A little bit of Christmas…

Posted on December 10, 2007 by jennbenn

Gifts are being made and our tree has some trimmings. We are slowly making our way.

I still have so much to do, and too little time, but that is nothing new. I am quite sure I am not alone in that …

Here are a few sentimental memories that I would like to share… tree!

angel

here is the sentimental bit~ crochet snowflake by my grandmother who is 94 yrs old. I am not sure when she made these, but they have been on my tree since I can remember..

same with the green knit bell. We used to have red, green and white. I only have one lone green bell in my possession, and I need to find a pattern to make more. However, this does nicely in the meantime. This bell has been on my tree my whole life… (I’m 37).

gingerbread man I made not long after I was married and first getting into crafty things.. married 14 years a little white dove up top, from my husband’s childhood…

There are many more, but these I always love to see…

A friend at work is a single mom, with 3 kids. She has it tough, never enough money, always working, no help from ex, etc. etc. We are making gift baskets for her 3 children. Here are my contributions…

One girl is 15

One is 13

One is 7.

I don’t know these children personally, but I hope they will appreciate the thought positive energy put into these gifts. I hope and wish that their mom can continue to provide all that they need to be happy and healthy.

Last notes:the knitted flowers are from here~ Little Cotton Rabbit’s blog. these are so fun to make! I had a heck of a time with that pink bag! I struggled with it because I would not take time to look at my pattern notes..
All 3 bags are based this pattern from Purl… love this!
Key chains and head band from Handmade in November ideas.

Here is my inspirational quote of the week….
Life is brief, and time is nothing but a thief… (Dr. Phil??)
Heard it last week on one of his shows, and it has stuck in my mind.. No matter how bogged down we are, or how tired we get.. in the big picture what does it matter? We must keep living, being, creating, laugh, cry, we must live our life. Today, because we may not have tomorrow…

Handmade Holidays…. a brilliant idea?

Posted on November 2, 2007 by jennbenn

It’s started. You know what we’re talking about: Christmas trees in department stores, not-so-subtle ads everywhere, a deluge of catalogs and the nagging feeling that you should get to work and at least think about holiday gifts. We have the answer for holiday gift-giving this year, or at least the inspiration and a few (100+) tools to help you get it done. We’re thrilled to present, starting tomorrow, our Sew,Mama,Sew! Handmade Holidays: 30 Days of Gifts to Sew!

Each day in November focuses on a particular theme; we will provide great resources and inspirational ideas for sewing holiday gifts. Every week throughout November we’ll also offer two $25 gift certificates to Sew,Mama,Sew!Winners will be randomly selected from all comments posted on the blog in the previous week.

Please help us spread the news about Handmade Holidays. Feel free to add our button to your blog or website (see below) and please enjoy our sneak peek at the themes below. Visit daily, find your creative muse and enjoy Handmade Holidays!

Sew,Mama,Sew! Handmade Holidays: 30 Days of Gifts to Sew
November 1 ~ Aprons
November 2 ~ Pincushions & Pins
November 3 ~ For the House
November 4 ~ Lunch Bags
November 5 ~ Tote Bags
November 6 ~ Blankets for Baby
November 7 ~ For your Purse or Pocket
November 8 ~ Whimsy
November 9 ~ Fabric Ornaments
November 10 ~ Ties and Belts
November 11 ~ Reading & Writing
November 12 ~ For the Table
November 13 ~ Placemats
November 14 ~ Kids’ Clothes
November 15 ~ Warm those Toes
November 16 ~ Gifts for the Crafter
November 17 ~ Purses
November 18 ~ For Baby
November 19 ~ Tech Gifts
November 20 ~ Gifts for Organization
November 21 ~ Pillows
November 22 ~ Fun for Hair
November 23 ~ Soft Toys & Games
November 24 ~ Sachets
November 25 ~ For the Kitchen
November 26 ~ Embellishments
November 27 ~ Gifts for Warmth
November 28 ~ Drawstring Bags
November 29 ~ Fabric Boxes
November 30 ~ Gift Compilations

All I can say is this is a brilliant idea, I have good intentions.. Really I do. I am not certain how far I will get or how well I will do, but all I can do is try. I think this year has brought great change in our family as we re-evaluate our beliefs and our goals as a family. It is important in today’s changing times to take time to look at the whole picture. We have made some changes that many people do not understand. However, it was right for us as a family. One such example is we have gotten rid of our Tahoe, it was not only expensive to drive, insure, and keep full of gas, but it is bad for the environment. I had started to feel pangs of guilt driving around in it. Don’t get me wrong, I truly loved that car, it was great. I am short and it is big, and I felt great out there and no one messed with me. I felt sad when we gave it up and I had to mourn my loss for a quick minute . I am now feeling lighter and my conscious is feeling better as well. As a family we have to really share, communicate our needs and plan well for our daily activities. We will have trying times I am sure, but right now it is good. I do wish we had alternatives to driving, but as of now, there are only city buses. I am not prepared to go there yet. But? maybe one day.

That is just one example of some changes we are attempting, but I think it is time for us to also find a way to slow our consumerism.. I don’t think it is realistic to think everything has to be handmade, or that I would have the time to make everything handmade but, it offers a goal, a place to begin.. So, I can take my good intentions, the first baby step towards change.. isn’t that how change really occurs? One foot in front of the other until momentum is achieved. So, I know I can make special gifts for my family and friends with love and sincerity and maybe they will be inspired by one action that will possibly start a chain reaction. Wouldn’t that be cool?

Wardrobe refashion ….

Posted on October 7, 2007 by jennbenn

I am joining in this wonderful challenge. Check it out! I love this idea and I have kind of dabbled in this sort of thing for about a year. I am now challenging myself on a deeper level. The idea of reusing, recycling, and re-purposing is really important to me. I do not like to waste and I do not like to spend a fortune on things that I don’t have to. I think it takes courage and creativity to be open minded about new beginnings. Want to try?

From out of the dark comes light….

Posted on October 1, 2007 by jennbenn

We have had a trying year, one in which our family suffered a great loss. Time does pass and slowly we begin to heal. When good news comes it is gift to be treasured.