When I began this project, I thought I knew exactly what would happen this year. I’m a planner. I make lists and spreadsheets. But things have gotten in the way of my best intentions and immaculately well-laid plans. I’ve lost a family member that I loved dearly. I’ve gotten sick. I’ve been injured. I’ve had surgery. I didn’t plan on any of this.
Things happen in a year.
Fella and I are no longer engaged.
This isn’t easy to share. We have ended our relationship after two years, which were mostly wonderful. We were happy together for a long time, but the relationship eventually just died. No one did anything wrong. No one is at fault. Fella is an amazing person, and I wish nothing less than the most life has to offer him.
Today I went back to our old apartment to grab what was absolutely necessary to take to my friend’s house where I’m staying until I find a new place. This was surreal and heartbreaking. It’s odd how the most important thing I had to grab was my sewing machine. As I walked in the door, I was greeted by a series of nasty knocks. Knock #1 was seeing the sweet cat that Fella and I picked out at the shelter that was no longer mine. Knock #2 was seeing all the art I had collected on the walls that I had painstakingly painted, as well as all sorts of other things that I couldn’t even take away with me, as I had nowhere to put it. I picked up a wine glass (1 of 100) that we had printed with our names and our wedding date. I threw it in the garbage. I immediately felt guilty and placed it delicately into the recycling bin instead.
I’m not getting married anymore.
I have no place for my things.
I have no home.
I sat on what used to be our sofa drinking what was still was my beer out of what I think will end up being my pint glass. It felt weird. I felt like an interloper. Like I shouldn’t be there anymore. And I left.
I didn’t want to continue the blog. I felt sad, drained, and tired. Fortunately, I have wonderful friends that won’t let me quit. Erin and Ken helped me carry my sewing stuff into their house and set up a temporary sewing studio in their office. They let me be alone when I just couldn’t be sociable. They didn’t even judge me when I ate a dinner comprised entirely of cookies and wine.
I didn’t have the heart to refashion anything for myself today, so I asked Erin and Ken if they had anything they’d like me to redo for them. Erin pulled out this dress:
The print is cute and the fabric is nice and drapey, but Erin wasn’t really feeling it as a dress.
I chopped off some length:
Then, I took in those sides.
I lopped off the extra fabric from the sides, and Erin slipped into her cute new top.
Thanks for bearing with me today, friends. Hopefully I’ll feel more upbeat tomorrow.
I just found your blog today and I’ve been glued to the computer for..oh…3 hours or so. Unfortunately, I’ve been going through your 366 day journey backwards so I knew what was coming before I got to this post. I’m sorry for your turmoil but based on your future posts, I know that you’re tough and do a wonderful job starting over. Your projects are incredible and I’m following your advice from a few posts ago (of in the future in my case) to leave the pity behind and display utmost respect for your work!!
I just started following your blog today. I’ve been through almost 100 days. Loonnng boring day at work. This one caught me. It’s almost been a year since this post, I sure hope things are looking up for you. All of those things are had to go through. Keep your head up!!
I just found your blog through Pinterest. Makes me wish I could sew! Sorry to read of your breakup; I went through something similar. It’s been a few years now, and I’m better than ever. I did have to laugh about the project in this post- I bought that dress in a Goodwill, I’ve never worn it because it ended up fitting weird. And my name is Erin. Just all that sort of ‘small world’ stuff. Looking forward to poking around here more!
Hey Erin, did you ever learn to sew? I’ve been doing it for quite some time and though it’s tough, it’s also easy. Sometimes it’s just a matter of taking it one step at a time, starting at the beginning, or at least a step you can handle, and inching forward one stitch at a time. But just as you found this on pinterest, so can you find many sewing tutorials, if interested.
I wish you well with whatever endeavor you approach!
I’m new to your blog and have managed to read the entire year thus far since last Thursday! I cried when I read that you and your fella split. I am so sorry and I’m sure time will heal your wounds! You are such a gifted individual~~keep up the great work!
