Sneaky Peeky

Hello Beautifuls,

Here's a little sneaky-peeky at something I'm trying like heck to finish before Christmas, it's for my brother and my sister-in-love.

I can show it to you all because they don't read this blog, you see... But if you happen to be in Wilseyville and run into them, let's just keep this between us, shall we?

It's going to be a pillow, a quilted pillow! Hello, quilted?!? From the girl who's just learned how to embroider a few months ago!  The design is Hawaiian, it's the 'ohi'a lehua flower. This hand-quilting stuff (like so much else recently) is brand new to me, it's so cool! And OMgosh, so much work!!

Side (and probably rather lengthy) Note: This year has been a banner year for me as far as crafting/sewing/needle work and blogging. I've tried so many new things this year, and love them all. Deciding what to spend free time on these days is a doosie! I'm sharing this in the interest of full disclosure because recently someone (a real life someone, not a blogland someone) told me they didn't believe I was as new at all this as I truly am. At first I didn't know how to take that, and was a little offended. But after having some time to reflect, here's what I've come up with. I've always felt like I was kind of crafty, but my Mom is super crafty, creative and artistic (as was my Dad). My Dad was a draftsman (the old fashion way, no computers. He died when I was 12 and Greg was 10... my Mom was only 29. My Dad needed a new heart & lungs but he passed away before a match was found. He was 31 years old.) and my Mom was a homemaker. I love them, a lot! They are without a doubt the biggest influence in my life, to this day. Which is as it should be. I don't think there's anything my Mom is bad at... and everything she attempts looks expertly done, even on the first try. Only thing Mom hasn't managed... "teaching" me. I'm not sure why, we butt heads. We're too much a like I think. She says I always want to do things "my way" (hehe... anybody else got a daughter like that?)  But I DO and HAVE ALWAYS learned from her, loads in fact! Like how to be creative, how to think outside the box, how to make something from nothing, the value of things well made, and that love should go into everything you do. Money was pretty tight for my family when we were young, my brother and I never wore the latest fashions, and didn't we have the newest toys. Don't get me wrong, we were definitely spoiled in retrospect, but not with the usual junk. We were loved, and valued. Our parents invested in us, time, attention, imagination, patience, and experience. I learned a great deal just by observing them in thier normal everyday ways, especially their attention to detail, Mom in her sewing, and Dad with his maticulous drawings. I think what I'm getting at, is that when I do/make/try something new, I'm always thinking of my Mom or how she would do it, (WWMD!!!) so I do it all the way, and to the very best of my ability. Time, just like money is an investment, so if I'm going to pour myself into something, I'm going to do my darndest to make sure it's as well made/pretty/tasty/perfect as it can be. So, here in my mid 30's (late bloomer, no?) I'm finally teaching myself all the things my mom tried to show me when I was younger and so much more stubborn. Thanks Mom. Sorry I was such a brat. I'll really listen this time if you want to try that tatting thing again :o)

So what I'm really trying to say to you all, is this; as I start to explore more and more of what has always interested me (beautiful handmade things), I'm still experienceing a lot of "firsts", so you'll probably read that alot. Please bare with me as I share my novice excitement with you. I assure you I really am just learning all of the things I blog about, which is why I'm so excited to share them. I am very open about the newbie mistakes I make, the things I've botched and I will always be open to tips on how to do things better. I like to look at it like this... with me, what you see (or read as it were) is what you get. I really am a dork, I really get excited over small things like tea, my dog when I get home from work, being able to do a pretty lazy daisy stitch, a ride on my scooter, a pepper I grew myself, a good song on the radio and all the rest of it, swears. I think Popeye said it best, "I yam what I yam." And most day's I'm pretty happy with that...

Ok, I'm coming down from the soapbox now (grinning cheesily). So! Getting back to that pillow! I saw it in Martha Stewart over the summer, see? I instantly thought it would be perfect for Greg & Apryl. Their relationship really started in Hawaii and they were married there almost 4 years ago. It was magical, there was a double rainbow in the sky when they said their vows. We think it was our father, as well as Apryls dad... magic I tell you. They love all things Hawaiiana. Why I thought this project would be a quick 'whip up' is beyond me... this stuff takes a lot of time!! I think I'm about 1/2 way through, and I'd venture a guess that I've spent 10 hours so far. At least. Applique and echo quilting are no joke, people! I can't wait to see how it's going to end up. I'll share more (and better quality) pics as I get further along and inch towards completion. Christmas is only 11 days away, eeek! I gotta go, lots more echoing do!

Hope my soapbox wasn't to dreadfully soapy.

Toodle~do,

Lisa