Reflections and Christmas Wishes

Another year is almost over, and I think I can say, that for most of us it can not finish quickly enough.  It has been an unsettling year, with lockdowns, travel restrictions, adapting to socially distancing and the wearing of masks, and I know that many of my blog friends and readers overseas are still not able to experience the relative freedom of a normal life that we are currently able to enjoy here in summer in New Zealand.

 Social media and modern technology has been a real lifesaver for us in these strange times.  I never thought I'd be having work team meetings via zoom, or video calling my mum or sister, but am so glad we can see each other this way.  I play online scrabble games with my family here in New Zealand and Australia, and in desperation during lockdown started reading e-books.   I certainly haven't managed to blog as much here as I used to, or planned to this year.  I have posted a lot more on instagram, and I can be found there under the name: julielou41.

 Thank you all for continuing to visit and comment on what I have shared.  I always enjoy your feedback, book suggestions, inspirational links and advice.

Wishing you all a very safe and Happy Christmas and New Year.

Stay safe, stay home, wear a mask.

See you back in 2021.

Kia Kaha

A Trio of Repeats and some good reads

 

I've been doing a little sewing lately, no new and exciting patterns, but repeats of some favourites.

First up was another Eva Dress.  I have been wanting a long black linen dress for summer for a while now, and though I contemplated lots of other patterns I kept coming back to the Eva Dress, I decided it was meant to be when I found the most beautifully soft Turkish linen and they had just the right amount needed left on the bolt.  I am absolutely delighted with how it turned out and cannot wait to wear it.

When I purchased the black linen I also bought a linen/tencel type fabric in a dark taupe colour.  It had the most beautiful drape and I knew immediately that it would be turned into another pair of the button pleated Burda Culottes I made here.  

The hot pink Mallard jacket I made here, has been worn a lot, I get so many compliments wearing it too.  I decided I needed another pretty jacket which fortuitously and unintentionally ended up coordinating beautifully with my new culottes.  Fabric is again an upholstery cotton canvas I got from Spotlight.  I took my time laying out pattern pieces to make the most of the beautiful designs on this fabric, and lined it with a dusky rose bemberg. The one positive of the slightly cooler summer temperatures we are currently experiencing, means that I get to enjoy wearing this for a little longer .

And when I'm not sewing, I've been reading.  So far I've read:

• Tiny Pieces of Us by Nicky Pellegrino, the story of a group of organ transplant recipients and what happens when they meet.

• Mrs Boots by Deborah Carr, the story of Florence of the Boots the Chemist empire.

• The Awakening by Nora Roberts.  This is the first in a new fantasy trilogy from one of my favourite authors.  Set in modern day Philadelphia and Ireland, as well as an old magical land accessed through a portal.  It's a typical Nora Roberts read with strong female characters and a good story line.

And to finish off on a bright and happy note - the dahlias are flowering.