Hi I found you on Pinterest and just started reading your blog from the very beginning. I’m sorry I haven’t commented sooner… I just wanted to tell you how incredibly talented and what an amazing human being you are. I was so shocked to read this post. You are so sweet and strong to be able to share this with all of your followers. In the past couple of weeks of reading your blog I feel like I know you. I look forward to getting on my phone every night and reading your blog like my favorite book. I used to have the biggest passion for sewing and fashion. Being a child with 3 siblings, we didn’t have a lot of money when I grew up and my favorite thing was going to thrift stores and altering (now I know the real/cooler word is refashioning) clothes for school. I dreamed of going to college at RISD. For some reason I stopped when I got out of high school. I think it was because I got pregnant really young and then married my boyfriend. And with being a new mother and wife I completely lost my old self and my passion for design. I wanted to tell you that since finding your blog, you have inspired me to sew again and go after enrolling in a (closer/smaller/cheaper) design school. I wanted to thank you for the huge impact you made on my life. I’m so sorry you had to go through all that pain and hurt. I wish I could give you a big virtual hug and make you my famous soup (perfect for sad days). But I thank you for continuing your blog and your beautiful art of design. You are an wonderful roll model.
Thank you so much,
Ella Westley, 22, Utah
I love your blog! Saw you this morning (5 July) on the Rachael Ray show…I noticed from reading your blog that you did this back in February and that you have been through many different events since that time. Sorry for your pain, your break-up, and, as others have stated, you will look back on this, with a less heavy heart! You have made great strides gf, since that time! Rachael Ray show! WOW! Congrats to you! I wish you well! And, now that I know who you are, I feel a comraderie with another “FASHIONISTA” blog sister! Look forward to meeting you in the future! Hugs, and much love, NEWYORKTBAGGER (T) Tamara
Love,love,love your blog and I feel like I know you thro it.Just wanted to say that life changes and as it changes things happen in your life for a reason and I know its hard but one day you will look back and see how everything was moving towards a future goal.Hugs
I’m so sorry to hear things aren’t working out for the two of you! You’re a beautiful, intelligent, and witty woman. You will find love again, when the time is right. (HUG)
I’m sorry to hear about you and Fella, but glad to know that your friends won’t let you quit re-fashioning.
I’m so sorry. You’re a great person and I’m sure you’ll be fine soon. My best wishes.
I have read for a long time..not sure I ever commented..but wanted to tell you I am so sorry you are going thru this. Life tends to throw us curve balls from time to time and though it is never fun or easy we tend to be stronger and learn fron each curve. Hang in there and know you are being thought of.
On another note I wanted to tell you that you inspire me. I strive to find the space for my machine and to creat and alter clothing…I get ideas from your blog and read you at least every other day. ( not online daily).
Tbank you for sharing your creations.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sad news. Sending you good energy.
Jilly, we have only met briefly once in company of Sarah Barker. I have been following your blog and appreciate so much your honesty and compassion – also your sewing talent. I share with Patti Rosenfeld a sense of companionship – ooh did you see what Jilly did?! Isn’t she clever?? Thanks for being honest and sharing your triumphs and your pain. For what it’s worth, I believe in you. I admire your courage
Hey there – this is my first time posting, but Ive been following your blog pretty much from the beginning. One of the things which has always attracted me to your writing has been your personality, your bubbliness, your quirkyness, and how much joy you seem to find in things, how much fun you have. I am so sorry to see you in so much pain, so much of your happiness radiated through your writing.
Grab a pint of ice cream (or two or three), some really decent alcohol (no need to get drunk on something too shitty) and then cuddle up and watch some brainless, feel good movies. Then get off your butt and continue being the fabulous refashionista that so many of us readers have come to know and love (in a completely non-creepy, non stalker, simply admirer kind of way….)
Hugs from Jerusalem, Israel
Aliza
So sorry to hear Jillian, on the positive, you have a lot of support xx
That dress made Erin look hugh who knew then she put on a super cute top and she got a cute skinny shape!
Keep ur head up ur blog has always put a smile on my face, I hope you keep writing and don’t stay sad for too long
🙁 xxx
oh sweetie 🙁 i can’t believe you even have the strength to blog or refashion. i hope your year gets better xxx
Hey Jillian, So so sorry to hear your shocking news. You and Fella always seemed like such a lovely together couple. Take some time to be sad and to remember but please please don’t give up on your blog – it’s such a source of inspiration to all us wanna-be refashionistas.
Hi Jillian,
I love your blog, please don’t stop. I wish you lots of blessings in this new chapter in your life.
