QUIET JOY

 

 

 

Trouble with joy is, that it doesn't always come when you want it to come. It's not something you can plan, or expect. You need to take it when it creeps up and surprises you. Unexpected joy. That's the kind I like. A small piece of something which goes just right, or a small leaf found on a cold blustery day. Or a song on the radio that brings back memories. How is our joy+ride going....well our ride this week has been difficult. A sewing machine in for repair threatened to overturn the sewing side of things, but was returned in time for some serious sewing today. The second meal I did was something I've done before, but not for a while, and it was nice to have something warm and wintery without being heavy, to make the effort to buy ingredients, and to enjoy watching the children attempt to eat it. The room being cleared never happened. Instead I reached a point of exhaustion dealing with a willful-energetic-determined-screeching-banshee of a two year old who is totally adorable but also totally at odds with me at the moment. If it wasn't for the help of some beautiful people in my life, I'd have been a worse mess on Friday than the crying mother dissolving in a tearful heap over a cup of coffee.

A chance to breathe. A chance for some quiet. Such simple concepts, often so hard to come by.

A chance to sew. A family giving me some space to breathe and work. This little cape pattern has been in my head for a long time, too long. I knew I wanted to make some for the markets next weekend, but needed the push to get it going. It took a while to get the pattern shape right, and even more tinkering with fabric prototypes to get it to work. But they're done - a little cape, to wrap across the shoulders, to wear with jeans, and skirts and long sleeved tops in deep colours. A slightly funnelled neck, to give it some shape. Grey wool weave with Bird Textiles lining and grossgrain ribbons to tie at the front in big bows. The one shown has a very dark brown and cream lining with a large graphic print.

And there's a red lined version - there's always something with red! A more delicate print, just as bold.

Comments

[andrea]

thats beautiful!

[kyrie]

You're right, I AM SQUEALING!!!!

Love the red-lined one the best best.

[Kate Dixon]

The capes look amazing! Well done Al...amongst all the chaos you still manage to create something so serene - something to be truly proud of and admired for. I hope you have a wonderful Mothers Day...you deserve it.

[Amy (badskirt)]

gorgeous Alison. I like the red one, but this freen tie really appeals to me. I can't wait to see them in person at FK this weekend.

[charlotte]

i just utterly love the green.
i love that green right now.

astrid loves the red one best.

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !!!!!!!!!!

[frog]

oh, how utterly and simply beautiful. I've just been thinking about making a little joy for myself - and this unexpected piece helps!

[theresa/t does wool]

these are soooooooo darn cute...so cute!!!

[The Antidote]

I love these, I like the structure they have. I adore the red lined one x

[Alison]

'willful-energetic-determined-screeching-banshee' - Alison, have you been in my house off and on this last week?? You could have been describing two of my children, considerably older than age 2, and I've mirrored your picture of a mum crying into a coffee. Thank you for sharing, and reminding us mums we're not alone.

[Avice]

That is seriously beautiful, a joy to see (especially the red lining).

[Erin]

Ever since watching the movie Ember, the desire to make a cape for myself has been following me, but I haven't taken the time to figure out the design just yet.
These are both just perfect. The triptych of images is just right too.

[Lin]

The capes are so lovely!

[Amy]

Stunning. Is there any chance you have a pattern to sell?

[amisha]

this cape is beautiful and perfect. and i am so happy that it came from a quiet moment of joy... so glad that you were able to find that time! xox