Saturday, May 17, 2014

Me time and a skirt....or two

I have been out of sorts and not in a good mood lately.  Yes I know I have had a lot going on, but that is not the reason.   Besides my crazy whacked out hormones what I am missing is some good ole Me time.  Of course Little Buddy takes up a good deal of my time, I anticipated that.  Of course I anticipated I would get more help with him but we know how that goes.  I work like many of you, I try to regroup on the days I don't work but what I find I am missing is just some time for Me.  Time to be alone in my house, time to create, time to do what I want, when I want, with no one to answer to or clean up after.  As I have aged I have found alone time to be increasingly important to me, and frankly I am not getting any.  My husband has changed his work hours so his long days are my long days, his short days he leaves for work the second my teenager gets home from school.  And while he is at home he is working or working out or you know getting in my way.  I desperately needed some time for me and this weekend I finally got it. 

My husband left yesterday afternoon to drive my son's car up to him in Columbus, OH.  Gosh can I tell you how happy I was with the prospect of some time to myself.  After Little Buddy went down for his nap and my teenager got busy with his homework in his room, I got to work.  I had decided that I would use my Me time to be creative, something else I am lacking lately.  I had spotted some fabric in a bin in my cupboard the other day, it was fabric I purchased last year to make a skirt.  We all know my sewing skills are seriously lacking, but the thought of having time to sew as long or late as I wanted was just too enticing to pass up.  I gathered my supplies, ironed my already washed fabric, cut out the pattern and got busy.  It has been a year since I sewed, and remember it wasn't all that successful, so I was happy that I actually remembered what to do!  
 
Lets take a peek.


Look my first buttonhole!!!!!!  It is amazing what you can learn from reading the manual.
 

Here it is!!!  I am so excited that it went well.   I love the fun colors and the contrasting fabric don't you?


Now I know many of you out there in blogland are a whiz with a sewing project I am not, so I am pretty excited this NewLook  0161 Easy pattern was indeed easy.

I was having so much fun sewing that when Little Buddy woke from his nap we made a run to Joann's with coupons in hand, for more fabric.  He is usually a pretty good shopper so riding in the cart is fun for him, unlike my other two when they were growing up.  We walked around the store looking at the fabric (which I thought was a bit limited) and talked about colors.  We went and picked up dinner, (remember this is my Me time and cooking is not my finest ability) and went home.  
 

After dinner, playtime, a bath and stories it was bedtime and off Little Buddy went into his crib.  Hooray, Me time continues.  I was like a mad woman, no Television, no music just me and the sound of my steam iron and sewing machine.  I was having such a good time I kept going, actually late into the night for me.  Finally at 11:30 I called it quits.  This morning I finished  popping the elastic in the waistband of skirt number two and I was finished. 


I think I am going to love wearing these skirts.  Are they flattering, well not necessarily, are they comfortable yes!    As I get older I realized that comfort over rules fashion any day.  I like things loose, I don't want anything tight around my waist or hips, I like things soft and cozy.  Does that make me frumpy, who cares???? I am who I am.


These skirts reach just above my knees, another area of my body I'd like to hide a bit as I get older.  When I was young I remember my brother saying to me that I had knees just like my Mom,  believe me that was not a compliment.  As I age I see it even more, where does knee fat come from anyway?  


So there you have it, my two new skirts.  I am tickled to death with them.  And I have loved this time, time to stay up, time to be with myself, time to do what I want.  I have half a nap and one more evening to go before my time is not my own again.  But now that I have had this time I realize that I am going to need a lot more to be able to function properly.  I am going to have to think about that.  How do I get time for Me when I am pulled in so many different directions?
 

By the way my new work table is a dream to work on.  It is the perfect height, easy to work at and well just perfect!  I have one more skirt to go so I had better get busy.
 

Thank goodness Little Buddy likes to play a bit by himself.  He loves cars and trucks and pushes them all over my room.  I like to hear his talking and car noises in the background while I work.  After he wakes up from his nap we are going in the pool so he gets good and tired for bed.  Ah, the evil plans of a Mother!

Enjoy your day.

51 comments:

Handmade and off-centered said...

Oh what truth you speak! Any mother can relate to needing some "me time" and not being pulled in all directions.

Your skirts are very cute and summery. Comfort above all :) Cant wait to see your other skirt.
Go you!

I have a little guy who is a lot like Buddy and can play with his cars and little toys so contently while his mamma finishes whatever it is shes doing :)

Hope your weekend continues to go well.

Birgitta xx

Amy at love made my home said...

Well first I have to say that for someone who claims not to be a great sewer you look like a very good one from where I am sitting!! Your skirts look lovely, and just right for summer, I hope that you love wearing them.

