Seven weeks AWOL on the blog! I have missed it so but life can present you with challenges that leave only room for doing what’s necessary to make it through the day, with precious little else to spare.
I never planned to make this blog a place to share the very personal or private, wanting to keep the focus on the joyful things in life but the ups and downs are what shape us and this often fuels our creativity and channels it in different directions.
I have had a difficult month with a lot happening in my family and it consumed so much of my life that I had little energy or motivation to blog, sew, create or even engage in reading or commenting on other’s blogs, which I so love doing. The good news is things are back on track, and I have some insanely exciting things happening that I must share with you!
In the midst of all this goings on, I had planned to enter an incredible competition that I never had any expectation of winning. Downhearted and sad at the time, I had kind of had a “whats the point” attitude to a lot of things, but my lovely partner made me promise I would write up my entry and enter, which I did and guess what? (cue all caps to indicate excitedness)
OMG I AM GOING TO HELSINKI COURTESY OF MARIMEKKO AND GETTING A TOUR OF THE TEXTILE FACTORY, STUDIO AND ARCHIVES AS WELL AS LUNCH WITH THE DESIGNERS! HOLY CRAP!
Included is a guided visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Kiasma and dinner at restaurant Juuri – which looks amazing.
Anyone who knows me well would understand how much this means to me. I was literally speechless and shaking for quite some time after finding out I won. No amount of money can buy an amazing experience like this. Being such a huge Marimekkophile I find it hard to express the joy, gratitude and excitement I feel.
This competition was part of the Unikko 50th birthday celebrations. 50 years of the iconic poppy, with over 80 unique and amazing colourways. This characteristic and unmistakable design cannot but make you smile.
You can read and see more about Unikko 50th celebrations here
I have a lovely little stash of Marimekko fabric, including some amazing Unikko which I hope to whip into something for my trip in late August. I may need opinions on what to make, I have some ideas up my sleeve which I’ll share soon. I can feel my creative mojo coming back!
I’ll leave you with this – enjoy!
