I sewed this hoodie for Audrey last year. And while those of you who hang out with us in person have probably seen this hoodie already, the rest of you haven’t. So I can share, right?
I love, love, love this jacket. SO MUCH. I used two of my favorite fabrics (Alexander Henry), purchased from a Christmas gift certificate my parents gave me. You know people love you when they give you gift certificates for fabric…It’s sewn using the popular Heidi & Finn unisex hoodie pattern. I scored a two for one pattern deal from her shop during Elsie Marley spring KCWC last year. I had a new baby with colic so I couldn’t participate. But, oh did I dream about all the things I would be sewing if I wasn’t spending every moment bouncing Gray, wrapped in the Moby, on a big exercise ball. This hoodie was a statement to myself that I could still sew beautiful things for my daughter even though my life seemed temporarily unmanageable.
In 10 minutes here and there while Audrey was off with Grandparents and Aaron held Gray, I sewed this hoodie (when she was at home and Aaron held Gray, I spent that time with her of course). Little by little it took shape, and during the process it took on a life of its own; it became a symbol for me. Of how I could still shower my little girl with love and attention and handmades even as a mother of two. Of how I could still manage to find some moments to create beautiful things, even if those moments were very brief. Of how, really, all it takes is persistence and small (sometimes micro) steps one at a time to do anything in this life. And of how sometimes life can be so very hard, but ten minutes at a time we live through it to the other side.
When she wears it now in the backyard or at the park with her happy little brother toddling behind, it brings me joy deep in my heart. That thud in the gut we mamas sometimes get when we look at our children. That awe I feel when I realize how fortunate I am to witness their growth. To be there for all of it, even the difficult moments. And to chronicle that growth in some way with a tangible item of clothing.
I don’t know…Maybe that all seems melodramatic, like I’m reading too much into something rather insignificant? But it matters, I think, taking the time to make things with our hands. It’s something worth prioritizing. Even if it’s only ten minutes at a time.
Happy Monday to you. Hope you get ten minutes today to make something beautiful.
oh my that hood lining is just gorgeous! “Of how I could still manage to find some moments to create beautiful things, even if those moments were very brief…”- those are such inspiring words that should be shared with all new creative mamas, thank you for sharing!
ps- yes your comment fix worked, i am no longer “D” :)
Oh good! I don’t really know what I’m doing sometimes. I’m pretty new to this blogging thing. It’s fun, though.
Beautifully stated, my friend…ten minutes at a time, one moment at a time some days. And being able to make things for your kids to remind yourself of this fragmented timeline is priceless. Cheers to you.
Thank you for this. I needed the inspiration! It reminded me to take ten minutes last night to make progress on a small project I have been carrying with me for months. And Audrey’s jacket is lovely.
Oh, I’m so glad you did! Ten minutes at a time can seem so small but it adds up eventually.