I am glad that you have enjoyed your me time while hubby has been away, it is good to catch up with yourself and do something that you want to do as and when and how you want to and you do need to figure this out if you can. I know that you will work things out, life has been very up and down for you over the last few months, so I just hope that it all settles a bit now in terms of time and schedules if nothing else.

Hope that you enjoy the rest of your me time and that you have a great week wearing those lovely new skirts!!!! xx

kathy b said...

Mere I love your skirts. I cannot believe how loving and giving you are to need Me time and choose to take on a little one in your life. YOu are an inspiration. Carving out Me time is so important.
I think LIttle Buddy and his new daddy 0 need park trips regularly to let you have a cup of refresh!

CJ said...

Fantastic skirts, clever you. I have a really nice skirt that I want to copy, but realistically I think it might be too much for me to manage. If you ever work out how to get more time, do please let me know the trick of it. It mystifies me when people have time for themselves, I'm convinced I'm doing something wrong, but I've no idea what. I hope you and your little man have a lovely swim. A tired boy is a very good thing. Enjoy the rest of the weekend Meredith. CJ xx

Clare said...

I'm so pleased you managed to find some crafting ME time, the skirts are very pretty, I love the blue one, have a wonderful weekend.
Clare x

Mrs. C said...

Meredith, I LOVE your skirts! You did a great job! I really love the blue with the dragonfly edge!!! Everyone needs some me time... :)

My Little Home and Garden said...

Beautiful, Meredith! Your new skirts are in such happy fabrics and will be fun to wear. Maybe I should try making a simple skirt; it's only been about 30 years since my last attempt!

Karen

mamasmercantile said...

Your skirts look amazing you have done a wonderful job. Me time is a must don't feel guilty about it, enjoy it and enjoy those beautiful skirts.

Bridget said...

I agree with you - ME time is the best! Like you, I have a hard time finding a nice slice of it, which makes it all the better when I do.

LOVE the skirts! I have been itching to use my sewing machine, so maybe I should find this pattern.

Take care, Meredith. :-)

Teresa Kasner said...

Hi my friend! How did I miss your last post! I'm so glad you're carving some time out for yourself.. "ain't nobody happy if mama ain't happy". I love your skirts and wish you'd model them for us. Lil Buddy is really doing well, isn't he? I'd love to give him a hug. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Ana BC said...

LOVE both skirts!!! I wish I could use a sewing machine (I did try, but could not get the hang of it) You did a wonderful job :-)

My Garden Diaries said...

I so get this friend. I have 3 under 5 and then I watch my brothers girls during the week for extra money...and though it is a blessing I have been very tired lately and needing some me time too. Thank you for being honest with well...just how life is sometimes. The skirts that you have created are beautiful and I applaud you for giving yourself some time to make! A wonderful weekend to you! Nicole

Lynne said...

Ha ha I enjoyed this post so much! Your skirts are super cute, and the fabrics are a great choice for the pattern.
Hope there's more ME time coming up for you soon!

Betsy said...

Meredith I think your skirts ar fabulous! The fabrics are so happy and I especially like the Hawaii themed print. They look perfect for summer.
I know what you mean about "me" time. I also love some time alone, with no obligations.
Blessings,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

I love both skirts but that red one just speaks to my Florida heart and I know it is just perfect on you!!!

Congrats on eeking out some "ME time". I know you enjoy every one of those precious minutes.

Joyful said...

Oh yes, ME time is so important and I hope that you are able to find a way to get more on a regular basis. Some of us seem to need a lot of it just to recharge.

I absolutely love fabrics and the pattern for your skirts. I think you will enjoy them all summer long. Kudos to you!

Anita said...

Every mother can relate to what you're saying. It is unreal how far we stretch outselves. Glad you got some 'Me time' and I love the skirts you made. Good on you.
Cheers, Anita.

moonstruckcreations said...

Great job Meredith - for finally grabbing some "me" time and for making those fab skirts!

And good job Little Buddy too for playing quietly whilst Mom gets on with some much needed sewing time!

Hope you find a way to carve out some more me time very soon, it is a very much needed but rare commodity for busy, working moms isn't it?

Helenxx

Claudia said...

I have the same knees.

xo
Claudia

kristieinbc said...

Those skirts are super! I'm impressed at your sewing courage. I am not a great seamstress (if my kids read this they would be killing themselves laughing, saying even that statement would be overestimating my abilities!), but I got a new sewing machine for Mother's Day and am hoping to improve my skills. I'm starting out with napkins for our table though, not something as ambitious as a skirt!

Me time is necessary for a woman's mental health. I'm convinced of that fact. Perhaps you could talk to your husband and work out some kind of arrangement where you get one set time you can count on each week for some time to yourself?

