Thursday, February 25, 2016

POSSIBLE END TO THE WAY WE ARE?? AND MORE SEWING, LOL


Good morning!  Can we possibly be to Thursday already?!  This week has just flown by.  I've been doing A LOT of thinking, [as I sat at my sewing machine!] this week about my blogging in general. Part of me really does think it might be time to lay it aside as a thing of my past.  I will admit when I originally took it up MANY years ago I had NO idea what blogging was really all about.  I have been amazed how wonderful it has been to feel like I have met soo many special women with like minds and spirits.  I have been entertained, inspired, encouraged, challenged, and thoroughly blessed by many of you.  I will also admit that I have been so bothered and upset by a few favorite blogger friends of mine who just decided to quit, or even worse just suddenly disappeared never to be heard from again, that I promised myself I would NOT be one of them until forced, lol.  I am well aware of the fact that almost ALL of my posts are ridiculously similar. My sewing for the week, my grandchildren's amazing accomplishments and antics, [grin] my faith in an amazing God who holds my very breath in His hands, my very ordinary day to day life, oh and did I mention my sewing? lol   I have considered "trying" to make my blog more serious, more purposeful, more "something" but honestly I still find myself writing the same old things in a different way sometimes, but believe the name of my blog could easily be titled...more of the same.  I could of course cover more serious topics, and share more personal things going on in my life, but I do not feel lead in that direction either.  There is SOOO much in my blogging books I print each year, not to mention what you could simply pull up online and read if you so desired, that I am VERY SURE NO child of mine, or grandchild would EVER actually be interested in anyway and want to read, that I don't think that reason to blog is really very valid anymore either.  I am just adding similar story to similar story to the already overwhelming pile.  Sooo what to do?  Blogging does take time....both posting your own posts, and reading and commenting on others.  And yet honestly when I do consider just walking away I feel almost a real panic about not knowing what it going on with all of you I've grown to love and care about.  So I think, well then just read blogs and don't comment, and don't write your own posts and become like a ghost in blogville, lol.  I sometimes wonder how many of these "ghosts" there really are.  Let's just consider my last post.  I have only six comments, and yet my stats tell my the post has been read like ninety five times so far.  And that is pretty usual.  WHO are these people? lol  MAYBE I could be become a "ghost" but I considering I usually have something to say I don't know how well I could pull that off either.  So I guess I always come back to the same thing....write when I want to and sometimes find the time, write about all the ordinary things I always write about and if other bloggers find it boring, mundane, and un comment worthy [how many things can you say about the same old things? lol] then I guess my comments can dwindle to nothing and who cares?  For now I guess I will continue to plug along.  But I am prayerfully considering bringing an end to the WAY WE ARE.... And so now after sharing the ramblings in my head, I will tell you about this weeks......you guessed it.....sewing, lol.  I have been VERY busy for some reason.  Some days or weeks and times I find myself just constantly at it, and others I only sew maybe an hour or so a day. But these last 3 days have been very busy for me at the machine, as I have sat there numerous hours. Let me show you.  We will start with the little dress I mentioned in my last post.  The rest of it came together VERY quickly and easily [compared to that bodice that is] and I was VERY pleased with the way it came out.  I do still need to make some little diaper cover to go underneath it [nothing as tacky as a diaper showing under a little dress in my opinion, lol] and something to wear on her head, but I will get to those details...

THE FRONT....CAN'T FIND ANY MORE OF THE FLOWERED PRINT TO MAKE THE DIAPER COVER WITH, SO GUESS I WILL HAVE TO GO WITH THE GREY...NOT MY FIRST CHOICE, BUT IT WILL WORK

THE BACK AND THE LITTLE BOW
 After I finished getting the little dress done I started in on some embroidery.  My granddaughter Lindsey asked if I could embroider her name on her softball bag for school, and my DIL asked if I might embroider hers on a couple of her jackets and a shirt for her work.  She is a swimming coach for a local swim club.  I was VERY happy to do this for both of them, but seriously a little concerned least I "ruin" them in some way, lol.  Obviously I am NOT a professional.  Anyway, all of this went very well, and did not take a lot of time...

