Hello everyone, I know I have been missing in action this week and have not posted much but I will not apologise this time because I really needed some time away. It all started last weekend with a headache that lasted for three days and continued on and off during the week, alongside with my stomach acting up and just feeling very tired. The cause of my headaches and stomach issues is 99% of the time due to anxiety and stress and I don’t think it was any differently this time, have been very busy at work with loads of deadlines and not a minute to take a breath so I guess it was bound to happen.
So I decided I needed a break from the blog and everything else that might get in the way of the healing process I knew I needed to start. No computer time at home unless I really wanted to check something out or reply to messages/comments, no pattern writing, early nights, yoga every day if I was feeling up for it and loads of happy crocheting without a deadline or worry.
I also went to the library and got some great yarn and crochet books to keep me relaxed and entertained. The book called “Knitting Yarns, Writers on Knitting” has been my go-to book before bedtime and has been a pleasure to get little knitting stories before bed, each one very different to the next but all sharing how knitting came into their lives and the significance of creating something with your hands. Ever since I started listening to Woolful I have been very intrigued about natural dyeing so got a few books on that as well. It is very interesting and would love to try it one day when I have a proper place to do it.
My crochet time has been divided between my Doris Chan top and my Moroccan tote. The top is coming along, maybe a bit smaller than I thought but I won’t really know how it will look until I finish and block it so we will see. I am working on both sleeves at the same time as recommended by the designer and it has been a great idea.
My Moroccan bag has been coming along as well, the crocheting is actually done! I LOVE the pattern and colours of this bag. I have to say it is a bit on the smaller side for a tote and this was intentional since I thought I was going to be so bored by the middle of this project but I do regret it now cause I would have liked to keep going. Not sure why I didn’t get bored of the same pattern the whole time but I really enjoyed crocheting it.
Yesterday I went to John Lewis and got some fabric to line it and I received my leather handles through the mail this week so all ready for the finishing (but oh so very important) details. I plan on cutting and pining today to start sewing on the train next week.
I have also been working on samples for my first ever tunisian crochet workshop! I am so excited to share this amazing technique at Ginger Twist Studio in March. The first workshop is fully booked but there is another date in May so if you are in the Edinburgh area and would like to learn tunisian crochet please visit Jess’s website for more details. I have been planning like crazy, I know you can’t plan every single minute for these things but can’t help it, I am working on samples and creating class handouts and I really can’t wait to share all my excitement.
And that is what I have been up to, posts may be less often next week as I get back to my blogging rhythm. I have patterns to write and tutorials to put together but first of all I need to feel well enough to do all those things so please bare with me, I am still here, still loving crochet and still wanting to share my patterns and projects with you lovely people.
Have a great weekend!
x
Sol
a crochet journey 
Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling unwell. Hopefully you are on the road to recovery. Your Moroccan Bag looks AMAZING. The colours, pattern and stitching are beautiful – so talented x
Thank you very much for your kind comment, I am definitely feeling better now. That Moroccan bag needs to get finished soon, don’t like to keep projects undone like that after the crochet part is over! Fingers crossed for not ruining it with my horrible sewing skills 😛
My Mother’s great advice was look after yourself first, everyone else is a bonus. Love your tunisian work and would love to attend one of your workshops. Must arrange a holiday to Edinburgh in the future based on you workshop dates. Take care of yourself. Louise, Perth, Western Australia
Hi Louise,
A very wise woman your mum 🙂 Would love to have you in one of my workshops! Thank you for the support and the vote of confidence, you have to tell me if you ever decide to come, Edinburgh is such a beautiful city I know you would love it. Thanks for stopping by!
That lining was made just for your tote. I am very excited to see the finished product.
Good for you slowing down the pace and giving yourself time to heal. Rest is so important. I always say ‘doing nothing is doing something.’
Take care now. Xx
It is so fun choosing fabric for lining, the problem is the sewing that comes after that! I am definitely taking things slow and just relaxing a bit more. I put a lot of pressure on myself so even the blog sometimes stresses me out a bit when I try to keep do deadlines that I give to myself for no reason! hahaha Hope you are doing well on your side of the world 😉
I understand. Creating is a good outlet but not if under pressure (from one who had a sewing business for years!).
It is a fine line between the motivation and pressure that blogging can induce. I do look forward to seeing the finished product, no hurry 😉 Hope you are well also. Xx