grow and will give you months of delightful blooms that you can stick in jam jars or vases around the house, or give as posies to friends.
Cook

Soup is the perfect comfort food, and it's cheap and simple to make. Cook up a pot at the weekend and you'll have lunch sorted for a few days in the week, giving you one less thing to think about. Vegetarian cook Anna Jones has created a brilliant chart that shows you 1000 different variations using a basic soup recipe. Perfect if you're short on time and need to rustle up something nourishing from what you can forage in your cupboards and fridge.
See
We love the look of this film, Stan and Ollie, based on the lives of Laurel and Hardy. It's a feel-good, funny and heartfelt look at friendship, performance, love and success.
Read

Toni Morrison's collection A Mouth Full of Blood is released this month. It's a collection of essays, speeches and meditations from one of the greatest living writers. Switch off your phone, curl up with a pot of tea and a snuggly blanket and lose yourself in a book.
Knit
Did you know you can knit with chopsticks instead of knitting needles? Us neither. But that's exactly what this genius craft project shows you how to do. Make these lovely pot holders for yourself, or take round for a friend or neighbour along with a dish of something warming and hearty to share.
Listen
We've been exploring new podcasts lately, often listening while lounging in a deep bath, or as background entertainment while doing the washing up. One of our recent discoveries is Death, Sex and Money, a podcast that explores topics that are often not spoken about openly. With interviews with celebrities and topics ranging from marriage to STIs, it's a refreshingly honest and forthright look at the big questions we're often afraid to ask.
Learn

Have you come across Skillshare before? It's a platform where you can sign up for a huge range of online tutorials in practically anything you can think of. From photography to building a website, project management to calligraphy, there's something for every taste and talent.
Why not commit to learning a new skill for 2019? Whether it's playing a new instrument or taking apart an electrical plug, learning is a great way to relax and to feel fulfilled. What would you love to do better?