a bit of this and that

It's been a funny kind of week. After my last post, I just couldn't seem to find my groove and wandered a bit - literally and mentally. I'm putting it down to the lack of sleep and the wild dream, although I have slept a bit better since. It's a kind of unsettled feeling, as if I'm in limbo and not sure of where to head. Is my love affair with solitude coming to an end? Part of me screams 'Not Yet Please' while another part whispers 'Yes it's time to look outside again'.

But 'outside' is not the same anymore and I unsure how to navigate this new world. So I'll just stay home a little longer and try for a return to the contentment I felt during the last few months. I wonder if we are all a little at a loss about how to move into this new way of life? Surely I'm not alone in my bewilderment?

I started last week with a little watercolour sketch of some backyard roses my oldest granddaughter brought me. There aren't many flowers to be had at this time of year here, so these were much appreciated. I'm a bit of a dabbler in many types of arty pursuits but there's something simple and childlike in watercolours and I always feel soothed after an hour of splashing pretty colours on paper! 

It's getting very frosty in the morning's and way too chilly at night...which means it's hottie time!! I made this one out of an old blanket for my daughter last year and borrowed it to trace the pattern. So far that's all I've done and my own water bottle is still wrapped in an old jumper. I have hopes of actually being motivated to make one for me in the next few days. Or so. 

Then later in the week I gathered some op-shopped fabrics (and an old sweatshirt of mine) to cobble together some pyjama's for the two granddaughters. Ugh, I couldn't find right sized patterns so had to make do and add length and minus width - which I really dislike doing. Simple, straightforward and quick is my motto! I managed with minimal gnashing of teeth and they happily went home with a pyjama bottom each - the tops will get done another day. I hope ;o)

 I also started to shorten a shirt that Stuy had brought back from India a few years ago. He's hardly worn it and since I'm not a fan of the long length, I suggested I cut it off to make a tucked in shirt. I got as far as unpicking the pockets and then folded it neatly back onto the to-do pile. Like I said, not much motivation this week.

 This thrifted skirt did actually get a complete makeover!! Yay! I like my skirts above the knee and wear them with tights, so I'm always excited when I see one at the op-shop that fits and just needs a trim! This one is nice and swirly and I'm sorry now that I haven't got a photo of me wearing it. Oh well, you'll have to use your Minds Eye!

And I feel I need to mention that yes, I do all my cutting out on the floor. No tables here that are big enough to use for cutting since the only one we have has the sewing machine and my art stuff on it. Anyway, I tell myself that all the crawling around on the floor (but not the swearing) is good for my swerves! Although the swearing helps!!

Which brings me to today. After a gnarly start, my day just seemed to get worse until I finally just gave up and sat down to paint. And then I got inspired....and made a delicious dinner....and then more inspiration for this blog post! Amazing what a bit of art can do!!

Thankyou so much to all who commented on my sleepless night. As Regula said 'It's comforting to know that there are women all over the world not being able to sleep on occasion'. I agree. Women just like you and me. I hope you all have a wonderful sleep tonight - or a beautiful day!!

Thanks for stopping by xx