The Pandemic has caused many changes in my life since March.
o I work exclusively from home now with no return date to the office in sight.
o I stopped getting dressed for a couple of weeks because it was difficult to deal with the quarantine.
o When I found my style again, I sewed some things that I won't be able to wear until 2021 when hopefully I will head back to the office...
o I learned that I like wearing those big full maxi dresses at home, so that's what I'm making and wearing.
o I realized that trying to work full-time in my sewing space wasn't happening and I needed more space to live in.
o I had a cancer scare in the midst of a pandemic which was considered elective surgery so I had to wait for things to reopen before I could be tested.
o I had surgery...found out I don't have cancer...just precancerous cells in my uterus...
o So my Dr. scheduled a hysterectomy for me this fall.
All of this caused me to look at how I was living my life and how I wanted to live it differently. At 61, I have more years behind me than in front of me and I NEED to enjoy the life I have NOW.
So I'm moving...
Yes, I rented an apartment about 10 minutes from where I'm presently living with a walk-in closet (Gawd how I've missed a walk-in closet) and a sewing loft. I'm coming out of the basement, y'all. I'm 5 minutes from one daughter and 15 minutes from the other. My home can be a hangout for my grandchildren which I want more than anything. But most importantly, I have more space to sew and create.
I move in September 1st so it means that I'm packing up the sewing cave during the next three weeks. Posting will be scarcer here for a minute because PACKING THE WALLS OF FABRIC!
My daughter and granddaughters helped me empty all of the fabric shelves and move the extra bins of fabric out of the sewing cave...
I packed the majority of my fabric in garbage bags because I'm not moving far and it's a whole lot easier to swing garbage bags than it is to tote boxes! I have NO idea how many bags are here...but it's a lot!
I will be back in a little bit and will definitely share pictures of the new sewing loft because I've bought all new furniture (except for a cutting table). It's also a much larger space!
...as always more later!
Oh wow how wonderful, best wishes for the future and yes that's a lot of fabric!! Lol.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you with your move. I applaud your existential (dare I use that word after the DNC) questions about how you want to live. A sewing loft sounds very fun, quite a different space. We move where we wanted to be, an age-restricted community outside of Phoenix. But Covid has shut down most activities that aren’t totally done outdoors, and only one pool is open, even the walking track is closed. I’m trying to find people to convince to vote against the orange president or we’ll never get better. I get so very frustrated at all the ignorance perpetuated by that man and theAZ governor is not any better.
ReplyDeleteI’m in really good health,but over 70, so we’re staying in the house lots. We all need some luck to go along with this to stay well. I have lots of fitting to do to actually make garments instead of alterations. My husband is helpful with all those errands and buying groceries. And the AZ heat wave keeps us from walking, which I have to do. so I’m not walking. Gah.
Best to you as you move into a life that fits better!
Being retired I assume, what types of clothing do you make?
DeleteCongrats on the move and the Janome ambassadorship! I’m glad that you are looking after your health. I look forward to seeing your new sewing space. I’m glad that you are out of the basement—I hope that you get a nice window!
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
Excited to follow your progress. I’m 64, RN just changed to working pool after years of full time. My 6 grandkids want to sew with me! Not ready to downsize yet, but blessed to be able to spend more time on things that are really important to me! Onward. 😊
ReplyDeleteYES Carolyn, Congrats on the move and the Janome ambassadorship! Great news. Susan
ReplyDeleteTo your heatlth!
ReplyDeleteTo your new "creative living" space!
To "more later"!
Given your upbeat attitude and your intelligence you're bound to have a positive outcome. Hope you get a lot of family help following your upcoming surgery and you have my prayers.
ReplyDeleteYay, new larger sewing space. And closer to family. Good luck with the move.
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best for the future. Taking care of you is the most important
ReplyDeleteThis pandemic has changed so many things
I can’t wait to see you sewing loft
Wonderful news Carolyn, I'm so excited for you. Having a bigger sewing space will be such a joy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I enjoy reading your blog😃. My life here inn Norway is different from yours, but we share the fear of the pandemic, and what impact it has on us. Good luck with your moving!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting! Delighted for you. How scary that must've been, waiting to get tested and then waiting for the news. Thank goodness it was good news.
ReplyDeleteSo happy that your surgery is elective! Wishing you the very best in your new home and so wonderful that you will be able to have more time with your grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteSending virtual hugs.
So happy that your surgery is elective! Wishing you the very best in your new home and so wonderful that you will be able to have more time with your grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteSending virtual hugs.
Wow! Such a cancer scare! Glad you're okay except having surgery planned for the Fall. Best of luck on your move and much larger sewing space. I have no doubt you'll blow us away with your new creations. Karen
ReplyDeleteSo glad it wasn't cancer and can be treated this fall. What exciting news about the move and larger sewing space. Hope you enjoy all the perks of your new home.
