"I always thought if I worked hard and saved, it would happen. I'd one day live in a little cottage in the countryside." But after so many years had passed, the realisation began to sink in that 'No' it looks like it never will! But I'm happy. I've also settled into the feeling that well I might not live in a cottage, but it doesn't mean I can't have a cottage life. I didn't even know 'Cottagecore' was a thing until recently.
Have you ever felt lost? Not sure what you’re doing, or where you’re going? Struggling on without proper focus, because you've lost that spark or drive that only comes when you know what you’re doing and that you’re definitely on the right path? That’s been me ever since closing my shop, (The Sewing Room – back in Durham back in 2022).
It wasn’t until recently I had the sudden realisation that filled me with inspiration to say ‘Yes’ that’s it! That sums me up to a tee! I’ve started jumping out of bed again on a morning and I know why!
I am lucky to have a view over some fields, although builders keep trying to build on it, but I chose the house because of the peaceful view and I still love it today, but I don't live in a cottage, just a normal semi.
I’ve always lived a ‘Cottagecore’ lifestyle without realising it and I love all aspects of it, because I can’t just focus constantly on one aspect, or hobby at a time. I am so much more than that. I’m happier when incorporating a variety of interests into my everyday life. So, what is ‘cottagecore’ you may ask? If you haven’t come across it before it’s a term that’s been around for a few years now, but it seems very popular with lots of young girls at the moment who are embracing a slower pace of life and trying to recreate the aesthetic of olde world country charm into their own homes.
It includes all aspects of living a more rustic lifestyle. Incorporating, home décor, fashion and taking up hobbies such as traditional handicrafts and cooking! Even if you don’t live in a cottage, you can make it have that homely appeal on the inside. It’s also about getting back to basic needs and being fulfilled and happy doing everyday tasks mindfully. Making time to sit in a sunny spot and enjoying that book whenever you can and not just for 5 minutes before falling asleep in bed.
I’ve been doing more of this myself, with my art and cooking, looking after the family and the home, organising and meal prepping (to stay away from the dreaded ultra processed food, as much as possible). I’ve been teaching myself how to do a little baking, which I’ve never been very good at. (Following on from having some lessons with a dear friend earlier last year, when she taught me how to make pastry and pizza dough, as well as cakes of course). This all helps in watching those pennies.
I’ve also been embracing more mindful everyday activities, including writing a proper letter to a friend, having a long chat on the phone, even meeting up for coffee! Just taking the time to slow down and notice my own thoughts.
I’ve moved on from just constantly sewing, as I did when I was running the shop, partly because of a touch of arthritis in my thumb nowadays that slows me down, but also because I love art. I love upcycling, reusing and of course I still repair. I can’t buy new when I can make something look just as good as it once was, or if it still has a little life left in it.
For similar reasons I’m hooked on Vinted for recycling old clothes that don’t fit and homeware I no longer use. I get some exercise once or twice a week walking to the nearest postal unit to send off the latest item to it's new home. But I do have to try and not buy too much as I've been snapping up perfectly good jeans for only £3 that would have cost £30 in Debenhams! I’ve come to the point where I won’t look at anything if I have no pennies in the account from selling something first!
I’m also hooked on those ‘charity shop find’ – videos that seem to be all over the internet (or on my feed anyway). When you can watch people going into their favourite charity shop or thrift store and seeing what they come out with. Then to see what they do with it when they get home! Not everyone can imagine what something can be transformed into. I've done this for years. Do you want to see what I've found?
If you don’t mind, I’d like to chat about all aspects of living a cottagecore lifestyle? Do you want to know more about something in particular? How to list something on Vinted? Hearing about a latest recipe? Let me know in the comments, or send me a message via the contact page. I still do everything else, including ‘Stitching Tea Parties’, ‘Trunk Shows’ and hold a monthly Quilt Club, (check out the events page). I also still write patterns and do my painting, so it’s best to have a browse around the website and shop to get a feel for things. Or better still sign up for my newsletter, if you don’t get it already.
Enjoy the rest of your day.
Sharon xx
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