Dotty Red

Introducing ...

2012-05-31T16:23:00.001-07:00

The busy thing I talked about, well its still happening, but its turned slightly, its gone from stressful to really kind of exciting. Its complicated, 'what isn't' I hear you say! So I have just about completed my Level three Teachers Assistant course, but heck... there are are no jobs out there, a couple of vacancies advertised but when I went to college I found that the trainees in the schools had already got the job but the positions had to advertise. How frustrating is that. So whilst I still want very much to get a career in school I have to face the reality that the jobs are just not available.

But I have to feed and dress my children... EK!!! So here is the exciting part... I have taken the rather scary decision to make DOTTY RED my career. I have been working with a business adviser to make sure everything is as it should be and I am walked through all the details that scare me, registering, tax, insurance etc... but its all good, did you hear that, its all good!

I had to pitch my business idea and write a big and ever evolving business plan, it all felt a bit Dragons Den-ish, but here I am launching my new line of textiles. Lavender hearts have been a big part of Dotty Red and I will always make them, but I wanted something a little more designer in feel, with my passion for free form embroidery I designed these hangers. Hangers as in you can hang them, on your coat hangers, on the wall, in your bathroom, add it to a gift or as these ones are filled with lavender you can pop them in your smalls draw and let the lavender smell waft out and do its magic. Pop one under your pillow for a sleep filled night!

I loved making these, I drew and sketched, used my colour pencils and then once I had enough ideas, I started to put them together.

A huge fan and collector of ribbon, modern and vintage not to mention my passion for buttons and a little liking for wool felt...

Each day I designed a different hanger, I have to confess I have a pad filled with many more ideas, I have been asked to make Love Heart ones to, oh the possibilities...

each one could be personalised, a babies name or date of birth...

These Happy Birthday Bunting have been the most popular today, I think the country has gone bunting mad at the moment and long may it carry on, love a bit of 'smile inducing' bunting.

But by far my favourite and I have a couple for myself, are the 'Beach Life' ones, designed after a fabulous weekend at the beach, (see previous post) they hold a memory for me, a special time that keeps me going when the rain falls.

So its been busy, but good busy, it saddens me more than I can share with you that after two years of serious study and over six years voluntary work in school my plans for the future have had to change, but with great support around me I am following my heart, something not many people actually will do, its scary and gives me butterflies, but it is thrilling and exciting and you know... I am going to give it my best shot because I don't want to say... if only!

After all the planning and the designing and making... I have my beautiful, funny and ever growing boys for a full week, so we are packing our bags, buckets and spades, picnic basket and the odd waterproof jacket and we are heading out for a beach week. I am longing for long walks with 'Rosy the pup' on big open beaches, popping into the best beach cafe for a tempting bacon butty and a side of chips, pottering around the art shops and beachy places, there will be nights snuggling around the camp fire and the toasting of marshmallows. The diary is full on my return so this week, no watch, no meetings, no school runs... its all about family, play, relaxing, friendships and being in love with life... Then the work begins...

Have a fabulous Jubilee weekend, smile and as I keep being told by numerous people, you gotta role with it. Have a blast!

Beach life...

2012-05-16T01:57:00.003-07:00

You know when things just go mad... super busy... actually a little stressful. Well that's the place I am in right now. My little business is doing really well and I am trying to get my stock updated with the all the summer lines, yes a lesson to be learnt here and that's start it earlier, its all a learning curve.

The house viewing did not result in a sale, very disappointed and seriously out of pocket having spent money on preparing the house, redecorating a room and summer planting in the garden, still its nice to enjoy it. The people viewing viewed my house and a neighbours, I was too small and my neighbours too big, it is the same house with two more rooms...Hey ho!!! Looks like we will be here for a little longer, the children are overjoyed, they get so upset about this process, its their home they want to stay and they are not afraid to let me know about it... Oh the guilt!!!

Add into the pot my final assessment at college and sitting my Math GCSE... Oh help!!! Setting up the legal side of the business is daunting but I have a great mentor who is helping me through, oh my when did the liability insurance get so high! When you cant see it getting more complicated... a letter arrives with the news that my ex husband is returning to the solicitor, yet more pennies to be spent.

So someone very kind took me away for a weekend away from it all at the beach. Bliss Bliss Bliss...

We met up with friends, took a couple of chairs, wine and nibbles and spent the day on the sand soaking up the warmth from the sunshine. The first evening fire of the season as we pitched up as close to the flames as possible on a cloudless night, the doggies had a ball playing together...and balance was brought back in to perspective. Sometimes this single parenting thing gets a little overwhelming especially when three years on I am still fighting my corner, but you know, when you take time out and see the big picture... Life is good!

So what do you do when you have found the house you want and you cant move until yours sells, me and how many other I am sure... But I can dream cant I...
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-22866378.html

PHOTOS... Lavender Hangers...part of the summer range! Making me smile!

Jubilee...

2012-05-07T16:10:00.002-07:00

So here I sit at nearly midnight, with my cup of Lady Grey and a very nice fried egg buttie, oh yes tonight I am all about class... seriously though its been a hectic few days... and I am a believer in going with the flow and that flow is pretty fast at the moment so it calls for a late night unhealthy snack to keep me going whilst I finish my post and prepare for the day ahead...

School uniforms to iron, pack lunches to make, dishes to wash, meetings to prepare for and dogs to feed etc. Usual Mum stuff.

Who said the Bank Holiday was a time to relax and catch up... get 'behind' more like... Actually its been a time shared with friends and eating far too much whilst hours have passed by and important conversation of 'putting the world to rights' have taken place while wine was sipped. My kids have also had all their friends round to play at some stage of the three days and I have had very little time to spend in my sewing room. A play date sleep over which settled down to sleep at eleven and started again at five the next morning! More coffee please.

However, I was inspired to put together a few Jubilee lines when I sneaked off for a few moments in my sewing room, I wasn't going to work on anything linked to the jubilee but I was asked what I had...

