RVS DUDS! - A Thread Worth Pulling

Since the idea of RVS DUDS! began to take shape, my love of charity shops — a source of much eye rolling from the Gallimore Famalam — has found a renewed momentum. I have always shopped this way, believing that a charity shop find gives in many ways; to me, as I get a bargain and it's unlikely anyone else will have the same, to charity as it generates an income, and to the earth as it saves items from becoming landfill. Now I have a whole new excuse — sorry, reason — for my obsession, and a new set of objectives in terms of what I need to source. Though I still never quite manage to stick to the programme and inevitably end up with "extras."

That said, I have a growing pile of resources to get busy with. Into the washing machine for most of it — not that it's dirty, but there is that distinctive charity shop smell. A bit like old books. I'm not averse to it myself; it reminds me of my student days along with joss sticks and Patchouli Oil, both of which you will still find in my house. But it's off-putting to some, so in the machine on a quick cool wash, or out on the line for a good airing if the great British weather allows.

Once everything is clean, dry and smelling sweeter, it's time to sort and flatten — ironing and unpicking. I save everything I can and try to organise it for easy access later, with varying degrees of success. I make sure the Dud Dogs have all been fed, been outside and have a nice clean bowl of water. Then I set myself up with either a cup of builder's tea or a Jack Daniels and Coke depending on the time of day — standards must be maintained — along with a couple of unpickers, some scissors and a scalpel. Then I set to work. This part of the process always ends with fluffy cotton threads everywhere and no dinner, because I have forgotten the time entirely.

Getting time to sit and do something for myself has always been a fight. I'm not alone in that, and while your kids are young they are EVERYTHING. I have one of those minds that swings between creative and intellectual — the problem has always been that my creativity and desire for learning has lived as a side hustle. The family are always admiring of my creations and my efforts to keep the grey matter going, but those things have never paid the bills or done the chores. Not since before we moved to Pennerley, when I was making bespoke wedding gowns in our spare room — my studio.

I have put my creativity to good use over the years, in the house and in the business, but for a long time none of it felt essential. Except that perhaps it is. If I am not running right, then nothing is running right.

Andrew commented the other day that I seem happier since I started developing the DUDS! idea. He's right. I am. But in so many ways it still feels like an indulgence — something I have to justify rather than something I simply get to do. I'm trying to stick to my guns.

Keep the faith. Keep going.