I love your blog and am so sorry that life is crappy right now. I know that things will get better and this will all be just a memory.
soooo sorry, but stay strong and you’ll get through, don’t give up because ur friends will help you through it. xoxoxox
P.S I thing 50% of the people in the world would die if you stopped ur blog so please keep
re-fashioning!!!
Hi Girl:
I look more forward to reading your blog than the paper. You have inspired me to dust of my terrible sewing skills (that I was taught 20+ years ago in old-school home-ec) and actually refashion some stuff. You inspire so many and when WE are having a down day, WE ALL look to you for a pick-me-up. I hope the comments on your blog tonight send the virtual hugs from friends all over the US and the world who have been inspired by you. Let us comfort you. Thank you for sharing with all of us – I am sure it was more than difficult, but you know what, that is what makes you and all of us REAL.
It stinks.
Be thankful you have wonderful friends – many of whom we have all met on your blog. Hug them, let them take care of you, cry a little bit and then a little bit more. Take the time you need and then, like the caterpillar, become emerge and become the butterfly!
We are all thinking of and praying for you………….
I’m so sorry. I stumbled across your blog and have been following your adventures with great interest. You’ve even help inspire me to clean out my sewing room.
I wish you all the best in this tough time.
Jilliani,
In spite of what’s going on in your life, you’ve still managed to put something together. You absolutely ROCK and I hope you know it. I love your blog, and I’m so happy that you’ve decided to continue your mission and your passion for refashioning. Thank you.
I’m sorry to hear you’re going through some tough times. : (
And how positively rude of me to only comment now (I’m such a lurker), but I felt I should at least let you know you have +1 reader and lover of your beautiful refashions and spirit. You’ve been inspiring me ever since I found your site a few months back. I’ve been a refashioning fool on my mom’s old Singer.
You’ll be in my prayers tonight. I know God has big plans for you! I can see your beautiful and strong spirit even in words on a website. Keep chugging along and eat as many cookies as you want! : )
P.S. Oh my word, if you want a fantastic cookie check out stroopwafel’s. They’re like cookies and waffles ALL IN ONE. Yeah, amazing, I know.
Hugs to you…simple as that. I have been reading your blog from the inception and you have given me the courage to refashion and create so many pretty things. You are truly loved and admired for your blog but it is with deep admiration for today’s post and your honesty about something that was difficult to write. We all care!!…simple as that.
I usualy dont comment but I’m a big fan of your blog.
I’m sure you’ll find yor way and inspiration.
We allways do, don’t we? A big hug!!!
I have so enjoyed your blog and your refashioning and was so surprised by your blog this morning. I know there really isn’t anything I can say to make it better but just know somebody way up in Canada is thinking about you and sending you cyber hugs. Take care.
Oh my God! I am so sorry for you! I could just feel your sadness through your words! I have never commented before, but I follow your blog for 2 months now, and I think you are such a creative person! And you look very fun as well! You’ll be better in some time, you two have been brave to decide that. I wish that your luck changes!
I’m so sorry to heat about the rough patch you’re going through right now. Hang in there! And, be good to yourself. Do what you need to do to take care yourself and know that you are an inspiration to me and many others who look forward to your creativity every day.
Hang in there! You’ll make it through.
Jillian,
You are such an inspiration. You are one of the reasons that I started my refashioning/blogging adventures last year. As an avid follower there is one thing that I’ve learned, you’ve got SPUNK girl!!! And there is no doubt in my mind that you’ll get through this.
Oh, I feel for you. I know what it’s like to not have a “home,” no place to feel settled, and to live off of friends or strangers for a while. And to break off a close relationship on top of that… I’m sorry you have to go through this, but admire your courage to make difficult decisions. Remember, you are allowed to grieve or express whatever other emotions you have. Prayers and virtual hugs coming your way.
Oh, I know how sad the end of a relationship is! Just think of all the wonder that is on your way! Take time for you to heal. We all understand and will wait patiently for your life to get back on track with what is best for you. Take care!
I am so sorry to hear about your rough times. I discovered your blog a couple of months ago, and went back through all the old posts to get caught up. You inspire me to do more with my own refashioning – I joined Refashion Co-op because of you. I feel like I have gotten to know you through your blog. You seem like a strong person with a lot of great friends and I know you will make it through this. Best wishes to you for your future!
