I spy with my little eye..

A whole bunch of projects and blocks made from my patterns!

Lil' Foxes quilt by Ayumi Mills

Lil' Foxes by Ams2010

Peeping Owl Pillow by Momma Pudding

Peeping Owl by Sharon Sew and Sew

Easy Peeping Owl by Petit Design Co.

Easy Peeping Owl by Crafty Dame

Carl Frankenstein's Flower by Urban Crunch

Mumford the Mummy by Natalie Leppard

I love love love this part of designing. I can’t even begin to explain how rewarding it is for me to see people choosing my patterns for their projects! *tears*

Gnomelette by Izzy Inspired

Gnomeling by Ams2010

Gnomes by Made with love by Mandy

Gnomes and mushrooms by LucyEllen

Teeny Gnome by LucyEllen

Gnomelette by Linda {ljs742}

gnomeling by Xerxia

Gnome and mushroom by Krom Mama

I realize that in the grand scheme of things, deciding which pattern to use really isn’t the biggest decision a person can make. And yes, I know it’s not like I’m saving lives or anything remotely world changing, but I can’t help but hope that I’ve put a smile on someone’s face for an afternoon as they sew their way through their project, and admire the cute fruits of their labour.

Gnomes and mushrooms by SueJoy70

Gnome and mushroom by Alexia Abegg

Gnomelettes by See Lori Sew

Gnomelette by Tessophia

Gnomelette by Thread and Needle

The other day, Momma Pudding left a comment on this photo I posted on Flickr:

LOVE! this made me cry, it’s totally moved me. Beautiful.

She explained that it reminded her of the magical time when her daughter (now in her 20’s) was little, playing in the yard and dressed as a fairy princess. If you’re a mother, you can understand why I cried too!

Lil' Hedgehog by Three Kitchen Fairies

Lil' Hedgehog by Sew to Bed

Lil' Hedgehog by Karen Cosmos

Lil' Hedgehog by Rhubarb Patch

Lil' Hedghog by Michelle360

I live for moments like this. I think deep down I have an artist’s heart, and while my quilt pattens are far from fabric masterpieces, I’m so very touched when something I’ve created moves another person at their warmest core.

Gnomelette by Honstreiterrific

Gnomeling by Honstreiterrific

I’ve read through every single comment ever left on my blog several times. Especially all 160 recently left on my QM 100 blocks post. I am still stunned over  just how many people were suddenly brought back to a magical moment in their childhood, or were reminded of their children, or grandchildren. And that for one shining moment, my handiwork melted a soft spot in many of those hearts.

Gnomelings by Modernjax

Gnomelings by ModernJax

Thank-you for that. For sewing my patterns, for leaving me a quick comment to share your congratulations, and for sharing your personal stories. It really makes this cyber world feel so much cozier and full of good friends.  And it reminds me that what I’m trying to do here is worthwhile and meaningful.

Gnome by LucyEllen, photo by Calamity Kim

Gnome and mushroom by Krom Mama

Gnome by Krom Mama

Gnome and mushroom by Laura J Sews

If I’m being honest, whenever I finish a design, or a sewing project – no matter how quick and easy it might have been – I always sit and admire my handiwork for a good long time. I grin (or cringe) over my fabric choices and wonder if my customers will hate me once they attempt it? I take a moment to explore my stitches, decide what I would do differently next time. I’ll play with zippers and ties, pull out my camera and take some nice photos, and then when I’ve figured I should get on with my day, I put it on display or to good use. Even if it means wearing an apron to the mailbox, for no other reason than to enjoy what I’ve created.

Gnomeling by Parrish Platz

Forest quilt with gnomes by Parrish Platz

Gnomes by LucyEllen

I’ve thought a lot about what makes handmade items so much more precious. I was inclined to think it is the quality of the material or the precision of the handiwork, or even the unique color or design choices of the artist.

Gnomeling by Banquopack

Snow Gnome Pillow by banquopack

But really, I honestly believe it’s the care, love, and joy that went into the making of the piece.

It vibrates differently somehow, I dare say it sparkles, and that glint catches our hearts attention. Ever notice how even the most tattered and faded handmade quilts still invite you close with their glowy warmth? They were lovingly made, and then adored and loved over and over. It’s almost as though it’s so full of love the stitches and fabric can’t contain it anymore! And we crave that energy, that warmth. So much so, we literally wrap ourselves up in it to keep our hearts filled and our faith recharged.

Gnomeling and mushroom by Always Inspired

Gnome, mushroom and hedghog pillow by karibou13

Gnomeling and mushroom by Karibou13

Halloween Kitty by Fraw Craw

Gnomeling and mushroom pillow by Fraw Craw

I’ve seen it time and again, the sudden burst of happiness shining through the eyes of someone who’s just received something handmade especially for them. I have to admit it satisfies that Anne of Green Gables do-gooder in me. I’ve been lucky to have people around who truly appreciate handmade works. Even if I didn’t, there are so many warm and creative people out there in cyber world who do, and occasionally I seek them out and swap with them.

Gnomes and mushrooms by bjsmurthwaite

Gnomelings by Modern jax

Gnome by greeneyedsilversmith

I’ve always been aware of the difficulties of turning your hobby into your occupation. There’s always the pull of creating what your heart desires versus what pays the bills, so I hold on to these few thoughts to help keep me grounded through this little venture:

  Know what you want and  stay true to your heart. Always follow your bliss. Give it your all then ride the wave. If you put your best joy-filled work out there, it will be well received by the right people. Trust that.

Cheep! by Karen Cosmos

Cheep! by Karen Cosmos

Thanks for reading *grin*

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