This Moment

This Moment, A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.  Inspired by Soule Mama.  

Matthew 7:14

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Studio Make-over phase 2

Things are coming along very slowly in the studio.  I suppose that's just part of doing a renovation with 3 small children while homeschooling and starting up a new Classical Conversations community.  The timing of this project was probably not the best now that I think about it but I'm ecstatic that it will be done soon!

You would think that since most of what I do is sewing that organizing and setting up my sewing supplies would be top priority.  It's actually not.  I've learned over the past 3 years that I can find a way to sew in almost any condition.  At one point during our 2 moves I even had a desk made of boxes that I used as a sewing table.  The organized sewing room is just a perk at this point.  My real motivation in this project is to create a space where I can knit, hand quilt, and spend time in devotion. 

I'm all about kids climbing all over me on the sofa as we read and talk and I feel personal touch with my children is so important in showing them love.  However, when it comes to knitting and bible study time,  kids climbing all over me and jarring me is a huge source of frustration.  When we started this project the closet in the corner had to go so that I could make room for my reading chair and create a space that would allow me time alone with the Lord and a space to knit and regather my thoughts so I can do the job God has called me to do. 

Right now it's a work in progress but you can get an idea of where I'm going with it.  I'm loving the baskets and crate.  They are great for storing yarn but it's looking a little too primitive for my taste as it is.  I have a few other option in mind to try and some of my mothers art work to add to help balance the wall.

One of my favorite additions so far is this vintage crate.  I have been wanting one for awhile but unfortunately this area is not the greatest place to find original antiques.  I was hoping to find one with this patina but could only find them online from the UK so you can image the price tag!  Today I found this one at a local shop for $20.00 and it's perfect! 

I purchased this bread bowl in Costa Rica on our honeymoon 11 years ago.  It's perfect for holding knitting needles.  The journal on top was made by a dear friend and is where I keep pattern notes.

This stool I have had for several years and is another antique that I feel in love with at first site.  I think the thing I love most about this stool now is that it has survived the toddler stage of all 3 of my children and is still standing firm.  Something about this stool has always said to my children "please knock me over", on wood and tile floors of course, and the sound of this stool whacking the floor has left a permenant imprint in my mind.  I know it will become a sweet memory over time. 

As far as the rest of the room things are moving along.  Half of the fabric is put away.  The trim work is done, my husband did a fabulous job, and the everything is painted.  Now it's just a matter of bringing the image in my head to life.

Making Skirts for a Cause.

A friend recently mentioned a need for items for her brother and sister-in-law who are missionaries in Pluma Mexico and lost everything along with many other families in a recent hurricane.  As I read about the situation I did a mental inventory of things I could give and I didn't have any clothes to donate but I had fabric.  My first thought was to make something but then I began to second guess my decision.  Sometimes it seems silly to me to make things when you can go to Walmart these days and buy cute clothing for practically nothing and usually less than you can make something.   At church that week however I heard a message that I have heard several times now that in this life we get a little bit of time and a little bit of stuff and God wants us to use it all for His good deeds. 

I'm constantly having to remind myself of that.  God gave me talents and personality traits and every thing we own for a purpose and all of those things are a part of His perfect design.  Somewhere, somehow, God will use my handmade Simple Skirts as a way to minister to someone because we are all connected through Him.  The more I realize that the more my heart is lifted up in that joyful way that only the Holy Spirit can accomplish and the more creative and inspired I become. 

Romans 12: 6-8
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith, if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 

If you are ever wondering if what you do matters or if it will make a difference, the answer is yes!  Roman's 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Skirts, skirts, and s

Studio Make-over

Ok, my title is a little deceptive.  It's more like studio MESS! 

We are in the process of making over my studio and, believe it or not, this is an improvement!  Originally it had yellowed popcorn ceiling, a dated fan, and a large closet in the right hand side of the room.  I can't seem to find any before pictures however.

during

getting close to being done

Still sewing, even in the mess

Today the closet was removed and the floors repaired.  Next week Tony and I will be painting and adding custom trim work throughout the room to give it that cottage feel that I love so much.  I have lots of design ideas for this room and a collection of artwork that was my mothers that I'm dying to hang!

This is a shot from the loft looking in.  My poor piano has become a dumping ground for all things crafty.  This loft will be getting a makeover soon too.  New banaster, new flooring, wood plank ceiling, wood tread stairs, new ceiling beams, and a custome reading nook in the dormer window that is to the left of the piano.

My new cutting table!!!!

I know it's a complete mess but if you look closely you can see some potential.....can't you?

Christmas Ideas and Busy Boys

I can't believe that I'm using the title "Christmas Ideas" in June!  I'm usually sewing and knitting up a storm for Christmas starting somewhere around December 1st.  This year I was feeling inspired to start early so I can spend the holiday months enjoying the other wonderful blessings of the season. 

This is what sits on my sofa all day waiting for me to steal a few moments of quiet time.  I love to see these things.  Just the site of them brings me warmth and comfort so I decided it was the perfect gift for those I love.  Prayer shawls, a journal with custom journal cover from this journal cover tutorial I created, and one of my favorite go to books when I'm craving Gods word and prayer but don't have a lot of time. 

While I spent my morning enjoying a little quiet time, the boys, daddy included, were busy outside working on their own projects.  My husband has discovered over the past year that he really enjoys birds, this makes me fall in love with him all over again, and is always busy creating bird feeders and houses to attract new species to the yard. 

The boys stay busy creating their own bird houses and feeders as well while daddy works........Do you see the robot face on Mason's bird thingy?  I can't believe my just turned 4 year old made that!  Daddy added the rope and tightend up the screws to avoid injury but Mason came up with the design and put the pieces together on his own.  Nate made a simple but sweet house for his feathered friends.

This last picture I just had to throw in because it brings PEACE to my heart.  I have those kids who love to roll in the grass, lay and read in the grass, wrestle in the grass......I could go on but you get the point, and we had a chemically treated lawn for many years.  We have however gone green and now have a chemical free, organic lawn!  Yes, that beautifully green, weed free lawn you see in the picture covers over 2 acres of our backyard and is completely chemical free!  I just wanted to share that with you so you know it can be done.

Blessings.

Pinterest

Ok, I'm so late in the game with pinterest!  I started pinning awhile ago but it has been very low on my list of priorities.  With the new school year coming up I have been busy pinning all sorts of resources to match up with our Classical Conversations grammar memory work and some other favorite sewing, knitting, and house decor finds.  I also fixed the link for the Clasp Clutch Purse Pattern. 

Just click on the links below to view my boards.