Sew Pass

I deal with a lot of guilt in life - what's that about.  I live so aware of what other's think and so often find myself attempting to please man rather than God.  Just writing that makes me twinge a bit, cause you might think less of me now *wink*.  I know it's wrong and that I am fallen but forgiven; I have an audience of one, etc.  While my brain knows the fact of it,  I am trying to grow in practically living the truth of it.  

What's that got to do with sewing? 

Well, at counselling yesterday I was asked what I am planning for "self care" now that school had started and we are starting to get into a routine of sorts.  One of the first things I thought of was sewing.  I am shocked at the joy I get from sewing and I was telling Patti that I plan to sew with friends for a couple hours every other week.  Her response? "Oh, that's wonderful! A creative outlet and time with friends - two GREAT ways to care for yourself!"  That, my friends, is a paradigm shift.

See my tendency is to think that sewing every other week with friends is selfish and I could better spend my time doing housework of some kind (a.k.a marking something off my list).  I am growing to learn that I can't have a list that is ONLY about me, but it is okay - no, important - to have myself on my list.  Caring for myself will allow me to take better care of my family and the other responsibilities God has given me.  So, I am giving myself a "Sew Pass"!!

altered photo from Controlling My Chaos

Disclaimer: Patti didn't stop with sewing as self care but made me dig a bit deeper and we came up with a list of five or six things that were necessary and would positively impact my personal and familial quality of life.  It's hopeful, really.

What's up first? I have some precious knits that I can't wait to sew.  There's the seasonal need for jammies and then there are a couple skirts and dresses I saw on Pinterest.  Like this one:

                                                                         Source: thetraintocrazy.com via Becky on Pinterest

or this one:

                                                                             Source: craftsy.com via Becky on Pinterest

Here's the stash:

Little has informed me that the pink with brown polka dots will be her first pair of jammies and I have even found it on, under and beside my sewing machine on multiple occasions!

I really don't have anything planned for Bubba except for jammies.  (I love when he comes out and sits on the porch with me while I sew.)

Then there's this little stack that's being transformed as we "speak":

And this bigger stack that is halfway complete:

Just looking at the pretty fabric and typing some plans makes my heart glad!!!
What do YOU DO for self care??

I'm off to do number ONE on my list - shower AND wash my hair!!!!!!