In My Haven: September 2022
This September in my haven I'm thinking about time—how quickly time seems to pass when we're busy, making time for everything on our schedules, and finding time for fun and creativity too. In this month's journal I'll share my thoughts about the importance of making time for creativity and a new Haven Handmade product I'm working on that makes a great creative outlet. I also have some links to handmade gifts to make when you are short on time, time-saving recipes, and books about time. Let me know in the comments if you find something you like here!
My Thoughts: Making time for creativity
In the Haven Handmade Shop: Appliqué Kits
Make it Yourself: Quick handmade gifts
In the Kitchen: Time-saving recipes
To Read: Books about time
Making Time for Creativity
Do you have a creative outlet? My guess is that, since you are reading this, you probably do. My other guess is that you often find yourself wishing you had more time to pursue your creative hobby. Even though I spend a good chunk of time each week sewing, I still find that I wish I had more time to sew just for myself. While I enjoy designing and sewing for Haven Handmade (it's truly the best job I've ever had), it doesn't serve the same purpose in my life as sewing for myself does. For one thing, when I'm sewing for myself I usually sew garments, which is quite a different process than free motion appliqué. I occasionally sew clothes for my family and I certainly enjoy being able to make them an outfit that is special, but it doesn't really give me the same feeling as sewing for myself. Sewing clothing for myself satisfies my need for a creative outlet because it is both by me and for me. I think that's the most important difference.
I hate to throw around trendy phrases like “self-care”, but I think that’s what makes sewing for myself different from all the other sewing that I do. It gives me a chance to put my mind and my hands to work in a way that helps me feel confident in who I am. When I'm sewing a garment that I've selected the pattern and fabric for, I'm able to put myself first in a way that I don't in pretty much any other area of my life. We all need this, I think. It doesn't have to be sewing or anything particularly creative even, but I think we all need something that we do just for ourselves. I think it's healthy to be the center of our own attention once in a while, so let's all make time for our creative (or not) outlets this month.
Appliqué Kits
This month my goal is to introduce appliqué kits using my original designs. I have a really special design selected as the first one, but I want to be sure my appliqué kits and instructions are of the highest quality before I add them to the shop. This is where you come in! I need some volunteers who would be willing to test and promote my first free motion appliqué kit. If you are interested in signing up to receive a complimentary kit to try in exchange for your valuable time and insight, please fill out the form at this link. The kit will include everything necessary (except the sewing machine, of course) to make a wall hanging featuring the rose appliqué design below.
Rose Garden Appliqué Kit
As I was planning my first free motion appliqué kit, I knew I wanted the design to be something that was accessible to someone who had never tried free motion appliqué before. I tried two different designs that didn't make the cut. I loved the first design (and will be adding it to the shop soon), but it included letters, which I thought would be too challenging for a beginner. The second one just didn't turn out how I was envisioning at all, and I also decided it was too seasonal. Finally, I thought back to what I made when I first started experimenting with free motion appliqué, and I suddenly realized the design had to include these minimalist roses. They are a great exercise in getting the hang of free motion stitching and turn out beautifully no matter what! This trio of roses will be a wonderful design to try if you want to get acquainted with free motion appliqué and will be the first Haven Handmade appliqué kit. Once the testing phase is complete, I plan to offer the kit in four different color palettes—one for each season.
Quick Handmade Gifts
I cherish receiving handmade gifts because I know that considerable time and thought went into making them. But what do you do if you are short on time and still want to make a gift? I have a few ideas for you!
Wool Felt Ball Coasters: These adorable and practical coasters are a quick project that can be personalized to perfectly suit your recipient. Just choose wool felt balls in their favorite colors or to match their decor.
Button Embroidery Cards: With a few supplies that you likely have on hand already and bit of time, you can make a unique and thoughtful card to show someone just how special they are to you. I definitely want to try this with Joanna!
Painted Plant Pots: A potted plant makes a great gift for many occasions from house warmings to Mother's Day. Taking a little time to make a special pot adds a more personal touch that they are sure to appreciate. This tutorial is just one of many great ideas, many of which are easy for young makers to do too.
Time-Saving Recipes
I love to get in the kitchen and spend time making complicated recipes, but I can't do that everyday. When I'm short on time, but still want a homemade meal, these are the recipes I turn to.
Breakfast for Dinner: A quick egg scramble or omelet with a fruit salad on the side makes a satisfying evening meal. Eggs taste great with so many different types of add-ins from meats, to veggies, to cheeses. My favorite ingredients to add to an omelet are onion, bell pepper, spinach, and feta.
Microwave Baked Potatoes: Here's another meal idea that can work with whatever you have in your pantry or fridge. I love broccoli, cheese, and sour cream on top of a baked potato.
Chocolate Puddle Cakes: Sometimes I need a quick dessert more than I do a quick meal! These rich chocolate puddle cakes always do the trick.
Books About Time
With time being such a prominent theme in our everyday lives, it's no surprise to find that there are so many books on the topic. I've got a non-fiction book, a novel, and a wonderful bedtime book to share with you this month.
Why Time Flies: A Mostly Scientific Investigation (Alan Burdick): This non-fiction book answers questions about the measurement and perception of time. I found it strangely fascinating and it gave me a new appreciation for the technology that goes into making clocks accurate.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (V.E. Schwab): Addie wishes for more time and gets just that, but it's not what she bargained for. The connection between time and memory is an important theme in this novel. I enjoyed this story immensely.
It's Time to Sleep, My Love (Eric Metaxas, Nancy Tillman): This was one of my favorite books to read to Joanna at bedtime when she was a baby. It reads like a sweet, soothing lullaby.
No matter what is on your schedule this month, I hope you can take some time to enjoy some of the stories, recipes, and projects I've shared here!
From my haven to yours,
Beth
Disclosure: The links in this post are not affiliate links. I do not receive any compensation for the recommendations I make in my journal. It's just a place where I can write about what I like and think you might too.
