Life Happens

It doesn't always work out that everyday is a day at the sewing machine. Sometimes writing a sewing or crafting blog can be challenging because generally posts tend towards "look what I made this last week" or "look what I'm working on now", which can seldom give a real life glimpse into the everyday of a crafter. Explanations of "geee... life has been so busy that I didn't have time to sew this week" just doesn't cut it, and who wants to hear that post after post anyway? With that being said, let's just say that my crafting over the last few weeks has been that step back from the crafting room to enjoy the everyday... days of birthdays, new kindergarten days, not to mention the to-do lists that come with it all.

Amidst the business and whirlwinds of the past weeks, it was quite refreshing to carve out at least one evening of craftiness to work on what I like the call my "basket projects". It's that one evening out with my crafty circle of friends to catch up, chatter, and work on my already packed on-the go projects... you know, those projects that you don't intend to finish any time soon, but are the perfect take-it-with-you projects for the hands that just can't stay idle.

These little "orange peels" are the start of a table runner that I have planned using the raw edge applique Modern Beauty Block pattern from Pile 'O Fabric... did I mention that it's a free pattern? Unlike some other quilter's EPP is totally not my thing, but applique has my heart.

So, do you find it difficult to keep up with regular blog posts when the reality is that you are busy making real life happen, and escaping to the crafting room inevitably gets pushed to the bottom of the list?

Linking up this week to WIP Wednesday and Let's Bee Social.

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The Great Harvest

When it comes to farm living, planting, growing, harvesting, and storing up so that the cycle can be carried on into the next year is central to the way of life. I've been pondering such things while working on my Farm Girl Vintage blocks, and I think that this verse tells of the wisdoms of planning and preparing for the things that are ahead: The ants are a people not strong, yet they lay up their food in the summer. Proverbs 30:25

Even though I did not grow up on a farm, I do remember canning yummy, homemade cinnamon applesauce with my mom. I can still see the funny little cone with holes with all that deliciousness oozing out the sides. Working in the kitchen with her on various cooking projects was also central to our relationship, and I so enjoy it when my boys climb up on the counter eager to help the same way that I did all those years ago.

My husband on the other hand, did grow up on a farm, and I always see the excitement in his eyes when the tractors are busily driving from field to field to "make hay while the sun is shining". It really is like seeing a kid all lit up at Christmas time. Farming is really such a part of him, that it almost makes me feel like it is a part of me too.

After I had made my first "Welcome Block", I knew I needed to make a second one. I've not yet decided size or purpose of this quilt, and perhaps two of the same blocks in a sampler quilt may not fit exactly, but I simply could not be stopped.

As summer is drawing to a close, I find myself looking towards the things that are to come. Have I planned enough, prepared enough, is my heart open enough to continue cyles that I want to pass on?

Linking up this week to WIP Wednesday and Let's Bee Social

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