Many of you may not know it, but in addition to my love for paper, I also have a love of fabric. I have been sewing since my daughter was a toddler. She is now 33 years old, and although my sewing has taken a bit of a hiatus over the past few years, my passion for it still exists.
My husband teases with me about my "collection" of fabric. I'd say my fabric collection is just as big as my paper collection (oh my...), and although the two are very different mediums, they are both wonderful mediums with which to work--each in its own way.
I have sewn many different things over the years--everything from children's clothing to draperies to formal wear and, yes, even wedding gowns! My daughter called last week and asked if I would mind sewing my grandson's Halloween costume. He wants to be the green "Ninjago". I have never sewn Ninjago wear, but I'm always up for a challenge! I hurried to the fabric store to find the perfect fabric, notions, and everything I needed for the project. But when I got home, I found myself frozen at the thought of sewing again--afraid it wouldn't be good enough--that my sewing skills had become rusty since I'd taken up my new passion for creating with paper.
Well, after reading a great post over at The Coletterie, I realized that for me, creating has always been about the journey, as much as the end result. I've wasted precious time staring at the cut pieces of what is to be my grandson's Halloween costume, worrying about doing it perfectly when the fact is, he will be thrilled with the end result just because Nana took the time to create something special just for him. And that's all that matters anyway, isn't it?
So today I begin my journey through "Ninjagoland" and I'm looking forward to it. I will keep Sammy's darling little face in mind the entire time I'm at my sewing machine, knowing that what I'm creating today will be much more than just a Halloween costume--it will be a gift that makes my grandson feel special and important, and that's what makes me love the creative process--making someone else feel loved through giving.
I'll be back in a day or two to share the finished project. In the meantime, whatever it is that makes your heart sing, don't let the fear of being perfect stifle your creativity. After all, God's beautiful world is perfect and everything is created in it's own unique way--that's what makes it special and beautiful and...yes, perfect!
Thanks for visiting today!
Merilee
My husband teases with me about my "collection" of fabric. I'd say my fabric collection is just as big as my paper collection (oh my...), and although the two are very different mediums, they are both wonderful mediums with which to work--each in its own way.
I have sewn many different things over the years--everything from children's clothing to draperies to formal wear and, yes, even wedding gowns! My daughter called last week and asked if I would mind sewing my grandson's Halloween costume. He wants to be the green "Ninjago". I have never sewn Ninjago wear, but I'm always up for a challenge! I hurried to the fabric store to find the perfect fabric, notions, and everything I needed for the project. But when I got home, I found myself frozen at the thought of sewing again--afraid it wouldn't be good enough--that my sewing skills had become rusty since I'd taken up my new passion for creating with paper.
Well, after reading a great post over at The Coletterie, I realized that for me, creating has always been about the journey, as much as the end result. I've wasted precious time staring at the cut pieces of what is to be my grandson's Halloween costume, worrying about doing it perfectly when the fact is, he will be thrilled with the end result just because Nana took the time to create something special just for him. And that's all that matters anyway, isn't it?
So today I begin my journey through "Ninjagoland" and I'm looking forward to it. I will keep Sammy's darling little face in mind the entire time I'm at my sewing machine, knowing that what I'm creating today will be much more than just a Halloween costume--it will be a gift that makes my grandson feel special and important, and that's what makes me love the creative process--making someone else feel loved through giving.
Thanks for visiting today!
Merilee
Your blog post is just lovely and pretty much says it all! I can very much relate to your post as I am a bit of a perfectionist (thanks Mom)! My grandchild (Emma) helped me rein that problem in a bit this weekend when she wanted to craft with me. At first, it was all I could do to not just send her downstairs and complete "our" project myself. After listening to my own thoughts, I thought ...wow...wouldn't that be a shame when I can be sharing this special time with her and maybe even teach her something...so what if it's not perfect? It will be "our project" and in her sweet eyes it will be PERFECT and amazing because she made it with her Nonna. Aren't grandchildren just fabulous? I know Sammy is going to be thrilled with his costume and will be bragging to all the other trick or treaters about his special, custom made costume! I can't wait to see your finished, PERFECT Ninja costume!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tanya. I read your recent post about spending time crafting with your granddaughter and got the biggest kick out of it! Yes, grandchildren really are fabulous! I couldn't imagine life without them! I absolutely LOVE being a Nana! :o) I wouldn't give it up for anything--even if it does give away my age, lol! ;oP I promise to take photos of my finished project and share them with you!
ReplyDeleteThis post really put things into perspective for me. I'm constantly striving to be perfect and getting dissapointed with myself. I'm learning to let go and let God! Thanks for brightening my day.
ReplyDeleteLa-Vie