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Monday, June 3, 2013

State of Project Minima: Y2 Q4

The Summer Quarter for Year Two of Project Minima has been stopped in its tracks by my Mom's sudden turn of events.  Rather, by my state of coping I should say.  Nevertheless, following is my summary.

painting by Haidee Becker
I've completed 13 pieces this quarter, all from patterns except 1 skirt that was simply gathered at the waist.  Some were very complicated designs, however.  Like the Koos Spring Coat and the Koos Kaftan, wherein I used multiple pieces of fabric from my stash.  

You can see the clothes I made on my Spring Clothes page. 

Thanks to all of you for you kind thoughts and wishes about Mom.  They really helped me feel connected.

I haven't made a thing since Mother's Day when I finished the Kaftan and got called the following day about Mom being rushed to the hospital.  I just can't focus on any one thing or make decisions about sewing.  Things that once were important now seem irrelevant and vice versa.  It's a whole new world out there with medicare and medicaid, elder law attorneys, rehab facilities vs nursing homes, assisted living vs skilled nursing, power of attorney vs guardianship, competency, insurance, being the only relative, plus living in different states.  We've been driving back and forth to Detroit - 3 times in the last 2 weeks and we'll be going again in a few days.  That's 6 hours each way.  I feel crazy. 


Meanwhile, this is officially the end of Year Two for Project Minima since I began it in June of 2011.  I'm going to go into year 3 now.  I need to revisit my goals and get back on track.  But I'm just not in a place to do that at the moment.  Soon though.

Let me just calculate the total for the year anyway.  Year 2 total is 71 garments.  Year 1 was 114 -   altogether making 185 articles of clothing.  No buying in Year 1, buying on e-bay and twice in a store (several times more if you count fabric!) in Year 2. 



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12 comments:

  1. mispapelicosJune 3, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    Sorry to hear about your mother, and having been able to create such wonderful work, dear Pao.
    You are an inspiration.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  2. juliJune 3, 2013 at 3:17 PM

    Juggling two different worlds IS a lot to cope with. Just concentrate taking care of what needs to be taken care of, and when you are ready to come back, please do. We are here and we will be glad having you back!
    In the meanwhile: strength to you, sister. My thoughts are with you.
    xx juli
    fragmentsofmyclothing.blogspot.com

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  3. LouisaJune 3, 2013 at 11:51 PM

    So sorry about your mom, dear Pao. It happens but it ain't easy. (Been there, done that. Twice.) Big hugs and wishes that things aren't any harder than they need to be. Don't forget to take care of yourself as well! So important. You know where to find me if you need to whine, vent, sigh, complain or all of the above.

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  4. Megan GJune 4, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    Lots and lots of hugs and well wishes, Pao. I'm sorry about your Mom. It's never easy to have an ailing family member, even harder when you have to make decisions from afar.

    I know I've faced a lot of difficult situations in the past year, and getting dressed seems so petty in the light of harsh realities. Don't forget that getting dressed can provide you with daily armor to carry you through with emotional support. You may not feel like creating, but you have a closet full of creations already that you should lean on for sartorial strength.

    Do not forget us readers, if you need us, call and we will be an ear to listen, a piece of advice, or a shoulder to cry on.

    Many many good thoughts winging your way, dear. <3

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  5. VixJune 4, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    I feel your pain, it's taken 2 years to get my Dad sorted and be awarded legal access to his finances and it's such a relief. xxx

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  6. UnknownJune 4, 2013 at 2:35 PM

    Thinking of you, Pao. We moved from Seattle to be with elderly parents, and although I hate being stuck here, I was glad. Get lots of rest, and take the minutes and seconds you can steal from all the worry to keep making art, if only in your head. Hang in, kid. And eat well. Get lots of fiber. Smile when you can.

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  7. Jean at www.drossintogold.comJune 5, 2013 at 9:36 PM

    Oh Pao, I'm so sorry. It's so difficult and heartrending, all of it. We do the best we can with each scenario, whatever it is. Woven in to these times are hopefully moments of respite, whether it's sewing a little something or having that bottle of wine, or both, or none of it and then something else etc. Take care of yourself as best you can.

    Your tally for the two years is incredible. PM was hugely influential in helping me along my current path, focusing on more and more upcycling and trying to use what I already own. You are my guru.

    I'll check back periodically, and as other people have said, I'm here too. Whatever you need. XXOO

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  8. The Style CroneJune 5, 2013 at 10:55 PM

    Thank you for the update during this difficult and complex time. So many decisions and overwhelming feelings. Thinking of you and your Mom and you don't need have goals at this time. You are so very impressive and inspirational. Love to you from Denver.

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  9. AnonymousJune 6, 2013 at 1:18 PM

    Pat--so sorry to hear about your mom.
    You have been an inspiration with all of the FABULOUS projects the last couple of years!!

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  10. AnonymousJune 6, 2013 at 3:16 PM

    So sorry about your mom. It must be a very difficult time for you but please take very good care of yourself.
    I love your projects - they are amazing.

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  11. The Style CroneJune 24, 2013 at 11:19 PM

    Thinking about you and your Mom and hope that all is well. You are missed!

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  12. cynthia korzekwaJuly 2, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    Terribly sorry for your difficult times!

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