Following Directions

{Linking up with Ginny and Frontier Dreams today}

{Also, featured over at Whole Parenting Family today...come on by?}

I'm not great at sewing, but it's something I love dabbling in.  It's good for me.  I tend to be a free spirit in a lot of ways - rule following being one of those.  Sewing has taught me a great deal about just following the directions.  I never realized what an issue this was for me until I began learning to sew - quilts, specifically.  I love the making so much that I can get ahead of myself and (shhh) be tempted to cut corners.  But you can't do that - not in sewing, and not in knitting. You need to follow the directions if you want the result.  Things like always washing your fabrics first.  Being exact in your cutting, on top of your seam allowances.  These things matter in sewing and each thing that I have made has become an exercise in disciplining myself and requiring myself to adhere to the rules.  To cast aside my free spirit for just a bit and hunker down to actually follow directions.  I learn valuable lessons each time I make something.

I finally received the fabric squares for the baby quilt I've been planning on making for #6.  I ended up buying  grey for the sashing - a little darker than what I wanted but all my fabric shop had in grey.  I was hoping that it would work alright, since a lot of the prints are on white and I really want them to show up well.  I got it home and all cut up before I realized it is way too harsh - more gunmetal than dove grey.  Ordinarily I'd just give it a whirl, but I really want this to be, well, the way I want it.  So back to the fabric shop I go.  Hopefully I can find something that coordinates better.  I'm following the Baby Lattice quilt pattern by Amy Smart, and the fabric squares I am using are " The Simple Life" by Riley Blake.  So cute.

I finished this this week - a sleep sack for my best friend's 4th baby.  Even as I type that, I can't believe she is having #4. While this may sound strange coming from someone on baby #6, it has been a long road for her.  We've been friends since I was 10 years old...a long time!  When I think of her greeting her fourth little one, I just can't help but believe in miracles and grace.  Yes, lots of grace.  I can't wait to meet her little girl!

In WIP news, I'm finishing up some Little John trousers for a friend's little guy.  What is more adorable than a little bottom flap?  Not much, that's for sure.  I need to locate the perfect buttons and finish up the legs and we should be good to go!  The yarn is an avocado shade of Cascade 220.  I really love this yarn - it is a total workhorse.  It knits up well, is quite affordable, really resists pilling, and drapes beautifully.  (Sorry for no picture, my battery is charging!).

What are you working on?


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