Making my own clothes

One of my lifestyle changes I have made this year is making my own clothing.

Here is a top that I finished on the weekend, ready for spring.

It is a red cotton jersey fabric with a little stretch.

It took me about 10 hours from start to finish. I like to sew in blocks of about 2 hours at a time, and take my time. There is no rush. If I make a mistake, I make myself unpick it and do it again. Then I can wear it knowing that it is made to my satisfaction.

So why make my own clothes? I could buy clothing cheaper if I wanted to buy clothing made in some sweatshop in China.

Firstly, I like to choose the fabrics I like to feel on my skin. I like cotton, wool, silk and linen. I am not a big fan of synthetic fibres.

Secondly, I like to choose the colours that suit me. I have analysed my colours and so I only buy those colours which suit my colouring best (ie that suits my hair, eyes, skin tone).

Next, the clothing that I can make fits me perfectly as it is fitted to my measurements on my adjustable dressmakers mannequin which is set to correspond to me.

Another benefit is that I like to sew as it is very relaxing and I feel that I am ” in the present” and calm when I sew.

And finally, I really appreciate the clothes that I make, because I know how much work has gone into them. It helps me to appreciate the “less is more” philosophy. I have less clothes, but the ones I have I really like because I chose everything about them the fabric, the colour and the style and the fit!

Do you sew, or did you used to sew and haven’t sewn for a long time?

Saturday morning

I am sitting at the breakfast table with my first freshly brewed coffee of the day. Mr Techno and Barbie Girl are still asleep. There are blue skies and sunshine outside.

I am feeling so happy. I feel present in the moment right now. It is a delightful feeling, one that I haven’t had the time to focus on for a long time.
I will try to be present in the moment today.

Later this morning, I will go on a long walk by myself. No ipod, no music to distract or insulate me, just me and my senses and I will take in all of my surroundings, sounds, sights,smells.

And simply breathe.

Night swim

I just had a lovely time with Mr Techno and Barbie Girl.
I returned from my daily walk, at about 8pm. The sun has just set, and they were in the pool.
So I rinsed off,and then joined them in the pool for an hour. It has been a hot day, and the water was warm.
There is something special about going for a swim at night. It was dark, but there are pool lights under the water which gives it a lovely atmosphere.

I have rediscovered a simple pleasure..swimming at night time.

A couple of days away in the mountains

We have been away in a little cottage up in the Blue Mountains for a couple of days family holiday.

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I love discovering waterfalls.

I love the mountains, the air is so fresh, and it is so pretty with all of the beautiful flora and fauna to enjoy.

Welcome a new prince and princess into the world!

Here is some good news!

I love to follow our Australian girl who became a real life Danish princess-Princess Mary.

On the 8th January she gave birth to twins.

A boy and a girl.

Congratulations Princess Mary! A little brother and sister for little Prince Christian and little Princess Isabella. Congratulations to Prince Fredrik also!

For extra news on the Royal birth of the twins click here. to take you to the Danish Royal website.

And for more photos of Princess Mary and Prince Fredrik click here

Enjoy!

An evening out

It is Sydney Festival time in Sydney at the moment. Yesterday was the Festival opening.

We collected our picnic things together. Mr Techno made home made chicken nuggets and pork spare ribs. We had fresh strawberries, blueberries, bananas and brie cheese. ( Where was the salad I asked? LOL).

We grabbed a blanket and headed for the train into the city.

The city was buzzing with activity.

We decided upon a grassy spot in Hyde Park in front of a stage for our picnic and entertainment spot.

We spent a lovely few hours enjoying the music and circus performers on a warm Summers evening.

Barbie Girl even got up on Mr Technos shoulder to wave her arms in the air with her glow stick to the musicians on stage.

At around 9pm we looked around us and realized that the demographic had changed, ie no longer families with children or older adults.

Time to go home.

It was a very relaxing and enjoyable al fresco evening.

Last day of my retreat

Last night, I watched the movie “Paris” ( Juliette Binoche). This necessitated me to eat six squares of chocolate.
Then I did half an hour of meditation
Following that, I went to bed but couldn’t sleep. This was probably due to the chocolate.

So I read for 2 solid hours. I am really enjoying “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

Today is the last day of my “retreat”.

This morning I am going to colour my hair, and paint my toenails.

I will do 30 mins of yoga and then some meditation.

I am going to tend my garden. I will stake up my tomatoes that are growing so well.

I’ll walk to the local shops for some milk and fresh fruit and vegetables.

I’ll attend to some chores.

My retreat will finish at dinner time. I’ll make some dinner- grilled chicken and roasted capsicum and roast tomato with couscous.

It is going to be hot, so I will go running after dinner when it is cooler.

Then I’ll watch a movie together with my little family.

I’m feeling more calm, more clear headed and healthy for the few days retreat.

And the scales say that i have lost half a kilo over the past few days, despite the chocolate treat!

I thoroughly recommend a retreat of a few days if you can manage it. It is very refreshing!

A little retreat…

I am enjoying a few days “solo retreat” at home.

Mr Techno has taken Barbie Girl away to visit relatives in the country for a few days.

So far I have been doing these things:

Running 6km every day
Gardening
Reading- I’m reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Meditation every day
Yoga
Listening to music that I like-classical music, jazz
Watching movies that I like- Love Actually, with a box of tissues
Eating quality chocolate
Writing in my diary
Reflecting on the past year

I have Chloe as company when i need it and it is a very peaceful and serene time…..