Christmas Gifts

I'm trying to decide what I want to do for my grandsons for Christmas. They really don't need anything, especially clothes and toys, but what else do you give to little boys. I think I will make them something from their Granny for Christmas. Even if it is clothes, no one else will have anything like it.

I know homemade gifts are appreciated from past experience, unless they lied to me about it. My skills have gotten better and the ideas are better, too. Back in the day some of the crafts that people learned to do were pretty tacky. These days I'm focusing more on sewing and quilting. These seem to be more appreciated. If they don't like it, they can give it to someone else. Just don't tell me.

Most of my family members don't sew and I don't think very many of them even have a hobby. So sad. It sure is nice to be able to do something like this when you don't want to watch TV or if it's cold or raining outside. I guess the computer and the internet can be considered a hobby now. I know there are several that spend time on the internet...I do. I just don't want to do it all day for lack of nothing else to do.

I Love Sewing and Crafts

I really like to sew and do all kinds of different crafts. I enjoy it when something turns out really great. It's nice when friends and family like what I do, also. It's even nice when strangers like it, too.

I thought I would start doing crafts for arts and crafts shows and festivals and try to sell some of my wares. It's very flattering when someone buys something from you that you have put time and effort into to make a quality product. I've been to three craft shows since I decided to do this and have two more coming up before the end of the year. I was sure hoping this would be a way for me to make some money and help the family finances. As it turns out, I sell just enough to cover expenses for the day. I knew I wouldn't be able to make a great living doing this but was hoping for something better than what it is. I'm not giving up just yet, though. I still enjoy making things and will continue to do so as long as my body will let me. Who knows, maybe one day I will find that perfect niche.

The picture has some of the things that I have made. I'm planning on adding more stuff to my inventory. I've already made some keychain wristlets. If you see anything in the picture that you like, just let me know. I can make another one. Even if I don't sell much to the general public, I will still like to make things for my family. My mind is always thinking about what I want to do next. I have so many ideas some days that I can't remember them all unless I write them down. Ta Ta for now...Happy Crafting!!!

Learning to Quilt

I decided to learn how to quilt earlier this month and have found that it will probably be very addictive. The lady teaching me is very patient and I'm learning a lot from her. She told me about the local quilter's guild that meets twice a month. I decided to attend last night.

There were quite a few ladies there. I'm told there are 33 members of the guild. 34 now because I joined last night. I feel that this will help me learn more about quilting and meet new people and make new friends. I'm not working right now and don't get out much to meet people. This will help in that area.

This quilter's guild also makes "comfort quilts" for the police department to keep in their vehicles when there is an emergency that involves children. This is something that I will be able to help with and give a little bit back to my community. I feel I need to be involved in something worthwhile.

I'm also selfish in my reason for wanting to learn to quilt. Both of my grandmothers quilted but my mother doesn't and is unable to do so. My sisters (I have three) don't quilt, either. I want to learn so my grandmothers won't be the last generation in our family that knew how. I also want to be able to make something to give to my children and grandchildren that they may consider an heirloom and treasure for many years and pass down to their children. These will be labeled and signed so 100 years from now whoever has it will know who made it.

I know quilting isn't for everyone and allot of people may not cherish them or own any. This is something that I'm very interested in learning how to do. I love to sew and make all kinds of crafts and now quilting is added to that list.

Starting a New Blog

I guess I might as well get into this blogging thing in a big way. I've started one already at www.thebusyhomemaker.typepad.com...here goes another. Today's blog is to basically get me started here but I will be posting more blogs and hopefully about something of interest to someone out there. Please check back and read...you never know, you might enjoy.