Making Miscellany 2:7

Diving In

Hello reader, and thanks for being here!

At the beginning of the month, I found myself, one weekday evening, in a quiet house, evening sun streaming in, itching to try something new. I pulled out a box of double gauze scraps, a rough sketch and some improvised templates I’d made, then put aside, many months ago. I got out my needle and thread. I read a little about needle turn applique and watched a video.* I cut my scraps up and started arranging them. And then I almost abandoned the whole thing.

My reasons were vague and varied: perhaps it was too late in the evening to try something I’d not done before. Perhaps I should learn more about the technique, or do some practicing, some other day, before I got on with this project that had been in my head for months. Perhaps it wouldn’t turn out like I hoped.

I looked at it all, spread out on the floor, and almost shovelled it all back in it’s box. I think it was only the fear of having wasted time, precious free time, in getting it all out that pushed me to just pick up my needle and give it a go. It was just scrap fabric after all.

And thus I began work on a little mini quilt hanging that has brought me a measure of joy that it’s small size belies for the better part of this month. Once I started stitching, I didn’t want to stop. It was the kind of project that demanded to be admired every few stitches (the hand sewing equivalent of the colorwork that must be smoothed, or the self-striping sock yarn that must be marvelled at, every few rounds).

It invited me to spend time with it in the evening after the little people in our house went to bed. It caught my eye every time I passed the open door to the craft room, and stole stitches during the unexpected quiet moments when the girls played happily together in their room. When the appliqué was finished, I made a tiny sandwich with batting and backing, and added some quilting with long-saved hand-dyed embroidery thread. Lastly, I folded over the backing (which I’d left extra big) to bind the whole thing—I tell you, a few years ago, I would have laughed if you’d told me I would absolutely adore this type of hand sewing.

At every step, I worried I would spoil the project with each new addition. And yet, in the end, it’s been one of those rare things that has turned out just as I imagined in my head, made only with remnants and bits I already had to hand. And as I’ve stitched on it this month, I’ve been reflecting on all those feelings—of fear, of failure, that keep me (and maybe you?) from trying new things. At the risk of making a mountain out of my, well, wee mountain quilt—even as I type this, even as much I love my little quilt, I feel self-conscious loading it up with so many words and thoughts; how much can a mini quilt bear?—it has really reminded me that there is much joy to be found when you just dive in. Soon I’ll hang my little quilt by my bedside, and think of walking, and mountains, and all the joy I had making it, when I see it each day. But even if it hadn’t turned out as I hoped, even if my scraps ended up in the fabric bin— surely it’s better to give something a go, and maybe do it badly, than to not try at all.

And, as it happens, diving in, both literally and metaphorically, has been a bit of a theme for me this month. Briefly ….

I’m keeping the hand sewing momentum going by diving into the EPP templates I bought over a year ago. With the help of my biggest little one, I’ve prepped some 60 hexagons (glue basting, for those that are interested!) and am looking forward to sewing them into a little pencil case for her to take to school come autumn.

And the night before a rare non-kiddie walking adventure last weekend, I realized that what I really wanted was the plainest of socks to keep me company as I trained and bussed to and from Grasmere. I dove into stash and came out with this ancient sock yarn …

One brilliant walk (and a severely delayed train later), and the first sock isn’t so far off being finished!

And, on the non-making front, I’ve enjoyed diving into the water at every warm (and, in the case of an open water swimming course I attended earlier this month, not so warm!) opportunity I’ve had. Hoping for more sunny days spent by the water in August.

Alcock Tarn — a beautiful spot, if a bit shallow and reedy for a swim. I’m hoping August will bring the opportunity for at least on tarn dip though!

Amongst all of this, I've been chipping away at my Dimmer Sim Tank—the unplanned project I dove into at the end of last month. I’ve questioned my decision to cast it on many times (a reflection not on the pattern, which is excellent, or the yarn, which is dreamy, but instead of my constant questioning of how to best use limited making time), but I’m so glad I’ve persisted. It’s one back panel away from completion, and I’ve got high hopes it’ll prove a very useful layer, for the rest of the summer, whatever it brings, and beyond.

And with that, I’ll sign off … I’d love to hear what projects you are thinking of diving into—what’s stopping you?—as we head into August!

Happy making!

Katherine

*If you’re interested in needle turn applique, Rebekah Johnston has a lovely free tutorial if you sign up for her newsletter!