Wardrobe Re-Worked!

I saw an advertisement from my local neighbourhood house for this "the Sustainable stylist Re-Work You Wardrobe" and I was compelled to go.

I went along to the 5 hour class with my back pack full of old clothes, clothes that I no longer wore but did not want to throw away. Clothes that I knew had the potential to become something else but also needed someone with more vision than me.

Kim Kneipp's class was a wonderful way to spend the day.

I met three really lovely women who were all of like mind when it came to their clothes - that is, we needed help with re-working them into something ace, something we would wear a lot and something we saw no point in adding to the masses of clothing that become landfill when no longer fashionable-fitting well-or longer our style.

We were all welcomed into Kim's studio, warmed by the burning fire and shared enthusiasm of each-others soon to be 'new' clothes'.

Last year I found this gorgeous pure wool pale green/grey winter coat at a market for $6!!!!!

It was too big, too short in the sleeve and had no shape - or rather it did not suit my shape.

I had moved up into the hills where it gets ridiculously cold I knew I could use a coat like this.

I required some 'help' and this is where Kim's class fitted in nicely to the mysterious ways of the world.

After much trying on , draping pinning, tucking, and wonderful tips and style help from Kim and the girls, I came away with these.

I still need to do a bit more work on them but I am so inspired to more to other items.

I absolutlely love the idea of shopping within my own wardrobe and re-working wat I already own.

Thanks Kim and thanks also to Claire, Louise and Sue.

I can't wait for the next sewing day.

See who else has things to show and tell today over here.

Cheers.

Breathe

Occasionally I am reminded about keeping 'it' simple, appreciating the moment. Breathe.

I am realising that all of the worries, stresses and anxieties that can overwhelm and cloud my spirit are given more of my power, my energy and my time than they are worthy of. Breathe.

I have found myself getting quite lost in these feelings of late - and frankly, I am just bloody tired of it. I do not like the shroud of fear, worry and angst that has settled over my world due to a situation I did not create and can not control. Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

I have given myself over more to these feelings than I have to my family, to my friends and to those that make my heart sing and soar - the very people who have always been around, available and ready to catch me when I was ready to let it all go. Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

My beautiful friend had her first baby last week - a delicious bundle of loveliness - 'Ella Rose'.

I went to visit them yesterday and I spent what felt like an age just having her resting on my legs sleeping and finding myself once again lost.

Mercifully lost in the wonder and the magnitude of the new born baby.

Lost in the stark reality and simplicity of life.

Lost in the beauty and perfection of new life.

Lost in the vision of my dear friends look of absolute love and devotion to her new baby illustrated throughout her body and face.

Lost in the new identity that my friend now has - Mother.

Amazing little reality check, really. Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

For the wonderful new human who now has the title of "fairy god-daughter", I have made these

from found fabric.

The top (embroidered) side of the shoe is cut from the edge of a table cloth and the back and sole from some printed pink corduroy discovered in 'the stash'.

I loved making these - it's been ages since my last sewing session (dear Father) and I am feeling energised and excited to start again.

My sister's 'bestie' also had a baby last week - a boy, so I will make another pair for him - 'Samuel'.

Feeling crappy is so insidious - I have felt like I am carrying a satchel of worry and broken-ness. At times it has felt too hard to be near other people for fear of weighing them down with my negative energy.

Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

Thankfully, mercifully, there are some amazing people out there who inspire, love, support, care, encourage and share with you. Lift you, help you to remember 'you'.

There are also baby shaped bundles of pure bliss, child sized bundles too - that look up to you with outstretched arms and call you 'Mummy'.

There are the great strong arms, broad shoulders and the gentle soul of a man so beautiful thinking about him can make me weep with the knowing that he is mine and I am his.

There are some simply wonderful people out there and I am so very grateful.

To the super fun, clever, warm and welcoming women in town who create loveliness and inspire me - I thank you.

To the family who loves me - I thank you.

To the friends from 'home' - I thank you - and I miss you!

Breathe. Slowly-Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.

To the crappy shitty energy and those who wouldst revel in ugly ugly behaviour - you can sod off!

Exhale and let go.......

And now go see who else has stuff to show and tell over here

Cheers.