LINDSEY'S BAG

ONE OF LARISSA'S JACKETS...THE OTHERS ARE SIMILAR, JUST DIFFERENT COLORS.
Then, since I had the embroidery module out, I decided to embroider on a little knit dress that I had picked up for Claire at hobby lobby a while back.  Sometimes it is really a lot cheaper to just "buy" the shirt or the dress or whatever it is I want to embroider on then it is to make it, and this was one of those times.  I picked up this little dress for 5 dollars.  Just can't beat that.  Here's what I did to it...

JUST A SIMPLE LITTLE DRESS.  WHEN MELODY WAS YOUNG I CONSTANTLY SANG HER THAT SONG....YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE...SHE LOVED IT.  NOW SHE SINGS IT TO HER DAUGHTER ALL THE TIME.  IT IS TO BE THE THEME OF HER FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY.  THIS DRESS TO WILL NEED A DIAPER COVER OF SOME SORT UNDERNEATH IT, AND A HEADBAND...WONDER IF I CAN FIND SOME CUTE SUNSHINE THEMED FABRIC?

CLOSER LOOK AT THE WORDS

AND THE CUTE LITTLE SUN DESIGN....IT WAS ON MY MACHINE ALREADY, SO EVEN THIS WAS FREE
After I finished up with the embroidery I switched to making some nighties for the coming baby.  I really didn't like the last pattern I had used when making nighties for Claire so I looked around online for a similar one, yet different.  I found the perfect one.  The old one was too narrow in my opinion, and did not have the elastic at the bottom which is really necessary I think.  These nighties are perfect for those middle of the night feedings as you just whip up the nightie with nothing to unfasten etc., and yet they are long and warm and stay down with the elastic while sleeping.  I wish I could find some more cute knit as they were sooo quick, easy and fun to make. Joannes carries very little knit, and the knit I can find online is WAY too pricey. I might do some in just some plain knit...I could always embroider on them too.  And then I looked around online for the little matching beanie hat to go with them as well.  The ones I had made in the past I didn't like either as they were just too small. I may not have printed the pattern off right I don't know. You have to be careful that the to scale part is correct.  But the one I found was perfect.  OH, and the best part?  Both of these patterns were FREE.  Anyone interested in these patterns let me know and I will send you the link.  Here are the 3 I made.

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HER LITTLE BODY IN THEM

I LOVED WORKING WITH THIS PARTICULAR KIND OF KNIT.  JUST THE RIGHT THICKNESS, IT HOLDS IT'S SHAPE AND DOES NOT ROLL.  A PROBLEM WITH MANY KNITS.  WISH I COULD FIND MORE.  A SINGLE YARD MADE THIS NIGHTIE, THE BEANIE HAT, AND A PAIR OF LEGGINGS AS WELL.  PRETTY GOOD FOR 7 DOLLARS..WHEN IT'S ON SALE THAT IS.  BOUGHT THIS AT JOANNES BTW

GOT THIS DIFFERENT FABRIC AT JOANES AS WELL BUT IT WAS YOUR BASIC NIGHTMARE KNIT.  HARD TO WORK WITH.  THIN, AND ROLLED BADLY.  NOT BUYING ANYMORE OF IT, LOL

AND THIS KNIT IS REVERSIBLE.  I HAD IT LEFT OVER FROM WHEN I MADE SOME THINGS FOR CLAIRE A WHILE AGO AND SOMEHOW MANAGED TO GET ENOUGH.  NOTICE HOW THE GOWN AND SLEEVES ARE DIFFERENT AND SO IS THE THE BINDING.  THIS ONE WAS FUN.
And so that brings us to today.  This post took WAY longer then I intended so I need to get cracking. I want to make up a couple pair of leggings for the coming baby BEFORE my cleaning woman arrives here at 11.  I will be soo happy to see her face this morning.  OH! And after she arrives I will be leaving to pick up my quilt.  I am soo excited to see how it came out.  Then hopefully tomorrow I can get it squared up and binded, and put that project on my "done" list.  I will leave you with a couple of quick grandkid pics.  Hope you are all having a good week, and find the joy this life has to offer in your lives.  Blessings, Debbie

