I used to have a closet full of projects that I started but never finished. Most of them were needlework and sewing projects. I actually weeded out most of my "work-in-progress" piles but I still have some of them. I recited my mantra, "I will finish them someday" every time I cleaned my closet and moved the bags of sewing and stitching supplies from shelf to shelf.
Back in the 80's cross stitch was big and it was fun. It took little mental energy and was colorful and portable. I had a sizable Rubbermaid box of floss wound around numbered cardboard spools, large zip lock bags of canvas and an even larger collection of cross stitch patterns. Cross stitching helped me feel productive in a world of diapers and military moves. Just count the rows and squares and stitch the x's accordingly; eventually a design would emerge. I have since given the patterns and left over canvas to the thrift shop and finished all of my cross stitch projects, except one.
The 90's brought about quilting; I loved the challenge of designing and building a quilt. However, my new passion had its side effects. It was much more time consuming and required a higher level of commitment.
Upon each of my niece's graduation from high school, my sister-in-law, Jen, made each one of her girls a quilt. The quilts were pieced from fabric she used to make their clothes when they were little. Naturally, I wanted to do the same. Occasionally I made clothes for my girls so I saved scraps from their outfits with the intention of following in Jen's footsteps.
When Courtney, my oldest, graduated from high school, I diligently pieced her fabric scraps into squares and she took a finished quilt with her to college in the fall. The summer after Ashley, my middle daughter, graduated from high school I pieced some of her scraps into squares but when Ashley left for college, her quilt did not go with her. During Christmas break that year she and I pieced more squares together, arranged them on the floor and stitched the squares into a quilt top. February brought Ashley home for her birthday and I rejoiced when she returned to school with her finished quilt. Sarah, my youngest, is patiently waiting for her quilt - she's going to be a sophomore this fall . . . I'm pitiful, she's very forgiving.
Our first grand baby is due in January and Courtney has asked me to make him a quilt. Before I start Baby Fair's quilt I have to make Sarah's and then maybe I will finish the cross stitch stocking I started for Courtney's first Christmas 26 years ago. I still have it in a bag in my closet, somewhere . . .