So a few ideas have come together and a few ideas still need to be tried out. The nice thing about this weekend was I had a viewing on my home, so I gave up two days to do housework, 'stuff' was hidden away in boxes, bags taken to the charity shop and a day spent in the garden with some new plants needing homes. The house was clean and homely. The viewing lasted twenty minutes, oddly the agent did the viewing and it all felt a bit uncomfortable being asked to step aside while these people went through my home, mind you I disliked poking around other peoples home, it feels very invasive. The viewers seemed really nice but the house isn't for them but it took five days to find that out, oh the stress. The rush of house hunting for me has slowed down now with great relief, the advantage to it all was I had a lovely clean and tidy house all weekend and all the housework was done... A TREAT!

I could almost hear the intake of breath as they stepped into my dinning room, which of course is my sewing room/studio.

Hope your weekend was filled with fun and laughter and you surrounded yourself with nice people.

The elephants came by two by two...

2012-04-19T13:37:00.004-07:00

A little break from the norm. Two weeks to kick back, find a new groove and just go with it. How I love holidays, I ignore time... completely! No appointments, no rushing around, no time waiting for things... I love the way my body just adjusts to this rhythm, waking up when I want to not when my alarm clock tells me (well maybe when my children choose to start playing) to eat when hungry not grabbing a sandwich between appointments, walking the dog as long a we like instead of rushing her around before we fly out again, which made for some super long walks.
All Dotty Red orders had been made up and posted so that meant some time without committing to my sewing room... which meant play time... Oh my and I so love my play time, these little family of Elephants just kept getting bigger as I wanted to use all my fabrics... It all started whilst I was surfing the net with my little one, we had a peek at the Retro Mama blog and my wee one got very animated and wanted an elephant just like he saw on her blog... the joy, Retro Mama sells the patterns, so we ordered it there and then and we popped off to my fabric stash and he picked the colours he wanted... the next he thing he knew he didn't know which one he wanted... too many to choose from. Oh Happy sewing momma!
We took off for a few days and the weather for the first and last day was SUPERB!
Oh how I have longed to feel the sand between my toes and the sea breeze through my hair.
Bliss Bliss Bliss...
I went to bed at the end of that beautiful day and a storm blew up and it rained, hailed, the wind blew and the snow fell...

Not to be put off by the weather we still had our fish and chips on the beach, however due to the howling storm taking your very breath straight out your lungs and the sand whipping at your skin like razors, we sat in the car, with our favourite music on and sipped our hot chocolate. Do you remember the advert with the girl who sat in her car listening to 'I can see clearly now the rain has gone' making herself a cuppa with the heater element you could plug into the lighter socket for a mug of hot water? Oh how I loved that advert... I was in that happy place!!!

So we hunkered down for the next few days and chilled out, chatting, playing board games, watching movies and this Mom got to sew... a little spare of the moment hand sewing... Oh happy days!
We returned home as some special friends joined us to celebrate Easter. So with the house full of mischievous laughter from the five children running around having the best time and us grown ups chatting, cooking and generally catching up, I was reminded of New Year, my home full of people I loved, I adore cooking and looking after friends it warms my heart and is so good for my sole as it really balances me. Cooking to me is a big part of how I show I care for someone.
Eater day was started by the children hunting the eggs (thanks Caroline. Er I forgot to buy the eggs). We sat and worked out the meal plan and how long we had before dinner needed to be started and we all pulled on our walking boots and went for a walk... my version of a walk and my friends is slightly different, I would have called it a hike!!!

The meal was cooked in a relaxed way, all doing our bit in the kitchen and then we all sat round for a somewhat 'chaotic' meal, not enough chairs etc... it had a real feel of Christmas day, but without the stress!!!

Sadly I had to say goodbye to my mate and her super family once again.

Then before I had time to get all miserable and sad about them leaving the boys and I had an invited to share a birthday meal... a delicious family Chinese banquet. An honour to share this family event.

Yes this Easter holiday has made me count my blessing... surrounded by friends I care about, laughing, the children happy, good food, beautiful walks with the Rosy the pup and lots of sleep...

After my divorce I lost so much confidence I found it so hard to relax and just couldn't ever imagine being in a position again when laughter filled the house and the people I was with I felt loved by. Yet this week has taught me, if you hang on in there the good stuff happens...

Stocking up and reflection....

2012-03-31T14:04:00.003-07:00

So we are fast approaching the Easter holiday's and while I have had some child free time I have been busy stocking up. I made some more fabric boxes having had a small order in from some Easter boxes for egg hunts with some cute little chicks on the front...what a great idea, wish it was mine!!!
My little fabric lavender filled boats... always great to be making as the sun comes out and I dream of long sunny days by the beach...
Oh how I love selecting the fabric for these, I usually use linen as I like the way it drapes but this time I have used some different cotton's having done a little fabric shopping... you know how it is you have to use the fabric you just got... right... or is that just me!!!
My seaside bunting makeup bags have sold so well, I am really pleased with these and thankful that I took the time to pay attention to detail when placing the zip in these and the pretty lining, you just can not go wrong with spotty dotty fabric...
With the sun coming out we are back to using the garden as our new room and eating as many meals out as possible, when we awoke to a super hot day on Sunday we treated ourselves to some tasty treats for breakfast whilst we soaked up the sun, still our PJs!
Can you tell I am typing in a hurry, busy I am, getting ready for a break, taking the boys to the place they love best... you guessed... we are off to the beach for a few days to our little beach shack, eating ice cream, long walks down the beach and evenings around the fire with friends...
So I leave you for a week, my camera is packed and I cant wait to capture some memories. My knitting bag is stuffed with more projects than I can possibly manage, and as I have done so much sewing this past week I am not going to take my sewing machine with me, but I look forward to coming back and making up all the beach inspired creations.

I leave you with a photo, a photo I love, it holds so many memories for me, the place and time it is taken, of course who the picture is of, its my youngest, my little long haired surf dude... sadly for Mom the curls are all gone now, I miss them so, but I have to admit the squeals of pain as I combed out the sand filled locks was something close to torture, which might explain the rather annoyed look...

What ever you are up to this Easter, I wish you only the best, a time spent being with your family, surrounded by those that you love and love you back, and maybe you to will be blessed with some time in your favourite place....May the sun shine...please!

Baby Doll...