Pammy Sue said...

I loved the way you described yourself in your craft room with no music or TV or anything, just the sound of the steam iron! I was right there with you. I know that lovely feeling of happy solitude! And your skirts could not have turned out any cuter. I love the mixed prints on the blue one. Glad that you got some catch-up ME time. We all need that. You definitely need to figure something out so that you get that time regularly. This was a fun post for me to follow along a couple of days with you. ♥

Kris said...

Girlfriend, I hear you! Your sewing skills are just fine! Perfect button hole!!! LOVE the skirts. I too, am finding that I will opt for comfort over fashion these days. Long, loose dresses, for wearing around the house during our hot summers, are what I love. Oh, and pockets! LOVE pockets.
Little Buddy is such a sweet boy! Hooray for ME time! You used it well!
xo KRis

cockney blonde said...

Fab skirts Meredith, love them both and you've run them up so quickly too. I'm with you, comfort over fashion any day, x

Toni said...

YAY!!!!! Your skirts are lovely!!!!!! SO glad you got some "me" time! Really, I can't even imagine how much you needed it by this time....:)

linda said...

I'm glad you got some me time Meredith, I can remember what it was like when my kids were growing up, it is very hard. I love your skirts and there is no such thing as frumpy I love the style and the colours the red one is my favourite I think your sewing skills are just fine. Hope that you get some more me time soon. :)

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Yay! You finally got time to yourself to explore your creativity...it truly makes a big difference in your life...I know it does for me, too.

LB is so adorable. I love that he liked going to Jo Ann's...so sweet.

Your skirts looks awesome and I love the dragonfly fabric at the edges of that one skirt...you know, I adore anything dragonfly...and they really set the skirt off just perfectly.

I think you did an awesome job!

Wishing you a lovely day sweet friend. ;)

Jennifer Hays said...

Your skirts turned out beautifully, Meredith. I'm sure they look beautiful on you too. I also inherited my mother's knees and I don't like mine either. We have weird, flat, wide kneecaps. More like hubcaps than kneecaps. :)

Joy said...

I am so happy for you that you finally got some 'me' time lovely Meredith, and I so understand the need for it - I am the same and, in fact, with a retired hubby around all the time I am so relieved some days to shut myself up in my sewing room and go for it!
I congratulate you on two lovely, well made skirts and I'm looking forward to seeing the next one too. I also understand about comfort as one gets a wee bit older as I have a body that likes to swell as the day progresses so what fits on a morning doesn't necessarily fit by the end of the day!!!
Little Buddy is coming on great and you're doing a huge loving job with him - you're such a great Mum! xoxo Joy

Claire said...

Phew, Meredith you have been one very busy lady recently.
i have just gone through and read all the posts since my last visit here, which was ahem!! some time ago!!
Catching up on all your news.
Sending you a big hug over the loss of your wonderful mum.......so lovely and touching to read about her and how loved she was. Your gorgeous little buddy who you have opened your home and your heart too.
He's a little boy going place and there'll be no stopping him I'm sure.
Your sewing skills are just fine, love the skirts you made and I must have similar knees too. Legs just like my mums and that was no compliment either!!
I can imagine how beautiful your Gardenias smell. I have a ground cover variety growing and love to snip a couple of blooms for my bedside table while they are flowering, but I'm sure they would do so much better in your climate.
It's so important to carve some 'me' time out of a busy schedule, all the best with that.......
How wonderful to have your 4 boys under your roof at the one time. Enjoy those cuddles from the big, the small and the furry as well. Love Max he's just gorgeous and that nesting ball idea is wonderful......
Thanks so much for visiting me and commenting on my latest blog post. I appreciate you making time to read my ramblings, as someone once said like a letter home to mum that's how I write, hehe.....too true.
Have a wonderful week, give that gorgeous little Buddy a hug for me, also one for Max please.....

Claire Xx

Mindy said...

Great work!! They are beautiful, and nothing beats comfort, too, right?!

Acorn to Oak said...

Congratulations on getting "me" time and taking full advantage of it. That's an accomplishment in itself. Then, those skirts! They're so cute! I love the complimentary fabrics at the bottom. And, your button hole looks perfect. I haven't had the courage to try making a button hole since I was in my middle school sewing class many years ago. Enjoy your skirts! :-)

Babajeza said...

Beautiful skirts. I love the fabrics, especially the red one. I'm looking forward to a day alone in the house. Even an evening would be enough. We call it "sturmfrei". :-) Hugs to you! Regula

Jay said...

Me time is very important and so very rare I find. I love the skirts you've made, so pretty and summery. I hope you manage some more me-time this week.

kathyinozarks said...

