business note

There are still a few baby items left in my etsy shop, if you'd like to check it out... I would love to empty it before Christmas :)

I will also be taking custom orders in the new year for quilts, fleece blankets, and other such things.

Happy Holidays!

progress

I seem to have finally overcome the strange dread that was paralyzing me every time I tried to sew, and am busy again making things for the shop. Click over to my crafty blog vera kate gets creative to see a couple of new items, and several more soon to come!

sound advice

I've had this idea percolating for awhile, and I decided it's time to act on it. So I headed to the fabric store today to enrich my stash, and am getting ready for a sewing marathon as I prepare to open... my very own etsy shop!

I was feeling excited this afternoon, but really nervous too. I've never invested in myself this way, never felt supported enough to try such a venture. I spent a pretty good chunk of change on the fabrics, and afterward I was like, Oh no! *bites fingernails* What if I made a mistake? What if I totally blow it?!

Then I opened my fortune cookie after dinner, and I had to laugh.

Thanks, fortune cookie! Sometimes all I really need are a few words of encouragement.

twenty

Day 20 - a hobby of yours and how it changed since your loss

I used to do a lot of mixed media collage, particularly in my college years and early twenties. These days it has mostly translated to quilting and scrapbooking. (Which both strike me as rather maternal hobbies, now that I think of it. That's kind of awesome.)

Sewing has been very cathartic for me throughout the past year, especially when I was really struggling with PTSD. I've never used a pattern for a quilt. I just jump in and improvise. This has probably caused me a bit of unnecessary frustration, but in the end I am always pleased and proud of my results.

click on a photo to enlarge

I would show you the scrapbook I'm making for Noah, too, but the batteries are dead in my camera, so it will have to wait. Soon, though! I promise.

cut, stitched, bound

This is Noah's quilt, which is so very close to being done. It's definitely been a labor of love, and I wanted to show it to you.

I started last year, but had to stop and put it away several times. When I got it back out a few weeks ago, at first I could hardly bear to look at it.

I had been so very sad and desperate when I'd worked on it before, and all of those emotions came rushing back at the sight.

But that wore off, thankfully, and I love it again. Now I'm trying diligently to finish it before the 31st. Just a few more finishing stitches to go!

I only wish I could say the same for my heart.