As a child I loved making things. Salt dough, paper, cardboard and acrylic paint made up a majority of Christmas gifts year after year. When I got a little older, I was in 4-H and learned how to do some serious "crafting" such as sewing clothes. I truly enjoyed going to my aunt or grandma's house to use their stamping supplies. Since I was no "artist," I had to figure out some other way to enjoy myself. But as I grew older the time to dedicate to projects dwindled. My schedule filled with dance classes, school, music and theater. Clearly those were very valuable experiences as well, but I have always felt something was missing.
And then I got a sewing machine for Christmas.
Erik's mom, Lee Ann, is such a dear and gave me a sewing machine with all the accessories. My delight could hardly be hidden. Shortly after Christmas I found a simple project (a yoga mat bag) and headed to the fabric store. Picking out exactly what I wanted, matching thread to the material and carefully placing it in my basket was like a child in a candy store. Watching that bag take shape as I sewed the pieces together was an extraordinary experience. I was making this!
After that project, I have sought out other things, such as a large tote bag and my grandma gave me a gift of several sewing project kits including decorative pillows. And now I am moving on to things away from the sewing machine, such as hair pins, jewelry and wreaths. Seeking out all sorts of things I could make on my own makes me feel accomplished. I am creating.
I am.
My new tote bag. The fabric is pre-quilted, giving it a Vera Bradley look.
One of my flower hairpins. I singed the edges of the fabric so it would curl.
Posts
Great job on the handbag, Alexis, I'm so proud of you!
ReplyDelete