While I’m trying to make a decision on which sewing machine to get to replace my irreparably broken companion for the last three and a half years, I thought it would be fun to share some of my Spring and Summer makes.
Scrolling through my picture reel brought the realization that I haven’t shared over half of my projects from the past several months. Probably because I always feel a little tension when posting to social media. Is it necessary to share this picture? Should I just be sewing for the enjoyment of it instead of feeling the need to post the end result? What role do I want social media to play in my day to day? If I post something, will I get distracted from more important things? Am I looking to social media for positive reinforcement?
You get the picture.
So to speak.
*insert winky face*
At any rate, I took a bit of a break this summer to get my brain back on track, enjoy school-free time with our kids, and catch up on sewing projects for the family. I had promised my mom a wall hanging for Mother’s Day this year, but only got the top done before May.
This summer I finally got it finished and hung up (thanks, Dad!). I loved this project for a few reasons. First, I got to surprise her by using materials that had actually come from my mom in the first place- an old tablecloth, a pair of jeans, and a shirt of my dad’s. Second, it taught me about working within limitations. Trying to use only the materials I had on hand, I discovered the creativity that blooms when choices are restricted. The process strengthened my resolve to always start with what I have instead of running to the store (even if it’s just the thrift store) when I hit a snag.
The best part about this wall hanging, though, is that I get to see scenes like this one beside it: My mom teaching my salsa-obsessed daughter how she makes her favorite recipe. ❤️
Project Notes on Blue Birds for Mom:
- Pattern and method from Shannon Brinkley
- Find specific pattern here
- Wall hanging size
- Scrappy applique, raw edges method
- Materials
- Tablecloth from Mom’s basement
- Light denim shirt and denim jeans discarded by Dad
- Blue flower fabric scraps left over from previous projects
- Adaptations
- Working around stains on the tablecloth to cover them but still create an aesthetically pleasing design
- Created a reversible wall hanging, using scraps on the opposite side (will take a picture soon!)
- Future thoughts
- Seal some of the more easily fraying raw edges with fray check
- Play around with hanging options
- Work within limitations more often
Reclaimed for Good 