Holidays....... And time to do the fun things in life!!

I've finally managed to have a full week off work! I kept trying to but ended up either cancelling the whole week or only getting a day or two off. Now I've put my foot down with myself and persuaded myself that I am dispensable, so I can have a week off - actually even better because of the Easter break its really 10 days off!!
I have all sorts of plans for how I'm going to spend my days, but I know for sure that whatever happens and however much I do pack in I won't manage to do everything I'd like to.... Time does seem to get shorter as I get older. A friend I used to know told me once that our days our really now only 17 hrs long not 24 like we think as time goes faster than it used to! I don't know if that's true but some days it really feels like it, especially when I'm not at work!
Well I've promised myself that I'll finish long tall Sally this week, and Myrtle too. Although I've got an itch to do a steam punk doll so who's to say what will be done this week. I think Hubby would like me to finish the lounge curtains - but that's just boring don't you think?
Apart from work its been a real retail therapy week one way and another. A friend and I went shopping last weekend to cheer her up as she's just coming to the end of a difficult divorce process after 38 yrs of marriage and is a little worried about the future holds. I'd like to say that I introduced her to the joys of charity shop shopping as I'm a real believer in recycling, but she's as committed to that as I am. Anyway we had a fabulous day, doing all the charity shops in Devizes, and then going up market to Marlborough and doing the slightly more up market charity shops there. I found some fabulous material, wool, painting supplies and some books. She bought books, bags and toys for her grandchildren. We had lunch out and all things considered a good day was had by all. Sometimes it's nice to take a day out with no real plans and just see where the day takes you and that's exactly what we did.
To all of you out there who are trying to be creative and struggling, for any reason at all, just remember that any creativity is better than none and the only person you need to please is yourself. And if it doesn't come out quite like you were hoping it did, its still not a mistake but a learning curve and it should always be FUN!

Times flies and the latest project...

I can't believe it's April already. The weeks just seem to fly past faster and faster. I've been really busy at work lately and by the time I get home, walked the dogs and have cooked and eaten supper there seems little time or energy left to do anything much at all. Mind you the lighter evenings definitely help. I've also been trying really hard to spend more time in the sewing room as it really does help to destress at the end of the day - well normally anyway, except when something doesn't go quite the way you want it to!!
Anyway the latest doll project is well underway. She's called long tall Sally and is for hanging on a wall rather than standing or sitting.

There's lots of work still to do. Lots of flowers to make - like the ones on the feet. Lots of beads or embellishments of some sort to sew on and lots of face and hair things to do but I'm really pleased with the way she's turning out now, after having had doubts about her and thus a distinct hiccup in the commitment to finishing her off. I dyed the material for her skirt myself - a first having never dyed anything before - and wasn't sure about how it had come out. I made the flowers for her boots (and am still making flowers for elsewhere on her outfit) - again another first. I'm really enjoying experimenting with things and waiting to see how they come out. I might have sewed on and off for years but mainly clothes and doll making is far more creative and it gives you the chance to let your imagination run riot. I just need to develop the skills that go with the imagination!!
The last weekend in March was a really busy one. Saturday was dolls club and yet again the experienced doll makers in the club kindly shared their knowledge and skills with those of us less so, so many thanks to Shashi for helping me with the dolls head sculpting. I'm looking forward to my next doll as I plan to sculpt the face thanks to the help I've had. Also thanks to Mavis - I had a great time on the Sunday at the NEC Sewing for pleasure, Fashion and Embroidery and Hobbycraft combined shows. I spent most of my time in the Sewing and Fashion sections marvelling at some of the wonderful exhibitions by very talented people. I'll try to post some of the pictures I took next time I'm writing ... In the meantime I need a cuppa and Masterchef calls....