Make Something Every Day

My friend Heather reminds me of the importance of keeping this blog page fresh and new; it's not always easy to fit it in... but it's also a healthy way to stop and reflect when life is getting a little too busy.

For example, my house is a mess, there is no clean laundry and no groceries in the fridge... but last week, I finally made a skirt for the kitchen counter at the cottage. 

This week has been another crazy one, but I did take time to make two things on my day off, both for the cottage. I spent the afternoon and evening painting, gluing and sewing... and ended up with a new wreath for the front door and one new cushion cover for the couch.

The wreath incorporates hydrangeas and the letter H, in honour of my married name (Hargrave) and the family name of original owners of the cottage, my family through my mom's lineage (Hooker). After painstakingly painting the letter H in 4 different colours with small flowers scrolling over the centre, I glued it to the wreath, where it complemented the flowers and ribbon nicely. I hung the wreath on the door, admired it and took some pictures. But early the next morning as I headed to work, I slammed the door (it's the only way to get it to close properly) and the H fell to the ground and cracked in half. For less than two seconds, I grieved for the time spent making it... and then I realized that the process had been half the fun and the wreath still looked pretty without it... so what the H, right? :)

The cushion cover has a story, too. The couches and chairs were inherited with the cottage. They had itchy polyester tweed, no fun to sit on in bathing suits or shorts, so several years ago, I had the bright idea to cover all the cushions with towels, one per cushion, all in beige or spa blue. I have loved these covers —simple and comfy— but they're getting pretty tired now. I waited for a big sale on upholstery fabric and picked up miles and miles of a gentle beach-toned gingham with an olive brown stripe. So far, I've made about 100 feet of piping using bias cut fabric and polyester clothesline, and done the calculations (math is not my favourite activity) to see how to cut and sew the cushions while avoiding the necessity of zippers or buttons (also not my favourites). My prototype turned out pretty snug, but I like it. Only 15 more to go, in various sizes and configurations. Sigh...

I don't always have time to make something for myself, but luckily, my work lets me make things for other people every day. Sometimes they even tell me they like them. This has been a good week that way. Counting my blessings instead of sheep...