For as long as I can remember, I have been crafting one thing or another. It is not unusual for me to have several projects going at the same time. I do this to keep from getting bored with just one thing. Plus if Im stumped on how to do something, Ill work on another project and think about how I can get past what has me stumped. That thought might come in the middle of the night, while cooking, while Im running errands or playing a game online. Its random and at times drives me crazy that these thoughts consume me.
I will see something on Pinterest or another site and instead of saying to myself, "Im going to make that", I look at it and think about how I can change that project to make it my own. Its very rare that I make something that is exact to something Ive seen, I change everything or in most cases, come up with my own ideas.
I do not follow patterns. Well I guess I shouldnt say that exactly. I have followed a few patterns and I can honestly say I remember each project I followed a pattern. Kaylas bright green and pink quilt, the star hot pads, Kaylas barmaid Halloween costume, her cheerleading skirt Halloween costume and of course all of the counted cross stitch projects Ive completed.
I dont do well with directions, instructions, you name it, they just confuse me and I swear I usually have to read each line 10 times to understand what its trying to tell me. Therefore, I prefer to do my own thing. Ill admit, I fail at things I try on my own, but never one to give up, I tear apart, start over, you name it until I get it the way I want it. Trial & error all the way.
There are a few of my most rewarding projects I have done to date.
Quilts for homeless children was one.
A friend called me just after Thanksgiving one year and asked if I had any quilts I had made that I was willing to part with. She explained what she needed to do with them. After talking with her for a few minutes, I had already determined I needed to help.
When we think of the homeless on our streets, its always an older man, maybe a veteran, probably an alcoholic etc. We never think that there are actual families living on the streets. What this call was about, was needing blankets and/or quilts for kids. Newborn to 14 yrs old. I asked a time line, one week.
Determined to meet this timeline, I went to work and made 6 blankets/quilts in just one week for these kids. She completed 3, so we donated 9 blankets. When she picked them up to deliver them, I welled up knowing I just did an amazing thing and what these blankets would mean to these children.
She called me a week later and asked if there was any way I would be willing to make more in time for Christmas. I said yes. Knowing full well I had last minute shopping, wrapping, prep work, you name it for my own home and family. But these kids needed warmth and nothing was going to stop me from trying my hardest to make this possible.
I worked day & night, completing 9 blankets. I wanted to do more, but time ran out and my own stuff was struggling. In all we donated 29 blankets for these kids.
I kept this information to myself, only Kevin and the girls knew what I was doing. I didnt want any pats on the back for doing this, my work, hours and knowing these kids would have something to call their own was all I needed. I did eventually tell a few people, but this is the first Ive really put it out there for all to see. Below is a photo of the first batch. Sadly I never took a picture of the second batch. Yes, they are all pretty simple, but when they are needed that fast, you realize that kids are not going to care that much how fancy you did them, they just want warmth and something to snuggle with during the rough time in their life.
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