Category: General

Preparing for the vacation

I am back to my ordinary job for a week and a half which means office work, today it was kind of okay as the rain was pouring down. And in two weeks its Gotland time, I have been thinking of maybe sewing a new pair of hoses, to have a mans dress as well.

The big project at the moment is finding a dog sitter, unfortunatley the cabin on Gotland doesnt allow dogs, which is such a shame, because as everything is out doors, it wouldnt be an issue of bringing her in any other aspect. It is a bit of stress right now, even though I now it will be solved some way or another. One aspect is that I feel as such a bother to others, even though I know Speja is a very easy to have and is really a little delight to be around.

I was very sceptical the first year of Gotland medieval week, 2021, and to be honest it wasnt very fun in aspect of the medieval week, as everyone I was around just spent their time complaining on how much more fun it was before and how lame it was now. An yes, it was lame, because everyone spent the energy complaining instead of hanging out and actually having fun. But I just loved Visby. I dont know how to explain it, I just loved it. I been to Visby when I was younger, and knew it was charming and cute, but it was amazing. All the old buildings, the stone walls, so much rustic energy.
Last year was better, I had more fun, but I also took more responsibility of my own experience, I went to a kulning work shop (herding call), met up with friends. And I have a good feeling of this year, I also kind of, not lowered, but changed my expectation. I just want to embrace the atmosphere and just BE in it, if that makes sense. So I have a really good feeling about 2023…. Just need to solve my Speja issue

A New Chapter

I always been a little lost in what path I want to take in life, and these past years I starting to understand myself better and more what I need, and getting to know what my priorities in life are. A number of thing just made it clear that I needed changes and if Im going to do it, now is the time. Plans that fell through led up to that I choose to apply for 2 year long program in millinery, and the crazy thing is I got in!

For those who dont know, millinery is the craft of making ladies hats and accessories. It is a very hands on profession, and you get to learn how to craft in several different materials. Its also often smaller projects, which means you can put more time into it. Its doable to bead a smaller hat within reason, but it may not be possible in the same way to bead a whole dress as intriquate. For example.

The process of application

For those curious in how the application process was, it started with that you needed to apply with work sample. You had one A3 page to show whole garments you sewn, and one A3 to show details and a third you where to show a collection on a theme, and this years theme was “Breaking patterns”.

My collection was of course inspired by historic hats. I wanted to break the pattern of the minimalistic style of hats that is very modern today and bring back some of the flare of old fashion. Pressing the comfort zone but not so much that people just say no. I am for real so proud and excited by the hats in my little collection, and I do hope I can actually make them some day!

After the application with the work samples, it was a long wait to see if I was called for the test day. And I was! I was so nervous, as the only information was that it was a sewing test, a sketching test and an interview. And I have sewn, but I am not a seamstress, and I am totally self taught, so I am not very familiar with all the correct words. And sketching is not my best area…. I can manage, but Im not very good at it.

And then the day came, I could hardly sleep and hardly eat. But it wasnt too bad. We where given a pattern and fabric and instructions and where to show some stitching. And then we had too design a little thing with given material. Which I guess was to show creativity, and then sketch some hats. I mean it was tough because I really wanted to show of my best, and you dont know really what they want. But for my creativity thing I went with showing that I could think out side the box and different technics, rather than just making the most beautiful creation ever.

Apparently it worked, as last Friday I got the letter saying that I got in and Im welcome the 22 august for 2 years of millinery!

My dream is to have my own little studio where I make historical hats!