Not to plan.

The last week has just been one of those weeks!  You know the ones where nothing goes the way you had imagined and nothing gets done to plan.  It seems like all of my good ideas have had to be scrapped and that all the things I had wanted to get done just haven't happened. 

It started this time last week when I received a package in the mail.  I had hoped that the package would be the fabric I had ordered to make 3 of my nephews' Christmas presents.  I looked at the package, saw the company logo and realised it was the fabric.  I had spent hours looking for the perfect prints and was so excited to finally have them.  I opened up the package and guess what??, there was fabric in there but it was certainly not the fabric I had ordered. OK, there goes 3 of my "handmade gifts" to the "have to buy" list!!!!

I then had a mixture of other mishaps in the form of a playing up sewing machine, a day of sickness, tooth pain which turned into a root canal, more terrible storms with me panicking and waiting for the house to flood, late night wake ups etc etc etc.   OK, there go another 3 gifts from my "handmade gift" to the "have to buy" list!!!

So I had to give in and spend a night at the shopping centre!!!  It was pretty painless and quiet but I still felt like a bit of a hypocrite after all of my declarations on here and to my family and friends that I simply was not going to enter a shopping centre!

It is now afternoon here, the mailman has been and there is only 1 more day of mail delivery before Christmas and guess what??  The handmade gift that I bought through Etsy have not arrived!!  I ordered them two and a half weeks ago thinking that this would be plenty of time for delivery but I guess I was wrong...... Please mail man be nice and don't make me add another 3 presents to the "have to buy" list with a last minute dash to the Shopping Centre on Christmas eve??!

I also managed to get NO Christmas themed sewing started or finished. I have put this picture of Rudolph here to pretend that I did, even though he was made about 6 months ago so that is a bit of a stretch!  I did however in the previous weeks get a few gifts made up and am happy to say that at least 8 people will definitely be getting a homemade gift.

That is better that none I suppose and we can hope that the Etsy purchases still reach me in time. 

I decided today, amongst all of these happenings to stop worrying about Christmas.  No matter how much I worry about the shopping, how many gifts I made, late mail, illness etc etc it will still always be a beautiful time.  Once the shops are closed and the clock ticks over it doesn't matter what I managed to get done or not, it is all about sharing precious time with those that I love and I know this will be a blast no matter the circumstances. 

So that said, I decided to look into the new year and just start sewing!!!  Not sewing that I had to get done on a schedule, not sewing that I had to go and buy materials for, not sewing that I needed for any apparent reason, but sewing "just because"   I feel like making a bundle of softies over the next few weeks and enjoying "just because" sewing.  They will probably find their way to the Etsy store since that has not been restocked in months, but maybe they won't, It doesn't matter, I don't want to give them a purpose but just enjoy them.  I started today with some Mrs Perkins' and here are their yummy skins!   

I look forward to stuffing them now over a few cups of tea while I relax and look forward to a beautiful festive season. - Melly

Comments

[jonipossin]

We set our expectations so high for ourselves. Sometimes, due to other's holiday errors (fabric), we have to be flexible and CREATIVE! Your heart was in the right place and the recipients of the gift will be just as thrilled with whatever you end up buying. Last year I worked for 4 months making each of my 2 daughters scrapbooks with photos from birth. This year... they're getting gift cards.
They'll be just as happy!!
Holiday hugs to you and your great intentions!!!
Joni

[nicolette]

Nice to wake up early, reading someone else did not manage all the handmade Christmas giving stuff. All the softies I would have made for the little ones, the cushion covers, the note-takers, the purses, birds, ornaments. And your Reindeer is the cutest, you should have made a pattern!!! I hope your etsy purchase arrives in time! Merry Christmas to all the flossies!

[Rebecca Woods]

I know just how you feel. I too had grand plans of all the handmade gifts I was going to make this year but then my sewing machine blew up and by the time I got another one there just wasnt enough time. Hope you dont get flooded out again and enjoy your "just cause" sewing. I might have to join you after Christmas hee hee.
Merry Christmas and all the best for the new year

[rosie]

hey melly, gorgeous post! makes us all feel human when those things get in the way. As I am sure that I will be one of the recipients of those yet to arrive gifts, dont worry, Im not! Just need some down time with all the flossies. Looking forward to it!

[Lucy Locket-Pocket]

Hi Melly - it's always the same isn't it - we plan wonderful things and then life just gets in the way! I had 14 presents to make on my list once the orders were completed but have realised now that they are just not going to happen. I still want/need to make about 6 but they may not even get done.......... but as you say, Christmas will still be lovely! I've just written a post about Rosie's doll designs and all the Melly and Me softies I plan to make - without you two designing such lovely things my crafting life would be very dull! Lucy x
P.S Have a super Christmas xxx

[Louise]

I'm also waiting on an order from Amazon that I paid priority shipping on to have by the 14th!! But you know what - it can become a Birthday present. I finished up a heap of gifts today and the rest of my weekend will be devoted to making 2 aprons, 2 bags and a scarf and I'm done! But then again if it doesn't happen, Chadstone is just up the road! Thanks for the lovely reminder of what's most important. Enjoy your cuppa while making your little friends.

