Broken nose, again, so no sewing

Both of the kids have managed to break my nose over the last year.

The first time happened when Bubba and I were watching TV in our king-size waterbed. I didn't have my glasses on...and I have very little depth perception without them...and we rolled toward each other.

He caught me on the side of my nose. I bled for a bit and really hurt for a few weeks, but my nose was just slightly off so there was no need to get it fixed.

I was so worried that when Hubby called the doctor about it there would be a domestic violence officer over at the house.

Thankfully, this doctor is not only my doctor, but also Hubby's, Bubba's and Diva's so he knows Hubby isn't violent and the kids can be rowdy.

Then, a few weeks ago, I'm sitting on the grass playing with Diva and WHAM she runs head first into my face. CRUNCH goes my nose!

I bled and had a slight black eye, but that was it. It still hurts but I think that has more to do with the fact that my glasses sit right on what I believe is the break (thanks to the lump I can feel).

I have found that I can't sew a straight line yet, but hopefully in a few days I'll be able to :*) (That's the broken nose smiley face, my sister said I needed a new one until it heals)

Mary Madeline Project

I came across this wonderful organization while surfing the web earlier and was so moved by what they are doing that I e-mailed them to offer my help.

Their message:

It is the purpose of the Mary Madeline Project to provide comfort and support to grieving families that have suffered the death of a baby. It was founded in memory of Madeline Marie Erickson who died at seven weeks of age and in honor of all the babies before and after her that have touched our lives.

We are a non-profit organization that donates infant / baby burial gowns and blankets to local hospitals for bereaving  parents.  Women donate their cherished wedding gowns to the project and volunteers give of their time, talents and love by making the baby burial gowns and blankets.

It is very difficult to shop for a baby burial garment when a baby dies. For premature babies, it is often difficult to find something small enough. The baby burial gowns and blankets are given to Neonatal Intensive Care Units for babies who die in the neonatal period.  They are also given to labor and delivery units for stillbirths.

What a wonderful way to remember this little girl...and what comfort it must provide for the parents who are greaving.

I offered to help them sew and I'm posting this on here in hopes that anyone who reads my blog, and can do so, will offer up their time and money.

As the mother of two preemies who came out the other side of the NICU roller coaster ok, I feel this is my way to give back and finally pay forward the words of encouragement that were given to my husband and father just before my emergency c-section at 31 weeks that resulted in the birth of my son.

While waiting for me to recover, my husband and father met a man whose wife was scheduled to have a c-section (with their 5th or 6th child), but I bumped her back :0)  He came over to my family and said, "I overheard your conversation and felt I needed to give you some words of encouragement.  My first son was born at 31 week.  He is now 6 years old, built like a fire hydrant and sharp as a tack."  Four years later, I can still remember his words.  They were the hope that got me through those tough times.

This is how I am paying it forward and I hope you will too.

Happy sewing everyone!

Writers Block

I have some of that dreaded writers block going on.

I have a few ideas started, but that's really all they are: rough ideas.

I can't seem to finish them, nothing I write sounds, well, right.

My husband thinks I may be stressing over it a bit.  Is he right?  Probably. 

So, I'm just going to post a picture of my newest creation:  crocheted headbands.  I used a "C/2 - 2.75MM" hook as well as Aunt Lydia's brand Classic Crochet Thread in a size 10.  I also have some Extra Fine Crochet Thread in a size 30 that I'm going to mess with.

The one below is the one I made for my daughter.

Are you multi-talented?

I was sitting here thinking about how I have more than one talent when it comes to crafting.  I sew, I crochet..I used to know how to knit but I guess I liked crocheting better and just let that skill fall to the way side.

I know a lot of other women who have talent out the wazoo, but can only concentrate on one thing...painting, jewelry making, etc.  And I also know a lot of other women who have talent out the wazoo and they have multiple talents.

Are you multi-talented?  What are your craft talents?

P.S.- I know I haven't posted as much as I was, but I'm working on a few to post in the coming weeks...stay tuned!

2nd Thoughts

I am having second thought about my sewing business.

1.)  I'm wondering if it's worth it anymore.  It's becoming work.  I mean, there are some days I hate the thought of sitting in front of the sewing machine.

Don't get me wrong, I love sewing and I love the look on peoples faces when they receive something handmade...but my house is a mess and I feel guilty for not spending every second with my kids.

I'm hoping this gets easier once pre-school starts in the fall.

2.)  I think my constant sewing is putting my health at risk.  My thumbs have been going numb lately.  I have carpel tunnel issues (thanks to my years of being a paralegal) and my little fingers and sometimes my ring fingers go numb at times, but now with my thumbs....I don't know.

3.)  I am beginning to wonder if there is still a market for what I do.  Why spend $15-$20 for something custom made when I can get something close that was mass produced for half the price?

4.)  I'm not really sure how to get market myself.  I have business cards and there is a magnet on the back of our truck and I ordered a canvas bag that I'll use as a diaper bag.  But I really don't know if there is anything else I can do.

Like I said, I'm having second thoughts.  But maybe that's a good thing?  Maybe that's what will help me succeed?

I don't know.

Happy sewing everyone!

VACATION...sorta

The kids and I will be away from Sunday, April 18th through Sunday, April 25th.

We are off to visit my family in another state.

Though I had planned on this being a relaxing vacation, I think I would go through withdrawal without my sewing machine...so it's coming along with us :0)

I hope to have tons of new pictures to post when we return.

Happy Sewing!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

The kids and I took a trip to the fabric store today.  The problem was we did it during my daughter's nap time.  Boy was she fussy.  She's 2 and totally lives up to her nickname of Diva!

Anyway, we were at the store and she was so fussy.  Hold me, don't hold me...want to sit in the cart, don't want to sit in the cart.  You get the picture :0)

I had to pick up some supplys for some projects I have going on, so I needed to get this shopping done.  I bribed her.  Yup, I told my little girl that she could pick out some fabric and I'll make her a dress out of it, but she needs to let me finish my shopping.

It worked.  She said, "Pin-cess Sin-a-rel-ra" (which translates into "Princess Cinderella").  This isn't a surprise, she is obssessed with Cinderella!  She spotted some pink fabric with Bell, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and, of course, Cinderella.  I had to wrestle it out of her hands to have it cut!

Yeah, I'm turning her into a fabric addict...and I couldn't be happier!! :0)