Good morning Meredith, Me time is extremely important so I am so happy you got some.
I love your skirts-congrats on the finishes-feels good to complete a project-I do the same and work sometimes til its finished.
thanks so much for stopping by-hugs

Jo said...

Loving the details on those skirts. and those work table tripod thingys are fantastic. Here's to a good week Meredith. Jo x

S.A.M. a dit...! said...

hello, I would like to know if you understand crochet explains in french?

Anonymous said...

Love those skirts! Very well done indeed!

Annie Cholewa said...

You certainly made the most of that me-time, these skirts look fab! And how sweet that Little Buddy will play nicely while you sew. I'm wondering how long before you're sewing things with trucks on for him ;)

Karen said...

Sewing has always been one of my favorite me times. I lose track of time, focus on what I'm creating. I set up a sewing corner in my new house and made a quick easy valance over the weekend. I'd forgotten how much joy can come from creating something, even just a little think, using thread and a needle.

Your skirts are darling!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

Meredith,
Your skirts are so cute! I love the colors and I don't think they look frumpy at all! I am sure they look very nice on you. I remember when I used to do sewing when my boys were little and it was always comforting to hear them in the background playing quietly with one of their action figures....
Glad you got some alone time...I know how you cherish that. Hope you are doing well.
Hugs, Patti

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

Ha! Love the comment about your knees! But yes, we all need a bit of me time and my goodness you made good use of yours. Your skirts are so cute - I love the contrasting trims at the bottom. I'm going to have a look at the pattern you mention - even I might be able to manage that!
Have a good week
Caz xx

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
Just found you over at Muddy Boots.
I like your blog, very fun.
I have two boys. :-) And I am from Wisconsin.

Looking forward to reading more.
Carla
http://theriverflowing.blogspot.com/

Caffeine Girl said...

I SO understand how you feel about Me Time because I need a lot of it -- even more than I did when I was younger. Sometimes I have to push myself to see friends because I am so happy creating at home. But I know that eventually I'll get lonely!

Your skirts came out so cute. I agree that comfort is more important as we go through life!

Pradeepa said...

Fabulous skirts! I love the blue one the most. I do agree that "me time" is very important. I'll go crazy if don't get my share of "me time" everyday. Buddy looks cute!

Tammy said...

I love you Meredith! Truly, you are you and don't try to be anything else. I'm with you on the me time. The older I get, the more I crave it and need it. Even though my husband doesn't have any grand expectations for the every day, it is still nice when he goes on a business trip. :) Last time he traveled, I had plans for all sorts of organizing and cleaning but instead I went with me, me, me. When I have time, I am more creative. The two just go hand in hand. And when it comes to clothing, I'm all about comfort. Shoes especially. I got my mother's feet, bunions and all, so I hide them as much as I can, even during the hot summer months. Little Buddy is lucky to have you even when you have plans to tucker him out. Ha! Best wishes, Tammy

Suzan said...

Catching up - it's the end of school and things are crazy!!
Little Buddy defiantly puts a smile on my face!!! I don't know when you get the time to sew!!

Linda said...

Hi there Meredith, I am playing catch-up with some me time of my own tonight, it is almost 11.30pm and the house is quiet. I have the luxury of knowing that I have a day off tomorrow so I can stay up late now and drink hot chocolate and crochet a few more rows before sleep time. Me time is so important and precious, I'm glad you found your me time.
Your new skirts are lovely and your work area is divine, I would love to treat myself to a nice area to work in. Maybe one day haha xxx
Hugs to you and yours

Taci simmons said...

And because you need and got some good me time that makes you even better of a mother - which we all know you are a wonderful one already-. I'm so glad you got some time to recharge and the result was marvelous ... The skirts are gorgeous ... You made me want to sew some for myself as soon as we move ( which they tell me could be any day now ha ha :)

Judy S. said...

Nice work on the skirts, Mere! You are inspiring me to get busy with the sewing machine.

Rose Red said...

I love your skirts - the red one, of course, but the blue is even better I think, I love the choice of the contrast print, it is perfect. I always have to read the manual when I get my sewing machine out, I do it so rarely!
I know what you mean about me time. I miss it at the moment too. Since C has dropped his day sleep, I don't get nearly as much me time during the week, and by the time my husband gets home from work I am pooped. But we have to keep on keeping on, don't we. Hope you manage some more well-deserved me time soon.

Lori Lynn said...

All the skirts are really nice, but I LOVE the red one! I got a sewing machine last Christmas and still haven't used it yet! I used to sew a lot as a teenager. So, I'm going to have to dust it off. And your little buddy is as cute as he can be.