While we don’t know you personally, we consider you our friend in the blogging/refashioning world. I have enjoyed seeing you create magic with your fingers and ingenuity. Thank you for sharing your heartbreaking story. I think we all can say that life is difficult at time and, in time, it will slowly get better. I am genuinely sorry to hear your relationship has ended. Wishing the heartache lessens each day a little bit more, and you are on the road to happiness once again. Learning New Tricks (I should have called myself — learning new sewing techniques) from Santa Barbara, CA.
Oh dear, Jillian, so sorry to read this!
You are such a kind, wonderfully creative and inspiring woman, and besides, a brave one, too.
So, I’m just joining in the group-hugging, hoping you’ll be fine soon! We’re here for you if you need to vent, and we’ll be waiting for you, if you need a time out.
Take good care of yourself, gal!
xoxo, Claudia from Germany
Hey girl,
I feel devastated by your news. I first saw your blog in December last year and have been hooked ever since. I read all the posts that i missed before that and I feel as thought I know you. I am really sorry that you have to go through this and I don’t know how you were brave enough to share this with all your internet friends, but that just goes to show that you are a strong person. All my best wishes for the future are with you.
Ralna – from Trinidad and Tobago
I
I’m so sorry you’re having a hard time right now. Thanks so much for sticking it out with the blog. I’ve been reading it since before you started the 1-year challenge, and I love it so much. You inspire me, not just with the initiative to try new sewing things, but to get out there socially and do things. Thanks for all your hard work! We’re all big fans of you!
I’m sorry to hear that you are going through a rough time and I hope you start feeling better soon. It’s great that you have friends that can take you in, keep you company and distracted. I love your blog. It’s so entertaining and inspiring. I hope you don’t give it up. I would miss it greatly.
We’ve never met, but I’ve read the blog regularly, too…and it actually HAS changed the way I think about fashion. I found myself recently at the Goodwill looking at things with the Refashionista’s perspective. You are consistently adorable, creative, and inspiring.
And like so many people here, this made me very sad, but also…good for you. So many of us stay in things longer than we should, when they just don’t fit us anymore. Through nobody’s fault. Just because…life changes. It takes a lot of courage to acknowledge that and let go.
But it seems like kind of a funny parallel: You refashion clothes that were once beloved and perfect…and you make them into things that are even better. You make them into things that fit you perfectly, that accentuate all the lovely things about you, that make you happy. It’s a bit more sticky than lopping off sleeves and taking in sides, but maybe your innate ability to make something beautiful out of something that’s no longer right for you will come in handy here, too?
That, and wine. And cookies. And friends. 🙂
Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry! I only found your blog a few weeks ago, but I can already see so clearly what a wonderfully kind and loving and creative person you are. I have no doubt that the strength to carry on will come to you. Thank you so much for sharing with us so that we can support and love you. Sending every positive thought your way and trusting with you that the best is yet to come.
Love from California, Cameron
Stay strong!!!!! You are woman, hear you roar!!!! I know, stupid, but you are going to make it and only grow from this. I just started following your blog about a month ago and know I enjoy and anticipate every morning your new project!! You give me inspiration and excitement. Just hold on to those firends and you will make it!!!!! Keep on going and never give up!!!!
Sigo tu blog hace tiempo y nunca he comentado, pero hoy quiero mandarte un gran abrazo y decirte que la vida siempre cambia así como la ropa que remodelas y siempre podemos estar mejor, tal vez lo comprendas más adelante, saludos!.
Así como la ropa que remodelas, nuestra vida también cambia y siempre se puede estar mejor, un abrazo para tí, sigo tu blog hace tiempo y me encanta.
Jillian,
I’ve discovered Your blog just this month and keep being glued to it.
I strongly admire Your fashion audacity and Your sharp sense of humour.
I came out of the anon zone to tell You:
1)You’re amazing!
You’ve completely changed the way I think of the heap of old, rather ugly
clothes, lying helplessly in the depths of my closet.
Now I know that they can be rendered useful again.
2) I think I can grasp how You feel.
There was a day in my life when my significant other dropped by to say
that he met someone else – and that he quits. After 8 years spent together.
I thought I’m gonna go bonkers.
But I didn’t. In fact, I am way happier and fulfilled now that I was when
that person was still around.
I believe that is the way things will turn out for You, too.
You are admirable, adorable, just fab!
