Life in progress

Last year I had a complete different Christmas. I was at home with a three weeks old burn-out. I was really sick at that time and had no idea if I would make this years Christmas. Not that I wanted to die but I had no sight on the future. Everything was black. Real dark, dark black.

This year is so different and I'm looking back (and forward) now and realize how much I grew and changed last year. I'm not there, I'm still on the journey and learning but I've come so far already. I still have things to sort out, decisions to make and I have to find that sweet, kind and loving man to spend the next Christmas (and the future) with. Some things take time.. I know. But Christmas always reminds a single that he or she is single..

My parents are not the 'talking' types. But they support me on their own way. I spend Christmas evening and first Chrismas day at my parents. When I came home my dad give me this magazine with an article he wanted me to read. It's a piece in the 'Libelle' (a dutch magazine) where people were asked ' Where are you in ten years?' . My dad wanted me to read this (send in) letter:

That one man...

'I'm almost 33 and single. Maybe that's why I'm thinking more about the future in this point of my life. I live the life of an adult woman but I feel like an unexperienced girl, for whom life still has to start.

In ten years everything will be different. Then I found that one man I feel good with. That one man I can laugh with and still tickles me after years. We live in an old house that we renovated ourselves. We have a good social life with friends and familiy. It could be that I want children as soon as I found that man but maybe not because I love the freedom now. But always will the kids of my sister be so important to me.

If I believe my carreer is important, is a question. I found my ultimate job now and for the first time in my life I'm seriously thinking of working less. Because my free time became very important to me. I just have to find that special man to spend my free time with. '

I was touched that my dad wanted me to read this. My dad isn't a talker but he knows me and loves me. He knows I'm finding my way now, and he also knows I do want that man, when time is ready. This is his way to reassure me, everything is going to be fine.. Everything.

It's like with this Dutch movie 'Everything is love' .... ' You are waiting for that right guy but what are you doing in the meantime?' And that not only the deal with love. It's the same with life. Waiting for happines or joy? Fine! But what are you doing in the meantime?

Merry Christmas!

(see flickr for the refers to the pictures)

For a few years now I'm a real Serious Request listener/watcher. For the ones who don't know what that is.. Our radio station 3fm (http://www.3fm.nl/) locks up 3 dj's in a glass house for six days, this year in Groningen. They don't eat, and make radio for 6 days. You can do radio requests for money, do stuff for money, everything just to get money for the Red Cross. This year for the fight against Malaria.

Every year I think it's overwhelming how the whole country have all these actions, children that give their saving money, do jobs for money, businesses that give their tips.. You cannot imagine! In these six days mostly they raise about 4 million euro's. I'm so glad that more and more countries do this (Belgium, Sweden, Switserland). It's so heartwarming!

Me, I stopped sending Christmas cards and donate that money (25 euro) every year. So to all the people that send me a Christmas card... Thank you so much!! Here's your 'card' and a hugh thank you from me, the Red Cross and 3fm.

And to you all..

'Have a great Christmas!! Enjoy these days. Be creative. Love your friends and family! And don't eat too much..."

*liset

'New York' baby blanket

For a while now I'm working on a whole collection items made with old (secondhand) 100% wool blankets. It's a time taking proces to find good blankets, wash and dry them (pfff!!), figure out correct patterns and find out a way to work with the material. But I love the (sustainable) collection that's coming out and I made, and am making, all different items like blankets, cushions, bags and notebook covers for my shop. Still working on the website! Sorry that is taking so long!



Here's already a sneak preview from one of the baby blankets. It's about 70 x 100 cm and this one is named 'New York'. As said, the whole line is made with wool blankets (all washed up!) and I work with thick (really thick.. for example in the blanket goes about 1 km thread) ridges and seams in contrasting colors. Curious what you think about it??!!
Meanwhile it's busy here while working on this line, being with my niece, and seeing other friends, with Christmas coming up (still need to do all my shopping!) but I'm definitely not complaining! Hope you are handling in these busy times!? And all the Dutchies are enjoying the snow!?

