Sunday, March 16, 2014

Time and Talents

 I found myself a bit let down this week.  I worked all week on a dress - This dress, and cloak/cape.  I had in mind what I wanted the end to look like, and as I kept sewing THIS is what I ended up with!

It's not exactly what I had planned on - kinda far from it.  The fabric ended up being much heavier than I had anticipated and as I tested a few beading patterns, I couldn't make it look beautiful and classy - it sortof just kept looking like indian beading....which is not at all what I was going for.
Anyway.  I can't say it turned out awful.  It just wasn't what I set out to make, and considering I didn't have a pattern, I think for what it's worth it's fine.

I get frustrated.  I see these beautiful creations that people make on their sewing machine and am amazed.  I sit down to sew certain fabrics and they just twist, bunch, stretch, fray, what ever, and I seem to not be able to create what I see.






I did have an eye opening experience today though.

I have a friend Jamie, that lives up the street, near our church.  She is the younger sister of a high school friend.  She is a bit mentally slow, and lives at home still.  I see her at church, she's in the other ward, and I'm friends with her on Facebook.

Last month I made myself a new purse and posted pics of it on my profile.  Jamie commented, "Can you make me one for my birthday?"

I told her I would.

Today, We passed in the hall and she stopped me.
"Melissa, I made you a book mark!"

I praised her and was delighted that she thought of me!

So I sat down today and busted out her new purse, for her birthday!


 
 
I hope she likes it!  I think she will.

So, here's my point.
Sometimes you ask someone to do something and they expect you to pay for it.  I would love to make money off of all of the things I do, but what a jerk I would be if I expected that....or even let it cross my mind!

Can you imagine being so bogged down that all you could do to do something nice for someone was based on whether or not they paid you for it?

I feel this is the case all too often.

One of my counselors once, couldn't even do sharing time without turning her receipt in for the paper and flowers she used for her object lesson. 
I realize some people are very tight financially and can't afford excess, I was there once, but where is the line drawn where you use your talents and everything the Lord has blessed you with for building up Zion?
Without Doug's job I could have the mentality of "who's paying for this?"

I am so grateful that he supports us financially so that I can find time to bless others with my and my families talents....at his expense!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Using Time

As you may have heard me say in the past, "I have no hobbies."

Well, I DO like to sew, but I have to have a reason to do anything.  I don't enjoy riding snowmobiles around the field - but I love driving snowmobiles up to the cabin.  I don't love riding horses around the park - but I love a nice long trail ride or packing trip.  I have to have a purpose to spending the time...and money!

So, I've been working like crazy at the machine sewing doll clothes!
I'd love to sell them, but there are people out there practically giving clothes away, so I will never really make much money off this hobby.
But, Oh!  It feels good.  My house is a disaster, since I'm sewing at the kitchen table...
...and since I'm busy sewing, my kids practically get away with murder....
.....and when I'm on a roll, my kids run amuck - and eat anything since I am too busy to even stop and feed them!
I loved Barbies when I was young.  I loved to dress and style them.  I find it makes me super happy to make a set of clothes for girls who want them but can't pay $50 for a DOLL COAT!  Or $14 for a pair of pants.
I do sell to anyone who needs or wants though.  This is a sample set. 
1 fancy dress, complete with shoes and an accessory (hat, or purse, etc.)
Pajamas
2 1/2 skirts(one of them is reversible)
2 pants/trouser
3 shirts
1 jacket.
All for $30
I find I'm very happy sewing.
I like it a lot!

OH!  and especially when I make a matching outfit for the girls!  They love it and I love to see them love it!