Lots of love,
Nina
Poland
Oh Jillian….I am SO sorry for this huge disappointment and upheaval in your life. As you can see by the many posts above, there are so many of us that look forward to hearing from you each day. I could live without the refashions if I had to, (I don’t want to btw) but I can’t live without your wonderful outlook on life! I love that in this extremely difficult time, you did what I do – you reach out to those you know will offer you hope and sympathy when you need it most. Take time for yourself and do what you need to do to move forward. I am on my third marriage and can tell you from experience that broken hearts do indeed heal – with time. And from each experience has come something new and wonderful, and finally – finally – the man of my dreams literally walked through the doors of an airport to pick me up for a work event. So you just never know. Have faith – good things, better things, and eventually, when you are ready, another wonderful man, will come your way. My favorite sentiment when something happens is – when you are kicked in the ass, most people keep looking back at the foot that kicked them, instead of looking forward to where that foot is kicking you to! Be well – and take comfort that so many of us are out here in cyber space for you -and hey – if you need a place to stay – I bet every single one of us would find a spot for you on our couch! BIG HUGS! Ali
I’m so sorry! Even as you are going through this difficult time, know that we love you and your blog. Every time I read your entries, I am inspired at how creative your sewing solutions are. Sending positive energy your way!!!
I’m so sorry that you have to go through this. Take your time and when you’re ready to return, we’ll all be waiting for you.
You’ll make it through, I have complete faith. I went through a similar thing a year ago, having to move out of my beautiful house with the curtains that I made, rooms I painted, furniture I had helped buy, and tulip bulbs in the frozen ground. I ran out of checks right when I needed to write one for a lease on a new apartment. When I went to the bank, a helpful employee told me that I could order new checks right then. I burst out sobbing, “But I don’t have a home!” and the entire bank saw me… It was definitely a low, low point at the time. But now, I laugh about it so hard that it hurts (in a good way)! And my life is immeasurably better than it ever has been before. Yours will be, too. Just keep doing you. Because you’re awesome.
Oh my dear, I am so sorry to hear this. You really do have so much courage and strength. Amazing that you even thought of posting a re-fashion right now. I hope that tomorrow will be better, but remember, you were together for two years, and that’s going to take some getting used to. You are loved and admired–by complete strangers no less! Hang in there, and remember too that you deserve the best in life. It’s cliche’ I know, but things happen for a reason and life really has a way of working out for our best. {{hugs}}
You and your blog are amazing. There are so many people that admire what you do, and you are an inspiration to those of us who are too scared to chop into old clothes and turn them into something amazing. Best of luck to you in these tough times, you’ll come out stronger for it all.
Oh my word!
So sorry to hear this, but as so many have said above, surely in the long run this is all for the best, however unlikely that may seem now.
File this away for future reference though, since the stark eloquence as you describe your experience and emotions right now is in many ways a huge leap beyond your usual blogging narrative style. “Jillian’s First Novel” may have the intro to a chapter above.
And on top of that, who knew? Inner strength through refashioning! What a notion.
{{{Jillian}}}
~ your positive role model and mentor
dear R,
sadly, i don’t know your name. since i became a subscriber i read your blog every day and i don’t remember seeing your name. hence the dear ‘R’.
i read your post this morning and could feel your sadness reaching out and grabbing my heart. i had to comment and let you know how sorry i am to hear of your broken engagement. i have lived through similar circumstances and years later (sometimes sooner!) i was so happy things turned out the way they did.
you are a smart, creative, resourceful girl and now you will have more time to create a world for yourself that is tailored to you. get it… ‘tailored’? :0)
when you find a place of your own you will fill it with fabulous artwork and create a welcoming and warm retreat for yourself.
i know you add sunshine to my day, everyday and i am sure i am not the only one. so, until the one who makes your days full of sunshine comes along, keep creative and carry on!
remember that someone out here in blogland is thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way! that’s me!
all the best,
donna
So sorry to hear about your breakup. It’s good to see that you aren’t giving up and your outlook seems great. Hang in there, things like this only make us stronger in the end!
I am yet another silent observer who greatly enjoys this blog and am totally inspired by you….to the point where I may even someday offer a class in recycled fashion for the community I live in! Keep it up, life always throws changes at us and we CAN keep going!
