TILLY WALNES’ SEWING WORLD
Tilly Walnes is rewarding herself with a hygge-style approach to sewing this winter after a busy year – and encourages us to do the same.
“It’s about spending time doing the things you love.”
Have you heard of hygge? I hadn’t until a friend mentioned it recently, and since then I’m hearing the word everywhere. Pronounced “heurgha”, hygge is a Danish term that stands for the concept of living cosily, being kind to yourself and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. Think snuggling on the sofa in your hand-knitted socks and warming your hands on a mug of steaming chai while you enjoy quality time with your copy of Simply Sewing magazine, enjoying a candlelit dinner with loved ones, or spending an hour in a bubbly bath with a glass of malbec.
A LIFESTYLE REVOLUTION
The hygge concept is fast becoming a revolution – expect to spot the word everywhere if you haven’t already. It’s being seen by many as a reaction against the recent online trend of abstinence and orthorexia, where a plate of spiralized courgettes with a sprinkling of cashews was considered a meal. It’s back to the pleasures of cheese on toast, the joy of cream cakes, and with it an appetite for life – hooray! The Danish regularly top the United Nation’s World Happiness listings, so they’re clearly to be trusted when it comes to lifestyle philosophies.
And, of course, sewing is totally hygge-ly – it’s about spending time doing the things you love.
So, the next time you settle down with some stitching, be mindful of enjoying making for making’s sake. Consider this permission to spend the whole day in your slippers, sipping sherry as you lovingly stroke your favourite fabrics and catalogue your pattern stash. Make each snip and stitch with
this “Be kind to yourself festive season – slow down, sew mindfully.”
intention, cherishing the pleasure of the sewing process itself rather than feeling in a rush to finish or the pressure of perfection.
HYGGE HANDMADE
I’ve noticed that my sewing projects themselves are becoming hygge-ly, too. I’ve moved away from structured dresses and cinched-in waists, towards cosy funnel necks, snuggly tops and easy-fitting dungaree dresses. “Comfort” has become my mantra for getting dressed. After a busy year chasing goals and deadlines, it’s essential to take the time to recharge your batteries – and to make time for making. Be kind to yourself this festive season – slow down, sew mindfully and enjoy those mince pies with intention. Have a hygge Christmas, one and all!