a need unfulfilled, but time well spent

Being creative is a necessity in my life.
It brings me to a calmer state and makes me feel satisfied, sometimes even euphoric.

It's funny how I used to complain that I never had time to do anything.

In hindsight I had all the time in the world, but never used it wisely.

With an active little one, I no longer have creative time, unless I can manage to stay up well after she finally goes to sleep.  Usually, though, my bed lures me in and another idea never has a chance to flourish.

Ideas, ideas.
I'm full of them.

A low-volume, queen size quilt for our bedroom.
An alphabet I-Spy quilt for Sophie.
Pretty little dresses for bean.
A few comfy tops for me.
Some applique items for my shop.
Some paper piecing projects for the house.
Pillows for our living room.
Baby gifts for expecting friends.

The list is endless.

I give credit to the women out there who somehow manage to successfully juggle a career, their passion to create, and their families.  My type B personality just isn't disciplined enough.

In the meantime I complete smaller, simpler projects during those late night hours in an attempt to still fulfill that yearning.  While I'm not challenging myself as much or sewing as often as I'd like, I'm thankful for the rare opportunities I do have.

My priority is my family and watching Sophia grow and change daily is a precious gift.  She occupies most of my time these days, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I'm incredibly grateful.

My time is well spent.

just a pillow cover

Several nights ago I haphazardly pieced some leftover fabric coordinates. The finished "top" was too small for a playmat or quilt, so I decided to make another envelope pillow cover.  I actually haven't made one of these in a few years, but I was excited to find the tutorial I originally used was still available here courtesy of Cluck Cluck Sew.  It is easy to follow, the creative possibilities are endless, and it makes for a rewarding beginner project.

If you're a quilter, then you can clearly see I didn't take great care in piecing these 2 1/2 inch squares together.  I know there's a method to the madness, and I know better, but it was 11 at night, my baby was finally asleep, and I just wanted to make something.  Anything.

So I randomly started sewing them together.  And it was almost the perfect size for a 15x15" cover...slightly long one way and a tad short on the other, but it would work.

It only required two fabric rectangles in addition to the front cover.

Using her instructions, I quickly pinned and stitched, right sides together.

I contemplated adding batting and quilting the cover itself, but decided to leave it as it was.

The colors alone make me happy.

meet my brother

Two days ago I decided I was getting myself a serger.  For the longest time I didn't really need it because I did more quilting than anything, but when I recently started sewing clothing, I thought it finally time to do so.

I had actually been contemplating this purchase for a long time and read various reviews, but I kept putting it off.  I didn't know if it was worth spending the money.

The problem is, I suffer from serger-phobia.  Its appearance alone with multiple spools (rather large spools, I might add) feeding in all directions is incredibly intimidating.  I mean, how on earth do you thread this thing?  I feared it might end up collecting dust in the corner of the closet, simply because I feared IT.

But my hope is that my "garments" might look a tad more polished and professional, and the only way to improve my sewing is to continue challenging myself with new obstacles.

So here I will share what I learn as I go, starting with the most basic of skills: figuring out how to turn it on.

Ha!

I went with the Brother 1034D and found it on Amazon.  This seems to be a pretty basic serger and quite popular, I might add; the reviews were decent.  It also looks like it's been around a while, as the married couple on the box look to be hitched circa 1990.

It even came with some handy thread in primary colors to get started.  I guess this means I can use regular spools instead of those humongous ones?  That's a bonus in itself.

So, if you're new to serging too and want to share your progress or offer some insight, please feel free to do so.  I would love having people along on this new adventure...