I JUST HAD TO SHARE THIS....MY DAUGHTER POSTED THIS YESTERDAY ON INSTAGRAM...I GUESS SHE WAS MAKING DINNER FOR A WOMAN IN THEIR CHURCH WHO HAD RECENTLY HAD KNEE SURGERY.  WHEN SAM HEARD ABOUT WHAT SHE WAS DOING HE BECAME VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS WOMAN AND WANTED TO HELP TOO.  MELODY LET HIM  ASSIST HER WITH THE WHOLE DINNER, AND THEN HELP TO DELIVER IT LATER TO THE WOMAN AND HER FAMILY.  HE HAS SUCH A SENSITIVE AND BIG HEART, AND I LOVE THAT HE IS LEARNING TO GIVE BACK AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE.  LOOK AT HIS LITTLE FACE!  LOL

AFTERNOON SNACK TIME IN THE BACK YARD.  SHE RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS LITTLE TABLE AND CHAIR SET TO HELP OUT AT MEALS WHEN SHE HAS COMPANY....[THEY ENTERTAIN A LOT!] AND THE BOYS HAVE JUST LOVED IT FOR SOME REASON SO SHE HAS LET THEM USE IT FOR LUNCH SOMETIMES AND SNACKS.  NOTICE THEY HAVE BROUGHT THEIR LITTLE BUNNIES TO THE FEAST AS WELL.  CLAIRE WANTED IN ON THE ACTION TOO, LOL




11 comments:

  1. Oh Debbie, I would be SO sad if you quite blogging. I love to see what you are up to with your sewing, and I love seeing your large family grow! Don't stop.
    Love the dress...LOVED the gowns and hats....and the dress with sunshine! So darling!
    Love Kris

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  2. Dear Debbie, Like Kris I would be sad too if you quit. Firstly, I too love the dress and am always inspired by your sewing. For me lately, I have been so busy working on quilting that although I try to blog daily it is time looked at as a quick post. Getting around to over 150 bloggers I follow just doesn't happen-in fact, it's hard to get around to those I feel closest too. I'm thinking of dropping some of my links for blogs that I never hear from(who have 1000+ followers)or maybe cutting back a couple of days and only posting three. I've got so many quilting projects going on and don't want to get behind on our bed quilt. So I totally understand-but you must know that for those who've followed you forever, like Kris and I, we will not lose touch with you-you are too dear to us.
    Hope you have a great day my friend!
    Hugs, Noreen

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  3. What a sweet picture of them sitting having lunch. I love that look on Claire's face. It would be sad Debbie if you quit blogging, I think in fact you and Sue are the first people who ever left comments on my blog.
    I think about what you are saying every time I write a post. I just write the same things over and over. I think our lives just change from what they were. I originally started blogging because my Mom was dying. It gave her something to read about each day. I would wonder like you said about the people who have become friends.
    Its tough isn't it? I have the same problem too, I wonder who reads my posts too. I think it is like that saying, you never know who you touched until you get to heaven. Then you will know. Yes, it takes time, but I think there might be people who are sick or shut ins or just lonely, and we are the only friends/lights they will ever see. That is why I blog. It is something to pray about. :)

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  4. Well, first of all your sewing is beautiful! I understand the conflicted feelings, but I will say this...my favorite blogs are the ones that might best be described as ordinary. Women going about their day, doing much the same type of activities I'm doing is both reassuring and comforting. I enjoy reading about the average day sprinkled with bits of glitter here and there. I do know I'd love to read something like this written by my own mom when she was my age. I just had lunch with a blog friend on Tuesday. I've 'known' her since we started blogging, but we hadn't met in person until this week. It was really fun! I hope you'll continue, but do understand the need for breaking away too. I know I'd miss you : )

