Since there are so many things going on, and I haven’t done an update post in a bit, I thought I should fill you in. I’m dividing this update into two parts, this one is more about my life in general, and the next post will be more sewing related.
Moving to a new apartment
Due to some turn of events, I’m moving to a new apartment this week. I’ve lived in the same apartment/house for over 20 years in total, so this is a huge shift in many ways. I’m also heading to another area of town, which is incidentally the same neighbourhood I lived in when I first moved to Gothenburg in 1996, meaning I’ve come full circle in a way.
The apartment is small but nice and cosy. I’m currently having painters over since the previous owner had made some pretty bold wallpaper choices, that are cool in small quantities but when they are done all over, it’s a bit much.
As for a sewing space, I currently do all my sewing in the living room, but unfortunately, the new living room is smaller, meaning there is no way I can fit it all in, which leads to me the next update…
I’m getting a proper sewing studio
The other week I signed a lease for a proper studio space, just a stone throw away from the new apartment. It’s a small and inexpensive studio room, in a commercial/industrial area. Nothing fancy at all, but I found out that another tenant is also having a sewing business, so that made me feel right at home.
This new situation means I will have to leave home to sew, at least for the most part. Not sure how I feel about that, but since I can almost see the house from the studio and there is 24-hour access, it will hopefully be pretty convenient.
I will not get access to the studio until August though, so in the meantime, I’m going to set up a temporary space in the living room with just the essentials. And after that, I’ll finally have a living room that is more like a place to hang out and relax rather than mostly working, which I think will be pretty nice.
General state of things
Last year I got pretty burnt out while running a sewing business, finishing my third sewing book and working my day job simultaneously. Not to mention dealing with the pandemic and all the restrictions.
That said, I started this year feeling way better, but now being in a state of transit, I’m definitely feeling worn out again. It’s to be expected in times like these, but man how I miss being energetic!
On the plus side, vaccination is finally in full swing here in Sweden, and I think I’ll be able to get my first shot in June. We will also see a gradual release of restrictions starting in June if all goes to plan. Even though we never had a full lock-down in Sweden, it became more and more restricted as time went on, and so many things we used to take for granted, now feels very distant.
So that’s going to be interesting to see how we adjust back and start being able to plan things again and actually having things to look forward to!
So that’s a little update from me. How are you all doing?
5 Comments
Marilyn
May 17, 2021 at 1:38 pmI’m always interested in your life in Sweden [my mother’s family came from the Sormland area]. You’ve accomplished so much and have reason to be proud of your years of hard work. I hope all goes smoothly in this transition. In the midst of everything, I hope you’ll remember how much you mean to others around the world — your skills and all that you’ve taught us. My best to you!
Kathleen
May 17, 2021 at 4:24 pmI second Marilyn’s sentiment exactly! I too have learned so much from you (including all I’ve gained from 2 of your fabulous books!) and your work DOES mean a great deal to those of us who deeply value all you do for the home sewing keen fan base 🙂 I too am looking forward to some easing of restrictions and a somewhat return to normalcy as we move into the summer months. I’ve missed my get together sewing group here in Victoria I think the most. All of that of course had to be cancelled and we were become such good friends – I’ve missed them all terribly. More than I ever would have imagined. Good luck in your upcoming transition! New home, new studio – indeed all of that IS exhausting. Packing, organizing and moving all that sewing STUFF especially must be especially exhausting!
Toni
May 18, 2021 at 12:57 pmHow exciting! Change can be so liberating. Perhaps the two spaces will enable you to create a better balance for yourself. I hope so. because you are so creative and, perhaps, that makes it harder for you to separate ‘work’ and ‘you-time’. Especially now you do not ‘go to work’ elsewhere. Your hobby and interests have grown to be your career instead of your ‘down-time’, which is wonderful… but you still need down-time!
Enjoy the transition and excitement of the moves! I also hope the pandemic restrictions lift for you, but please take care until you are fully immunized. Being 70 and in the UK, I have had both my vaccinations, but still feel very wary of other people and crowded spaces.
I look forward to your next sewing-related post and future posts about your moves… 🙂
Mrs Mike
June 3, 2021 at 12:39 pmI usually find that a change in scenery helps my creativity so hopefully, after you get settled in, it will for you too. The sewing studio sounds amazing! My family doesn’t understand my need for uninterrupted sewing time sold me days, lol. Your coverstitch book has been my best resource since I got one for Christmas and I have enjoyed your other books as well. I hope your new home makes you happy! TX has been fully opened since March and it feels good to be back out and living life again. I look forward to future updates!
Janine
June 5, 2021 at 7:00 amI hope you and your family are settling in to your new environment. Moves are exhausting in and of themselves, much less a pandemic, family, work, and your amazing sewing business. I’m so grateful to have found you and the wealth of resources you provide us. Are you on Patreon? I looked for you and couldn’t find you. Hugs from an appreciative fan from Canada.