2012-03-21T03:33:00.004-07:00

Out of my comfort zone this week. I have been asked about fabric dolls, not for children to play with more of a nice thing to have on display, its news to me but apparently fabric dolls are the 'in' thing. Following on from the sock monkey trend little fabric dolls with lots of attitude are very desired. I live near Hebden Bridge which is a lovely market town filled with lots of beautiful individual small shops with a very arty bohemian feel to it. I love the place. A shop has asked about dolls...Mmmmm not to be beaten by this I had a play, I researched the net I read my book from the lovely Wee Wonderfuls and thought... I can do this... SO I drew up a pattern, which has been redrawn many times now, nearly there I think... oh lots of cursing went on and seams ripped and re-sewn. Finally I would like to introduce you to JENNY. She is a very happy doll and really likes the simple things in life, she is especially enjoying the warmer days and finding time to sip tea in the garden...
She is a bit shy of those long skinny legs and likes to put on pretty dresses to cover them up a little, a vintage girl so her clothes have lots of lace and pretty buttons on them.
Jenny's best friend is her little felt dog called Scotty. After a day of walking her dog through the daffodils she likes to relax in the evening, she is a bit 'saucy' as she lounges around in her ribbon undies... after all her pretty dress is only worn for best!!!

A little more work is needed I think. I think I need to enlarge the pattern a little so the turning of the body with all those skinny arms and legs is a little easier and I need to change (once again) the position of her arms, a little higher and at more of an angle. Ideally I would like to give her a more defined neck, but this is proving near on impossible and on looking at other doll designers this is something that is a case of 'that's how it is' well if its good enough for them it is for me too. All in all I am pleased with Jenny. But she is a little shy and I am a little scared to show her off.

I hope Mothers Day was a good day. I sadly did not have my boys with me, but after a week of birthday celebrations we have had lots of fun this week. We went to see 'John Carter' a great fantasy film, I think I enjoyed it more than my children. Rosy the pup is not speaking to us after we had her spayed, she looks so sorry for herself at the moment.
I leave you with a beautiful picture of my Mothers Day flowers (actually they had been bought for my Mum but she didn't have time to see me, so they are now on my kitchen window looking stunning and the smell is filling my home beautifully.

Thank you for all your positive comments last week, I am very touched by them, My meetings came to nothing due to a waiting list to get on a college course for small business/start up advice... I have been given another date, in four weeks!

Dog pattern came form the very talented All Sorts.

put the kettle on and catch up...cup of tea?

2012-03-09T16:25:00.006-08:00

Its one in the morning here and the house is all silent except for the gentle hum of the freezer... my puppy sleeps at my feet ensuring they are cosy and warm. Its been a busy week here at the Dotty Red Household and I am pleased we are now on to the weekend. As I sit at my kitchen table with my big mug of Lady Grey sporting my rather posh new Cath Kidston apron, which was a treat to myself having wanted one for over four years and is making me HAPPY! My thoughts run through the week past and start to plan the week ahead...
At the moment my life is full of plans for the future and its direction. A lot of a planning and research is going on at the moment and seeing if things finally come off and next week some meetings take place to take this research onto the next level. Its exciting and full of anxiety all at the same time. Next to this is completing my studies and my time spent working as a teaching assistant. I adore my hours in school and I am working with a teacher who is allowing me to concentrate on the creative side with the children and I come home very happy and covered in paint. How can I explain the thrill I get as I watch these very little people learn to draw and paint, mix colours and see their excitement when they turn red and white into pink, the work is truly inspiring...
So I have a decision to make in the coming months, do I sew for a living and come away from being a hobby and actually make it my family way of life that puts food on the table or do I follow the teaching assistant path. The decision I think will be made for me as due to all the education cuts its the Teachers Assistants jobs that have been cut. My college have talked to me about continuing my studies to a foundation degree, whilst I would love to commit to this on so many levels MONEY and CHILDCARE stop me. I have to put that food on the table NOW not in four years, the advantage of the course... a stable and secure career in teaching, if there are any jobs at the end of it!!!
Its a dilemma for sure and far to serious for this small hour in the morning. The reflection of the past week is a good one, it was a week of success and getting things done...
Working on a new range of tea pot cosies, watching them grow from the idea of a friend of mine who wanted one to making a lovely pile of them, selecting all the fabrics and matching them up, cutting out little bits and putting it all together...
The joy this brings never stops making me smile, tweaking out any little problems, finding the right wadding and how big or small to make the loop... then suddenly it all falls in place and satisfaction is bliss...
Whilst I have sewn I have allowed my thoughts to wonder back to my holiday...
I am still carrying the feeling of contentment this week brought to my family. A few new little routines have been put in place and we rediscovered our time together, the boys and me, so much more enjoyable without all the modern stuff, the computer games and the Nintendo. Drawing and reading an hour before bedtime, long walks with the dog, family bath times full of silliness and of course cookie making....
COOKIE MAKING. I always used to bake cookies for my kids, but life changes and things stop, to rediscover this simple pleasure enriched now as the kids do most of the baking, and it is me that sits tapping my fingers waiting for the cookie to come out the oven and be the first to eat one.
Memories of the beautiful cottage, sweet and pretty have made me take time to clear and tidy up my own home. It was a break that made me slow down and take stock and see things for what they are instead of thundering through life, its left not just me but the boys too with a new rhythm and new appreciation of what we know is important to us and that is our precious time together.
So the thoughts to the week ahead... well its birthday week here, both boys a day apart (plus four years and two minutes) so plans are being made, presents being bought and made secretly in the evenings...
Birthdays are such special times, I think for the children it is filled with great excitement but for the Moms its a time when you stop and look at the stage your child is at. One birthday marks a change...as my little boy, my first born, turns into a teenager. As we sit together in the evenings when the littlest one is asleep, I know now that this is not a time to fear, it enriches us, he doesn't need me as much as he did, he is capable and balanced. (Most of the time)! Our time is now spent talking, as he questions everything, he laughs too at his silly Mom who gets her knickers in a twist and he helps me see the funny side of our life. He is a support, a helper and my friend. Sometimes when the going gets tough it is him that gives out the hugs and that fills my heart to bursting...

Have a fabulous weekend.

Pictures: (1-7) tea pot cosies and a small selection of my china cups, yes I am a collector!!! (7-13) pictures from our holiday away in our cosy cottage with a sprinkling of snow on top...oh yes and the flying dog!!!