ReplyDeleteWhy to change it up! Good for you!!! I don’t know why we settle and accept less than ideal situations than we could have but we all do. I am glad that it was just a scare and not actually cancer. Congratulations and best wishes always. You are going to LOVE being nearer to the granddaughters!
ReplyDeleteWow! Lots going on for you, and congrats on NOT having cancer! The hysterectomy isn't bad - I had an ovarian cancer scare several years ago & woke up to find that I didn't have cancer, but 3 benign tumors in both ovaries (2 different types), and had a hysterectomy to 'clean house' while under. Got the good news in the recovery room, climbed out of bed, got dressed & went home (yes, the nurses freaked out). At least you'll already be moved by the time you have surgery, and can recover while admiring your new home! Bet the changes spark new creativity for you! Deb E
ReplyDeleteDEAR Carolyn, Such good news for you, and us, after a truly scary scare. Many warm wishes for your new adventures. Add me to the list of those anticipating "more later..."
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with the move and with the upcoming surgery/recovery. So many things going on, but you have a great attitude and, clearly, great family support. Hope the new scenery (apartment) will be just what the doctor ordered...certainly having a larger sewing space will be a real bonus. Take care (try not to overdo) and stay safe.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! A new sewing machine and a new home to use it in plus new sewing furniture. Wow. Hope your recovery is as easy as mine was.
ReplyDeleteMake your life better after a scare, good plan! I wish well, I wish you happiness. It is such a hard job to move house and so disruptive, but your new place is bigger, with a sewing loft, yay. Take good care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations again on the best news of no cancer. I am so sorry you had to go through that. And congrats on a new place that sounds like it is going to work so much better for you. I can't wait to see what you share on the blog. I have to say I might have as much fabric as you. But best of all more time with the grandchildren. Nothing better. Stay safe. Jean
ReplyDeletePositive choices, Carolyn! It's good to have new experiences right now. Savor them! And keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with everything, and so happy to hear the medical situation is manageable - you will have such relief to put it all behind you. And congrats on the new Janome partnership. Once you get settled I predict great and creative things. Take care, Beth
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing the new sewing loft! Personally, I've been wearing the same "lounge wear" (who am I kidding - it's pj leggings and t) for 5 months (unless I have a virtual work meeting). My bras are feeling left out and the latest bra, which I just bought from a great local boutique, is a bralet! So you are keeping it fancy from where I am. Happy to hear that your health scare is manageable. My mother managed cancer treatment and a number of unforeseen surgical emergencies during the pandemic and it was incredibly challenging. I pray that no one has to go through that (though it's totally magical wishing, I realize.) I'm sure you will have excellent doctors and treatment when you go for your hysterectomy. And natch, your family will give you all of the extra love and care you may require as you recover.
ReplyDeleteOh Carolyn, Such Courage to make this move. Since I plan to be here in my little space til final...... I will not ever have to make such a move. BUT I think sometimes, wouldn't it be great to completely redesign the space (or a new one) instead of adding and moving around the existing piles. I wish you speedy packing, moving unpacking ane await the pics of the new space. Take time to rest and rehydrate during this momentous event. Shalom. Pegeth
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I realize I did not speak to your surgery. I will keep you in my prayers. Rest rest and more rest. Do not overdo, as you will tire faster for awhile, so listen to your body. as well as to us your devoted fans. Pegeth
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your move, look after yourself too, no heavy lifting !
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your surgery. I'm sending love and prayers your way.
Take your time and we will be here when you're ready xx
I'm so excited for you!!! Your loft will be like a fabulous tree house for sewing. Pictures please after you are settled? My sister and I love seeing your stash, and I think all three of us should have a poster of this for our sewing spaces.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.instagram.com/p/B-mqb2_FpxY/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
It is nice te read your reasoning and plans for the future. I wish you the ability (or possibility, pff sometimes my English is bad) to make lots of good memories in you new place!
ReplyDeleteSucces for the move and surgery, I hope it will all go well.
Enjoy your new space!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update on your life particularly the move. Glad you will be closer to your daughters and your sewing space will be more accommodating. I am sorry to hear of your cancer scare and glad that you could get this scheduled soon. Truly look forward to seeing your new sewing space!
ReplyDeleteOh thank goodness. I thought those empty shelves meant you had given away your stash and de died to take up something else...good luck with your move!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your upcoming move and clarity on where you want to be in life!! And praise the Lord you don't have cancer!!! I had a hysterectomy almost 5 years ago and it was not as bad as I had feared it would be. My doctor was able to do mine 100% laparoscopic, so recovery was fairly easy. I do recommend building up your physical strength and stamina ahead of the operation if you can - long walks in the park, etc. How exciting that you'll be closer to your grandchildren, too!! There is always a silver lining or two!!
