Being in the financial situation we've been in since, well, August 2009 (you know, having a rent house and a mortgage), we've learned a lot about how to be frugal and creative. I'm really proud of my latest endeavors in thriftiness: giving homemade gifts.
This Christmas we knew we weren't going to be able to buy for everyone - so we made stuff instead. Not only was it cheap, but it was also really gratifying. Even though this year we had significantly less than we've ever had, there was a greater desire to give in us than ever before. I guess generosity really does spring forth from poverty, humility, and simplicity. We only have to look at the lives of the saints and present-day religious to see this. Now, I'm not comparing myself to the saints - God knows I have a long way to go, but at the same time, it's good for me to reflect on the spiritual blessings God's given us during this really tough time, and generosity is one of them.
At the same time, I've really needed to own something, to have my name stamped on it - stay at home moms understand what I'm talking about. I needed a hobby, an interest, something singular to me only - something besides the daily routine. Part of that has been fulfilled in this blog but I also needed something tangible, something to show for. So, I took out my sewing machine. And here's what I've been doing.
I made these pillows for my nieces (but Jude still had to screen print their names for me)
I made several of these scarves for different people, but in different colors. I think the maroon and navy blue one came out the best. (I hope you like it, Kaitlin!) And I got this idea from my friend Lisa - you should check out her blog because she's got fun stuff going on over there, too.
And I particularly love these snakes I made for two of Joan's friends' birthdays.
And here's an illustration of the Nativity and Holy Family that Jude made
for our parents this Christmas.
Did you know that they're for sale right here? (Hey, just because we're thrifty doesn't mean that we don't enjoy earning an extra buck or two, right?)
8 comments:
LOVE that scarf! And, I certainly understand your need to 'do' something other than mother all day long.
I do love it!
Only one problem with your post.... your thriftiness requires a talent and creativity-of which I have neither. Dang.
Hi this is lauras sister lizbeth. Are you selling the kid pillows with names??? I would love one for my daughter I can't find a smaller pillow anywhere that I like and I love the name on it. Please let me know via Laura. Thanks!!!
1. I LOVE the snake!! I love that you hand made it for one thing besides the fact that it's supercoool! Charlie loves it too. It's the first thing he went for after he woke up from his post- party crash!
2. Uh, yes! Please tell me you're selling the pillows!!
OK Alisha, you need to do a tutorial on the snakes... they are so cute!!! Sorry we missed you on Saturday, I hope you are feeling better.
Thanks for the shout out ;) But I should pass it on to my SIL who showed me the scarf tutorial. It looks great!! And the pillows are adorable, and I love the snake!! Really love the snake! If this baby is a boy, I'll have to call you and ask you how you made it
I'll try to do a tutorial about the snakes one day. But Kelly, you're waaaay better at the sewing machine than me - I'm sure you could figure it out!
I'm glad you guys like the stuff. Lizbeth, I'll contact Laura about selling a pillow to you and Mandi, we can talk soon too.
And Kaitlin, you're frugal talent is haggling over bills with insurance companies and hospitals... do a tutorial on that one day.
Everything in this post is super cute!
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