Monday 11 July 2011

My work and my Mam

You might have noticed that I haven't been online for a few weeks now.  Lately my personal life has overtaken and there has been little time for blogging, twittering and the like.
My dear Mam, Betty, passed away a few weeks ago after a long battle with cancer and I took time off work to be with her both at home and at the hospital.  She was a big inspiration in my work, and worked for me occassionally a few years ago before she became ill.  She spent many hour herself designing and making her own clothes.

Here she is a couple of years ago, standing in my stall at the Shetland Arts and Craft Christmas Fair, wearing a jacket she had designed and knitted.  Many people asked her if I had made it, much to her annoyance and my amusement!




When I made my first felt bag Mam told me what she would like, so we designed it together. 
I named the bag the "Ursula Bag" which was her middle name.  When I came up with a new design I would usually ask her what she thought and would take it from there - she would very often even "aquire" many of the pieces!


 She will be a huge miss but I have to concentrate on the good memories and there are many of them. 

On a more positive note I am expecting my first baby, due on the 6th August.  I am on maternity leave now so my website is now closed and the last couple of orders for galleries will be sent out on Monday.  I am hoping to have some time to relax, get things ready, cook meals for the freezer etc.
I also have so many projects (for myself for a change!) going round in my head that I would like to do so I will see if I can get them fitted in.....

I will be back making and selling soon, but not sure when, I will keep in touch with news of new designs, I hope to have a new range of work when I get back into making.


9 comments:

  1. I'm really sorry to hear about your mum, I can't imagine how you must be feeling. She looks like a wonderful lady and that jacket is so beautiful!

    Best wishes for you, your family and the baby xx

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  2. Whenever you're creating your mum will be with you.

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  3. So so sorry to hear your news Donna. Thinking about you, A xx

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  4. I am really sorry to hear about your Mum Donna, but she will always be with you and inspire you. And amazing news about your baby too.

    Lots and love your way.

    Woo
    x

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  5. Oh Donna, I'm so sorry - such sad news.

    Congratulations about the baby though :-).

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  6. Hello Donna, I'm sorry to hear your sad news. Your lovely mum Betty must have been so proud of you and no doubt you are of her too x

    Good luck with the birth of your baby and here's wishing you a little one that sleeps a lot and doesn't keep you up all night!! xx

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  7. Much love to you, so sorry to hear about you mum. xxx

    have a good break and enjoy your growing bump! xx

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  8. Very sorry to hear about Betty. (My Mum was a Betty too!) She seemed such a lovely lady, from my limited meetings with her - when you were all in Oily Muggie plus when I first met her a few years ago in the Co-op of all places. I just had to stop her and compliment her on her jacket (could have been the same one!) and I introduced myself and she told me she had a daughter, Donna, who made felted things.

    Great news about the baby!! Someone told my Mum that she would live on through her children and grandchildren and it'll be the same with your Mum. You'll see a bit of her in your little one. :) xx

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