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  5. We all have these blogging concerns from time to time. At least, you have real dolls to sew for! LOL! I swear that if I have to talk about Shirley one more time... Think of it this way, we don't have this many concerns about our real life friendships...we are more relaxed about them I mean to say. Those of us who visit are doing so because we love you and want to visit with you! Maybe you can coax some of those lurkers to say hello. Some of mine have been emailing me this week because they wanted me to know that they are thinking of me. They don't have blogs or accounts so they don't comment. Bet you'd find something similar.

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  6. So funny I am here to read this post. I felt all of the same this morning when I posted. You girl, get wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy more readers than I have. My numbers continue to drop and I continue to post. I didn't know what I was getting into when I started and I have never blogged for numbers. I thought this week..now way are you even concerned you haven't posted. Then I posted, I enjoyed writing, although my editing is horrible and I know the grammar police people hate to read, therefore, don't, I still typed on.
    The friendships for me have been priceless. I think of all of my blogging friends are true friends in the Body of Christ.
    I would miss dropping by and commenting if you stopped, but I too wonder how long I will continue.

    Your sewing always inspires me and I just love seeing the grands. You are a head of me in the journey and I look to you for inspiration in the grandmother department. Do what you want to do...but you will always be in my thoughts.

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  7. Ok, hello from a 'ghost reader'. I enjoy your blog very much. I'm not a blogger myself but I do read quite a few though rarely comment! Your grandkids are so precious; I enjoy seeing them grow and change. Always like to see what you are sewing - you are so talented in that department. And sharing your faith is a wonderful part of your blog. What I'm saying, I guess, is that I hope you will continue writing and sharing your 'ordinary' days.

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  8. Let me begin with I understand where you are coming from. I too have wondered what the use was in blogging when only 5 or 6 comment and heaven only knows if anyone else looks at it although the stats say people from all over the country are viewing. (I wonder about those stats sometime.) Now, I want you to know that I would miss you terribly if you went away. Yes, your blogs are ordinary, but I find those the most compelling. You share your heart and your loves and we all identify with that. I love seeing the new pieces you are making and those precious grandchildren. I look forward to hearing how you spent your weekend with family and how the Lord is working in the lives of your relatives.

    Debbie, I decided that my main reason for blogging is for myself. I need the mental challenge, and the creative outlet. I need spending time with friends who I will never meet but feel like I know, like you. Yes, I too am printing my books and feel sure they will not ever be looked at and will probably end up at Goodwill one day. But, I can't worry about that. So, do what you feel is best for YOU! If that means taking a break so be it, but if it means staying in blog world, then keep posting what makes you happy.

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  9. Oh, the complicated world of blogging! Although we all love to get feedback from our readers, I try my best to be unaffected by my comments and simply write from my heart, whether it be something deep and meaningful or just something about my house or a recipe. I think people come to be inspired, but also to simply be a friend. Blog friendships are real.

    I think that what I'm trying to say (although I am saying it way too late at night so I'm probably incoherent!) is that you should feel free to post as frequently or as infrequently as you want, and comment as frequently or as infrequently as you want...but if you leave for good, you will leave a hole and your friends (including me) will miss you!!

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  10. Glad I stopped by! Loved your latest sewing projects, have you consider selling your stuff on line, or would that take the fun out of it ?

    Enjoyed the photos of the grands too...

    Hugs!

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  11. Oh, Debbie, you know I completely understand and I would sure miss you. If you are enjoying blogging then stick with it. Maybe you just need s brief time away. Love all your latest creations. Happy week Debbie!

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I am so glad that you would take the time to comment on my thoughts and feelings, it is such a blessing to me!