Blurg

So, I’m less good at the fabric creations than I wish to realize. If I didn’t get so frustrated each time I messed up I’m sure that the learning curve wouldn’t be so huge, but for the most part I just get mad when I make something that doesn’t turn out as I envisioned. It’s the part of me I’ve had since age five and have been trying desperately to grow out of. No such luck. Maybe some day.

This week I’ve been working on a shirt for my sister. The boatneck is to “boaty”…? and the sleeves look like wings. If I can fix it I’ll post pictures, but currently I’m taking a break from this monstrosity. I am also discovering there’s no way I’m going get all the intended gifts made for people before Christmas. Looks like Regan and I have some last minute shopping ahead of us this weekend. Blurg.

In the spirit of making things that actually turn out as I envision I took a break and made these. Can’t go wrong with pretzels and chocolate.
 

Making

We didn’t leave the house this weekend. Instead we watched the snowy outside world through our windows. Of course, two inches of snow was only an excuse to do nothing, it absolutely didn’t have to confine us to the house. The world just seems a little less pleasant during the month of December with the crazy drivers and even crazier shoppers. We’ll probably make more excuses to stay inside during the next few weekends.

We cooked some, read some and cleaned some. I’m rediscovering the neat things I have buried deep in my sewing room. I’m also falling in love again with David Sedaris. His essays always make me laugh and remind me how valuable storytelling is.  Regan and I then capped off this weekend by playing a few games of Scrabble, accompanied by putting some fondue in our bellies. It was kick ass.

Here’s a sampling of some of the projects I worked on this weekend. The only thing I didn’t snap a picture of was the homemade tea bag, which isn’t really picture-worthy, but still totally makes me smile.

1. Fabric flowers with singed edges that will be used any number of ways. I’m trying to get into accessories. Flowers seem like a natural thing to begin affixing to my headbands, belts and sweater closures.

 

2. My sister-in-law is very cool and — lucky for me — her style tends to run unique and fun instead of tailored and fancy. I’d be out of luck in the making department if she needed tailored. But fun I can do. This purse was quick to put together and I’d like to try a few more versions since I just sat down and began cutting and sewing with no pattern or even knowledge of how to put a purse together. It at least turned out to be the right shape. We’ll see how it functions as a purse.

3. Finally I have a glimpse of a work in progress. I’m working on a few versions of this item for a few people on my Christmas list. This is attempt number one.

Handmade Holiday

Jack is sitting on the front porch watching the snow fall. He’s mesmerized by it. Regan and I are huddled inside next to the space heater, making Christmas lists for giving and receiving.

Although we’ve always tried to create meaningful gifts for Christmas we usually get so caught up in work and life that we lose the time necessary to create. Instead, we resort to retail desperation shortly before the holiday, which tends to crush our spirits. Big time.

This year with the economy and our dissatisfaction with such a consumer-centric society we’re making a pledge to do our best to give only handmade and local gifts.  Each year we’ve tried, but it’s always easier said than done, mostly because of the co-workers and distant friends who aren’t necessarily the most appreciative of those things. However, I suggested to my co-workers that we shouldn’t have staff gift exchanges this year, but rather pool our money and give it to the local food bank, which (selfishly) gets me out of having to worry about what thing to buy just to fulfill an expectation. The good people I work with agreed.

I’ve already started multiple projects and hope to post pictures as I make progress. There’s something remarkably soothing about the eveness of hand-made stitches pulled through felt and the weight of several layers of knit fabric as it rests in my lap while I sew.

There’s something pretty soothing about this image though, too.