I've just done my last day at work for 2013, sung Jingle Bells for the last time this year and had an emotional time saying good-bye to families I have worked with for years, some through several children. Christmas is going to be quiet for us this year. My family are largely away so it will be just the three of us for most of the time. Eating, playing board games (this, this, this and this), dog walks and for me, sewing.
This dress has been in my head for the longest time. The pattern is long discontinued but a shout out on Instagram lead to Jenny Mae sending me her copy. I have some resizing to do but I am hoping that looking at the instructions and pattern pieces combined with this pattern, Simplicity 1652 which I do have in my size will lead me to at least an approximation of this dress. I have other clothes making planned, I have made a few things recently which I will post soon- photos are needed for some-and one of the side effects of making my own clothes is finding it hard to match up the different elements of my wardrobe, hence the need to make more for the sake of cohesive outfits. The beautiful fabric in the background of these pics come from another Instagram lovely coming to my aid, Monica supplying me with Denyse Schmidt, USA only DS daisy prints.
I am hoping to rest up physically and mentally over the break too. I bought this because it is practical and mediation has always eluded me despite several attempts over the years. I started with the raisin exercise and it was revelatory experience(although I could be biased, I am very partial to dried fruit). My head is too full and I need a way to clear it and I am hoping this is it. I look forward to Christmas but the reality is some elements of it are very challenging, there's a huge pressure all around to be creating the most beautiful home packed full of tasty treats, chinking glasses, the glow of a million fairy lights whist entertaining an endless stream of friends and family. The reality is staying in bed a little later, not getting dressed until mid morning, not seeing many people and no make-up for 2 ½ weeks. Excellente.
Sounds like a wonderful plan for the holidays! The reality here is no Christmas decorations yet, no food prepared (apart from a cake in the freezer) and a thought that we might invite my mum and brother for Christmas dinner. I am with you on the no fuss, chilling plan. Have a great time whatever you do. xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good plan - do whatever feels right. The last few months have been tough for our family so I'm working hard not to put too many expectations on Christmas this year.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy that relaxing, I'm right with you! Great board game choices too!
ReplyDeleteOnce we've been to church on Christmas Day, we batten down the hatches, relax, watch telly, eat nice food... All very peaceful and just the three of us. I used to feel wistful that we didn't have the big family and all the frills, but now love our tranquil time. Enjoy your time at home.
ReplyDeleteI prefer your reality to be honest! I love seeing my parents, but I also love seeing the back of them on the 27th ;o)
ReplyDeleteI miss my family a lot at Christmas. Its been many years since I was able to celebrate with them. But we do make the most of being our little family together, and love playing those board games too - though I haven't heard of Mexican Train - maybe will have to go on my Christmas list :-) Hope you can have a relaxing two weeks and really unwind.
ReplyDeleteI looked at my library and one similar to this is available. Same author - different title (International changes?)
ReplyDeleteIn my queue.
I find it very difficult to be mindful of the moment. There are always too many things in my head. My blog is filled with some really random thoughts sometimes because the blog is one method to extract said thoughts so they don't get caught on the endless loop that exists in my mind.
We have just a small family here - we like the slower pace as well. I will get two days off at christmas but I plan on a week off in January before I switch job locations. Good time to read this book.
Wishing you a peaceful and less stressful Christmas. I am planning a quilt for my grandson, nearly 9, after Christmas. Any ideas anyone for fabric choices? Don't want anything too babyish but still boyish!
ReplyDeleteHi Catherine- my nephew is 9 and he likes a quirky mix- I would not go for an entire fabric line for this age group as you want something to grow with him so I tend to go scrappy and give a nod to his interests and anything that he will find silly and funny and then add texture and mixer prints- dots/stripes/sketchy lines. Some starting suggestions are:
DeleteDashwood novelties vroom- a more sophisticated car print with a 60s feel
http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/sewing-patchwork/fabric/dashwood-novelties-vroom
Asbury Dodgems in red (Thomas Knauer)
http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/sewing-patchwork/fabric/asbury-dodgems-in-red
Asbury icecreams Soft Serve (Thomas Knauer)
http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/sewing-patchwork/fabric/asbury-soft-serve-in-coral
Botanics Crosshatch in tangerine
http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/sewing-patchwork/fabric/botanics-crosshatch-in-tangerine
sounds bloody marvellous! Have a wonderful break!
ReplyDeleteThe raisin exercise made me giggle :) You might enjoy reading or listening to some of Eckhart Tolle's work, I find that helps me loads to clear the mind. Wishing you a wonderful and peaceful break x
ReplyDeleteReality far exceeds the media hype of perfection any day of the week! I'm currently lying in bed with a kidney infection thinking of all the things I 'should' be doing in preparation for Christmas when in fact there's no requirement on me doing any of those things. People that matter should know me well enough to know I love them regardless of the lack of ' perfect' presents, food etc. if they don't get that they're not worth my effort in the first place. I'll get off my soapbox now ;) I hope you manage to declutter your mind this holiday. Hugs to you xx
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect plan for the Christmas break. That book looks wonderful, I have read the reviews on it and have read many similar. If youre into meditation, you should try Deepak chopra's soul of healing meditaion cd's, they are really amazing!! Wishing you and your family a very enjoyable Christmas xoxo
ReplyDeleteGood for you - have an enjoyable break :)
ReplyDeleteI love a slow pace to Christmas - I don't see any point in rushing round like a mad thing (not that I could, even if I wanted to!) when you can take things more slowly and enjoy the preparation, etc. I'm so pleased you found a copy of that pattern and I'm looking forward to seeing your version! Have a peaceful Christmas xx
ReplyDeleteYour reality version of Christmas is what mine will be like this year too. Thank heavens for that!! I've just discovered a great app for meditation and mindfulness recommended to me by a psychologist. It's called Smiling Mind. I'm finding it very helpful. Wishing you a very peaceful and stress-free Christmas xxoo
ReplyDeleteLoving your plan; other than my parents on Christmas Day, armed with half the lunch, so no complaints from me, and visiting outlaws for an hour on Saturday, I am planing on being totally un-presentable and residing on the sofa, chocs in hand!
ReplyDeleteThose are all of my favorite board games too!
ReplyDelete