Rachel you are a strong woman with a heart of a lion. You have crossed oceans, set yourself to become a citizen of the Netherlands. This move has many strange feelings but they are nothing you can’t overcome. Maybe you need a workshop day there. Being the only one in the building is obviously a little unsettling. Play your favourite music. Pop some lamps in strategic areas. If this is home for only a year it doesn’t matter. We have moved so many times I do appreciate the issues you are facing. You have been able to work from home for a good amount of time. This is different but it could be good. Is there space to set up a corner for your daughter. A sofa, a nice rug, table and chair? Small fridge if room , if so that would allow you both to go sometimes. Hold your head up, you can and will succeed here. The quilting and fabric will wrap their security and love around you. I’m sure your new man could even come along and read on the sofa 😅. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks, Sue! You have a great attitude, and I know that you understand the challenges since you have moved a lot. I believe that my stay here is temporary, which is a big part of why I struggle to settle in. The other factor is that it is just the same size as the room at my old house, but REALLY expensive. Unfortunately, there is no ounce of extra space for a fridge, sofa or visitor's chair. But, yes, music makes a big difference, as does lighting. Plus, when the weather turns and the sun shines, that will be better as well. Merry Christmas!
Rachel why do you feel it’s temporary?? Are you planning on a move together? A friend of mine is turning a large garage into her sewing studio. It’s a shame the space you have is not large enough to make a cosy corner though. Have your music - loud as you like with ear pods - my heart goes out to you. Treat yourself with kindness Rachel. Enjoy this wonderful time of year. Sue x
Hello...I am a faithful blog reader of yours. I only know what I have gathered from reading your blog, but felt sad when you said you have two keys ---bicycle and boyfriends house --- I am understanding that is now your home too! Hoping that your studio is a walk or bike from your home?!?! That way you will have some nice exercise and head clearing time for yourself as you come and go from your studio. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your studio when you get it all fixed up. Hoping it will become a comfy home away from home for you. You are amazing and I admire you!
Yes, I will be sure to share photos of the studio when it is all set up. I am sure that post will be highly positive, so for transparency it felt right to share this side of my feelings about the new space as well. Thanks so much for your kind note and admiration =)
Rachel, you know a lot about transitions in life . In fact , you could write a book . And so, this one sounds really unnerving ,but , you've been here before - hang in there , you just have to get used to the new light- on a whole bunch of levels . Peace
New spaces are often hard to get used to. This will take time. I know you can do it. Maybe you could reach out to others who have taken the step of moving to an outside creative space and get some tips. Cheryl Arkison comes to mind. She just recently moved her studio out of her home. I know there are others. Having a studio space in your home has been a blessing, but this is a new chapter in all facets of your life. Embrace it.
Some parts of your blogpost make me worry Rachel. Like the sentences 'my boyfriend's house' and 'I can’t envision where I will be living and working a year from now, which feels so deeply unnerving'. I hope you are fine and have a (small) space in your new home to work on quilts.
Hi, Nicolette. Although I shared this hard part today, it is not the sum total of my feelings and experiences in this transition. I am also feeling loved and cared for within the uncertainty. I am not all alone. Sadly though, there is no room to sew at my house. That is indeed difficult.
Oh gosh, I get it. So I turned my whole house into my sewing space.
I hope the commute to your sewing place is not too far.
I understand completely, I know what it is like. Just having my sewing space upstairs in the spare room was kind of isolating. Just keep looking forward.
You can always do some hand sewing at home and stuff. Or binding.
Hang in there, it is going to get better.
As you know we are moving out and down sizing. Our house looks like a junk shop. The plumber is coming back today to repair some valve but he always looks surprised like we are hoarders
Anywho, I get it. Bring happy music, bring some healthy snacks (instead of being at home and loading up on pita chips and coffee) I know that feeling of having to lug your phone in your pocket constantly, what if you snap a photo and lay it down. Yikes. and forget it, Put a little note on your door inside to take your phone.
with mom and dad's treasures in the house, we have just way too much. Since our house is delayed until April (I am kind of glad) I will spend the cold months just tossing stuff
As so many have already said, you can do this! Things WILL improve - you’re just unsettled from moving - as we all would be too. The suggestions in the comment about bringing in a few things to cosy up your studio are excellent and I’m sure would help. Keep on keeping on! Xx
Rachel, somehow I missed this post over the holidays. As Sue E said you ARE a strong woman. I understand so well the unsettled feeling you feel. This too will pass and you'll be all the stronger for it. When you get into a routine I think it will help a bit too.
