Hello sweet friends! How has another week come and gone? Being on the road for five weeks has made this summer truly fly by. Since my return home last week I have said every day that I will write another post besides Saturday Smiles. But I am still working 16 hour days and find little time to do so. The good news is that many of those hours have been spent on projects I hope to feature very soon. Until then, enjoy Saturday Smiles A Stitch In Time.
I returned home to a mountain of paperwork, mending, and other busywork. I enjoy having something on the television while I chip away at such mundane tasks. As we don’t have cable I paid a visit to my local library and picked up the three seasons of The House of Elliot on DVD.
The House of Elliot
This BBC series is considered one of best costume dramas ever created. The main storyline features the Eliott sisters whose world changes completely by the sudden death of their father. They are left almost destitute and without any education. Forced to sell the family home to cover their father’s debts they turn to the only skill they have to earn money, dressmaking.
Finding Fall
I’m gearing up for two upcoming fall-themed home tours. It’s been a bit of a struggle as it is still BLAZING HOT here in Texas. I was so inspired by the lush greens and soft yellows paired with lovely neutrals in Salvaged Living’s recent tablescape.
I’ll be sharing my soft fall home this upcoming week and next.
Know Your Purpose
In trying to find work and home balance I am trying to streamline what I say “Yes” to. A favorite writer of mine is Edie Wadsworth. Her recent post 5 Ways to Know & Live Your Purpose shares how by really focusing on what your time, resources and gifts truly are “You can choose to start showing up to everything you do with your whole heart”. It’s about choosing a better YES.
I know what my purpose is and keep getting sidetracked by saying “Yes” to things I shouldn’t. But after reading “Overwhelm and busy-ness are a great way to stay stuck too.” I now know that I need to say “NO” to things that aren’t my purpose.
Cozy But Cool
I think a great way to prepare for early fall is to create a look that is cozy but still cool. Imogen Taylor’s home in Burgundy, France creates this balance perfectly. I could move right in without changing a thing.
Saturday Smiles A Stitch In Time
I find myself wanting to sew more and more. I could not quite put my pinpricked finger on why that is. Then I read The calming effects of sewing can help people express and heal themselves. Reading the words “Needlework cocooned me in a privacy of sorts…” I knew just what the author meant! In my workroom, I find peace in working with my hands. Creating something of beauty brings joy to my heart.
May you find your purpose and joy this week.
Laura
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Slow down and enjoy the long weekend at least. You have been through a crazy busy summer and probably need some time to relax and reflect on everything you have accomplished the last few weeks. We will still be here when you get time to write. 🙂 September is a lovely time to get things caught up. Sorry its so hot for you folks though. I look forward to the cooler nights of fall and the clear, crisp air coming in. Its time! Cheers! 🙂
I understand the needlework thing. Needle felting is my current thing and it’s incredibly relaxing (until I do the detail work!).
And I get it — the saying Yes. I’ve been trying hard to lay lower than usual and finish out this summer doing what moves me and makes me happy. So far, so good. It might be a bumpy fall and I’m savoring every minute of this good and laid back time.
Welcome home, Laura!
Oh what a beautiful post. I too find sewing and stitching to be solace to my soul. Thank you Laura for a thoughtful post. I am glad you are home safe and sound. Hugs
I enjoyed reading your post. You are quite talented and have had a busy summer. Hoping you can relax and enjoy some free time soon. Have a wonderful weekend. HUGS
So nice to see a post from you , Laura. I am working way too many hours myself so I get it. I, too, find peace and calm in creating.-especially sewing makes my heart sing.
I have not seen that series about the Elliot sisters but think it is something I would love. And,like you, I could move into that house without changing a thing. xo Diana
Enjoy your sewing time! It’s such a great way to have a little escape from the daily grind. I saw your Downtown Abbey dress on Instagram. Are you making it to wear to the movie opening or the jazz night event? I’m gathering things up to make the Burda 1888 bustle dress. Luckily, I won a prize at a quilt show last Fall and it was a gift card to a quilt shop so I was able to get all of my fabric with it! Which is a good thing as it takes 9 yds. and the store was also having a 40% off sale. Love when that happens! Looking forward to seeing your Fall decorations and your Costume College adventure when you get around to it. No rush!
Laura, you have truly had a busy summer. I know ‘Saying Yes’ quite well. I was especially guilty during my work life. Age does seem to help with this issue, at least it did for me. Enjoy your sewing and focusing on something which you love and relaxes you. For me, it is the garden.
Wishing you a happy September, Laura. Enjoy fall when she arrives to Texas.
I have an upcoming trip to Texas and noticed the 100 degree weather… yikes. Things are starting to cool down here and we are looking forward to fall.
The worst part of a vacation and time away from home is all the catch up you need to do upon your return.
Laura, I am glad you are getting to sew and enjoying it, even with a super busy schedule working! Working on the quilt for my son this summer has been fun ~ the designing the initial layout, the cutting out and implementation of the whole thing, and now putting the binding on and getting to the quilting after putting all those t-shirts together. Long, blinding making lengths of self-binding, but getting to the hand sewing is happy for me, too. It’s nice to just sew and watch movies or tv shows. I’ve missed this!
Ready for fall, too. Hope your Labor Day weekend was a good one!
Hugs,
Barb 🙂