Today I had to console myself with a little sewing. The last of my kids and
grandkids left today, so I was feeling a little lonely. We've had exactly four weeks of visiting family members, 17 in all, so it's been very busy around here. We had a wonderful Christmas and New Years with five kids and their families, a three day break, and then two more kid's families arrived for another week. I'm exhausted, but I've got a smile on my face.
As I was saying, I made friends with my sewing machine today. In my opinion she's been sadly neglected this last month -- although
she might have considered it a well-deserved vacation. I've been admiring some "
wristlet" creations on blogs the last couple of months, so I decided to try my hand at coming up with a pattern of my own.
Wristlets are versatile little clutches that one can use day or night. You can use it alone as a clutch to carry cash, a debit card, and your license. Or you can use it in your purse to organize your accessories as a cosmetic bag,
sunglass case, or for personal items.
I thought I would have to tweak the pattern a few times before I zeroed in on a permanent one. As luck would have, I don't think I'll have to do too much tweaking! Maybe change the dimensions slightly. Anyway, here's the unveiling...
Most
wristlets have a zipper on the top of the bag. I put mine on the front, and hid it behind the ruffle. I don't happen to think zippers are very attractive, so I never want it to be a focal point of anything I make. Here's the zipper playing peek-a-boo!
While my
DIL was here, she showed us how to make these
beauticious flowers out of fabric. She learned how to make them from her talented friend. I am quite sure you will all consider me a best friend forever, when I shoot you to my DIL's friend's
tutorial on how to make these gorgeous flowers. Yes, I expect candy, flowers, and a kind word from each of you for that one. They were so fun and easy (although slightly time-consuming) to make, and I plan on using them in the future on a variety of my creations. What do you think? Aren't they pretty?
The dimensions of this baby Hang Up are 8"x6". It is fully lined and interfaced with fusible fleece to give it plenty of body and support. I'm trying to decide if I want to add this item to my
Etsy shop, but I'm not sure it would sell very well.
If you were to buy one, what would you consider a fair price? The price people are willing to pay will determine whether I want to go ahead and add them to my inventory. Just curious...
Normally, on Thursdays I post a "Thankful Thursday" post that chronicles the tender mercies that blessed my life that week. This week will be a little different. Many years ago a wise man was speaking on the subject of charity when he said, "Don't institutionalize your giving." He was referring to the fact that many of us rely upon regular, scheduled donations on our part to specific organizations. We might contribute yearly or monthly to these good causes, thus in our own minds making a mental note that we are "doing our part" to relieve suffering throughout our communities or the world. At times we might rely too heavily upon the organizations to help those in need, thus distancing ourselves from the suffering and pain experienced by those in distress. Although helpful in many ways, it is an isolating and insulating way to serve.
When he referred to "institutionalizing our giving" he was encouraging us not to solely rely upon our usual methods of scheduled donations, but when needs arise to stretch beyond our normal limits and seek opportunities to serve and give in unusual, more personal, less convenient ways. His thoughts stirred my soul, and since then I've tried to live my life in accordance with those principles. When I have, my life has been richer and more meaningful.
Which brings me to the title of this post, "A Huge Relief." A huge relief effort is being made by many organizations to help those suffering from the calamitous effects of the devastating earthquake in Haiti that occurred earlier this week. I'd like to do my part. For one week I will donate all of my proceeds of a number of items in my Etsy Shop to relief efforts in Haiti. I can't go there in person to help, but I can pledge to assist in my own unique way. One hundred percent of the proceeds from my designated Etsy sales will be donated to an organization that charges no overhead and where 100% of your donation will go toward humanitarian efforts in Haiti. You can be assured that your money will be put to good use, and you'll receive a little something in return from my Etsy shop for your generosity.
My family has never experienced the kind of devastation that has affected those in Haiti, but twelve years ago one of my sons was serving a mission in the Dominican Republic when Hurricane George descended upon that island and ravaged areas in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. As a result of his service, that island, and most especially the people, have a special place in our hearts.
Please go HERE to find the items that are designated for this donation. Thank you so much,
