the best kind of sewing
Really, I could never sew for a living.
I realized yesterday, as I was happily stitching along on a project for my cousin's birthday, that my best sewing comes when I'm inspired by who the gift is for. The reason I say I couldn't sew for a living is because part of my realization yesterday was that my best work happens when I'm sewing with a specific person in mind. Yesterday it was my four year-old cousin. (yes, you get cousins younger than your own children when your father comes from a family of fifteen) He's a soft-spoken, chubby-handed little boy in gold, wire-framed glasses who knows more about tractors than most grown men. He'll drool over glossy Case IH literature like some kids drool over chocolate frosted cake.
So in the final hours before his party (and in the final minutes trying to take three pictures by ugly overhead light), I became inspired to make him a tractor to lay his head on, to usher him off into his own, personal, machinery dreamland. And I tell you the project couldn't have gone more smoothly. Each piece of fabric fell into place--the colors, the prints. Not a stitch (well maybe one or two) fell out of line. It just came together perfectly. And not because I think I'm the end all of pillow-makers, but because I think that when I'm sewing from my heart everything falls perfectly in to place.
Wonderful cushion, just perfect. I love it when sewing projects work out like that.
Posted by: Kate | January 01, 2007 at 06:44 PM
So cute! Elliot would die for a fire truck one. Hope you're feeling well. I was just thinking of you today.
Posted by: Courtney | January 01, 2007 at 06:46 PM
You're so sweet, Molly.
Posted by: Alicia A. | January 01, 2007 at 07:17 PM
OH MY!!!! love the "fields" in your tractor pillow!!! Adorable!!!! I'm also wishing you and yours a blessed and happy new year!!!
Posted by: joy | January 01, 2007 at 07:20 PM
that pillow is totally adorable! well done.
Posted by: meg | January 01, 2007 at 07:49 PM
I totally agree Molly.Making things because you want to, rather than have to, is so much nicer. xxx
Posted by: Kristy | January 02, 2007 at 02:24 AM
i love the pillow,
it is adorable!
i'm sure the recipient
will enjoy it as well!
:)
Posted by: gkgirl | January 02, 2007 at 04:01 AM
That is just beautiful Molly! So thoughtful and sweet.
Posted by: Angela | January 02, 2007 at 05:13 AM
oh - i think it turned out great! i love your tractor.
Posted by: erin | January 02, 2007 at 05:57 AM
The pillow is precious, I have a little nephew that loves tractors and would be thrilled to receive something like that. I completely understand what you mean. I can draw when I'm inspired and I'm guided from a passion or creative from with in. Other than that I seem to just be able to doodle???
Posted by: Gina | January 02, 2007 at 05:57 AM
I just love your description of the little man - and I am sure that he will be over the moon with his fabulous new pillow.
It is so beautifully done - as is your description of how it feels to create something with love...
Posted by: lla | January 02, 2007 at 06:01 AM
Such a great gift for a little boy.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | January 02, 2007 at 06:17 AM
What a wonderful pillow for your sweet little tractor lover. I so agree with your sentiments about sewing, when I'm sewing from the heart it's always better.
Posted by: autum | January 02, 2007 at 06:31 AM
perfect! (just spend the holidays with my little cousins - 2, 5 and 8 yrs old! what fun!!)
Posted by: tracy | January 02, 2007 at 09:15 AM
The pillow is so sweet Molly. I agree, it is so much easier for me to create with a person in mind.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: sally | January 02, 2007 at 09:27 AM
so great!! his name in stars and those great fabrics in the background too. what a lovely gift.
Posted by: julie | January 02, 2007 at 09:53 AM
that pillow is awesome! i only wish i were that creative, whether with someone in mind or not.
Posted by: aubrey | January 02, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Your words make him come alive. He must be a sweetie :-)
Posted by: Adriana | January 02, 2007 at 04:57 PM
I love seeing the projects you do Molly. You are very talented, but unlike other craft-bloggers they also seem realistically accomplishable. It goves me hope that someday I WILL sew and I WILL work with clay. Thanks Molly and Happy New Year!
Posted by: katiek | January 02, 2007 at 08:10 PM
i'm a john deere girl myself but that's one good looking piece of machinery ;)
nice job. i hear you about the gift-specific inspiration. i could never be a buyer for my mom's antique store, either. i only want to buy what I would want to purchase in her store...
Posted by: estea | January 03, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Very cute pillow idea.
Posted by: Tinuviel | December 30, 2007 at 09:36 AM
Very cute pillow idea.
Posted by: Tinuviel | December 30, 2007 at 09:37 AM