New Rabbit Hole: Unlocked

thoughts on dolly couture

Rest looks different for all of us. I’ve tried for years to fit in with the expectations of ‘normal’ people. Then tried for an equally long time to accept myself the way I am and live according to my own rhythm and energy cycle.

I started to be a little more mindful of my version of ‘rest’ only recently. It was a Saturday afternoon and, as always, it had been a busy week at work with long days and short nights. (I produce my best work at the last minute, however hard I try to be organised but a downside is that my family and work support have to fit in with me. It’s hard for everyone, I know). We were home having taken my niece out for pancakes to celebrate the end of her SATs - Drew went outside for ‘a lil nap’. I could’ve joined him; I was exhausted too, but I spent the two hours folding and tidying my new doll stash and felt noticeably refreshed afterwards. It was kind of an epiphany!

To recharge my batteries in between work commitments, the best thing I can do is to be a little bit busy. My version of rest, actually, is making stuff. I knit, bake, write and have recently started to learn how to make soldered jewellery. (I love my new soldering pals!)

I have been made to feel guilty for ‘displacement’ activity in the past, when I *should* be working on a forthcoming deadline. But I know that starting anything early is a waste of my time; it takes a lot longer to work it and I am never happy with the end result when I approach things in advance.

So this week I have been making doll clothes in between jobs and I do not feel the slightest bit guilty! The clothes I favour are crying out for stitched and patched embellishments and I’m enjoying playing.

Today I finished this little checked peasant blouse and oversized overalls, which I made from an antique linen tea towel. Next up is a pair of bloomers made from beautiful organic double gauze, with tiny silk embroidery ribbons.

Creative life, happy life :)

(The wee bear came to live with me this weekend - from Lesley at country_girl_corner on instagram. Love at first sight. With the bear, but Lesley is lovely too!)