NB: All cosies gone to new homes. Thank you :)

Missing...

2012-02-28T01:57:00.004-08:00

Missing...Blogger who has not blogged for two weeks...

I am right here, but very busy and adjusting to life after my lovely relaxing break away with my children at this beautiful cottage, ah what bliss, photo's to follow, time just chilling, no thought to clock watching and lots of our day spent outdoors playing in the snow and then warming up in the evening in front of a fire with yummy food from the local deli. Sleeping was a big feature of the week, lots of reading, a little bit of knitting and a couple of lovely visits to see a friends...
Returning back home to the usual madness and juggling too many things at once. I am getting there, there is light at the end of the tunnel... struggling with the reality of the return back to normality but helped along with a few very positive signs of spring, oh the snow drops look fabulous and cheer me up and make my heart lighter.

On the kitchen table, the heart of this home, life is busy and a bit messy, but results are on the way, working on a couple of orders, pre paring for being assessed in school and getting as much study done as possible.

I am very excited to announce I have won a couple of blogging awards from some special bloggers, I will reveal all in my next post. For now though I wanted to thank you for taking the time out to keep coming back to my hectic home, a place that shows how reality of day to day living and dreams can mix on a daily basis.

Feeling humble and thankful and a little bit excited about the lighter evenings that promise longer, brighter and warmer days ahead.

Stocking up...

2012-02-09T08:09:00.000-08:00

The cold winter weather is taking its toll on my little family...My wee one is curled up on the sofa feeling very sorry for himself, even the promise of a movie with popcorn snuggling up in a big Mommy cuddle does not raise a smile... cough cough cough... poor little poppet.
I too am still under the weather, with a cold that will not let go of me. So with the snow turning to treacherous ice on the roads, I am hunkering down and playing nurse with my littlest one and in the moments he sleeps all curled up snoring gently I have been either sitting at my desk studying or in my sewing room working on stock.
Having attending various craft fairs and shows over the holiday season I have really thought about what I make and what is worth me making. I have noticed a big trend at fairs for small but cute things, so with this in mind I have been making cute button hairbands in Japanese fabric and little fabric button earrings.
Not to mention normal button earrings, with of course the dotty red buttons.
I have really enjoyed designing the packaging and think they go very well in the fabric boxes. My packaging is rather rustic and simple so this sewn card keeps in with my Dotty Red style.
With Spring on its way (oh please please come soon) you couldn't ignore the Easter Bunny so I have made a little twist on the lavender hearts and made ickle lavender bunnies....A treat to inhale all that lavender goodness...cute cute ears!
Oh and of course everyone favourite... bunting and lots of it!!! So I feel I have some stock now, this time last year it was cushions, I have finally found a supplier for my feather pads which really helps on the price front for me.
So I carry on looking after the little one and half term approaches, I am going to sign off for the week and spend time with my family, we are off to a place with people we have not seen for a while, a big old log fire and lots of fields and woods to explore oh and I am sure we will visit the odd beach. As we escape the real world for a week I hope what ever you are doing this next week it will be a blessed time, a time of good health and laughter...and lots of it.

Snowy days...

2012-01-30T01:24:00.000-08:00

Brrrrrrrr.... its so cold at the moment. The snow has finally arrived here and bringing with it my winter cold. So feeling a little sorry for myself with all my aches and pains, tissues at the ready and revolting cough medicine at my side. I struggled on for a few days, running the children back and forth, filling the fridge up, cooking up some meals in case I got worse, so I could just pop them in the oven. I managed to get my study done and my time in school.
Then it just floored me, this little cold of mine, I gave in, I watched the weather change and turned up the heating, pulled out my favourite quilt and hit the sofa...
I managed a couple of hours, all cosy and sleepy, the puppy curled up at my feet like a little hot water bottle...I even watched a movie, well I sleepily watched a movie, the guilt I felt of lying down, even thou I was ill, overtook me. What is it about us mothers, why do we not allow ourselves the time to heal ourselves?

If our children or loved ones got ill, we would make a warm nest for them to hunker down in and feed them healing chicken soup, read to them and hug them until the illness has passed by. However when we are ill, the caretaker, the cook, the provider, we soldier on, making ourselves worse and grumpy in the process. No use to anyone really and the example we give the children is not a good one, we should take care of ourselves and drop this silly guilt.
So for the first time in years I let this guilt go...It was not easy...I looked after myself, I fed myself and allowed myself to be looked after. I slept when I needed to, I had long hot steamy baths in the evening when the boys had fallen deeply asleep, I stayed in my PJs and the sofa became my cosy place.
So after a weekend being fed nice food, being given the time to fall asleep when tiredness overtook me, managing a little hand sewing and some knitting time whilst curled up next to the fire, letting go of this guilt has been good for all of us, the children are happy and whilst I am still sniffing and coughing I do not feel angry and frustrated, I feel rested.

I believe guilt is such a curse for us mothers and I want to always let it go, I know I cant, but a little bit at a time, well it helps...

PHOTO'S 1) View from the Kitchen window, all snowy hills. 2)Lap tray of hand sewing, little corsages in the making. 3) Finished spring corsage. 4) Cutting out Spring Bunnies 5) Easter Book Covers.

Sunsets and upsets...