(the backside, or if you wish the front..)

Little girl

The little girl is doing great! I'm here for a few days and she's the most lovely girl in the whole world. And although she had some starting problems, now she's doing so well. Great eating, good pees, so little crying and so much laughing!
So I'm enjoying Olivia here at my sister and brother-in-law for the last days, the snow we have (!!!) and I'll be back tomorrow or Sunday with crafty news!

Color your own life

It's been weird weeks here... I have a lot of decisions to make and most of them aren't the easiest ones. I guess that's normal after a burn-out but at the moment it feels that not only I changed so much in the last year, it feels like my life is making a hugh switch now.

One of these hugh switches, is that I made the decision to stop teaching for a while. And that was a hard choice because I love teaching, I love the students, the classes but I can't work in an enviroment that's organized so bad. And it's really bad at the moment, so I have to protect myself and get out. So I talked to my manager and now we are going to search for a solution, a different function. I hope that goes well, I have no idea... But I made the decision and that's step one, isn't it?

I need to make more decisions but at the moment I know what I want but not how to reach that. Or I know what I don't want but don't know what I want then.. So I guess that needs time.

In the meantime I'm working on all different kind of things. Too much different things at the same time but that's me. And also me, is that I can go so fast that I'm already working on a new project, while the one that's just finished is already sold, away or in my closet (and I forgot to show you!).

Like this one. I made this in the summer!!! A cool, crocheted, cotton pencilholder. One were a child can put the pencils back in the same color box, so it's educational too! I guess I was reminded by it because I named this on 'Color your own life'.

In store

Busy days but finally I can put the new 'Wrist Warms' in the shop. I'm working on these quit a while now but now I finally finished them. I had, and still working on, a lot of earwarmer assignments but now I'm out of these and have a new item for the winter and a lovely present for under the Christmas tree.
I made all these Wrist Warms. Really thick, warm wool fingerless gloves. Off course all handmade, crocheted and all unique, different. The basic is the same and they all are smaller at the wrist, so that suits the best. They are all finished different because I like to work with the yarn, in the proces, see what is the best.. The white one has a picot ridge on both sides, the blue one has a plain, lilac ridge and the brown blended has small thumbs! See in the shop!
Enjoy your weekend! Hope to find some time to catch up on your blogs and show you other new projects.

Catches

Did some thriftstore catches again. I'm searching there and find what I need, but that's something I can't show you yet. That has to be made first! hahaha.. All these other catches are just 'extra's'. Some great fabrics, some fabulous, old embroidered tablecloths and this great chrocheted blanket.
Oh and tommorrow I'll add some great fingerles mittens in the store! And all the stars are going in the mailbox today (jolanda can you give me your email?). I raised 25 euro for the AIDS foundation. Thank you all for buying!

The first, second and third are tablecloths and the other ones are bedsheets..

Don't you think the first one is great?? I love that one. I'm soon making a right sized cushion to put in. The other two are handmade embroidered tablecloths.

And these are just cute potholders!

Presents

Thank you all for being so supporting with my new niece! She's doing very well now. She's eating much, much better! Now she askes for food and earlier on she didn't, and kept sleeping. And if she ate, you had to push it in. But not anymore! She's doing great now!

I made some small handmade presents. I was still working on them when my sister called that Olivia was taken to the hospital and asked me if I wanted to come and help, so I didn't have much time. I already made her a bunting which I had with me the last time. And then the birth came, so I hung them up on Saterday morning. And forgot to take a picture.

Then I made a personal cushion. I made those before and off course Olivia had to have one too. I don't think the combination of the fabrics are chosen very well... That could have been better. But then again, it's oke! Then I crocheted a tiny winter hat. Just a small, plain but thick white hat with a large pompom on it.

Present three is a small beaded key chain with Olivia's name on it. That's for my sister. She loved that one! So I'm going to search for some bigger beads with letters to make a soothercord with.