When we moved to where we are now we were so rushed. We had to move out of where we were but there were housing shortages in Florida. My hand to God I spent every single day, including weekends trying to find a place for us to live, from March of 2021 until January of 2022. I was wondering if we would end up in the street. We grabbed the first thing we could get in our price range and have been here for almost 3 years. Where we live now has never felt like home to me. My heart longs to move more than I can ever describe in words. But I am grateful for a roof over my head until that time comes. Whenever we move I don't know if it will be in the same state or not. There are so very many things to consider.
All this to tell you my heart goes out to you. You will be OK and all the better for this in the end. I love Sue E's suggestions to warm up your sewing space. Maybe carrying mace with you if the hallway feels eerie? You won't need it but it might make you feel better. xoxo
Oh my gosh, so often I have known this feeling. I'm where I put myself -- all my decisions led to this place where I feel so ill at ease. I ask myself, what have I done? I can't go back, and looking forward creates more unease. Yet the repetition of being here, day after day, moving around the new space (room, house, city, country) gets imperceptibly less alien. And one day it simply, again, feels like home. I have done it, YOU have done it, and comfort will come again. And like everyone else has said, your cyber home and your global family of friends -- never met, but we do care about you, very much! -- has not changed one bit. Doni doni kononi b'a nyaga da: little by little the bird makes its nest.
As I read these comments, what I see is that you are very loved by your readers, including me. Uprooting from the fixed comfortable life to a mountain of changes can be overwhelming. Still you climb that new mountain one step at a time, not knowing what lies just around the bend. When life feels uncertain; remember It’s not always about reaching the top, it might be the inspiring vistas along the way that will bring a smile to your heart, encouragement and the strength you need each step of the way.
I can see you climbing with a couple bolts of fabric in your backpack, nestled next to a box overflowing with colorful scraps to play with and to create, and a mind full of ideas. You are a strong, creative woman.
There will come a day when you look back on this, as you have on other things in your life and say, “I endured that, it was hard, maybe even heartbreaking, but it made me grow into who I am today. It was worth the effort.” Let your joy for life brighten the way into your newest adventure. God bless you and your family this Christmas season.
Transitions are the worst. I try to look at them as growth opportunities, which they are, but difficult moments are inevitable. Thanks for sharing both light and shadow.
Thanks for understanding! It's not all shadow, but I find it healthiest to share both sides. The light side is coming up in the next few weeks when I share the finished studio!
Dear Rachel, having moved about 20 times, I can understand you so deeply. New rooms, still empty, no atmosphere, feeling like a stranger, looking for orientation and organization in these strange surroundings. Everything is different from earlier times. But, times will change. Soon you will feel better and more homely walking there dayly, making this workspace your personel workspace, making new friends, new experiences and these will be your personel experiences related to these new rooms. And if not, you can make a change again. Your passion for creativity, fabric and sewing will help you. Your sewing community will follow you everywhere.
I agree with Sue and was thinking about your post this morning with some concern even tho I know you are brave.
If you have the floor space, do figure out how to bring some of your duplicate furniture, rugs, lamps, tables, and music or audio books to make this a home away from home. Your friends, family, and clients (even you!) will have a place to relax and sit when they visit or drop or pick up quilts in person.
Consider a space for someone to sew with you. Elora is old enough now to have her own little basic machine and sew too.
If no one is around the building on Sundays that is a great time to crank up the music that motivates you to make noise and unload those boxes and put things in order and makes you do a happy dance!
Please send us pictures of your new space, do you have windows?
Yes, there are windows! It's just been so dark lately that I have yet to see the sun from my new space. I have no room for visitors, unfortunately, but I will surely share photos soon.
This is just a new adventure! Something to grab with both hands and enjoy. Wonderful to be able to pedal off to your own space and work without interruption every day. Yay!!! 😂🤣
Gosh, thanks for saying that! It is wonderful to work without interruption. Ok, so there have been some interruptions, but still I know what you mean. That is a blessing!