2012-01-17T03:28:00.000-08:00

The sun at this time of year is weak, there are no rays of warmth to bask in, the ice on the ground remains all day as the strength in the suns brightness is just not strong enough to melt it all away. When you awake and throw open your curtains and your morning greeting is the sight of a pink and orange sky with jet stripes, when you get out in the fresh air and you walk with the crunch under foot, I think the lack of warmth can be forgiven and replaced with many layers of hand knitted sweaters, hats, scarfs and even mittens, only to return home to a warm and cosy home, light up the cooker, get the water boiling and indulge in some hot chocolate and marshmallows...oh the January diet!!!
Yes indeed, the weather has been sunny and crisp under foot so the Dotty Red family have been out and about enjoying the break from the rain. The rhythm of family life continues even though life keeps throwing those curved balls at us. Whilst the orders are quiet at this time of year I am busy upping my stock.
Its funny back in September when the sun was shining and the beach called, I found it very hard to work on Christmas goodies, all that red, green and gold. Yet here I am in the depth of winter, snow threatening to fall any day now on the moors and the fabric I am holding is beach huts, sailing boats and bunting, bright and light colours.
No I find no difficulty thinking about my spring and summer collection, even if I hand sew by the fire in the evening when the little ones sleep off their days business. When I cut out patterns on the table in the kitchen to get the warmth from the soup cooking on the hob in the day, or even sit in my sewing room next to the heater, which saves me putting the heating on throughout the day and warming my hands up on hot mugs of spiced tea just to keep my hands able to move...
...my head swims with ideas, of fish, boats, little houses, caravans and or course bunting!
Ah...did I tell you I treated myself this Christmas to a little pile of felt from the lovely Sarah at Paper and String. Just in case I managed to get a few moments to myself over the busy holiday to have a play, just for fun, just for me. So when it all got a bit frantic, a bit too emotional, I snook into my room and shut the door, threaded up Chloe (my sewing machine) in some black thread and changed over my needle and foot then I played...
I made houses, boxes, glasses cases (cases all sold over December) key rings and my completely new venture... bookmarks.
Due to the amount of books I have this is something that I can not understand why I have not made some sooner, I was given a bookmark years ago, you know one of the laminated ones with this design drawn (without the flowers) so I used it for my inspiration. One is being used and it marks my place in my storybook right here next to me now.
Oh and books, I have got some fabulous books over the holidays, brimming with ideas and lots of lovely pictures. I was also lucky enough to get a years subscription to the amazing Mollie Makes magazine. This makes me very happy indeed.
Of course with the decorations down now the house looks a little empty (surly not possible here) but this lovely vase of tulips is brightening my day and helping me hold on to the thought that spring is on its way so when those upsets and curve balls come my way, I can feel the inner glow that reminds me that its the simple things in life that matter...

from my home to yours...

2012-01-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!CHRISTMAS has been a whirlwind of a time, passing by quicker than I can believe, is it my age, this awareness of the quickness of the passing of time?

Its been magical for the children whilst for this Mommy its been a rush of time watching, tidying and making merry!

As a single parent you carry with you the importance of making the memories 'extra' special and I sometimes catch myself working too hard and realise that life is something that just happens and the magic of Christmas on its own will create the memories my children will carry on into their adult lives and may be even implement similar memories (only the good stuff of course) with their own children.

The highlight of Christmas has always been, this year was no exception, the opening of the Christmas stockings, the children climb into my bed, with the glow from soft bedside light, the children blearily snuggle themselves up under the coves of my big bed all cosy with layers of quilts and bring in their stockings for us all to open together, the excitement of the days begins, right there in that moment. Its a moment that I hold in my heart and brings tears of joy to eyes every time I think about it. With family over for Christmas dinner its a busy day but this moment, this is my moment with my children, all my attention being on them and witnessing the pleasure of joy in their beautiful hearts.

The holiday went by so quickly, the snow turned in to rain and along with too much food we enjoyed a daily walk with our puppy Rosy on her first Christmas, we walked through woods, up hills, by the canal, through swamp filled fields and under railway bridges-which give a thrill of terror as a train rattles over our heads. Yes memories of Christmas 2011 have been made and placed in our hearts.

New Year was welcomed into the home of Dotty Red with a party. Every room filled with people we care for and who have a special place in my heart, children ran from room to room with laughter and mischief making! Our party theme was Strictly Come Dancing, a great opportunity to wear a flowing party dress and polish off my tiara! My youngest sadly missed out as he pulled on the many layers of my gown at 11pm and pleaded with me to let him go to sleep...bless!!!

So with friends and family around me, I counted my blessings and I welcomed the New Year in with joy all around me and excitement at the coming year. What challenges and changes will we face this year...

I wish you only the very best for the year I hope that it will be a creative and handmade year for you, with health, happiness and even some wealth in abundance... From my home to yours Happy New Year.

softly the snow falls...

2011-12-22T03:13:00.001-08:00

Shhh... whilst we sleep, all cosy in our beds, wrapped up in quilts that have been handmade and loved over the years... the snow gently and so softly falls. I awake to squeals of delight and both my children, especially my youngest, are giddy with excitement as they pull on their uggs over their PJs and rush out to play, in the dark.
...as the playing has to end so the usual day can begin, the children have to get into their uniforms and we dig out the car and head to school for another pre Christmas day of planning and organising to begin for Mom...
Its a wonderful time of year for my little family, we feel the loss of the family we once were as we make new traditions and new friends come into our lives. Its a period of change, slowly shifting and getting better, time is indeed such a healing remedy. As I decorated the house, mulled wine by my side and Andy Williams singing favourite Christmas songs I delight in the place I call home, here I am another year on, this place, this home is still ours, I wanted so much to get the move over with and be able to move on but the children want to stay and for now at this family time of year, their happiness is the priority, as I watch them running from room to room and chatting merrily about their Christmas holiday. So we cosy up for another season of joy.
Only nothing goes to plan, the usual chaos and mayhem kick in and surprises good and bad keep you on your toes. I count my blessing to keep me sane, we have a beautiful place we call home to keep the cold out, we snuggle up in our beds at night with a wonderful home cooked meal prepared with love in our tums, the house is filled with sparkle, love and most of all the sound of the children laughing, yes life can be a challenge and its constantly changing for us at the moment, but there is something so exciting and mysterious about Christmas, I have never lost that child like view of this season. With the winter solstice behind us now the day dreams drift to warmer, longer, brighter days.

The sewing is done, the making, buying, packing and wrapping, well that's all most done, the baking has begun...

My mind wanders as I mix, and stir and the aroma in the house is spiced up with cinnamon and cloves in my cooking, I think about the year gone by, so quickly and the events, the love, laughter and even tears that have made it a special year filled with special memories to treasure, I look forward to the coming year and make my plans and day dream....

Photos... 1) View from my kitchen window 2) My little ones snowy hands in homemade mittens 3) Christmas baking in my kitchen 4) Dotty Red note books 5) Dotty Red lavender hangers

All the fun of the fair...

