New year, new projects.
Christmas is well and truly behind us for another year and I’m relishing the familiarity of a routine once more. How many times over the break did you hear people ask, “What day is it?” Even a few days off throws us out of kilter somehow.
I’m really enjoying my MA course at Liverpool Hope Uni. I’ve found it difficult to get my head around the academic writing again but I wanted a challenge and it would be no fun if it was easy! Also, I no longer feel guilty for sitting at my sewing machine a little longer than I intended. I feel I have permission to play!
I have a list of new projects I’m itching to start on. Every year my resolution is the same – finish a job before you start another. Every year the resolution is broken. I really do need to finish a few things though as the WIPs are taking over!
Currently I’m playing with the book cover I started a while ago. I’m adding gold French knots and I need to buy some tiny gold beads. I’ll be padding some areas and I’m grateful to S and L for giving me ideas for how to tackle this in another way on a future project.
For this cover I’m
slitting the back and stuffing, then sewing up. This is because I didn’t know I
was going to pad it. That’s where playing gets you!
I love the ideas that come when creative people get together. Chatting with S (a wonderful textile artist) and L (an extremely talented fashion student) gave rise to all sorts of avenues I want to explore.
Not one to have too many days off without making something, I made this sleeve for my Kindle Fire.
I used new synthetic felt for the lining (nice and soft),
and the outside is cut from a pair of shorts my DD had put in the charity bag.
Sorry, charity shop, my need was greater this time! I love this tapestry style fabric, it’s very me!
As ever, this prototype is for just for me (mwah, ha,
ha!) but I’ll make another more refined one to sell, as I still have the other
leg of the shorts. ;)
What’s on your machine currently? Anyone out there upcycling a discarded garment or two? I’d love to read your comments!
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Happy New Year, whatever it brings
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a happy, peaceful Christmas.
Looking back over the last year I expect your life has been a little like mine, highs and lows, moments of sheer joy and others of difficult trials. Most lives seem to be rollercoaster rides, sometimes all in one day! I feel so blessed to know that even when I walk in the darkest shadows there is light at the end.
The Flash, 1st January 2017
I’ve been following Proverbs 31 posts for a few years now and this one posted yesterday (http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/start-the-new-year-prepared) struck chords with me. Not only does it confirm God’s promise to be with me through all life brings, but it sits well with my aim to make life more simple.
This Christmas I requested thermal socks,
warm slippers,
and Wendy Ward’s new book
from my family. Modest gifts by some standards, but exactly what I wanted and needed. What we give to someone doesn’t have to be a reflection of how much we love them. It also means we don’t have to spend Boxing Day finding places to stash everything! I also appreciate the consumables – smellies and food – which are useful and indulgent at the same time!
A gift from my Goddaughter was this beautiful journal.
One of my very favourite bible verses! I struggle with being still! But it’s so wonderful to know that even in the times I’m squirming most, God is in control.
I wish you all a very happy year ahead, filled with love, light and laughter and with peace and assurance when times are tough.
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