"Are you nuts?!!"
"Are you NUTS?!!" That was my mom's response to my recent purchase at St. Croix Dry Goods (my favorite "this-n-that" store here in town). I stumbled across this fabric and knew immediately that it needed to come home with me. Now, keep in mind that I haven't sewn since I was in Jr. High...not one stitch. But it's a new year...time for change!
In the past few weeks I've been feeling a desire to get back to basics. Maybe it's the commercial craziness of the holiday season or my dissatisfaction with the convenience products that have invaded our home... whatever it is I'm ready to be done with it.
This idea of simplicity and taking time to create has been stirring in my mind for the past month or so. But as my husband, Karl, and I drove to Nebraska for holiday festivities we reminisced about Christmases past. We shared our favorite Chirstmas memories including a list of our most memorable gifts. Neither list included the latest and greatest toy of the year. Instead we mentioned things like an indoor tent (handmade by Karl's grandma) or the dog house my dad constructed for my stuffed dog named Barkley.
It's these thoughtfully made gifts that we remember all these years later. These are the gifts that are living a new life with our children..they have stood the test of time. Much more so then the convenient gadgets of today. This is something I want to do for my children as well. I want to MAKE time to create meaningful things for them. Things that can be passed down and treasured for years to come.
This fabric was a perfect match for my youngest son's bedroom. He won't be in a big boy bed until next Christmas, but that's o.k. This is something I can work on as time permits. I plan to refresh my sewing skills by making some new pillows and other random "easy" projects. Then I'll spend some time with my marvelously talented friend, Jenny, who can sew just about anything. Together I'm hoping we can create this quilt. It will be a symbol of my committment to scale back and to invest time in creating.
So, to answer my mom's question...YES, I am nuts...maybe even a bit crazy. But it's a new year. Time for change. It's a good thing!
Good Luck with the sewing. Don't forget to show us the finished product.
Posted by: miranda renner | January 03, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Good Luck with the sewing. Don't forget to show us the finished product.
Posted by: miranda renner | January 03, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Jamie, this sounds like a wonderful project. I'm sure your little one will treasure it.
I try to make at least one "handmade/from the heart" item for each of my children every Christmas & Birthday.
My hope is that they too will look back on these one day & know how much time, effort and love went into these gifts.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: jenny ress | January 03, 2007 at 08:28 PM
If there is anyone anywhere more perfect for product photography I don't know who it would be unless it were you! Your lighting and simplicity always catches my eye, its something out of Real Simple or Martha Stewart, you really ought to submit your images to them :) Beautiful, really.
Posted by: christie | January 03, 2007 at 11:51 PM
I sew too .. but haven't in a few years! Photography seems to be consuming my life these days!!LOL!! Can I say this - the photo #1 is breathaking .. I just love it .. not to mention the fabric is absolutely gorgeous!! Great buy!!
Well - good luck with the new projects!!
Keep us posted!!
Take Care, Julie
Posted by: Julie C Butler | January 04, 2007 at 06:37 AM
Oh I just love that material. good for you for attempting something new. I just sew straight lines. But I love to sew when I sit down and take the time. I am sure it will look fabulous in your sons room.
Love your work btw.
Posted by: Shelley Rankin | January 04, 2007 at 07:26 AM
I am sure you will do great at getting back to basics what a fantastic idea.. and You are right the gifts I remember the most from Christmas's past are gifts that were handmade with love.. I wish you lots of luck and not so many stabbed fingers on your getting back to sewing endeavors.. Happy New Year
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 04, 2007 at 08:34 AM
LOL--my first thought was how much it matched the decor in the room.
I sew occasionally, but not enough to replace my sewing machine when it broke a few years ago. Luckily, my daughter got a "toy" sewing machine for her birthday (from me!). I'm aiming to use hers. Sewing can be fun and very satisfying. :)
Posted by: sageg | January 04, 2007 at 07:04 PM
How fun! I love making handmade gifts. I am vowing to make handmade gifts for everyone next year. This year we gave gift cards for ease, but it was so impersonal and just didn't feel as good.
That fabric will be great to work with. I have a great quilt pattern that you might like. It's an easy star--building on the cute little Cowboy and Indian theme. And yeah, your product photography is beautiful!
Posted by: Jennifer Friddell | January 05, 2007 at 11:36 AM
seriously Jamie - you can make absolutely anything look good! Awesome photos, and I can't wait to see the finished quilt!
laureen
Posted by: laureen | January 05, 2007 at 11:41 PM
I'm in the middle of purging right now... everything we don't use is leaving the house.
Also wanted to say, I love the way you write... it's always so easy and entertaining to read.
Posted by: Renee | January 06, 2007 at 03:55 PM