2011-11-30T04:28:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, disappeared yet again, without a word or even a brief update. Its that time of year, the chaos sets in, every corner of my home is taken up with some form of sewing or crafty related mess, I mean goodness...as I sew away, item after item convinced I won't have enough stock...
Then the day arrives and you set up... the day goes well, a little slow this year with more thought out buying, you pack up and before you have even mixed your reward of a G and T then hovered the flint off the floor its time to start again... another week...
Just as I was on a roll, pulling it all together... EMERGENCY... Chloe (my beloved sewing machine) broke down, lots of nasty thread pulled through all my sewing... panic... felt sick... almost cried...
In six hours I had an order to go in the post, zips to sew in (just look at that mess) and over a hundred button labels to make... no machine...
Four hours later after a visit to the sewing machine man of the North West my machine was up and running and I was ready to go...

Oh Happy Days...

Get the making started...

2011-11-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

It is now safe to say that Christmas is on its way and in true Dotty Red style I am rushing around and filling every spare moment with getting my Christmas stock together...
I have a little love affair going on with felt. I can not buy enough and then turn it in to Dotty Red goodness...
along with my trusty sewing machine and scraps of fabric I just couldn't part with I have been putting together little pastel book covers (books included). Reminding me of sugar almonds...
I am just loving this free form embroidery and really can not get enough of it, as an arty type I love the way its like drawing with your sewing needle...
My favourite book cover to make is the larger book, with the Christmas Pud, using pretty East of India ribbons for the spine of the cover...
With Christmas wishes sewn on I think these would make great stocking fillers or with a set of felt pens and pencils a great present as a journal, or in my case, a recipe book.
Of course Christmas making would not be complete without Jingle Bells... added on to some lavender hearts.
OK it might not be Christmas goodness but I couldn't resist adding in some sewing time to make some of my seaside bits and bobs...
stuffed fish...
a whole catch in fact! Made using lovely fabric, finally using some of my Laura Ashley pure linen and vintage fabrics reminding me of deck chairs in the rain. I am missing the summer...BIG TIME!
Whilst I sew away my little companion gets a little fed up with the lack of attention...
so with all that making maybe its time to walk the pup... no wait... lets just make a little more...

Have a great weekend and whatever your making or doing I wish you a happy time.

WALKIES!!!

Adjustment

2011-11-01T04:37:00.000-07:00

Welcoming in November...Just a little word or two to say hello...

Life is full of stitching

walking the dog

time with my boys

cleaning the house for prospective buyers

making plans for my families future

college work

class preparation

clearing up the leaves in the garden

sorting out finances

solicitors meeting

and more sewing

all this and all the usual Mommy duties...

enjoying the beautiful countryside, seeing the leaves dropping, the landscape changing, the Moors that surround my home turning to their winter colour like a blanket of grey-ness being folded over them...

did I say more sewing...

Feeling a little stressed, a lot blessed and most definitely loved...

Jam on...

2011-10-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

With the acceptance of Autumn, once finally accepted I have fallen head over heals in love with all things that mean autumn...with a pile of fruit
spices and vinegar...
my much lusted for and finally in my mitts... jam pan...
some sweet little jars...
with some super cute DOTTY RED lids :)
a little stash of home cooking, Domestic Goddess styled work has been going on here...
The labels are on and they have been hidden in a dark cupboard to mature all ready for Christmas giving...
and my beautiful, making me happy, finally bought after years of wanting - jamming pan - goes back in the box.

YUM!

Have you seen my glasses...

2011-10-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Its very easy to fall in to a rut with sewing, I keep sewing, I know what works, I can do it and it sells. Great...but sometimes its nice to take time out and have a play.
I am still on the hamster wheel trying to get so much done and yet I don't feel like anything is happening, but it is. One of my 'littlies' went into hospital which of course was stressful, he came out without any damage done and in fact he was chipper, so with a day off taken to recuperate along side him, I had images of reading to him, making him comfortable, healing chicken soup cooking on the hob... how wrong I was, his capacity to bounce back was astounding.
So we spent a day at home, we had some yummy food to see us through the day, we started the day curling up on the sofa together, it was not long before he wanted to go off and do his own thing, so whilst he built a Lego Star Wars Ship I made a pot of tea and went into my sewing room.
It was a treat to have some free and unexpected time so I enjoyed the time playing.

As a constant cry from me before we rush out the house is "Have you seen my glasses" - well no more, I have my very own free form embroidery glasses case, I liked them so much I made a few, I think they are a nice line to add to the Christmas fairs. I loved picking the fabric and matching them up with buttons and ribbons and they are very squishy as I used my best iron on padding. I have not shown them to anyone yet so as usual I am a little nervous about them. I did pop into a friends gift shop and she has some similar (only factory made) and I was told they had sold well, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Its also an excuse to use my new labels...I am pleased with the quality of these, nice and thick.
In the evenings this week I have been taking to curling up on the sofa with a glass of red wine and my tray of hand sewing... its starting to look a lot like Christmas here!!!
Indeed I have accepted that the summer is over and the Autumn season is passing through... so its Hot Chocolate time with marshmallow treats...
Just what you need to warm up after a wet dog walk...I love living near the canal...Photo not out of focus, just lots of rain!

Have a great weekend!

Blowing in the wind...

2011-10-04T01:36:00.000-07:00

A person post...

