Sew Not My Thing!

I enjoy cooking and I think I'm pretty good at it. But I don't think it's really all that hard. My philosophy has always been "I read, therefore I cook." I figure any literate person with at least an average measure of common sense can read a recipe and put dinner on the table.

Recently I've learned that this philosophy does NOT apply to sewing. And it was extremely disappointing to me to come to this realization.

I admit I haven't done much sewing in my life. The last project I attempted was at a Relief Society Super Saturday a few years ago when I tried to make an "easy" tote bag out of two fabric placemats--the results of which are unfinished and stuffed in a plastic bin somewhere in my basement. Before that, I made a table cloth for my kids' craft table. And by "made" I mean, I bought some fabric and hemmed the two rough edges so that they wouldn't fray.

But deep inside of me I believed that I don't sew because I've never really tried and well, because I don't own a sewing machine. I though that if I ever really attempted it I could figure it out.

Ah, the lies we tell ourselves.

This week I endeavored to make doll clothes for my daughter's American Girl doll that she got for Christmas. You know, the doll she had to have. The doll that she's been obsessed with getting for two years. The doll she "just needed" (her actual words). I could justify getting her the exact doll she wanted, pricey as it was, but I am not about to buy all of the accessories and clothes and furniture and sports equipment and pets (yes, pets) that go along with it. But we all know that half the fun of playing with dolls is dressing them up. And my sweet girl has been a really good sport about trying to make do with the clothes she has for her other dolls even though none of them actually fit her new doll. I promised her we could get some other outfits. I knew that my mom has yards and yards of fabric remnants so I thought we could just find a pattern and whip up a set of pajamas, maybe a dress or two and have a little fun doing it. More lies.

Consequently we now have the fabric and the pattern but I'm finding I ain't got no skills!

I wasn't aware that sewing had it's own language. I read and re-read the pattern and kept thinking to myself "those words look like English, how come I have absolutely no comprehension of that entire paragraph."

I swear I used to be smarter.

So I guess I've discovered yet ANOTHER thing I need to actually make a conscious effort to learn--just like playing the guitar or tennis or applying eyeliner. I'm not sure why I thought sewing would come naturally to me, few things ever do.

Or I guess I could just forget the whole thing. The doll outfits made by the knock-off brands only cost about $12.

I think my sanity is worth more than twelve bucks!

Looking On the Bright Side

I think Dave Barry described 2009 the best when he wrote: It was a year of Hope -- at first in the sense of ``I feel hopeful!'' and later in the sense of ``I hope this year ends soon!''

This past year kicked my little hiney--hard. It will probably go down in my own personal history as one of my more difficult years(and I've had some doozies!). But intertwined with the pregnancy woes and stressful trips on the emotional roller coaster of small business ownership, I found an abundant measure of joy.

I was reminded that seasons of adversity can either make or break a marriage and mine was strengthened by the trials we endured together in 2009. I feel so blessed to be able to travel through the ups and downs of this life with my very best friend.

Our family received such an outpouring of support and love from so many wonderful people who knew of our struggles and reached out to us in countless ways. We could never repay all of the kindness shown to us but I am determined to pay it forward.

The year wrapped up with a major career change for my husband and we are so grateful for this new opportunity. Although it comes with its own unique challenges we're no longer dealing with the stress of self-employment and I no longer play a role in our livelihood and that's a beautiful thing!

Of course the greatest blessing we received this past year was the birth of our sweet little Henry. I had no idea how much our family needed him until he was here. In the early days of his life he was a bright light that got me through some rather dark days. I feel so blessed to be his mother. It puts my whole life into perspective.

So as I approach another year, I am again hopeful. I am aware from the outset that 2010 is also really going to kick my butt. But there are ALWAYS joyful things to look forward to.