In the zone

I sat down yesterday and looked over my list of things I needed to get done and felt a little panicked. Determined not to spend the holidays chained to the sewing machine, I decided to get serious about checking things off my list. Today I was in the zone. No one was home that needed my attention (except the four legged ones), so it was all about me and the sewing machine. I finished not one, but two purses and a craft apron. A couple more days like today and I'll have my head above water. That'll feel good. As the holidays approach I am more and more aware that there won't be many more holidays with all of us living under the same roof. It happens in the blink of an eye, really. It sounds cliche, but it's so true. It takes my breath away when I think back. Just yesterday I was just a baby myself. A baby with a baby. Why wasn't I completely paralyzed with fear. I guess you just don't know what you don't know, and that's a good thing sometimes. Now my babies are 16 and 19, trying to find their way in this world, a world that doesn't make it easy. How I love them. How I miss the days when I could kiss away their boo-boos. This holiday season, I hope we can slow down a little and enjoy each other's company, continue old traditions and maybe start some new. Spend less time fighting the crowds shopping and more time making cookies, riding around looking at Christmas lights, making homemade gifts. That's my mission, to make this season special. Oh, I know better than to have postcard images of that perfect Christmas. That'll never happen, but I do want to slow down and enjoy our less than perfect Christmas. Take it all in and make the most of it. Yes, a few more days in my sewing groove and I may be ready to think about doing some baking. That is if the day time temperatures get below 70.

Toby wasn't the cutest pup in the house tonight, and he didn't like it. My niece Juliana turned 7 yesterday and got a puppy for her birthday.

Too much cuteness for one picture, huh?

Comments

[Leanne]

Just the right amount of cuteness, if you ask me! Sounds like you are on a roll over there... your Christmas will be perfect, imperfections and all, I'm sure! You've got the right attitude for it. Slow down, take in the sights, sounds, smells and tastes, and enjoy the things that matter most: family and friends. Refreshing post! I've read a few posts today about Christmas and they were all about when and how they were going to do their shopping and then complaining about all the work to be done... So nice to read this!

[lla]

I'm with you - it doesn't have to be perfect, but I'd like it to be enjoyable. And preferably slow and heartfelt...

How cute are your niece and her new puppy???

[Kris]

Gorgeous Bags Autum! You're amazing :) I *love* the flowers that you make - do have any hints?
PS: The apron is yummy too :)

[denice]

I so agree with you about slowing down this Christmas. I can't think of a single toy/electronic/outfit my kids actually need, and I would much prefer to just hang together and read A Christmas Carol!

As always, your work is stunning! :)

[Patty]

I love these bags! you've done a great job!
The puppy IS really cute!

[Mindy]

I am loving that apron!!

Poor Toby! First the Santa suit and now another pup!

[Jessica]

oh my...i want to hug that pink, black & white bag! such loveliness!!! one of these days i'm going to finally be able to treat myself to one of your fabulous creations. and what cute little girl & pooch!

[beki]

Enjoying the season, it's something I strive for, which is why I'm keeping hand made gifts to a minimum. It all goes by so fast.

I am loving those flowers. Yours look so good!

[Jes]

Omgooodness, I LOVE that apron! What fabrics are those? They're fabulous.

That picture is totally cute!

I agree with slowing down. I'm trying to take it all in stride and not totally freak out about the holidays. It would be a nice change from my usual ;)

[Pam]

Your stuff is so darling. And I hear you about the kids growing up, my daughter is 19 on Sunday and this is the first Thanksgiving she'll miss! Life is changing, that's for sure.

Love you stuff, congrats on so much accomplishing!

[minniepumpkin]

I enjoy your blog so much. That apron is adorable. Keep up the awesome work! :) I know what you mean. If it isn't cool, it ca't be the holidays. I need to start shopping and baking.

[minniepumpkin]

I enjoy your blog so much. That apron is adorable. Keep up the awesome work! :) I know what you mean. If it isn't cool, it ca't be the holidays. I need to start shopping and baking.

[Megan]

I'm one of those hide-in-the-shadows lurkers, but I had to show myself to let you know how great I think that apron is! What kind of fabric is that off-white base? I have a Japanese craft/purse book with that exact fabric in it, but I can't find it at any shops around here (and I sure can't read the book text to figure it out!).

I, too, really enjoy reading your blog. It's usually my first internet stop!

[rebecca]

Like the apron!!!.....is that from Craft Apples pattern? http://craftapple.wordpress.com/2006/10/09/the-seamstress-apron-pattern/

[linda]

I love the patchwork all over the apron - it's so pretty.

[Wendi]

Every time you post another bag pic, I can't decide which colorway I like best! You definitely have an eye for color comining!

[Bettsi]

Wow! You were productive today! The purses look great and now I realize that you have been a quiet inspiration behind the purses I am working on. I better go revise my post!
I, too, feel the passage of time. My oldest is 16 and I can just feel the moment when she leaves me. I try not to think about it too much. Like you, I will focus on enjoying the holiday with them!

[wendy]

Daily blogging 2 purses a craft apron and visitors, I am just exhausted reading. Everything looks so lovely.

[Fiona]

What a great productive day you had. Isn't the house completely different with kids away !! I work so much better. Forget to have lunch, Forget to have dinner. Just sew sew sew.