Indeed life is testing but I was truly blessed with a weekend full of memories that I will be able to draw on as we go into the colder crisper days ahead. Things get on top of me sometimes and I feel like I am wading through fog as I cope with so many changes, as a whole I am a positive person but these last couple of years have really shown me how quick your life, with no choice of your own, can turn your world upside down. Not to be too down in the mouth all the time I do need to say it has also given me moments of feeling completely alive and living right in the very moment. Its given me a one off opportunity to get the life I want, that I was maybe too scared of the unknown before or simple just in too much of a comfort zone to make changes or take any chances.Things change here on a weekly basis, I am rolling with those changes now, they don't scare me much anymore, sometimes I even embrace them. A few simple fact sees me through, I love my children and they will always be my priority, but I have learnt that I count too. If I am balanced I mother better and see the direction I want my life to go in despite others trying to take away our pride. I have found the last few weeks so testing as the summer ends and I accept my role in society as a women trying to provide for her children, a single parent. I was so close to making my sewing a proper business, to be able to work with my hands and put food in our tummies and keep us warm. The dream is not given up on, I have orders to fulfill and opportunities just keep popping up. I need to combine and multitask like never before. I encourage my children to follow their dreams yet responsibility and conformity have won on this point for me and my little family. So was it just a coincidence that as I settle to this change and the melancholy I feel to the change of the season the weekend brings me sunshine, time with a loved one and friendship.
Rosy the pup found her sea legs and totally enjoyed the experience as we plunged through the calm sea waters with the wind in our faces...
Paddling and then swimming in the clearest of waters on the 1st October. Rosy the pup played with her doggy friend on the beach all day as happy as dog should be with freedom to play, pounce and dig.
I looked at my surroundings and felt peace fill my soul.
I saw the colours of summer turn to the richness of autumn and it made me smile...
As the light of the day seemed to end too soon. At the close of the day good food, drink and a warming fire was shared with friends. Yes I learnt that around every corner of the pathway of our lives we are given just what we need to lift our heart and soul. A busy week ahead with lots of meetings and yet more new experiences to work through, also a very nervous time as my eldest son goes in to hospital on Thursday. These memories will keep me calm.

Of course with all this personal chatter I am aware that I sound like I am not creating, don't worry I have not lost the plot, my sewing is part of my everyday day life and indeed without this creative living I would be in a sorry state. So it being October and with my felt box out to play I have been 'bat'ting a few ideas around.
A while ago I knitting some adorable bats for my little ones, but when I saw a photograph of these pretties I thought I must have ago myself, so off I went and made a couple before before I was happy with the design... and after an afternoon of cutting, sewing and stuffing... here are my bats.

I have been asked to make some pumpkins to go with them... er, need to go and play again to see what I can come up with. I thank you for your comments and emails, your support is such a special thing and sometime I just have to be a little more personal than crafty...

Transition...

2011-09-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

Longing for the cool clear sea water to be sloshing over my toes, listening to my babes as they squeal with delight as another day at the seaside awaits them. Thinking about what to pack up in the picnic and have I got enough towels for wrapping us up all warm and cosy after a dip in the water. The feeling of my skin at the end of the day being sunkissed as I wash away the suncream...

The transition to Autumn is a hard one for me, everyday I read how so many fellow bloggers adore this season, its colour, crisp leaves under foot and homemade soup... why oh why do I only see it as the season that ends my summer..

Indeed I have been a poor blogger as I adjust to this transition, I am nearly there...starting to enjoy the walks in the woods while the children kick up the leaves. Nearly there at finding yet another new rhythm to my daily family routine. With a college course, extra study time and 'Dotty Red' keeping me happily busy, also changes for the children, the first time they have had to have childcare, dinners that are sometime thrown together at the end of a busy day, not been able to spend time chatting and more time just doing...
Yes changes all round, forgive me whilst I adjusted to this and I promise, if only to myself, I will get back into blogging, I will find a time that allows me the creative space to witter on about creative living...

A blessing my way as the summer returns for a few days... off to the beach and time to play in the sea... Have a great weekend and I thank you from my heart for bearing with me.

Felt cat pins for winter coats and woolly sweaters...actually I have had a bit of a run on playing with my felt, I have a supplier of lovely mixed wool felt and made a little stash so when the evenings end early because of no day light, to chase the blues away I have been cutting, sewing, adding beads, little eyes, some stuffing and pins... results next week....;)

Tea and cake

2011-09-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Tick tock tick tock... time is passing by and I feel I am not getting to the place I want to be. With post holiday blues hitting my soul and a never ending list of things to accomplish its all a little overwhelming.

So lists are drawn up and future plans are made with dates by their side to get them finished by...
Once this was done it all seemed a little more manageable. So I allowed myself the luxury of time in my sewing room, putting together some stock and working on some new designs for the next season.
I try with all my being to not morn the loss of summer, I find it hard to get excited about Autumn, yes I love the changing leaves but I know soon the leaves will be gone, the sky will be grey and the ground wet and cold. So imagine my delight when the day I had given myself to work on my textiles the sun came out, dried up the grass and the sky was a beautiful milkie blue.
The chores got done, beds made, breakfast dishes washed, hovering done, meal prepared for the slow cooker... then I was a off to the sewing room, the best room in the house... wait!!!
I can not go indoors whilst the sun is out. So the sewing room was taken outside, I worked on the patio table and hand sewed on my swing seat which offers views over the changing pennine hills from green to rustic golden hues.
Playing was intended and I put the feed dogs down on my trusty sewing machine and drew with thread...
Tea cups and cup cakes...
using the lovely linens I had picked up over the holidays and lots of pretty scraps of vintage fabric...
Finishing them off with some beautiful East of India ribbon and of course a Dotty Red heart label. What a productive time...

Today I am in school with my 'teachers assistant' hat on and I have committed to my next level course, scared the cost will ruin me and scared it will take away from my sewing just as it seems to be establishing itself as a possible career. Dreams of opening up a shop with beautiful textiles and classes on design will have to wait as I try my hand at the real world and complete my qualifications. I guess as I have no idea where I will be living in a year it is the more sensible option but its the option that takes me away from my children and means childcare costs. My theory being its about time I was a grown up with a career that most people consider 'proper' under my belt... don't you just loath conformity!!!

So with all this thinking done its time to head off to the Island again this weekend for some much needed time on the beach, walking the dog, the smell of the sea air and the feeling of being at peace with my surroundings and of course too much hot chocolate and cake from the beach cafe...

Have a great weekend.

(Blog post typed in lunch break between playing with the dog and making lunch... Ahhhhhhh and spell checker is not working, accept my apologies!!!)

Forward planning...

