In an ideal world, we should not live with our adult children. But the world is not ideal and for the foreseeable future there are currently four people but three generations of adults living in our home... One of whom often doesn't seem to know what is going on but becomes quite bristly at any suggestion that might be the case. And another who is facing a serious battle with mental health issues and finding the presence of a grandparent rather difficult. Meanwhile my long suffering husband (whose foot is much better thank you... Sunday morning's panic over) is displaying extreme patience whilst he tries to build a new business and find work despite constant interruption. And me? I'm just playing piggy in the middle trying to keep everyone happy. Miss Piggy in the middle judging by the amount of left over Christmas cake consumed this week.
So when I got into Gill's car yesterday and announced it felt like Thelma and Louise, I wasn't kidding. Escape was the only thing on my mind! Except we didn't launch ourselves off a cliff but headed for a wonderful peaceful day of stitching at Backstitch.
After a cup of tea and a good old moan, we set to work. Well, Gill set to work and I fiddled about for far too long with scraps of fabric using a method by Alex Waylett that was in last month's Stitch magazine. I got as far as pinning them together before I got bored (it needs a awful lot more little cut out circles than you would imagine) so you'll have to wait and see what it turns into.
Meanwhile Gill was very busy, sewing up what is going to be a really fabulous poncho with a stunning fuchsia pink funnel neck. (if you are reading this Gill... for the first time ever, I spelt Fuchsia without the aid of a dictionary.)
And eventually I got around to starting another new dress... this is part of an effort to buy less but make more of my own clothes. It is nowhere near finished but I promise to show you when it's done. Especially as we are already booked into Backstitch's Social Sew again next month.
I returned home with my sanity restored ( well, as good as it ever is ), slept well for a change and have had a productive morning baking. I'm now about to have an equally productive afternoon carrying on with my stitching. That dress might be ready to show you sooner than I thought!
Hope your family's problems will find some respite, if not solutions.
ReplyDeleteIt's not an ideal world, is it? I like the look of your dress fabric and look forward to seeing it modelled.
You have so much patience with your home situation .The only experience I have with this is when I was a teenager and my grandmother lived with us.She was lovely but three generations in a three bedroom semi is not ideal.I had a brother who is five years older than me so we needed three bedrooms.Result,Grandma slept in the lounge cum temporary bedroom.
ReplyDeleteIf you need a break, head for my daughter in laws coffee shop in Cambridge.Google Stir Cambridge and you will get the details(you did ask).Jude is trying to create a community hub as well as a coffee shop.They have a room at the back where community groups can meet eg knitting,sewing, yoga, Pilates etc.
let me know if you visit.I don't how far out of Cambridge you live but it might be a bit of an escape for you!!!Barbara
Every stage of the family life cycle has its particular challenges, doesn't it, and it's good to hear you managed to take a little break away from those you're currently dealing with. I used to enjoy making stuff to wear (it didn't seem to matter how badly sewn it was, I'd made it!). Maybe your dress (love your choice of fabric) will inspire me get the machine from the loft!
ReplyDeleteI can tell you needed that escape. I hope you feel restored and ready to face the challenges at home once more. Social sewing sessions are such a great thing, aren't they? I have booked myself into the January one at our local sewing studio. x
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to have some time away to recharge your batteries. Wishing you all the best.
ReplyDeleteOur new neighbour teaches quilting. Especially the free form type. And I think of you.
ReplyDelete3 generations living together sounds like, a storybook idyll. Wish you all well (especially Mr Middle).
Oh yes, I know that Thelma and Louise feeling!!! Running to the car, then driving off as fast as you dare and quite possibly screaming at the same time! Or at least going agggggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!! So don't feel that you are alone! I hope that all will be as well as it can be, for it will not be good, but it might not be terrible either. We have an expression about "having a day" which means not having a good day, but not having a bad one either. If we can have a day that is a good thing. Glad that you got out and enjoyed your sewing with your friend, you need to do that! Take care my friend! xx
ReplyDeleteI hope your home situation improves really soon, and that until then you keep your sanity via many more Thelma and Louise escapes.
ReplyDeleteIt does indeed sound like your family is having a tough time at the moment. glad you were able to have a day trip out even if you became bored with the circles. Thinking of you and glad your husbands foot is better x
ReplyDeleteDear Thelma,
ReplyDeleteGlad I was able provide an 'aide memoir' for that particularly botanical spelling! I had a lovely day yesterday, and now my poncho is finished
Lou xx
Gina, aren't friends grand? I can tell from this post that your day at Backstitch was fun and has had rippled of positive vibes for you.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's a full house you've got, but let us believe that this "year of the monkey" will day by day give you more moments to further your baking entrepreneurism, as well as being Mama Gina to all.
I'm resolving to have a few more afternoon naps this year, and wonder if you like naps as much as I do?
xo to you and yours, and bravo to Gill.
You've got your plate full, as they say, and not just of.christmas cake. I'm glad hubby's ankle wasn't broken although I'm sure it must be very painful. Backstitch looks like a good place to escape to. Maybe persuade them to have a weekly session. Stay strong. Failing that have another 'Thelma and Louise' day xx
ReplyDeleteSometimes tepping outside of a situation is than only way to recharge your batteries and what better way than stitching among friends. I think we should all pencil in some "Thelma & Louise" days!
ReplyDeleteAwe I'm sorry family life is a bit bumpy at the moment hopefully it will sort itself out soon.
ReplyDeleteYou do right to escape from time to time though!
V x
You are so strong Gina but sometimes I wonder where you find the resilience. Your new business will mean that you are based at home more than you were before so make sure that you schedule in time to be out of the house. Good luck with the baking - all of your photos look absolutely yummy!
ReplyDeleteI hope that you find the family situation begins to resolve itself. It's good that you are finding time for yourself though
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for Thelma and Louise moments Gina. I am sure you will need those on a regular basis till your family situation improves. Hopefully life will get easier as the year progresses. You always sound so strong, I hope that keeps up. Kind regards XX
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear of the problems perhaps factor in a weekly outing?
ReplyDeleteI am so glad your day did not end with the car flying over the edge !
ReplyDeleteOh Gina, you really are the epitome of a 'woman who can' aren't you? I'm not surprised you relished some quality time away from it all. I hope it all settles and resolves itself. I didn't know your husband was starting his own business. I wish him well - now there are two entrepreneurs in the family!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a pretty tough time for you at the moment. All that and a baking business too. I take my hat off to you. Good that you had a day away. Essential to restore equilibrium! X
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