ReplyDeleteThrilled your health is on an even keel. Perfecto that your fam is closer for joy and post surgery support. Basement to a loft- that says it all. Congrats on your ch-ch-ch-changes. Earned and deserved.
ReplyDeleteI'm pointing at all the comments above and echoing "WHAT SHE SAID". Moving your workspace into natural light is going to be a game changer as much as a walk in closet; the wardrobe is going to be reassessed. I hope that all the changes are positive and lead to good outcomes. For you, and for all of us out here, too. We deserve it.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, excellent news regarding your health. The decisions you have made are I believe the silver lining of the pandemic. It has forced those of us with (as you say) more years behind than ahead of us to re-evaluate what is important in our lives and to make the changes necessary for a better quality of life. Good luck with your new life.
ReplyDeleteSending you a virtual hug and praying that all will go well for you!
ReplyDeleteI think your new view of your life is most excellent. I have the same view and have been enjoying myself for the last 2 years. I should have about 20 years left, so I need to get in those bucket list items and be grateful I have this chance!
ReplyDeleteGood luck in your new space. Take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you are okay :)
ReplyDeleteGood things coming your way. Congratulations! I’m happy for you.
ReplyDeleteIt has and will be a challenging year but so glad to hear your positive results for your health. Your move, so close but you still have to do all the packing and unpacking into a new home with what you want to live in, congratulations.
ReplyDeleteHappy you're moving closer to family and will have more space. Take care of yourself. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your new sewing cave.
ReplyDeleteBummer on the hysterectomy thing, but it's better to take proactive, planned steps on this.
ReplyDeleteCool beans on the move, although even thinking about moving makes me need a nap, but I don't have all the helpers available either. Don't forget to check into wheels for the stash shelves, and whatever else you can put on wheels! Based on past, I suspect you'll rearrange the new sewing room at least once. Can't wait to see the new room.
God's blessing on you as you move forward with new changes in your life. May God give you a speedy recovery from your surgery. Look forward to seeing your new sewing room. I moved in December and decreased my sewing room by 40%, but did not get rid of 40% of fabric. Therefore I have had to get real creative with storage and it is still a work in progress. A word of caution . . . . . make sure you label those garbage bag containing fabric. I did not in one of my moves and some of my fabric disappeared as my helpers thought it was garbage. How wonderful to be close to your daughters and granddaughters.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your move and congratulations on the new sewing room and
ReplyDeletesewing machine. I am very happy for you and am looking forward to seeing the things you make in the new place!
I forgot to say good luck on your surgery. It's going to be fine. I recovered quickly from mine and you will too!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful news! I am glad you are moving to a place you will have greater access to your family members.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes with your upcoming surgery!
God has provided you with a wonderful family to help you through the move, the health issues and life. Lean on them and God as you move and the load will be lighter. Then you can pay them back with a cute outfit or two!
ReplyDeleteOh I want to be you when I grow up and have that many bags of fabric.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see your new sewing loft. You have inspired me to work on my sewing/storage room! I, too, am having a hysterectomy this fall after a cancer scare. I've been working from home since March, and my "office" is starting to close in on me, so it needs some work as well! All the best to you on your move and upcoming surgery!
ReplyDeleteI hope your move goes smoothly, and I'm so excited that your grandchildren will get to spend more time with you! I can't wait to hear about your new Janome; you certainly deserved that ambassadorship. It's because of you that I bought mine (probably 10 years ago now). I hope to see you soon!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the move! Cant wait to see your new sewing loft.
ReplyDeleteSo many changes, they sound like a great new direction. Having something so positive in your life helps move through challenging things such as surgery. Stay well and like everyone I am looking forward to sharing your new sewing space. God bless.
ReplyDeleteThanks for allowing anonymous comments. Thank God for an improved bill of health. I'm glad you are at peace with your move. It's nice to have support. God bless. Health, happiness, and longevity to you.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be sooooo good. g
ReplyDeleteIt is so good to see that someone is keeping up with their blog. My passion for sewing wanes at times but I always come back and when I did come back, so far, most are not posting. Thank you for posting and for the inspiration that you are. So glad for you that the health scare was not as bad as you anticipated. Praying all goes well when you have your surgery. Looking forward to your posts.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so far behind in my blog reading! Congrats on the new move and on the new Janome and the partnership!
ReplyDeleteMoving is such a headache! Good luck and much happiness at your new address!
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see your new studio! How exciting. REALLY glad it was "pre" and not C, and that you can get things taken care of.
ReplyDeleteHave I been hiding under a rock? Cancer scare? Move? Whoa! that's a lot in a month. I am looking to have a hysterectomy later this year also. Menopause hit me early in life 45 and Dr. thinks this may be my best option, I'm holding out hoping Mother Nature takes care of it! I tested non-cancerous ovarian cysts. Congratulations on your move & the sewing loft. Enjoy the kids & those grandbabies!
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