Finding a Purpose...

So...in the last week I have run across the same theme, not once, not twice, but three times. It's kind of been one of those sledgehammer-meets-noggin moments in your life. And I'm pretty hard-headed, but after the third whack, I decided I needed to pay attention.

For the record, I am a Christian, and yes I am veering slightly off the crafty path here, but for my Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, etc. friends, don't run away just yet. I'm pretty sure this message is non-denominational.

The question I've encountered THREE times this week is this:

What talents/skills has God (or insert your own belief system here) given to you? And what purpose do those skills/talents serve in the greater plan or for the greater good?

So I did what any crafter would do...I picked up my knitting needles and started to think. Or am I the only one who thinks better with busy hands?

Eventually I came to the conclusion that I have primarily been using my skills to serve my own purposes. I make things because I like to. I sell things to have a little bit of extra money to buy materials so I can make more things. And I blog about what I make because I like to talk about the things I enjoy. Except that, recently, I haven't been enjoying it...at least not very much or very often. It seems I really was lacking a purpose and it was leaving me with very little motivation.

I continued to knit...and I began to think of alternative purposes for my craftiness. Why did I receive this particular set of skills and what was I intended to do with them? I came up with a list of ways I could use my skills in service to others...you really don't want me to list them here. Trust me, it's a long list.

But in the end, I came up with one realistic goal of how I could use my talents to have a more positive impact on the world, and it centers on this blog. Rather than merely showing off my latest creation, I could use this as a forum to share ways that crafting can serve others.

Not that I won't ever just post cute pics of my kids in clothes that I make...'cause I will. But, in general, you will begin to see a change in the content of the blog. Lots more opportunities for you to give back by crafting, tutorials on items that can be made in service to others, and links to great charitable organizations that need your help. Because, regardless of race, creed, color, of craft preference, we can all get behind the idea of helping others, right?

So let's start off with a knitting/crocheting challenge for all my yarn-craft friends out there...Special Olympics Scarves. A friend of mine shared this project with me and I committed to helping out. Each year, the various Special Olympics winter events give coordinating scarves to the athletes, coaches, and volunteers. The scarves are a symbol of unity, support, compassion, and empowerment for all who are involved. I'll be making at least one scarf to send to the NC Special Olympics and I challenge all of you to do the same. You can find specifications, yarn colors, and due dates for the various states by visiting the Special Olympics Scarves 2012 website. Willing to lend a hand??? Leave a comment and let me know that you'll be sending one or more scarves to the Special Olympics and we can cheer each other on!



Because our crafts can have a purpose that is larger than ourselves!

Style Stitches - March

First, let me defend myself...these were almost finished on time! Just a few days late, I promise. They just didn't make it to the blog sooner because of all the other seasonal projects that I've been completing. PROMISE! So...a while back I told you that I was too nervous to tackle my third sewing goal for 2011. But not that I've partially conquered it, I think I can finally share. Sewing Goal #3: CLOSURES! I've been sewing for too many years to be nervous in the face of zippers and buttonholes. And to be completely honest, it's not the closures themselves that scare me...it's more the mechanics of the sewing machine. Something about needing special equipment just really turns me off. This goal is actually the entire reason I joined in the Style Stitches challenge. I needed something to force me to figure it all out. And I can honestly say...I have a new obsession! I am completely in love with colorful zippers. I've started collecting them on every trip to the fabric store. It's getting a little out of control. I've made a collection of these bags for myself and various people...and I'm having so much fun! And nary a white or black zipper in the bunch! For my first set, I actually just picked out the zipper color I wanted for my own bags. Then I came home and pulled fabric from my stash to go with the zippers...totally backwards, I know, but lots of fun that way. I finally settled on this bizarre palette of hot pink, chartreuse, and dove gray. It may be my new signature palette...I am THAT in love with it:)

So...now on to button holes!

Might as well bag it...

SO...about that Style Stitches Bag Challenge. Not looking so good for me:( But, I did manage to FINALLY finish February's bag! And this one definitely qualifies as EASY!


The patterns in the book are supposed to get progressively more difficult...except I think they might have gotten things a bit out of order. This one was MUCH easier than the Cosmo bag that we made in January. So that begs the question, "Why did it take you so long to finish it, Becky???"

I have no excuse. Well, actually I have about a million excuses, but nobody really wants to hear them:)

If you need a bag large enough to carry a small child, then I highly recommend this project. The directions are clear, the steps are simple, and aside from a lot of time spenting steaming interfacing it is actually a pretty quick pattern. But, I'm not kidding when I say it is large enough to carry a small child! This thing is HUGE! If you filled it with overdue library books it would take an 18-wheeler to pull it. And somehow we always have enough overdue library books to fill a bag of this size...maybe I should sign off and hurry to the library!

And as for March's collection of small zippered pouches...don't hold your breath! But maybe things will look up for April:)

Bottled Rainbows Block 1

Here's my first block for the Bottled Rainbows Ticker Tape Quilt Along!

I started with the mustard (which isn't really all that mustardy) because that seemed to be the color that I had the most of...odd since, I rarely use yellow.

