And then there's the girl. She often comes to play with me while I'm sewing. She likes to put random fat quarters up on the design wall and "make a quilt" (which usually involves strewing a charm pack from one end of the floor to the other) but I realized that I'd been focusing so hard on making this deadline that I'd basically had my back to her all week. (note to self: Next sewing room layout involves a sewing table which looks out into the room instead of staring at the wall)
She's three, and she is occasionally a royal pain in my butt. Don't look at me that way, it's true. My child is a joy and a blessing but parenting is hard work and not always a barrel of laughs. And this is coming from someone living in the age of washable markers and dishwashers and OxyClean. I can't imagine what it was like for my mom. Though I'm sure I was a perfect angel who never gave her any trouble. STOP LAUGHING!
The thing is, that even if the days are sometimes long, the months and years are so, so short. Fabric lasts for a long, long time, but little girls are only little girls for such a little while. She's getting so tall and every day her words are clearer and she understands more and I just can't afford to spend a week with my back to her. Not to mention what she'd get up to while I wasn't looking. I'm lucky my hair is all still attached.
Anyway. Some time on Friday I just put the project into a lower gear and played on the floor with Chloe. I taught her how to use her safety scissors and we read books. And I sewed as well, but not quite as intensely. I should be done tomorrow or the day after. I'm going to give the top to my mother-in-law as she is a quilter herself and from Ohio so a quilt of Ohio stars might appeal to her. She has a friend with a long arm and they'll probably finish the top and raffle it off for the church.
It's been a great project and I had a really good time. I wouldn't have tried this pattern for a few years if it weren't for this and I wouldn't have made some of the color choices I did if I hadn't wanted to avoid duplicating anyone already in the challenge. And I am in *love* with some of the other outcomes. Just the variations in how the quilt looks with dark vs. light patterns for the big stars is amazing. And now I have a great notion of what to do with the Buttercup fat quarter bundle sitting on my shelf.
Am I sad I missed the deadline? No, I'm really not. The chance to win a goody straight from Mz. Carrie herself would have been lovely but come on, there's nothing lovelier than this:
She is such a cutie! And you're so right that while the days are long, the months and years are not. That statement really IS true. Enjoy every minute you can.
ReplyDeleteI like your use of the fabric for the larger stars. You can tell they're there but there are still darker fabrics in the smaller stars. It's a nice balance.
Yes, enjoy her while she still smiles at you. There comes a time in the not so distant future when she won't, lol. (teenager). She is a cutie and looks like she is sew enjoying herself. I like your choice of fabrics, the colors draw your eye across and around the quilt. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteYou are right and made the right decision. Really, is a finished quilt worth any heartache or headache? Good job on the quilt top, at any rate. It looks beautiful.
ReplyDeleteshoppernana@gmail.com
How could you bear to give that quilt away? I can understand not wanting to miss a minute of your daughter's growing though. Lovely picture of both her and the quilt.
ReplyDeleteYou are right parenting is not easy, but the years will fly by!! You made the right choice :) what a sweetie pie, you taught her a very valuable lesson. Mom may love to quilt but she doesn't love quilting more than her baby your actions speak louder than words!
ReplyDeleteYou may have washable markers, dishwashers etc that make life easier as a Mom but you also have way more distractions and demands put upon you than Moms of yesteryear had :)
I decided years ago to play with my girls even if it meant leaving a sink full of dishes...now that my girls are all almost grown they choose to spend time with me!
Your quilt is beautiful...and your post is so very true! Wonderfully written!
ReplyDeleteI missed the deadline too! But I did finally finish.
ReplyDeleteI have a 17-year-old and he's acting 3 right now. So it will come around again. :)
Teach your children while they are young. Enjoy them while you can. And breath deep!
Are you kidding? You've already won the best prizes ever! That gorgeous little girl and the wisdom to know that a quilt can wait ~ spending time with a little girl who will grow up in the blink of an eye cannot.
ReplyDeleteYour Eventide will be beautiful but not nearly as beautiful as your daughter. I'm so happy you made the choice you did. :)