Category: Projects

A Special Box

Christmas, Paper

I had an item on my January to-do list that might just qualify me for the looney bin, but which actually put a smile on my face.  It took me an extra day to finish this project, but it’s done.


I made my Christmas cards for 2012.   Strange?   Absolutely.  Wonderful?  YES!  I know I could just upload a picture to a template, type in a quantity and be done but for some reason I’m not ready to do that yet.  I still want to make my cards, but the past couple of years have taught me that my fall and winter season is always overcrowded and my cards end up being a source of stress (not until I’m half done with them, that is, when it’s too late to back out and upload a picture).  If I carried one thing forward from the holiday season we just enjoyed, it was  a determination to make sure that this year is better.  So I spent some time in January doing just that.


I’ll have a bit of work to do in the fall when I get them back out but it’s only to add the finishing touch.  All supplies for this, including envelopes and an updated Christmas card list sit in the box.   I made a list of notes to myself about what still needs finishing (add a greeting and a photo) and now I’m done.


There was something really nice about investing now in my emotional well-being down the road.  Something nice about preparing a gift for myself to appreciate in another ten months.  Something about doing it makes me feel more like I’m worth it, and it feels good.

Hopeful Homemaker

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A Sewing Class

Quilting and Sewing

Well, it’s February.  I’ve turned the page on January’s list of goals to begin a new month.  My sister and I signed up to take an online sewing class together this month, a class on sewing curves, taught by Rachel at Stitched in Color .


I’m really excited about the class.  I’ve taken sewing and quilting classes before but this is the first online class I’ve been involved in.  I think I’ve sewn just one curved seam in my life, so this will be a good thing for me to learn.  Learning new skills is part of my goal for 2012, to feel more joy.  When I’m learning I am happy because I’m growing.  The moment that cinched the deal on paying for the class was when I saw this retro flowers quilt .  I want to make one and so I’m going to learn how to sew curves.

My biggest worry with this class is that I really don’t have time for it.  The lull on our calendar during early winter has disappeared and life is in full swing at our busy home.  I hope I’ll be able to find the time to master this skill and make some great things along the way while still keeping life running smoothly.  That’s why my sister and I signed up together, so we can make sure we get our projects done and keep life balanced as well.  I’m super excited to take the class with her.

For those here visiting from the class, I’m a stay-at-home mom  who would love to actually be able to spend more time at home!  I have eight children ranging from age 14 to 2 and yes, they’re all mine.  (Hence my nervousness about not finding time to master this like I hope to.)  Sewing has become one of my favorite hobbies, something permanent that I can do in a home where everything seems to be undone 2.5 seconds after I finish it.  I love color, texture, pattern and using beautiful fabric seems to fill a creative need in my life.  Honestly, my skills are probably somewhere in the novice circle, but I’m not bothered by it.  I know I’ll get better over time and make a lot of useful things along the way.  I try to spend a few minutes every day or two at my sewing machine, even if it’s just for ten minutes.

I’ve always loved to make things and hope I’ll learn to make some great new things this month.   So welcome, February!

What are you going to do this month?

Jennifer

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I need an opinion!

Quilting and Sewing

So, I need to make a baby blanket.  A baby blanket for a mother and baby I’ve never met.  My husband is friends with the father, and it’s just one of those things I feel strongly I need to do.

Here’s what I need help with.  I made three stacks of flannel fabrics I could use for this project, but I’m not sure which one to use.  Like I said, I’ve never met them and have no idea what the mother’s style is.  So I’m asking for opinions.  Would you mind letting me know which stack you prefer?

#1 #2 #3 And also on the sewing table, these squares that I’ve finally started piecing together.  A houndstooth quilt is on my list of quilts to make this year, and it’s finally underway.  I’m going for red and white.


Please leave a comment telling me which bundle you would prefer if you were receiving a baby girl quilt.  Thanks so much, I really do appreciate it.

Jennifer

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