[Mirre]

Great attitude :)
I'm also sick of all the stress... no more!
Enjoy your precious time with your family!

[sharon]

we have just arrived back after 5 days at Caloundra - a lovely place on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland. I decided early this year that I wasn't going to stress myself out - that worked a little!!... But most of my pressies this year are purchased. I still think I have to make or add something to some - but then try to think of the real meaning of Christmas and the special times being together with family and lovely friends... Have a GREAT TIME and ENJOY............

[Tiel]

wow, I know exactly how you feel, but for me it has been more about getting non christmas tasks completed. Business related things that needed to be done by today. it just didn't happen, and tiredness and kids were a big part of that.

enjoy your Christmas R and M. Relax and have a fun time with your family.

[Jade]

Well it's that time of year, isn't it? I totally empathise as I might need to do a quick shop dash tomorrow for another supposed handmade present. Gah! I, too, am looking forward for christmas to just happen...then all the stress will just disappear.

[Kris]

Have a great Christmas guys! I completely understand your "just because" sewing. I think I'll be doing that tomorrow too. I stood in the shopping center tonight thinking, "What am I doing here? I just want to be sewing!". So that's what I'm going to do. Sometimes sanity is just more important!

[Tricia]

I am sorry everything is so frustrating for you right now!-BUT 8 presents! Have you been reading other blogs?! You are NOT doing as poorly as you think in the present-making arena! And I bet those presents are awesome,too!
One more thought: Who doesn't like an after-Christmas present? When you hit that post-festivity slump wouldn't it be nice to get a little something special?! Yes it would!

[Tracy]

So sorry things didn't go to plan, and the sudden root canal--ouch! So hope you are on the mend soon and will able to enjoy the holidays. Your have a good approach to how things are going--just be, be happy, and sew...Looking forward to joining you here in 2008! Happy Holidays to you & yours, peace and many blessings in the New Year ((HUGS))

[Krista]

Aww Melly, *HUGS* I hope you are feeling better!
I understand about the gift making dilemma. I had a huge list and knew it was huge from the start, so I promised myself that if it didn't get done, then It was ok to purchase. I think it really helped because usually I just give up and this year I've been plugging along.
I'm glad you are getting some sewing therapy time :) and I hope your mail carrier brings your goodies next time they visit :)
~Krista

[The Fat Quarters]

Hi
Hope you are both well and have a fantastic christmas. Regardless of the storms its still warmer over in Oz.
In january we are starting your blocks of the Month projects, so many people have signed up. I will be busy this christmas keeping ahead.
keep in touch.
Kim

[Leanne Beasley]

Just like you Mel I have 'unarrived presents' somewhere in postal cyberspace! Next year I will order much earlier(LOL)! I didn't get flooding this time but the light above my beloved computer started leaking!!!!!Hubby in the roof (he does love me) couldn't find the leak so we'll see what happens with the next lot of rain predicted! Merry Christmas!

[Marie]

Oh I love that I am not the only one...I have one worn out sewing machine and another that thought it would play a no go trick on me...through persistance and panic, I finally got her/him going again.
I agree slow down and enjoy the season...when are we going to learn that it is supposed to be a peaceful time!!! Its the tv, and shop's fault of course, not forgetting those darn postal workers lol

[Leanne]

I find it amazing we do it to our selves every year when will we learn. Wishing you and your family a safe and merry Christmas.
XOXO Leanne

[linda]

I am sure your xmas will be wonderful, sure hope it is for both of you and your families xoxoxox

[Suzie Sews]

Oh I can relate to how you are feeling...things just do not go to plan at this time of year. Still I love the reindeer, even if not made this season, hes still super cute. Enjoy those cups of tea...they are the memories in the making.
Wishing You and Yours a very Happy Christmas.
Suzie Sews (UK)

[jillian]

Christmas is just too rushed. It's becmes too much about endings and finishings and not about beginnings.
We had our chrsitmas yesterday so for me it is now about beginnings.
The beginning of renewed friendships, of relaxing,of holidays, of all that summer holds.
Happy beginnings enjoy your christmas.

[Foothills Fabric and Threads]

Hi Mel, I hope you've had a chance to wind down over the last few days and that you managed to get all your gifts without too much stress. I hope you manage to get some "just because" sewing time. Merry Christmas to you and all your family. Cheers Sandra

[Jhoanna]

Wishing you and your family a very Merry (and stress-free!) Christmas and a joyful New Year!

[Anne]

Hi Rosalie and Melly! Loved reading your shopping story. I am on my way out for some last minute myself. Merry Christmas to you both!

[Angela]

Ouch -- what a day! But, what a great way to turn it around! Love those little birdies even as I am green with envy over the white background with dots fabric. I bought some of it awhile ago and am using it in a project and I am simply in love with it!