Volume 2: Fighting Those Pesky Winter Blues
Thank you so much for the positive response to this new newsletter format! So, so sweet and validating, as it seems I’m not the only one wanting those old blogging days back, simply for the connection they provided.
Winter Blues
Being a Summer girl at heart, I always struggle at this time of year, but I’ve been doing a few things to fight my feelings. It’s one of those catch-22 situations, because it’s hard to do the things that make me feel better because I don’t feel like doing them, but the only way to feel better is by doing them! But, it’s been enough years that I know to just start with the small things. Here’s what helps me:
A heated blanket changed my life several years ago, no exaggeration.
I joined a new gym. I was a Planet Fitness member for a few years, but didn’t like to go because I found it so overstimulating how there are SO MANY TV’s all playing different things, and all the areas face each other. I couldn’t rest my eyes and always felt conspicuous. But then we moved and there’s a locally owned gym nearby, so Layla and I joined and we like it so much better. I watched this video on being a gym newbie and it was very helpful. Because of the cold and snow, taking walks hasn’t even been an option, so taking a problem solving step feels good.
I take my supplements and my fiber and my do my skin care routine even when I don’t feel like it. It’s easy to start skipping those things when you feel blah, but it’s worth it to do them anyway.
I buy new tea and new candles. If there’s something that perks you up a little bit, treat yourself. This is my favorite candle and this is my current favorite tea.
I make a decent breakfast. This is a habit I determined to change in recent months and it’s made a huge difference for me. If I start the day with a quick-to-grab breakfast (usually something carby), it sets me up for a day of snacking on carbs and that is just not good for mental health. But if I take the time to cook some eggs, put them in a tortilla or on avocado toast, I always have a better day. It's made such an obvious difference that I would never skip it now.
Recent Makes
Another way to fight the blues is to sew whatever the heck you want! This past week, I wasn’t in the mood to quilt or film anything, I just wanted to sew personal things without worrying about creating content at the same time.
First, I made a purse! I used this pattern on Etsy. The instructions are a little lacking in some parts, so I went my own way with the strap and it turned out perfect, it’s exactly the right size for me.
I found some great hardware for this purse at Hobby Lobby, including a zipper pull that was just begging for one of the cute bag charms I’ve been seeing the young things wear. I wanted to make something sort of quilty, and I remembered the fun origami stars people usually make as Christmas ornaments. I made one and figured out how to add a hanging tab and it is SO CUTE!! I will definitely film a tutorial and probably pop a free pattern in my shop.
I also made a couple of tops with fabrics I had on hand. The first is a t-shirt and I really love how it turned out. I used the Helen’s Closet Dawson Top pattern, which I’ve made before, but this time I made a few more fit alterations and scooped the neckline out a little bit more. With the contrasting rib and the bamboo jersey, both from Surge Fabrics, I’m in love with this tee.
Encouraged by a couple successful makes, I pulled out a precious fabric that is definitely on the warmer weather side, and decided to see what patterns I had for a wrap or peplum top — I’ve had some similar tops saved on my Pinterest board, and in the spirit of making only clothes that best suit my body type, I wanted to try this style.
I’m proud of myself because for the last several years, I’ve worked on pattern alterations for my specific fit issues and for this top, I managed to make the needed changes to my pattern before I ever cut out a muslin. I almost always need a full bust adjustment with the Big 4 patterns, so finally having the confidence to do it without guesswork was a big win! The pattern is New Look 6720 and the construction is very nice, because instead of having ties that go all the way around your body, there is a hidden button loop on the hidden side, which is so much less annoying and much more comfortable!
In Quilting News …
I did do some quilting of sorts last week as well! You might remember the gallery wall quilt I started last year. I sort of fell out of love with it and after trying to rework it in various ways, I went a different route entirely and I am THRILLED with how the project turned out in the end. It was a lesson in how pivoting can often turn out for the best in the end. You can watch what I made in the YouTube video I posted yesterday!
My Writing Era?
I feel like most people have a goal of writing a book in their lifetime, is that true? When I was a kid and the question of what I wanted to be when I grew up came around, I would always say I wanted to be an author/illustrator. At some point I moved on to an archeologist, but I think that ship has sailed, haha.
Anyway, I am at the end of my homeschooling years and it’s proving to be a massive what-the-heck-do-I-do-now experience that I did not expect. I find myself with quite a bit more time than I have ever had and I’m just starting to jot down some ideas for novels. If you have any advice or resources, or words of encouragement for that, I’d love to hear from you! Also, if you also have a someday goal of writing a book, what kind of book do you want it to be? I want to hear!
Until next time,
Happy Sewing!
Nikki