I opted to use just a straight stitch around each scrap. I really like the raw edge look (and the fact that my machine is currently having a zigzag stitch malfunction had nothing to do with that decision what so ever!).

I also chose to not do a "quilt as you go" method. I've done that on several projects before and it does make everything go faster, but it just didn't feel right on this one. I think I will do some hand quilting with my new obsession, DMC perle! But, I haven't yet decided how I will do it...something to think about when I can't sleep:)

And I couldn't finish this post without a HUGE thank you to my friend, Courtney! She so generously supplemented my scrap stash for this quilt...and sent some super amazing fabrics in the package. Everything from Heather Ross to Anna Maria Horner. She's the BEST! The background scoop: Courtney and I met in college and are somewhat kindred spirits. We are both stay-at-home moms who love to run and sew. Hop over to Mon Petit Lyons and say hello to her! She has some really fantastic recipes, ideas and tutorials on her blog. And she has two boys to match my two girls, so she can share the other side of the parenting story:) Thanks, Courtney!

Once Upon a Thread

Have you heard about Once Upon a Thread??? If not, look over there to the right and click on that button. You aren't going to want to miss this! Katy over at No Big Dill is hosting a MONTH of projects based on children's books. Clothes, toys, and who knows what else! I'm just a tiny bit excited!

A little background for those of you who don't know me personally...I used to be a teacher, an elementary teacher, an elementary LITERACY teacher. To say that we have a lot of children's books in our house would be like saying there are a few stars in the night sky. Maybe one day I'll share some pics of all the books you can find in all the various places in our house, but for now, let's just say that I didn't need to head to our local library to prep for this challenge.

The problem was narrowing the selection! I spent nap time today thumbing through the books in our playroom. After pulling a stack of possibilities as tall as Bee, I curled up in the rocking chair to read and brainstorm. And a couple of hours later, I think I've made my final choices.

It's a mix of award winners, old favorites, new classics, and some just for fun stories (and not a princess story in the whole mix!). I have projects planned for each of the books, but I make no promises that I will actually get around to all of them this month. But, I'll do my best and hopefully we'll have some fun along the way.

Now being a former literacy teacher and all, I can't pass up the opportunity to share some of that knowledge stored in the dark recesses of my brain. So along with the projects, I'll include a little about each of the books, as well as ideas for engaging your child in the stories, words, pictures, and letters found in each title. You may even find some "do with your child" projects for a few of the books.

I hope you have as much fun as I do!

What's your favorite children's book?

February Style Stitches Bag Challenge

Want to see my Everyday Shopper for the month of February Style Stitches Bag Challenge???

Well, here it is!

Ugh! It's only February (well, now March), and already I've fallen behind. And I had such high hopes for this one. I even cut out the pieces in mid-January. But then I started hearing how easy it was, how quickly it came together, how simple the construction, and well...if it's that easy and that quick, I can wait until tomorrow. And tomorrow. And tomorrow. And here we are on March 1 and there my bag still lies, sadly abandoned, pushed to the side, neglected. Maybe tomorrow...

Style Stitches Bag Challenge - February Fabrics

For the month of February we will be making the Reversible Everyday Shopper bag. This pattern looks MUCH easier than the last one, so if you haven't joined the challenge yet, February is the month to jump in:)

I'm not happy about my fabric selection, but it seems to be the best choice at the given moment. The pattern calls for home dec fabric, but I don't have any in my stash, and I am trying really hard to use up what I have before I buy more. So I raided the stash. I really wanted to use this great floral corduroy that I have, but unfortunately I just didn't have enough. So I kept digging...quite literally I'm afraid!

I finally settled on the Nicey Jane. It was one of the only fabric combinations I could come up with for which I actually had the necessary yardage. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE MY NICEY JANE! I just really wanted this bag to be a work horse, and this fabric just doesn't seem to fit the bill. But, I'm certain I will love the result...even if it does show dirt too easily to be my "Everyday Shopper."

Blogger's Pillow Party - Take 1

Remember this cutie??? On a whim I entered it in the Blogger's Pillow Party for January. Ridiculous really, because have you seen all the amazing pillows that have been entered? They are truly stunning!This pillow was all about showing off the Pip. With the release of the line still so far away and such a limited quantity of adorable little squares, I really wanted to make the most of each one. Showcase them, I guess you could say. This pillow is supposed to be the first in a collection of several, but you know how it goes...an order here, a birthday there, and before you know it weeks have flown by. Maybe now that I am revisiting this sweetie it will spur a little more Pip creation:)

I love these prints because they remind me so much of my little Belle. That child could swing forever, maybe even sleep on a swing if someone would stand out there and keep pushing (we're working on learning to swing by herself, but it is slow-going). And since Santa brought a scooter for Christmas, that has become her second favorite outside pastime. But I suppose that's why everyone has fallen in love with this fabric. If it doesn't remind you of a child you love, it probably reminds you of yourself as a child. It's a real tug-at-the-heart-strings collection. Well, it sure got me. It makes me a tiny bit misty to think about how fast these days will disappear.

