As a busy mom, I rarely have time to focus on hobbies like I used to. Most of my time is dedicated to my kids, but every now then I find an opportunity to learn and actually enjoy a new craft or skill. My sister bought me a sewing machine for my birthday last year and I really haven’t started to use it until recently.
After a lot of encouragement from my sister, I finally unboxed the machine and started learning how to sew some basic things, and now I’m hooked!
I’ve recently made some cute toddler blankets for the car, revived old clothes that were too short by adding a decorative lace hem, and even made some adorable puppy bandanas for our frenchie puppies. So far, I’ve loved the bandana project the most because it was relatively easy and looked adorable on our pups for their go home day. I didn’t know how much I’d enjoy repairing old clothes and making small things like dog bandanas because I have a hard time sticking with an activity if I don’t feel it’s productive or going to help my family in some way. Sewing has been an awesome compromise because it can be as useful as you make it to be. I’m not sure if I’ll get good enough to make a complete set of clothes, but setting goals for the future of my newfound hobby keeps me excited and engaged as I grow my knowledge and experience.
I’m so grateful for my sister and her thoughtfulness for reminding me of my love for crafting. She has always been so good at encouraging me along my motherhood journey, and I’m glad that she reminds me to take time to do something for fun every once in a while. She is actually the one who took up sewing first; she has always been creative and artistic, so it’s good to have a mentor who is better at my hobby than I am (especially a sister!). She has really run with it and makes beautiful cloth dolls and even opened up her own Etsy Shop called Cozy Clover. Her video explaining the creation of her shop and the dedication to her late dog Clover is absolutely adorable, so if you love precious pet videos this one is for you: Cozy Clover Dedication
My sister has made each of my daughters a doll with hair and eyes like them, and really made them feel special. I love her joy for crafting and making something unique and special for her nieces. I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to see her make more doll patterns and other items for people. I wish every child had a relative that loves on them like an amazing auntie. My kids were certainly blessed with two awesome aunts and it’s so wonderful to see the love they have for my kids.