In a bit of a slump... need a gentle nudge to the bumroll

[gem]

I'm having a tough time finding my sewing groove again after a couple of family medical crises this summer. We've had several serious canine health issues, and last week we lost our eleven year old dog Baloo quite suddenly. 

The thing is, I really do think sewing would help, and I have a number of projects on the go that I'm excited about... but I haven't actually been able to do any work for about six weeks, since Baloo's sister Pigeon fell ill with pneumonia, literally while I was drafting a new sleeve pattern for my Van Helsing jacket. I was working on the pattern as she was coughing, and I dropped everything and whisked her to the vet. She spent 3 days in the ICU but has made a complete recovery, thank God!! But I haven't sewn since.

I have been doing some other needlework (embroidery), and that's helping... but I would really love to salvage some part of a normal summer, and get some costuming done. I hope this doesn't sound frivolous, and that the people here get it. It's hard enough not having Baloo; not having some sewing in my hands is making it harder still.

Would appreciate a little gentle encouragement and some cheers as I try to get my FIL's doublet started for his first fitting next weekend.    Or maybe just the black guards sewn on my Italian dress (I did manage to prewash and press the twill tape, which was enormously soothing). I also played around in my stash and took some photos of things, which also helped... but it's not accomplishing terribly much!

Thanks... (sniff)

[CenturiesSewing]

Hang in there Gem, I lost my 14 year old kitty a few weeks ago. 

Sewing has helped keep my mind in order, so it isn't frivolous at all. I've spent most of my time cleaning the sewing area, tossing out scraps and trying to use up odds and ends, prewashing fabric and finishing up a few ufo projects... and had a mild freak out when I thought I accidently tossed my hand sewn linen partlet while cleaning. 

Some doublet sewing inspiration, Scott is making an awesome pinked and slashed leather jerkin: http://garb4guys.blogspot.com/search/label/Leather%20Jerkin

Fun site to get lost on:
http://clothingtherose.co.uk/

[Wickedvox]

Awww Gem I'm so sorry for your loss It's so hard to lose a pet, especially because *they* don't seem to understand, yet we are left to go on without them. It's the hardest part of being a pet owner/friend. My sister & her husband just had to put down their 15 yr old lab last week, and that was a sad, sad day.
Maybe this will help give you a nudge. My whole family of inlaws came down to help my husband replace the garage roof, and they drive me crazy for multiple reasons I won't go into right now. The only way I could deal was to ban them from my sewing room, put on some Train, close the blinds and go to town. I got the upper half of Mike's  frock coat done *with welts* and grommeted the remainder of my underbust corset. I felt better by the end of the night.
I think centuries is right: tinker around, straighten up, press some little pieces--just fiddle.
I hope your spirit recovers quickly *hugs*

[Kate XXXXXX]

((((((Gem))))))  Hang in there.  I've lost long-term furry people, and it is hard.  Set ourself a small task each day and see if that helps.  Baby steps.  Baloo was still a member of the family, even if four-footed rather than two.

[Stasiakatt]

((((HUGS)))) So very sorry!! Losing furry family hurts so very much  . In the past one thing that helped me to get back in the groove while having a lot on my mind was to pick an unfinished project, make a list of what was left to do step-by-step, and then take it 1 step at a time. I often find that once I start I don't want to stop, but starting is the hardest part. Hang in there.

[isabelladangelo]

Just think, if you don't finish the bumroll you might have to go a chainmail bikini lady!   Ack!   Don't be chainmail bikini lady; finish the bumroll.     

Hugs about the puppy dog.

[LadyStitch]

When I had family coming over I had to pack up my sewing machine stuff.  I felt cut off, and at the same time I got notified I didn't get the job I had been hoping for.  Depressed didn't describe it, but what I did was go get a small cross stitch project I could finish in no time.  Seeing myself acomplish something helped.  By completing little things it helped me see a way out.  Then I started doing some small UFO's from the sewing room.  And then did little things for the fuzzlet.  Now I feel like taking on my my major projects again.

Dealing with a loss takes time and doing something productive helps, by taking baby steps you can get yourself back to "normal".

[Cilean]

Aww Gem,

I think it is the summer!  My Mom has been in an out of hospital for the past 3 weeks!! It has been trying always on my mind.  I am so sorry to hear of your doggy child dying, we share so much of our lives with them.  I still grieve for my Snoopy who has been gone for 30 years now, he was such a pookie.


So, I want you to stand up, give yourself a hug from me! And then get your favorite drink and go to your sewing and know how it will help you feel better about well YOU and have some fun, give yourself permission to have fun and sew.

Cilean