Erika, did you ever teach the class? If so, way cool! If not, I hope you found something else just as amazing but more fitting for your life! What an awesome idea! I wish you the best!
I’m so sorry you’re going through such a tough time. Take care of yourself x
the only dinner better than cookies and wine is cookie dough and wine. internet hugs to you. xx
Thank u for sharing your life with all of us. It must have been hard to type it or talk about it. You are a beautiful woman with a fantastic personality. Take as much time as you want to heal. Use this space as your therapy. Tell us how you feel and we’ll listen and send love through the internet.
Big hugs from Down Under.
Hi,
It will get better and easier. Take your time to grieve and then pick yourself up and keep on living. This too shall pass. BE ENCOURAGED
So sorry for the way things are going now. I just started reading your blog a few days ago and love it! You seem so smart, funny, creative and beautiful. Know that you WILL get through this heartache. I know you feel like you can barely do a thing… I’ve been there too many times. Each time, out of the ashes rises a smarter, stronger me. Take care and don’t give up on your dreams! Also, I showed your creations to my 15 year old daughter who loves to create fashions from Goodwill finds. You are inspiring a whole host of people!
I am yet another person who has been following your blog for some time now (almost from the beginning) and absolutely love reading every single post you make – long or short, but have never actually commented. Figure that this is a good reason to comment for the first time.
So sorry that you are in this situation. Thankfully, you have awesome friends who will help you through this tough time in your life. You are a strong, wonderful woman. Please take time out for yourself (throw some things around the room if you like hehe). Look forward to reading your next post when you feel up to it. 🙂
*hugs*
Sharon
I am sending positive thoughts your way, Jillian. You are such an inspiration to me, that I have gone out and bought a sewing machine so that I can make some clothes, and refashion others! Saying a prayer for you, too! Know that you are loved!
Your next re-fashion is …you! Take time, be good to yourself, and let your friends comfort and suppport you. Better days are ahead!
You are an amazing woman, full of vibrancy and joie de vivre. You deserve a relationship that is going to go the distance and I salute your courage and authenticity. If you need a break from the blog i think you should just take it. We will all still be here when you get back. Thinking of you, and hoping most sincerely that you get back on your feet soon.
I’m so sorry to hear about your break-up. I’m going to be praying for you to stay strong even through the pain. Very often our lives go “off the path” for reasons unknown to us at the time, that will become clear later on. Embrace the hurt, sorrow, and pain – don’t avoid it. Just know that you will walk through it and emerge from it, a stronger woman. God bless you girlie! Keep your chin up.
Oh honey, my heart sank when I read today’s post. I’m so sorry to hear you’re going through this. I’ve been following your blog through my own recent trying times and have loved each and every post. Sometimes trying to stay ‘on routine’ helps keep you busy and the distractions can take your mind off the heart ache. Know that once you’ve made this hard decision for yourself that things will only get easier from this day forth.
Sending you positivity and uplifting energy from Down Under!
The world needs dreamers and the world needs doers. But above all, the world needs dreamers who do. Remember this through today and all other difficult times that you mean so much to a whole of other people and when you feel down and out, is the time you should always not give up on what you love doing. Greetings all the way from Africa. You will make it just fine.
Your daily blog has brightened many a day for me as well as for many others. Please know that your strong following will support you with thoughts and prayers that can be life-changing. You are a strong, talented person with a bright future ahead of you. This is just another bump in the road that will lead you to the fulfilling life you deserve.
Hi Jillian,
I was so sad to read your post today. I have been following your blog for the last couple of months and I always look forward to your updates.. I really love your inspiring, creative refashions and your hilarious comments 🙂
Hang in there – you will get through this. Thinking of you xx
Penny – Australia.
