Hey there! It’s been a while since I’ve posted…again. These past few months have sure kept me busy! With the kids still home from school (doing virtual learning), the holidays, lots of hours spent on my non-profit, and everything else in between, life has certainly kept me busy!
Not too busy to sew, of course. Sewing has been my therapy and what keeps me sane during this crazy time. Sometimes I look at the other moms who are devoted to homeschooling and I feel a little bit guilty and inadequate that I can’t get on the homeschooling bandwagon. Don’t get me wrong, I love my children; they are my priority and my reason for breathing! And to be honest…I even like them having them home (most of the time). I mean, I do think they need to get back to school at some point and I know they miss their school friends and social lives, but I really do (overall) like having them home with me. I like not being rushed in the mornings, and eating lunch together and with our neighbor besties, and having flexibility to spend more time together. BUT…I just don’t want to be their teacher all day. Am I selfish for feeling this way? After talking with a friend about this last night, I figured out that it’s not selfishness to want something for you, that fulfills you in ways other than motherhood, and it doesn’t mean that I value my children or my role as a mother any less. It goes without saying that I have more in “my cup” to give when I fill my cup!
It’s hard to put into words, but sewing has always been my way of dealing with stress and also grief. I know that it’s been 3 1/2 years since I lost my mom, but I’m learning that the grief never goes away. There are times when the pain is less and I feel happy. And there are other times (and triggers) that set me right back to when I was caring for her and saying my final good-byes. Last week was one of those weeks. One of my best friends from high school lost her dad to covid (their family is part of my church family and I love them all dearly). Watching other people go through loss breaks my heart for them, and it also brings back the raw pain I felt when going through it myself. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time in my sewing room last week.
Okay….back on track. My thoughts are all over the place! The reason I wanted to post today was to share some exciting news with you. If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ve likely seen the wardrobe that I’ve been building over the past year. I have discovered several online fabric shops and pattern companies that I’ve used and loved. At this time last year, I was approached by Minerva and asked to join their blogging network. Basically, they send me FREE fabric every month and all I have to do in return is to write a blog about it! Writing and sewing-two of my favorite things; sounds like a win to me! There are some paid opportunities coming up as well that I am looking into, which is an exciting prospect!
And now…another exciting opportunity has come my way! One of my favorite pattern companies has accepted me on as an affiliate for their company! Basically what that means is that I can earn a commission on their patterns simply by sharing my “makes” on Instagram (or here, or anywhere else!) I have already been sharing pictures of the clothes I make anyway, but now I have an opportunity to make some extra money with it. By clicking on my affiliate link for the company, I will receive a commission for any of the purchases that a person makes! The company is Ellie and Mac and if you like to sew, then I suggest you checking out their patterns! They always have great deals and sales (and even have freebies) and their patterns are cute, stylish, and simple to sew! I have really enjoyed using her patterns.
Click here to check out the dozens of patterns that Ellie and Mac offers, and please remember me in your future purchases! For fun, here are some pictures of the patterns I’ve used so far (I have a lot more in my filing cabinet, ready to be sewn!)
