Tuesday 8 January 2013

A return

Heidi-ho folks!
Long time no see. Last year was just horrible for me, and, not being able to face writing about the horrible, I stopped blogging. However, looking back I’m finding it hard to remember the good and I’ve realised I really miss blogging. Yes, I have less time now than I did a year ago, but my life is also moving more interestingly and I feel the need to capture it better. So, here I am, making a return after a year of silence!

My year started out pretty terribly as my Nan, who I was very close to, died suddenly in January. That was a pretty bad time, as I helped my mum arrange the funeral and tried to find some way to comfort my Grandad, who’d been with her for 70 years.Things continued on a similarly depressing theme when in early March, my husband was run over by a van when crossing the road. Thankfully, he’s made an almost complete recovery, but in the early days my life was turned upside down as we waited to see what the damage would be. He very nearly lost a leg, but thanks to being close in the region’s trauma unit with some of the finest surgeons just happening to specialise in his specific injury, he’s now walking and just about able to run again. I spent about 5 months nursing him while he was bed bound and the stress and work involved set of my CFS, leaving me barely able to get us 3 instant meals a day. So basically I missed the first half of the year!

The rest of the year though, was ok. In November we spent a long weekend in Paris, my first real holiday in 3 years! 
We also redecorated the whole of the downstairs - plastering, carpets, painting, new doors, everything! There are a few tiny finishing touches to do, and we had a very minimal Christmas due to the workmen being in the house right up the Christmas eve, but it looks so much better now, it’s changed the whole feeling of the house!
I also finished my History A-Level with a B grade, and I’m thrilled to have done so well amidst the chaos I was in! I’ve taken courses in millinery, jean and shirt construction and got a college certificate in Fashion design.
I’ve started volunteering in a school, helping a group of 16 year olds to put on an event to raise funds for a local homeless shelter, which has been a huge amount of fun.
In December we adopted a new cat too (our third now!). Oscar was a stray with a bad flea allergy and was in a pretty sorry state when they found him. He’s settled in brilliantly though, and he’s now a purry, demanding lap cat!

Finally, the biggest change has been my sewing. I went part time in my office job early in the year and have used the time to start a small businesses sewing historical costumes for roleplayers and reenactors. My work has grown steadily and I was asked to help out in the design of a new game, Empire, for which I’ve now written guides to the different costumes you can wear and dressed people for a photoshoot and a video trailer for the game. 
As well as being really satisfying, it’s boosted my exposure in the right communities and I’ve had a huge amount of business through it. As a result I’m booked up for work till April and have been asked to speak at a convention in July! I’m really hopeful that things will progress like this for the rest of the year and that at some point I’ll be able to do this full time!

I’ve been able to really push myself with my sewing too. I’ve self drafted a corset, reproduced 2 different garments by taking a pattern from the finished items, reproduced a 1940s dress by drafting my own pattern based on photos,and am currently working on a full Georgian outfit, stays to hat, for a costume ball in April.


I’ve spent most of the time I’m sewing feeling hopelessly out of my depth and in a near constant state of panic that I’ve forgotten or messed something up, I’ve learnt a lot of lessons too, some of them pretty harsh, but I feel positive about it all. I’m trying to push myself further this year, by spending 2 hours a week working through the many sewing books I have. I’ve started with the basic ones and am working through to the couture and tailoring type books. I use most of my sewing books by flicking to the relevant part and skim reading to find out how to do a specific technique - now I’m stopping to read about why, as well as how, and taking in the recommendations on fabric, thread and machine settings! It’s already been helpful as I’ve been reminded of the best way to do some of the basics and picked up lots of new tips and tricks.
I’m cautiously optimistic about this year and looking forwards to getting back into the blogosphere. I really hope your 2012s were positive overall, here’s to 2013, when all our dreams come true!

13 comments:

  1. Oh my gosh Lauren you weren't kidding about it being a hard year! My goodness look at what you have done though, I am in awe! Here's to a wonderful 2013 to you x

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  2. Sorry that you had such a rotten start to 2012 but it's lovely to see you back blogging. Hope that 2013 is a far happier one for you and I look forward to seeing further posts :-) x

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  3. It seems that 2012 was a mixed year for many. However that's over now amd you have much better things to come.

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  4. I'm so very sorry to hear about the rotten year you had. I'm very glad things are looking up for you and that you've managed to make a start using your passion for sewing in your work. I really hope you go from strength. Goood for you! :)

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  5. Glad the year finished better then it started. Lets hope 2013 bring good things for us all :)

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  6. Welcome back. it sounds as though you've had a stressful year but also a really productive one - Empire sounds really interesting. I hope 2013 is a good one for you.

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  7. Bloody heck! You poor love! So pleased that things are looking up for you now and that you are back. I may very well need your costume expertise for an Edwardian outfit I have in my minds eye for an event in the Summer :)

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  8. i am so sorry to hear last year was so hard for you and wish you nothing but the best for 2013!

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  9. Hi, welcome back! I love that hat. I'm glad you're back because it gives me the opportunity to show some blog-love; I nominated you for an 'Inspiring Blogger' award - no obligations. :) I hope 2013 treats you better!

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  10. What a horrid time you have had, but glad you are bouncing back and sharing all your ew exciting times with us net peepers!!

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  11. i have just found your blog (freddies of pinewood search lol) sorry to hear about your nan my gramps died last year also. glad you feel up to blogging and i'm excited to read you forth coming blog posts

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  12. I really love your blog and after the horrid time you've had, I think you truly deserve this, which is why I have nominated you for a Liebster Award!!
    Details can be found HERE on my blog.

    Bianca from Ditsy Sprinkles
    xxx

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  13. Sorry that you had such a rotten start to 2012 but it's lovely to see you back blogging. Hope that 2013 is a far happier one for you and I look forward to seeing further posts.
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