Please don’t stop. You are a source of inspiration to so many. I haven’t bought clothes for myself from a regular store in six months and I’m going for another six :). You have inspired me to find more ways to be thrifty! I’ve switched my son to cloth diapers, make laundry detergents, we have plans to start a garden and we even have our own chickens. Once I started refashioning I had to find more ways to save money and live simply. Thank you for being the spark that started it all. You’ve helped open up so many more possibilities and creativity in my life that I felt was missing. Sewing and your
Blog filled a hole. Thank you. I will keep you in my thoughts during this difficult time for you.
dont stop the blog every day i get up and the first thing I go to is you to see what you have done! take some itme off, but dont quit, we LOVE YOU! Anne
I was so, so sorry to read this GIllian. I really feel for you and the dreadful time you are going through right now. Look at how many people have left messages for you…people really do care about others and are sending you positive thoughts to help you get through this. Of course it will take time, gallons of wine, kilos of cookies and the support of your wonderful friends. Stay strong but don´t put yourself under pressure to continue daily. We´ll still be here if you want to take a little break. Un abrazo, Tanya
It’s interesting when you stumble upon a blog of a perfect stranger and get a glimpse into their lives and everything always looks hunky dory. I was always a little envious of all your parties and events you go to thinking that your life looks like so much fun. But, life never goes smoothly. There are so many bumps along the way. It can be sad and messy.
I feel sad for you tonight even though I don’t know you. But I do enjoy your refashion every day and I would miss it. Soooo, keep it up for my sake? 🙂
Hang in there! Take care.
So sorry to hear about what you are going through! Life happens, but we get stronger and we always learn about all the things that happen to us. You show us what an amazing person you are every single day!!! You know lots of people who care deeply about you, whether they know you in person or not. Be strong! Hang in there! All the best!!!! Yolanda (Spain-France)
Oh no … I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you all the best, too.
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news, but I also know it must be right for you, as ultimately you wouldn’t have made such a difficult decision. I only ‘know’ you through your blog and I always think what a lovely, positive, cheerful person you seem to be. I have no doubt at all that once this painful time has passed you will be ready to face the world with a smile again. Lots of love from London x
Ive been looking at your website everynight to see you new posts, and im very sorry to hear about your relationship. I was in your position a couple years ago except i had few good memories but your heart heals and its better that you had more good memories than bad memories. I hope your heart heals soon.
I, like many others, have been following this project from day 1 without commenting. I love your posts every day and get excited when they come up. I feel for you at this hard time and I hope you get through this and come out stronger for it. The displaced feeling is really difficult and I hope you find yourself settled in a nice place soon.
Best wishes from Australia (seems to be a few Aussie followers).
Yes I know you don’t know me. But I feel like I know you since I’ve read EVERY post of you on this year trip. I’ve been amazed, astonished by you fitting it all in. Yes I’ve sometimes been jealous of how you can make it look so effortless. But things happen, and this happened. I can’t say it won’t hurt, but it will. Just remember you have more friends than you think you have.
Sorry to read your sad news. This must be a very difficult time for you and it must have been even more difficult to write about it. Please know that no one judges you for eating cookies and wine for dinner. No one will judge you either if you feel like you need to stop blogging or just do *easy* refashions for a while…or just blog about your feelings. You have so many friends in your hometown and you are such an inspiration to so many! Hang in there and please let us know how we can support you. Bouqui in Switzerland
Sometimes, when there is nothing I can do for someone, there is always one thing that I CAN do. That is send up a prayer for them. But everyone here seems to think this break-up is a done deal. Maybe it is, but I am a true romantic that never gives up hope. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this is only a bump in the road and not the end of the road. The two of you seemed pretty good together. I know that you appreciated so many of the nice things he did for you and that you were always proud of him. Good luck, Jill.
Sending you (((hugs))). Take care of yourself, you will get through this….strong women always do :~)
Very sorry to hear this. I am with you my dear. Do not quit what you have been working for these 239 amazing days. Your refashioning works cheer me up and I am sure they help a lots too. Same as do not quit being your lovely, lifely, friendly to the world.
I am facing the same situation as you are and trying to get through. : (
Looking forward to read your day 240s. Love you.
Best wishes to you! It’s not easy, I know, but it’s wonderful that the two of you have the wisdom to do what’s best for you both instead of just going ahead out of inertia. In the long run you’ll both be happier and healthier, even if it doesn’t seem that way now. Your blog is wonderful and I look forward to reading it every day — but don’t let it rule your life. You won’t be a failure if you take a blog vacation (blogation?) and get your head and heart settled. Do whatever’s best for you. We’ll all be waiting when you come back! Prayers for you both!
I’m so, so sorry! Sending positive vibes your way!
Since I started reading your blog, I have been in awe of how brave you are to just chop into these sad, old, cast-off garments and make them into something new and lovely. That courage, time, and good friends will bring you out of this sadness and into something even more beautiful.