Rachel you are a strong woman with a heart of a lion. You have crossed oceans, set yourself to become a citizen of the Netherlands. This move has many strange feelings but they are nothing you can’t overcome. Maybe you need a workshop day there. Being the only one in the building is obviously a little unsettling. Play your favourite music. Pop some lamps in strategic areas. If this is home for only a year it doesn’t matter. We have moved so many times I do appreciate the issues you are facing. You have been able to work from home for a good amount of time. This is different but it could be good. Is there space to set up a corner for your daughter. A sofa, a nice rug, table and chair? Small fridge if room , if so that would allow you both to go sometimes. Hold your head up, you can and will succeed here. The quilting and fabric will wrap their security and love around you. I’m sure your new man could even come along and read on the sofa 😅. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Sue x
Thanks, Sue! You have a great attitude, and I know that you understand the challenges since you have moved a lot. I believe that my stay here is temporary, which is a big part of why I struggle to settle in. The other factor is that it is just the same size as the room at my old house, but REALLY expensive. Unfortunately, there is no ounce of extra space for a fridge, sofa or visitor's chair. But, yes, music makes a big difference, as does lighting. Plus, when the weather turns and the sun shines, that will be better as well. Merry Christmas!
Rachel why do you feel it’s temporary?? Are you planning on a move together? A friend of mine is turning a large garage into her sewing studio. It’s a shame the space you have is not large enough to make a cosy corner though. Have your music - loud as you like with ear pods - my heart goes out to you. Treat yourself with kindness Rachel. Enjoy this wonderful time of year. Sue x
Hello...I am a faithful blog reader of yours. I only know what I have gathered from reading your blog, but felt sad when you said you have two keys ---bicycle and boyfriends house --- I am understanding that is now your home too! Hoping that your studio is a walk or bike from your home?!?! That way you will have some nice exercise and head clearing time for yourself as you come and go from your studio. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your studio when you get it all fixed up. Hoping it will become a comfy home away from home for you. You are amazing and I admire you!
Yes, I will be sure to share photos of the studio when it is all set up. I am sure that post will be highly positive, so for transparency it felt right to share this side of my feelings about the new space as well. Thanks so much for your kind note and admiration =)
I couldn't say it better than these comments here. We are all out here cheering you on. 🤗
Rachel, you know a lot about transitions in life . In fact , you could write a book . And so, this one sounds really unnerving ,but , you've been here before - hang in there , you just have to get used to the new light- on a whole bunch of levels . Peace
New spaces are often hard to get used to. This will take time. I know you can do it. Maybe you could reach out to others who have taken the step of moving to an outside creative space and get some tips. Cheryl Arkison comes to mind. She just recently moved her studio out of her home. I know there are others. Having a studio space in your home has been a blessing, but this is a new chapter in all facets of your life. Embrace it.
Thanks for that advice, Charlotte.
Some parts of your blogpost make me worry Rachel. Like the sentences 'my boyfriend's house' and 'I can’t envision where I will be living and working a year from now, which feels so deeply unnerving'. I hope you are fine and have a (small) space in your new home to work on quilts.
Hi, Nicolette. Although I shared this hard part today, it is not the sum total of my feelings and experiences in this transition. I am also feeling loved and cared for within the uncertainty. I am not all alone. Sadly though, there is no room to sew at my house. That is indeed difficult.
Maybe some hand-sewing you can pick up at home if you can't get to the studio?
Yes, good idea!
Maybe you should write mysteries! Those first few paragraphs were pretty good!
It was a dark stormy night…😉
Ha! =)
Oh gosh, I get it. So I turned my whole house into my sewing space.
I hope the commute to your sewing place is not too far.
I understand completely, I know what it is like. Just having my sewing space upstairs in the spare room was kind of isolating. Just keep looking forward.
You can always do some hand sewing at home and stuff. Or binding.
Hang in there, it is going to get better.
As you know we are moving out and down sizing. Our house looks like a junk shop. The plumber is coming back today to repair some valve but he always looks surprised like we are hoarders
Anywho, I get it. Bring happy music, bring some healthy snacks (instead of being at home and loading up on pita chips and coffee) I know that feeling of having to lug your phone in your pocket constantly, what if you snap a photo and lay it down. Yikes. and forget it, Put a little note on your door inside to take your phone.
Hubbs and I just turned 70!!
Keep looking up
Happy Birthday to you and hubbs! I had to laugh at your plumber's reaction. =)
with mom and dad's treasures in the house, we have just way too much. Since our house is delayed until April (I am kind of glad) I will spend the cold months just tossing stuff
As so many have already said, you can do this! Things WILL improve - you’re just unsettled from moving - as we all would be too. The suggestions in the comment about bringing in a few things to cosy up your studio are excellent and I’m sure would help. Keep on keeping on! Xx
Rachel, somehow I missed this post over the holidays. As Sue E said you ARE a strong woman. I understand so well the unsettled feeling you feel. This too will pass and you'll be all the stronger for it. When you get into a routine I think it will help a bit too.
