Whether I’m sewing, crocheting, card making, painting, or doodling, I’m always making something here in Kamloops, B.C. Don’t forget to check out my free digitals and vintage graphics while you’re here. Enjoy your visit!

Jan 2, 2016

Sewing is Therapeutic!

Welcome 2016!

I welcome 2016 because 2015 was a difficult year culminating in the death of my mother a few weeks before Christmas. As a result I haven't posted much in the last year. Unfortunately, I lost my mom little by little as dementia robbed her of her memory, her abilities and her understanding. It was hard for all of us, especially my dear Dad who was her sole care giver for at least the last 5 years. All of us live in different cities and towns, so the travel was just too much to do on a continual basis. She's good now, but we have to learn to navigate this world without her. She is missed! As you can imagine, December was pretty much a write off for us, but I did manage to get a few things done in between all the funeral arrangements. 

On a happier note, my son Mike and his wife had a baby girl on November 9th. That was also a very busy time, but in a good way. We are blessed! Her name is Addison and she's a sweetie. Also, my youngest son Tony is getting married this year to a wonderful girl who has been so easy for us all to fall in love with. I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for these two. It's a match made in heaven! 

Anyway, I'll show you what I made in the last while. Sewing is therapeutic for me! I love it. I actually made 6 of these but forgot to take pictures of most of them. The pouches are made of canvas and a variety of cotton poly fabrics. The messy sewing is intentional on the applique. I love the look. The petals and flags are backed with interfacing. I also added quilt batting to the backs of each side for a fuller sturdier pouch. The pouches are lined with colorful fabric.


 

Completed pouch, front side. Note the cool zipper pull I made up.

Back side

This is the other one. I love birdhouses and apparently so does my sister. She also loves giraffes, so I added one to the zipper. Photos are of the front and back. Sorry it's a bit fuzzy.




With all that had to be done, I just bought gift cards for Christmas, but wanted something to put them into for the girls. I also gave a pouch to my sister and sister in law after Christmas. We don't exchange gifts, but it was just because I love them. These came together in a couple of hours and were fun to do. It kept my mind off of other things. 

Well, that's all I have for you. I hope I will feel like posting again soon. I'm making some clothes for Addison with free patterns I found online. I do love to sew, but I need to make some cards up again soon as there's 3 birthdays in January. We had 4 birthdays in December as well, but I bought cards for them as there wasn't time. 

Well, have a good week everyone, and thanks for listening to my sad tale. It's okay, Mom had a good life, but she'll be missed. We were very close and I know she's in a good place! 

Blessings,
Carmen


19 comments:

  1. Hope 2016 will be happy year for you as the last year had ups and downs.

    The pouches are wonderful and such beautiful designs

    Love Chrissie xx

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  2. Wow! Your post really touched me as I lost my mom in November and she also had dementia. I can relate to your having to learn to navigate this world without her. My heart goes out to you. I love these pouches you have created...so whimsical. Art and crafting can be so therapeutic and uplifting. What a wonderful way to share your creativity with those you love.

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    1. Thank you, Bonnie! I am so sorry for your loss as well! It doesn't matter how old we are- sometimes we just want our moms!

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  3. Hugs to you Carmen. I think you will find the tears will come at the most unexpected times, but later you will find yourself smiling at a memory. Losing someone you love is hard. Your Mom sounds like a very special person.

    The pouches are really cute and sound like just the thing you needed!

    Hugs, Teresa

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  4. Such a sad story Carmen, hope this year will bring you lots of happiness.
    My mum is 88 and got a stroke last August. Since she has some troubles with speaking and the blood vessels in her left leg appear to be very bad. She has lots of pain and I fear that her leg has to be amputated for a part. But we still have her and we try to enjoy the time with each other as long as it is possible.
    Your pouches look awesome and I quite understand that it has been a kind of therapy for you!
    xxx Margreet

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    1. Thank you, Margreet! I hope your mom will do well! Enjoy the times you have left with her and remember to hug her and tell her you love her as much as possible!

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  5. So very sorry for your loss Carmen. Thank goodness our memories slowly change from the painful ones to remembering the wonderful times - things that make us laugh or smile. May that gradual journey progress quickly for you!

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  6. My Father is in the last stages of dementia and is in a home now. Well looked after but doesn't know us any more so can relate to your Mum. Sorry to hear of you loss just before Christmas though. Your homespun pouches are a lovely gift and I agree that sewing can be very theraputic. I hope 2016 is a happier year or you. Hugs Mrs A.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mrs. A, and I'm so sorry about your Dad. Dementia is such a terrible disease!!

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  7. Sorry for your loss Carmen. When you have to miss someone it is precious to have good memories.
    I missed your message about the birth of your granddaughter. Congratiolations!
    Love the pouches you have made. Specialy the first one with the flowers.
    Best wishes, Wies


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  8. I am sorry to hear about your mother, Carmen. I can understand you having mixed feelings - no she is better, but also missing her.

    Your pouches are beautiful. It is nice to have something you can do with your hands that is therapeutic for you and also brings joy to others.

    Blessings to you for 2016.

    hugs,
    Teresa

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  9. Your pouches are beautiful! Love the colors you used on them.
    I'm so sorry about your mother! I'm glad that your sewing brings you some comfort!
    Congrats on the new baby in the family and upcoming marriage!
    Blessings to you!

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Thanks for the comments!