Monday 31 December 2012

Happy New Year

Wow, what a year 2012 has been! Of course the highlight for me has been the birth of Charlotte in June - nothing will ever beat that.  Time is flying by, I can't believe she is nearly seven months old already!

Also in 2012 my favourite (and only) sister moved with her boyfriend (now fiancee) to Houston for his work. I miss her so much but this is a fantastic adventure for them and is not permanent. Thank goodness for Skype is all I can say!

Sewing productivity is at an all time low around here but to be honest I've been pretty sh*t for the past couple of years. Pre-pregnancy I was slowly but surely stacking on weight and, even though I have lost my pregnancy pounds I am still a pretty long way from where I feel my best. I don't know if it's just me but I don't feel like investing my time and effort in clothes that I tell myself will be 'temporary', or that I don't feel I'll look good in anyway.  I really have to take myself in hand now and get in shape - no more excuses.

On the other hand I have stretched myself in other ways this year through taking a bunch of Craftsy courses, and have completed a number of projects that I never would have considered in the past - my not so itty bitty giraffe, woodland creatures, Harriet hippo, wee bunny and Mr Fumes. I completed two knitted blankets (striped blanket and Lullaby blanket), two cardigans (crochet wrap and sunnyside) and a hat for Charlotte.

Since I no longer have a dedicated sewing space I have been searching for a way to sew in the odd moments I have spare. Setting up my preferred machine on the dining table is not ideal since it's big and heavy, so by the time I am ready to go you can guarantee that Charlotte is awake and my window for the day is gone - then I have to pack everything away so we can eat dinner! The last time I went to Spotlight I spotted my solution in the form of an Elna mini sewing machine. It is by no means fast, nor does it have any bells or whistles but I think it will be just the thing to do small bits of sewing here and there.  I can still get the big machine out when I have to, but it will be much more convenient on a day to day basis. I really hope this will enable me to carve out just a little selfish time between feeds and loads of laundry. Plus, in a few years (if it lasts that long) I'll be able to teach Charlotte to sew on it (desperately hoping she shows an interest)!

What about resolutions? Well I don't normally make them so let's just say I have some goals for things I'd like to focus on next year:
  • My weight/health. I am a shocker for allowing myself treats when I'm tired, which is pretty much all the time now. I must make an effort to look after myself better, whether it's taking my vitamins, drinking enough water or making sure I have a proper lunch rather than just cheese and biscuits. I also need to find some activity that I can fit in around Charlotte's schedule. I'm thinking aquarobics - if getting into bathers doesn't make me think twice about reaching for the chocolate then I don't know what will.
  • Sew more - won't be hard since I have barely sewn this year.
  • Blog more - ditto.
  • Be more active in the blogosphere. I am very much a lurker, I always feel a bit shy about leaving comments on other people's blogs and I am not sure of the etiquette to responding to comments on mine. I really need to reach out more!
  • Explore ways to work from home. I dread going back to my office job, even though it will be part time. I would love to be able to bring in income while still being home with Charlotte. Space is an issue at the moment but I am keeping my eyes and ears open for opportunities so that when space permits I can be ready to act.
Finally, I hope you will indulge me if I share another photo of by far my greatest and most successful creation to date. Charlotte is the most amazing little person - she is happy, bright and knows her own mind. As challenging and tiring as caring for her is, it is so rewarding to see her grow and master new skills. Her smile lights up my day like nothing else can...
The dress is rtw but I did make her headband!


I know not everyone has had a positive 2012 but for me it has been the best year in a long time. I can only hope that 2013 is a good one for everyone!

Happy new year all.