Well, I've been inspired lately by SouleMama's blog and her book, Handmade Home. I enjoy sewing, and she takes crafting to a whole new level. Artsy, creative, spur-of-the-moment, and deliciously unrefined. It helps me to think that something doesn't have to be perfect to be treasured. I don't have to create masterpieces, rather I can simply enjoy the process of creating something! I've been itching for some artistic expression the last few weeks and her work has been added inspiration. So, with the impending ice storm on the horizon, we stocked up on snacks at the grocery store, and the kids settled in at home and preparing to get snowed in.
And I prepared to be sewed-in!
Step one, occupy children with pizza and kiddie crack (i.e. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).
Let's see, what can I make from my pile of scraps? How about some simple placemats? Ok! Spread out the material on the ironing board for pressing and trimming to size.
Who says I can't use a contrasting fabric for the other side. I loooove this bright green scrap I found in the clearance pile at Hobby Lobby!
Yum! My Ghiradelli peppermint hot cocoa and an old pic of my bestie keep me company!
First interruption
Alec: "Hi Mommy, what you do-een?"
Me: "I'm sewing honey. Go watch Ninja Turtles!"
*sound of diaper bottom running away* 30 seconds later, Aidan comes in and asks the same thing, only you can actually understand what he's saying since he speaks English. A 3 year old's version, but English nonetheless. Aidan's questions are usually accompanied by actions, and more questions. Remember I said I had the ironing board out to press out the fabric?
Yeah, he burned his finger when he put his hand up on the ironing board to peer into my creative catharsis. Here he is, lip puckered (no acting here kids), with a frozen Sponge Bob edamame package cooling off the burn since I don't own any ice packs.
Which finger was it again, Aidan?
Right, hang onto that one kid; you'll need it some day. Promise.
Back to pressing some hems and lining up the fabric.
Another stowaway.
Me: "Aidan, watcha doin'? Why aren't you watching Ninja Turtles?"
Aidan: "I'm sleeping in your bed, Mommy!"
Me: "Yeah you really look like you're sleeping. Just don't come near the ironing board again. And don't touch anything!"
Just pin these pieces together...
Good thing I use a lot of brown thread (notice the brown curtains in the background). We're all ready to go. One less hold up!
Here we go. Placemat number one!
I like that you can see the stiching...
Man, that was a lot of work for one placemat. I think it's time to give up the hot cocoa and hit the juice box. *smiling mommy*
Three more to go...press more hems and line em up again.
Alec: "Mommy, I wan a wad a moovee. Dickin Liddow pleece!" (translation: Mommy, I wanna watch a movie. Chicken Little please!)
Ok, I couldn't get away with just getting the movie started. Had to take an Alec break. He needed to sit in Mommy's lap for this one. So we "nuggled" for a few minutes...please excuse the pizza still on his face.
And just as the troops start getting restless, I get a brilliant idea - BATH TIME!
Just the cheer we needed. Now then, get them out and on the couch, restart Chicken Little. How long do you think they'll stay like this?
Back to the sewing. Hurry, hurry, second placemat goes under the needle!
I actually got a good little run here, one after the other. Three down, one to go.
And the kiddos stayed happy right 'til the end. I powered through the last three and here they are!
It's amazing how fun it is do produce something. Just straight lines, nothing fancy. But something I made. Ahh. Sigh of relief. Creative catharsis complete. Now off to get the kids to bed and clean up my mess...and maybe enjoy a second glass of wine!
First off: Aidan's haircut is ADOOOORABLE. The middle finger? Also adorable. And the placemats? You guessed it - adorable. :)
Posted by: Ryan Arrowsmith | 02/03/2010 at 03:58 PM