MAKING TIME TO BREATHE

Tilly de Harde
6 days ago
2 min read

It’s happened again! December has once again sneaked up on me! However, I must admit, it feels like a gentle exhale after a long, busy year. It’s the one time when I deliberately slow down and make space for all the things that simply don’t fit into the rest of the year.

I walk more — longer walks, unhurried ones — because the weather is glorious. I get up earlier too when the world feels fresh and quiet, before the heat and the noise arrive. Those early mornings are a gift.

This is also when I catch up on reading. Books that I want to read during the year but are always waiting for “someday” and December is when someday arrives. I listen to podcasts while I work, especially those about artists and quilters — hearing other creative voices is so inspiring.

December gives me permission to play. Alongside my usual quilting and textile work, I dabble in other hobbies. A bit of watercolour painting and very recently, discovering ice dye thanks to a friend. I’m itching to try it out — once I’ve gone shopping for the dye, of course!

1) WATER COLOUR & 2) ICE DYE

There’s also the satisfying task of clearing out my studio. A proper tidy-up, making space, letting go of clutter — both physical and mental. I usually watch Karen Brown of Just Get it Done Quilts for inspiration on how to clean out this area so that I don’t feel too overwhelmed. It is a lot of work but woven through all of this tidying up and clearing out are quiet moments of reflection. Looking back at the year that was and gently planning for the year ahead.

And then there are the festivities: time with friends and family, cooking, baking and all the warmth that comes with shared meals and laughter.

Through it all, there is always time for my true passion — quilting and creating art — especially now that the pressure of deadlines has lifted. December reminds me why I create in the first place: mostly for joy and the simple pleasure of making.