And the fourth present isn't something I made but what I've ordered.. I can't show you now because I couldn't give it yet. It was delivered at my home while I was with my sister. And I know they read my blog (and all your reactions, they love) so I'll show you when I have given it.

So this was a week... I won't forget very soon. I'm pretty exhausted right now. My life already was in a rollercoaster and now it feels like the speed is up and there are more loops to handle. You know, I'm 32 and seeing all babies being born around me isn't always easy. It confronts me with myself too. Being single, recovering from a burnout and focussing on what to do with my future, workwise is a whole different fase. And not a fase that's easy, or you want to be in. And I know, it takes time and every life goes as it goes but sometimes I would wish things were more easy. And different as they are now.

Oh, and thank you for all the great responses on my World AIDS day action. I'm working on the stars and I'm almost done with all the sets. So I can post them this week. So everyone who ordered a set... I'll mail you all this week!! As you hopefully can imagine I didn't do any mail last week. And because I wasn't at home or on my job, I need to work on that before I get to the 'nice stuff'.

Quik update

Suddenly Olivia wasn't eating very well, she lost weight and didn't pee much. So last thuesday evening my sister and Olivia were both admitted in the hospital. It turned out that her blood was a bit too thick. She got a drip (for the dutch, dit is een infuus) and a gavage (sondevoeding) to help her a bit. My sis asked me to come help and support and off course I did.
So I'm here again and spend the last two days in the hospital and making sure everything at home is going well (I know now new moms have a lot off laundry!!). And now, I can tell you that both girls are coming home this morning. Olivia is doing well now!! She is eating better and more, she pee's a lot (also when you change a diaper!!) and her blood is fine again. How great is that?!!

So this afternoon she and my sister can sleap in their own beds. And me.. still helping out and spoiling my new niece. I made her some handmade presents (I'll show you soon) and today (at my home) her present is arriving. And because she's so tiny, she doesn't have clothes that fit. So last monday I made a package with some fitting clothes and send it here. But yesterday I had an hour to get in town and I think I bought about fifteen clothing items. So I agreed with myself that I can't buy her anything more untill Christmas. Otherwise I'm going broke and Olivia will be too spoiled. See at the picture below, she's winking to you, to tell you she has her aunt in her pocket!!!

World AIDS day

As said yesterday, with my short term plan, today is World AIDS day. Time to reflect on the 33 million aids/hiv infected people on the world. To be aware that every 12 seconds someone gets infected with hiv. To know that AIDS is the biggest threat for our children because every minute two children get infected with hiv and every minute a child looses his parents because of AIDS and at this point we have 15 million AIDS orphans (which is almost the poplulation of Holland).


I want to be aware, pay attention and participate on this theme, that involves everyone. To participate I thought I could make sell some Christmas stars for the Aids Foundation. Because 5 euro saves a babies from being born without hiv while the mother is infected, I'll sell some sets of stars for 5 euro (I'll pay the sendingcosts). So buying a set, is as saving a child.

I already sold 5 sets (I don't even have that amount of stars yet..) which is 25 euro for the Aids Foundation. But please, please follow my example. Like Miekk's (already selling, so buy there some beautiful fabric hearts!!!!!!!) and Hutsefluts (later this week) are doing! Check their blog to buy!!!! But you too.. sell something! Save a baby and get great handmade stuff (for Christmas)!!Even tomorrow, or the day after, or after.. It's never, never to late..

Please join!!

First of all, thank you so much for all your kind and wonderful reactions on the birth of my niece, Olivia!! I, but also the new mom and dad, enjoyed all your lovely responses! Thanks you, thank you so much!

The wonderful little girl and her mom are doing just fine. She is two weeks earlier so she's a bit tiny and light, so her temperature and feeding is important. But she's doing great! And my sister is fine too. She was so great during the delivery. I know now I have a real tough and strong sister!

Babies are our future. Our children are our future. And every child has the right to be born safe and without any disease. Especially if it is not necessary to be born with hiv. As you probably know, it only costs 5 euro to deliver a baby healthy while her/his mom is hiv positive.