When we moved to where we are now we were so rushed. We had to move out of where we were but there were housing shortages in Florida. My hand to God I spent every single day, including weekends trying to find a place for us to live, from March of 2021 until January of 2022. I was wondering if we would end up in the street. We grabbed the first thing we could get in our price range and have been here for almost 3 years. Where we live now has never felt like home to me. My heart longs to move more than I can ever describe in words. But I am grateful for a roof over my head until that time comes. Whenever we move I don't know if it will be in the same state or not. There are so very many things to consider.
All this to tell you my heart goes out to you. You will be OK and all the better for this in the end. I love Sue E's suggestions to warm up your sewing space. Maybe carrying mace with you if the hallway feels eerie? You won't need it but it might make you feel better. xoxo
Oh my gosh, so often I have known this feeling. I'm where I put myself -- all my decisions led to this place where I feel so ill at ease. I ask myself, what have I done? I can't go back, and looking forward creates more unease. Yet the repetition of being here, day after day, moving around the new space (room, house, city, country) gets imperceptibly less alien. And one day it simply, again, feels like home. I have done it, YOU have done it, and comfort will come again. And like everyone else has said, your cyber home and your global family of friends -- never met, but we do care about you, very much! -- has not changed one bit. Doni doni kononi b'a nyaga da: little by little the bird makes its nest.
Thanks so much, Jojo!
As I read these comments, what I see is that you are very loved by your readers, including me. Uprooting from the fixed comfortable life to a mountain of changes can be overwhelming. Still you climb that new mountain one step at a time, not knowing what lies just around the bend. When life feels uncertain; remember It’s not always about reaching the top, it might be the inspiring vistas along the way that will bring a smile to your heart, encouragement and the strength you need each step of the way.
I can see you climbing with a couple bolts of fabric in your backpack, nestled next to a box overflowing with colorful scraps to play with and to create, and a mind full of ideas. You are a strong, creative woman.
There will come a day when you look back on this, as you have on other things in your life and say, “I endured that, it was hard, maybe even heartbreaking, but it made me grow into who I am today. It was worth the effort.” Let your joy for life brighten the way into your newest adventure. God bless you and your family this Christmas season.
So heartwarming, Debi!
Transitions are the worst. I try to look at them as growth opportunities, which they are, but difficult moments are inevitable. Thanks for sharing both light and shadow.
Thanks for understanding! It's not all shadow, but I find it healthiest to share both sides. The light side is coming up in the next few weeks when I share the finished studio!
Yay! Looking forward to it!
Dear Rachel, having moved about 20 times, I can understand you so deeply. New rooms, still empty, no atmosphere, feeling like a stranger, looking for orientation and organization in these strange surroundings. Everything is different from earlier times. But, times will change. Soon you will feel better and more homely walking there dayly, making this workspace your personel workspace, making new friends, new experiences and these will be your personel experiences related to these new rooms. And if not, you can make a change again. Your passion for creativity, fabric and sewing will help you. Your sewing community will follow you everywhere.
I agree with Sue and was thinking about your post this morning with some concern even tho I know you are brave.
If you have the floor space, do figure out how to bring some of your duplicate furniture, rugs, lamps, tables, and music or audio books to make this a home away from home. Your friends, family, and clients (even you!) will have a place to relax and sit when they visit or drop or pick up quilts in person.
Consider a space for someone to sew with you. Elora is old enough now to have her own little basic machine and sew too.
If no one is around the building on Sundays that is a great time to crank up the music that motivates you to make noise and unload those boxes and put things in order and makes you do a happy dance!
Please send us pictures of your new space, do you have windows?
Yes, there are windows! It's just been so dark lately that I have yet to see the sun from my new space. I have no room for visitors, unfortunately, but I will surely share photos soon.
This is just a new adventure! Something to grab with both hands and enjoy. Wonderful to be able to pedal off to your own space and work without interruption every day. Yay!!! 😂🤣
Gosh, thanks for saying that! It is wonderful to work without interruption. Ok, so there have been some interruptions, but still I know what you mean. That is a blessing!