So, head on over and check out all the other entries...tons of inspirations. And say hello to Anna from Noodlehead, who will judging this month. Leave her a little note...maybe it will inspire her to pick my Pip:)

Look At Me Go!

I'm determined to keep up with the Style Stitches Bag Challenge this year! So here is my Cosmo bag:)

My Quick Pattern Review: This bag is listed as EASY, and there has been a lot of discussion on the Flickr group about whether or not it is actually "easy." Here's my opinion...The pattern is listed as EASY, not BEGINNER. And I think that is pretty much accurate. The bag construction is pretty standard, the instructions are well written, and discounting the 6 million years you will spend putting interfacing on each piece, it actually comes together pretty quickly. HOWEVER, if you are a beginner you WILL struggle with this bag. Why??? Because it is constructed with a large number of curved seams. So here's my tip for you...don't pin the curves! Just gently work the two edges together as you sew. It's really much easier that way, but you do have to go slowly! Another note - if you are accustomed to following online tutorials or PDF patterns that have a picture of every single step, reading this pattern may be a challenge as well. It's just a different style of presenting the directions, so take your time and read carefully. Overall - if you have some time, this bag is a great project...especially if you want some practice sewing curved seams or you need a facial (there sure is a lot of steam involved in all that interfacing!).

You can see more of my bag on Flickr.

Style Stitches Month 1 Fabrics

Did you notice the button on the right? The Style Stitches Bag Challenge? You really should play along. 17 bags in 12 months...sounds like fun, right? The best thing about this challenge is that each bag in the book gets progressively more difficult. So you begin with the super easy ones and learn a little bit more with each bag along the way. Even with all my years of sewing, I'm a total bag newbie, so I'm really excited about this challenge. There's even a Flickr group where you can talk with others who are participating in the challenge. I've already learned a few tricks about making sturdy bases for bags from one of the other Flickr group members.
In January we will be making the Cosmo Bag from Amy Butler's Style Stitches. It's ENORMOUS! I'm planning to use it for road trips. It seems the perfect size for my yarn, book, bottle of water, travel pillow, and sweater/sweatshirt (which is mandatory even in August if you travel with my husband). These are my fabric choices...

Flower Fields by Joel Dewberry will be the exterior. I wanted a dark color since this bag will spend most of its time on the floorboard of the car.

This coordinating fabric will make the handles.

And because I desperately want to be one of those people who can make seemingly unrelated fabrics look fabulous together...Spring Geometrics for the lining. Of course, I ordered all my fabric online, so when this last piece arrives it will probably look terrible with the other two in person...but for now, this is the plan:)

Are you joining in on the fun? I'd love to see what everyone else puts together! I'll be back with my finished bag before the end of the month...and if January 31 rolls around and you haven't seen it posted here...CALL ME ON IT! Keep me honest...please!

Children's Mystery Quilt Challenge - BEGINNER!

This one is for my quilting buddies...we've been scattered by jobs, marriages, and kids over the last few years, but I still love you all! AND in honor of G's bundle of joy arriving in October, what better way to celebrate than a kid-sized mystery quilt!

This mystery quilt will be completed in 3 steps (one per month June, July, August). The directions are SUPER SIMPLE, and this is considered a BEGINNER quilt. You won't know what the completed project will look like until the third month...that's the MYSTERY. Here's the shocker...this quilt is pieced on the MACHINE! Those of you who know me know that I think machine quilting is akin to burning the Mona Lisa, but since I have yet to convert the rest of the human race to hand-quilting, I will relent on this one. The bonus to machine piecing this project is that each step is not only simple, but also FAST. This quilt is not an all-consuming, time-intensive project.

So who should sign up???
* first time quilters with basic sewing machine knowledge
* busy mamas who want to quilt but are strapped for time
* expectant moms looking to create a hand-made gift for their baby while they still have the time
* experienced quilters looking for an easy breezy summer project
* my mom simply because she loves me:)...and don't forget my other mother because she only pieces on the machine!
* my much-loved quilting buddies (it's like an online reunion...and we should have dinner together to show off our finished projects!)
* all my teacher friends who are going to get bored this summer (you really don't want to have to turn to unit-planning by the end of June, just because you're bored to tears!)
* parents looking to introduce their child to machine sewing...yes even kids can do this one (as long as you are supervising their machine time)!
* ANYONE looking for a fun way to spend a few hours this summer


Are you considering signing up for the challenge??? Then here are the specifics:
* finished quilt size approximately 45"x60" - the perfect size for babies and children (or as a lap quilt if you want to keep it for yourself)
* 2 color quilt (the entire project will be made from 2 contrasting fabrics)
* machine pieced, so you'll need access to a sewing machine

To join the challenge, please comment below and let me know that you are in. I will post buying info toward the end of May, so that you will have plenty of time to buy fabric before the first installment in June. [And I know most of you will want to send me an email instead of commenting here, but please take the time to post here so we'll all know whose along for the ride! Thanks!]