Auld Lang Syne & New Design Suggestions?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 

And never brought to mind? 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 

And auld lang syne! 

For auld lang syne, my dear, 

For auld lang syne. 

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, 

For auld lang syne. 

Happy New Year!  Wishing you all a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. 

New year celebrations are a big deal in Scotland, and I am happy I was able to spend it here.  There are many traditions we have on New Year's Eve (or 'Hogmanay' as it's named here).  A particular favourite of mine is the "First Footer" in which a tall dark haired man comes to the door with coal, whisky, bread and salt to represent warmth, prosperity, food, flavour, and good cheer to the people of the household for the year ahead.  Generally we would send out a suitable male for this job a few minutes before the bells chime at midnight.  Another tradition I like is New Year's resolutions.  Looking back on our previous year and learning from it then looking ahead to the new year and how we can be better.  My resolution will be making time for myself, give more time to friends/family and enjoy the moment.  I spend a lot of time looking ahead and not being in the moment, so I'm consciously saying aloud that these areas I will work on.

The festive period was a delight - time with family and friends, eating and drinking oh so much!  I feel well rested and ready to prepare for the year ahead, 2017 was such a busy jam packed year it passed in a flash.  This year, particularly in my business I'm going to take a few smaller steps and not spread myself too thin.  My thoughts are on collaborations and travelling in the upcoming year...

I've been thinking about new designs for days, weeks, months and have been putting pen to paper recently.  Over the next few weeks I will be reconnecting with my passions.  As silly as it may sound, I adore costume dramas.  You may notice historical elements feature in my work, and by immersing myself in history whether it's visual or verbal, I feel truly inspired.  I also try each day to walk, and have found myself straying off the beaten track to look closely at details in nature whether its a mossy bank side or the bark of a large tree, all these little moments give me such joy and inspiration towards my work.  

With regard to designing, I have been sketching so many different styles of garments.  Items such as kilts, shirts, dramatic coats, tartan wrap dresses, culottes, dungarees, crop jackets and gathered skirts are on my mind.  But I find myself distracted with designing more and more styles!  As there is just me designing and making these garments I thought maybe if anyone has thoughts of what they'd like to see?  Any thoughts please give your suggestions in the below comment section, I'd love to hear what you would like to see in the 2018 Collection.

So here's to a fresh start.  Another year, another chance to make improvements and take each opportunity given.  From now on, I'll be sketching, reading, listening and being in the moment. 

L x