Tomorrow is World AIDS Day and every year I try to pay attention to the AIDS problem in the world. But 'strangly' I want to do something more this year, then just give the attention.

I'm making these crocheted star ornaments for Christmas. Tomorrow I'm going to sell some sets for the AIDS fonds for 5 euro. I'll pay the sending costs and the 5 euro goes to the AIDS foundations. So please buy a set and save a baby!!

BUT I want to buy something from you too!! It would be so nice iff you can 'hand make' something small, sell it for 5 euro and donate that to the AIDS fonds. Please participate!!!! That would be sooooo nice!!! We could share so much handmade gifts and raise money at the same time. And I know it's the last moment... That's me. But it are small gifts. And maybe you have something lying around.. Or you can make a sample and see how much you 'sell' and make it later.. Be creative!!

And PLEASE make a post on your blog about it, to sell and invite more people to join!!!

Welcome beautiful Olivia

Welcome little princess!

Welkom Olivia!

Last night I stayed over at my sister and brother-in-law. It would be the last time I could spend time with them without their new baby. And then it happened!!!

This morning at 7 o'clock my sister woke me because the contractions started . At eight the midwife came but there wasn't anymore time to go to the hospital. I'm proud to tell you I was there, I helped deliver and at 8:37 my sister and brother-in-law became parents from the healthy and very beautiful Olivia!

So short post! I'm still here, helping and supporting. But damn, how proud I am. On the beautiful, little girl, my sister who was so great during the delivery and my brother-in-law who was so calm and supporting. Woh, how an amazing experience...

Be aware: Picture bomb!

BE AWARE: A lot of pictures are coming up! I did a round thriftstores today and I have to show you (ahum..some) of my catches! I'm smiling, I'm happy!!!!

Above pictures are not crocheted by me but it's from the thriftstore. It's a smashing orange, hugh two-person cotton blanket made with filet crochet. And although I can make one myself, not for 8 euro...


Couldn't resist this vintage toilet roll holder.




And this leather back for less than 2 euro had to be mine too..

Off course I always check and search for old craftbooks.

Today was a great day!

... in some of the books these patterns of flower embroidery...

I'm not religious but this print was attracting me. The print of Jesus has something magical in it and because the line under it is about eating, I bought it for my kitchen.

And what about this one?? A crocheted skirt! And in purple too! It's a bit too big but I'm going to find something on that. Can you imagine I paid one euro for this one?

In every thriftstore I search for these cups. I'm in love with this print. Today was my lucky day! I found four cups and all are 100% intact.



Old tablecloth with a lovely print.

Real brown vintage ribbon. Love it! And the whole roll for 2,50 euro.. Would you leave it there? And I don't know what I'm going to do with the coloured rope-like ribbon. I think it could be very handy to use in making handles for a bag. Or maybe you have other ideas?

Kit! Nice to meet you!

I bought this fabric last year on the market in the Hague. I thought she was/is a lovely, little girl and she is perfect to make a doll from her. Firm fabric, not to much details around her, right size, about 37 cm long and I love the drawing of her.
So finally today... hahaha, after and being busy with a lot of crochet projects, I wanted to do some sewing. Some simple sewing which made this the best project. Just some neat cutting, neat sewing, stuffing and closing and tadaa! Ohh, and I chose fuchsia pink terry for her back. Love the combination of two different materials in this one. And of course she's named. 'Kit', nice to meet you!

'You are my sunshine' hat

For the swap with Floortje I designed a new hat and I loved that one very much! I'm already working on a new one but in the meantime I made one in baby size (those were all the threads to finish, a few posts back). My friends son tried it on but it was too small! And he's just two months.. I think it would fit a newborn baby but this is not the model or right thickness for a newborn. Grrrr.. that's really something I'm struggeling with all the time when I make a baby or childs hat. Always trouble with finding the right, fitting size. And never with adult hats. Weird.

Enjoy your weekend!