2011-09-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

With our last memory of the beach this summer, moments before our drive back to reality. Splashing in the chilled water, a kite flapping in the wind and searching out the pennies for an ice cream or two... the return to the Island for the final days of summer was indeed the best decision. I am so touched by your comments both on the last post and email. I can not express how they warm my heart. So with the end of the holidays the sewing steps up a level and its time to stock up ready for the craft fairs and Christmas goodness. Over the summer I spent a little bit of time designing a new range for the coming season. This is one of my free form machine embroidery designs made into a cushion. I have to confess I have fallen just a little bit in love with denim jean fabric. I love its firmness especially when its teamed up with soft, pretty delicate fabrics, such a happy contrast. I have plans to make more of these and also use the design for fabric zipper bags, Santa gift bags and fabric tags.
In keeping with the denim fabric I tweaked my boat design, the denim works really well, it keeps the boat shape and of course is filled with lavender for that extra summery sense.
Little boats also, actually I played with this design in the summer and just made three, however I have had very good feedback and have since made quite a few more, I like the little ones as I can play about with different fabrics and again the boat is filled with lavender.
Another new design for me, my little 'Rosy' Lavender pups. Its a simple design and one that is I have seen as many things and in many places, this however is my own self drawn design, it lies flat so can either be a pin cushion or popped in a draw to keep your 'panties' lavender fresh...
and it would not have been summer without a few camper van designs, oh how we have missed our camper, this keyring design turned out better than my last design which looked more like an oncoming train...
A little Dotty Red update, lots of bits and peaces that make up my collection. Lots more planned and I am in the process of purchasing all things red and green... ribbons, buttons, felt and fabrics!

My boys are back in school now and I start back in school this Friday, at the moment for one day a week, college is still under consideration as I try and work out my finances. The seven weeks holiday with my boys was such a blessing and has grounded me and helped me think more clearly about the direction and rhythm I want my life and my families life to go. There are so many obstacles yet to get over, but I am now running at them with the mind set to hurdle rather than running blindly in the dark. In just a few days of returning home my seaside retreat feels like a happy dream, yet I wake up to sand in my bed and the biggest mountain of washing that is sitting in a corner threatening to take over my home yet I do seem to have the ability to walk past it and kid myself its not there, the elephant in the room... ice creams stained, sea salted smelling, with smears of suncream washing. Can I really wash the memories out of our summer clothes. (OK OK! I AM, I ADMIT, JUST LOOKING FOR AN EXCUSE NOT TO DO IT) !!!

Coming to an end...

2011-08-31T00:20:00.000-07:00

The summer break is coming to an end and my heart is heavy, oh so heavy. Its been a time of huge highs and quite deep lows. My children have given beautiful joy and light into my world at every turn. How lucky I have been to have such a special friend who has allowed my little family the use of their beach retreat for the whole of the holidays. It was the most painful loss to me when through my divorce the children lost their much loved caravan by the sea. Its not the caravan that we morn, it was the way of life, their friends, safety, confidence, fun and of course beach time all centered around this place and for my youngest it was all he had known. Of all the loss this was the hardest because I am reminded of it daily as my children struggle to comprehend why it went. Their loss was eased by a new place, a new beach to discover and new friends to make. Indeed, it has been a fabulous summer for them with lots of new and exciting things experienced and of course some very crucial down time, or as my children say 'Chillax time'.
I drove home for the day and as I battled my way through rain, traffic, motorways and then once home I headed off to the local supermarket I felt my stress levels heighten. With the boys out on playdates I stole a moment whilst I battled through the pile of washing and gave this emotion some thought, literally whilst sat on the kitchen floor folding laundry. I have just spent seven weeks on an island, living with the basics and in a small space, my garden has been a field and my horizon has been the sea, eating outdoors most meal times, shopping for food in local stores, making small talk with locals, driving around country roads which involved lots of reversing if on the odd time you meet another car! Not wearing a watch and listening to my own body clock, my natural rhythm, for the first time in three years I have slept through the night without waking to my head whirling through things I have done and yet to do. I have been a better mother, laughing instead of crying and once again I have seen the beauty in all the things around me. I laughed as my new hand cream did indeed make me feel happier... the small things that when rushing at living you just don't notice. Yes seven weeks of bliss, making new friends and rediscovering that my creativity was stirring in me again with pleasure.

So then I return and I look at my life, my home which know feels soulless, worrying about the future, with the bill of the divorce to pay I am now unable to meet the payment for my college course yet alone pay for the washing machine which has finally given up the battle to keep going.

So many things to think about and my eldest son points out that the changes in me by coming home. Is this really the place I want to be in, surrounded by the painful memories of my old life.

To big a question to deal with just know... so with five days left of the holidays before the new school year starts and the clock watching begins I have arranged a friend of look after the house and the boys, our pup, the guinea pig and me are packing off to our island life again...

You cant beat a little escapism...

Summer time blessings...

2011-08-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Just one more week left of our long summer holiday, a time of so many blessings, love, laughter and outdoor family time plus sharing precious moments with friends... my sewing room has moved to the beautiful outdoors, a spot I am able to watch my children run around the fields or simply curl up on the hammock with books or paper and pencils.
Enjoying simple meals in the fresh air with such prettiness around us...
many walks along stunning beaches...
watching our little pub grow by each passing week and gaining more confidence day by day, she makes me smile and warms my heart...
ending days snuggling up around fires and gaining summer 'puppy fat' from too many toasted marshmallows.

There has been a few tears, my divorce came through after almost three years trying to gain closure, of course along with it came the most ridiculous bill, the story that only the solicitors gain at divorce is one I can well and truly agree with. AOL went down so no internet for most of the holidays and it took so long to get back on line as I tried to prove I was indeed the owner and bill payer of the phone line. An unexpected call back home from my beach retreat as I had an attempted break in, not a lot to take from my house unless you like vintage goodies and fabric.

All this however could not over cast the beautiful time I have spent with my children, the memories of this summer will certainly keep us warm as we move from through into the Autumnal season.

Dotty Red has been busy this summer and the machine has hummed along to the rhythm of the day and by the time the holiday has come to an end all orders should be completed and then its time to start on the Christmas designs... Ahhhhhh did I really say Christmas?

Wishing you only the best as we start the bank holiday and then enjoy the last few days of the holidays...

life is a beach....

2011-07-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh what happiness! We have found our summer groove...
blue skies...
chrystal clear blue sea and yellow sand...
a little excitement...
ice cream smeared faces, sandy toes and fury friends...

Evenings spent to the gentle hum of the sewing machine, busy, busy busy...

Yes this last week has been bliss... busy making memories, hope your memories are precious too.

Will be back next week.