I spy with my little eye..
A whole bunch of projects and blocks made from my patterns!
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*
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thanks for reading *grin*
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Awww look how you’ve inspired so many of us with your most fabulous patterns!!! I am a big fan!
Thank you for including my rainbow hedgehog x
Thanks for including all my projects — looks like I’m addicted to those gnomelings!
Hey to add to that list is the amazing hedgie quilt Penny Sewtakeahike make for me in the DQS round 9. These are wonderful and your patterns are just brilliant.
what a great posting of so many gnomes and hedgehogs and other great things!! thanks for including my funky gnome in your post – as well as a hedhodge mugrug that i received!!
keep making wonderful patterns… you make all of us smile too when we see them.
xoxo
Thanks so much for including my Mummy 🙂 I love love love your patterns and have a few ideas using them brewing (having my bee members make that cute dress & shoes block, a gnome a day Christmas advent quilt, friends for Mummy for the unfinished Halloween quilt . . . . ). And I’m sure you’ll make something else brilliant that I just *need* to make. Thanks for making all of us smile 🙂
Maya must be so proud to see her little chicken design used in such a gorgeous project!
Thanks Sonja, such a nice story of patterns that came from inside you and now look where they reside, forever in someone’s quilt.
Got a love creativity! You have it in spades, girl!
And THANK YOU for sharing your talents and creativity.
What a delight to see so many people from creating your drawing, thank you for including me.
I posted your blog address here and left his stamp on my blog:
http://frawfrawcrawcraw.blogspot.com/
Forgive my english google translator, I speak Portuguese and only scratch the English
Oh wow! Look at all the fabulous projects! Thanks for the inspiration. Your patterns do make me smile!
Your patterns are so inspiring! Thank you for all the wonderful work you share with the world!
Thank you so much for including my Little Forest Quilt with Gnomes! I hope to make all the monster blocks soon! You are too talented and a girls after my own heart with designing gnomes, mushrooms and halloween ! My 3 favorite things:)
What a great post! It must feel so amazing to see other people’s beautiful interpretations of your patterns! I agree that the love and joy that it is put into handmade creations is tangible.
Hello,
Thanks for sharing the beauty you made
Hi Sonja,
I’m just itching to find some time in my schedule to work on one of the patterns I bought from you! They are so much fun, I’m thrilled to see so many beautiful examples of quilting with your lovely patterns.
I’m working on another T-shirt Quilt and I’ve found a little spot for one of your foxes. I’ll post it to you when I’m done.
Somehow I missed this post! What a wonderful collection of little surprises! It’s fun seeing your patterns in action!!! Thanks!