Thank you and other things

First of all I have to say thank you. If there is anything more overwhelming than a cancer diagnosis, it's the amount of love I've felt from the people who care about me. For that I can't thank you enough. I wrote the last post because I selfishly needed to get it out of my system. You responded in the most wonderful and generous way.

I found this, (which is an approximation of a quote by a chap called Og Mandino)...

I love the light because it shows me the way, yet I endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.

I'm not usually one for deep and meaningful quotes but that (and some others that you have sent me) have resonated. The week I was diagnosed I think I was in shock. I sat in the garden and I swear the sun was brighter, the trees were greener, the air smelled sweeter, the shout of 'Mom!' pulled more on my heartstrings than ever. I felt as though I noticed every tiny thing about life and nature, every birdsong, every bright petal on every plant. Everything was heightened. It's hard to explain, but it was as though life had suddenly turned the volume up to the max and it was deafening.

But you must know that I'm not one for moping about. The shock has subsided and life marches on in many new and exciting directions. I have a project in mind that I will work on during my treatment. I hope that you will support me with it if you can. I am working on getting it set up now and will let you know what I've been dreaming up as soon as possible.

In between times I have not been lounging around too much. I've sewn quite a lot including this assortment of clothes...

First up this jacket, which because of the heatwave I've not worn once. Part lined with this nice soft collar/lapel I think it will be quite wearable once the weather cools down a bit. It's a pattern by Sew to Grow. I've done it in a lightish-weight denim with a fine cotton lining. I found setting in the sleeves was a pain, I'm so used to sewing in sleeves flat. I'm sure if I had a bit more patience they would have turned out better. I found the shoulders quite wide on me so I did a little adjustment which perhaps altered things.

The heatwave also dictated that shorts were required. These two pairs were made from fabric in the stash and were a big hit. So much so that she and I went online and ordered this little selection. Since then two more pairs have been made in the 'bees' and 'sausage dogs'. I do love making kids' clothes. They hardly need any fabric and these are working out at about £1.50 a pair. Can't argue with that! The shorts are an Ottobre pattern and like everything I've sewn by them, went together like a dream. You can literally have a pair of these cut out, sewn, pressed and on in half an hour. Give or take, depending on your helper! 

I needed new summer trousers so have done these two. I will have to get someone to take a photo of me wearing the black pair, I could only manage an ankle shot on my own! Nicknamed my clown trousers, they are super-comfortable in this weather. Course you don't have to elasticate the ankle if you're not in the mood for walking round like a genie escaped from its bottle. Another Ottobre pattern and very fast to sew, just two different pattern pieces and a quick method for popping in the waist elastic. (I'll have to show you that at some point).

Catch up again very soon.

Love Laura
xx