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.
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.
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