yikes

It doesn't seem possible that it's been so long since my last post. This year, more than any in recent memory, I've really spent the winter hibernating. However, just as the spring buds are starting to burst open, I feel my creativity waking from it's wintry slumber. I've been a terrible blogger - so bad that I haven't even been keeping up with others' blogs.  I have a lot of catching up to do.

I went to Portland to visit my sister last weekend and had a wonderful time going to antique shops and fabric stores, and I picked up some fabric for some home projects.

For the first time in what feels like ages, I spent the afternoon in my studio while listening to some of my all time favorite music. A perfect Sunday.

I'm not quite ready to jump into a huge project, so I just started with something simple. I made two sets of curtains for rooms in our basement and some napkins. Eric and I regularly use cloth napkins, and some of ours are starting to get a bit funky. Plus, most of our napkins are just solid colors, and I wanted to make something a little cuter.  I feel a  twinge of guilt about using nice designer fabric for napkins, but I'd much rather be using that gorgeous fabric than have it collecting dust in my studio. Here are the ones I made this afternoon:

As soon as Eric saw these, he said, "These are so nice. We'll have to use them when we have people over", to which I immediately protested. I'm not one to save things for a special day. I'm all about using what you have. I don't mean this in a morbid way, but I know that if you save something for a special day, that day may never come. I think it's better to use the fun stuff instead of saving it and make every day just a little special.

It's good to be back.

Comments

[Nichola]

So nice to see you posting again! I LOVE the new napkins and your sewing room is so so tidy. I'm having a last minute nesting clean up of my sewing room today in the hopes it will make baby come out.

[Kimberly Ann]

I'm with you on the "use it today" mentality. I use my good china for everyday eating. No sense hanging on to it while it gathers dust.

[Jennifer]

Happy your back. Love the napkins.

[Penny]

I'm with you, love using cloth napkins! Yours are great! And that picture of your studio, it looks fantastic!

[Eren]

Welcome back...and what a lovely post to get you back to blogging. I love that little yellow container holding your fabrics. So pretty.

[Grace]

Your studio is *so* beautiful!!!! And I really need to make some napkins. We use cloth napkins, but we don't really have enough once they're all dirty all the time. Plus they're all store-bought and not that pretty. ;)

[natasha s]

I am happy to see your return.I had just discovered your blog when you went AWOL!!LOL
Good for you for using your nice fabrics for every day things.I have just started to get over my hoarding problem!!

[jenny]

i completely agree! it's so nice to celebrate each day somehow. i feel that way about our wedding china, it's so pretty i like to use it everytime i have dessert, :) (otherwise, it would go to waste!)

[Wysperia]

Just curious- what are the measurements that you use when you make your fabric napkins? Thanks-
Have a beautiful day!
~W~

[jessica]

i totally agree with using your favorite special things. making every day special is a very big deal to me. having said that, i have a huge stack of vintage fabric that is just sitting there in my sewing room. hmm. maybe i need to get up there and get to work on something special.
glad you are back.

[jen]

I think Eric's comment is awfully sweet! it's not often that guys in my life take notice of the work and beauty that goes into handmade items.

[kristi]

i have just recently been inspired (by thinking green) to make my own cloth napkins, but i'm procrastinating because i'm not really much of a sewer. wow, though, if i had run across that kind of fabric, i think i would have all the inspiration i need! (and i have studio envy and i don't even do enough arts & crafts to even have need of a studio--how beautiful!)

[Lisa]

Your studio looks so inviting. Love the cloth napkins. Most of mine are in solid colours - I may have to make up a batch of patterned ones to brighten up our mealtimes.

[Linda]

Your studio is so sweet. Right now my crafts room is shared by the spare bed, which unfortunately doesn't leave much room. Someday when Caleb is finished with college I'll get my WHOLE room back.
I am with you about not saving to use things for a special day...sometimes you wait a long time for those days.
I always enjoy reading your blog. Keep creating!

[Holly]

I just happened to click oon your blog, and I LOVE it. Ive been reading all your past entries and they are very inspiring! I finally had to leave a comment because your studio is amazing! I could just move right in!! :) I will definitely be checking back soon! xo!

[Jenaveve]

How funny - this morning I found my old favourites links and re-discovered your blog to find this comment about being 'away'. I'm kind of hibernating myself at the moment, guilt slowly creeping in, but am just letting life happen for a bit until the creativity comes back naturally, just as you have described. It's good to take a break even from the things you love. I really liked this post, and think it's brilliant to be getting the best fabric out to make things you can use every day - what better way to see your favourite things?

[Mary Beth]

Love the napkins all lined up in their little holder.