I’m so so sorry to hear your sad news, I’ve only been following your blog for a few months but as other commentors have said I feel as if you are a friend, so I was so sad to hear your having a difficult time. My thoughts are with you, and hope things look up soon for you. P.S. on a total selfish note I’m glad your not going to stop your blog I look forward to them everyday. ( no pressure ).;) Gayle (Utah)
Oh sweetie!! I’m so sorry 🙁 I’ll be praying things start to fall into place for you. I look forward to your blog entries each day. So glad you have awesome friends to keep you going!! xo
Sorry to hear your news. Give yourself time to grieve! We all love you and enjoy tuning in every day from all over the world! Even re-fashionistas have crises and it only makes them stronger in the end… after a few bottles of wine and plenty of chocolate! Hang in there. We’re right behind you all the way! Love, Mairi (DownUnder)
Wow. I honestly hadn’t realized how much a part of my routine this blog had become before reading this post, then my heart just broke for you! I am actually crying and I rarely do that. I am sure that you have alot of readers out there that look forwards to your posts everyday but you know what? It’s okay to take care of you! It’s okay to take a break and do what’s best for you and we will all be waiting right here to cheer you on and wish for the next chapter to be filled with laughter, sunshine and crazy grandma-dress refashions. 🙂
So sorry to hear your sad news, it must have been very hard to share that with us all. I have been reading your blog since before you started this years challenge and I’m sure there’s lots of followers like me who are sending their love and support.
You are very inspiring and I look forward to reading your posts every day. I especially used to love reading them when they came in during the night (in Australia) and I was up with my baby who refused to sleep – you cheered me up!
I’m so glad you’re hanging in there, you can still do this challenge, you are strong and amazing! xoxo
I read every post(and have for a while now…even going back to day 1), but I never comment…I’m sorry I am such a creepster. I just wanted to say I am so sorry for what is happening in your life, but I am so glad you are going to keep blogging! I know that sounds so selfish, but if you quit I would feel like I was missing a friend…I wish you the best, and I hope you can find your re-fashioning and blogging can be therapeutic. Lots of love!
-Tiffany from Oklahoma
Ditto! I haven’t had the nerve to comment on anything but thanks for having the guts to post not so fun stuff too! I love seeing what you will come up with next. Just think of this as a refashion too! Hope it gets better for you sooner rather than later. 🙂
Sarah
Very sorry too hear about your sad news. I am an avid reader of your blog and it does make my day (I find myself disappointed when you haven’t done an update!!). You have lots of cyber friends who you don’t even know about (like me) so know that we are thinking of you. Hope things look rosier for you soon. Kate (New Zealand)
Oh no! I have totally fallen in love with you (in a girlfriend way!) through this blog. Oh sweetie, you rock. Seriously, you pulled off THIS amazing refashion in your state of mind?! All your readers, we ALL love you and are here for you. Life happens. Refashion when you can. We will wait for you! And cookies and wine can be a good dinner.
Take good care of yourself!
I am so sorry that you are going thru this right now. I hope you know that you have a ton of people sending good thoughts your way…even all of us blog followers you dont even know! I love your blog…I read it every day and I love how you take so many unfanshionable items and make them into something really cute! Hang in there, hon! Things will look up soon!
You are a beautiful person, inside and out. I wish you the best while you go through this transition. There have been days where the only thing that made me laugh was your commentary on your refashions 🙂 I’m having a glass of wine tonight in your honor, and sending up some prayers so that you can emerge from this as an even better (more fabu!) version of you 🙂
Honey, I am so so sorry, stay strong! And always know that you have friends everywhere, even in MinneSNOWta 🙂
Oh my – prayers, thoughts, and virtual hugs. You are such a bright spot on this earth. I can remember the day I met you. I commented on your clothes and we ended up talking about your blog. Through the blog I discovered what a fun, interesting, intelligent person you are. I hate that you are hurting but I know you will come out stronger on the other side. And know that your blog touches many people and has made a difference in many peoples lives.
Oh sweetheart. I have only been following you for a week or two and love your blog. You should be really proud of it! Times get tough and nothing people can say will make you feel better…at least not for a little while. And sometimes amicable breakups are even harder because you just want to blame someone! But it will be ok…you have already proven stronger than you think just by writing this 🙂