Today I am looking back one year. Today is not a birthday, or even an anniversary…not exactly. Last year at this time I left the boys with a dear friend and flew to Maryland for the first time to look at houses with my husband for our then-upcoming move. Our house in Wisconsin was on the market, perhaps under contract at that point. My days were spent caring for the boys, packing, tidying the house for showings and trying to keep it all together.
Fast forward to today. Our first summer in Maryland begins. The boys have a school year under their belts and a new handful of friends. We never did find a house to buy, but we are renting the one we are in and it suits our needs. I call it our mini-van house. It’s not my dream, it’s not my taste, but dang if it’s not functional and comfortably fits our life. At least for now.
How is it that one year can pass in a heartbeat yet in that heartbeat your whole life has evolved and refashioned itself into something else? We crafters are really in tune with evolving one item into another, finding a new life from something old. Sometimes it involves taking an “ugly” item and making it beautiful, as in a make-over. Other times we cleverly refashion one thing into another thing and the result suits our needs better. My family was refashioned this year, for better or for worse. We are doing our best to embrace the change, but sometimes it is still difficult.
Today is also the photo shoot for the cover of Sewing Green, my second book that I’ve been toiling away over for the past 9 months. I’m not in attendance for the shoot, but I know it is in good hands. I can’t wait to see the result and even more anxious to share it with you.
Sewing Green: Projects and Ideas for Stitching with Organic, Repurposed, and Recycled Fabricsshows how to refashion second hand items into new, as well as explores the use of organic and eco-friendly fabrics and why they are so important to the planet. I learned so much in the making of this book. As you (probably) know, I’ve always had a penchant for repurposing tossed-out sweaters into fresh and woolly cuties, but the projects in this book go WAY beyond felting. As seen by the tutorials in my sidebar, such as the old jeans apron and the hand-me-up shirt, I’ve often dabbled in other materials, including non-fabrics! Sewing Green thinks along these lines but takes it further…I’ve worked hard to design fresh projects that show using organics and repurposing can not only be only fun, clever, and good for the environment — but stylish too!
I would go on, but since I am not at liberty to really show you anything from the book, I’d hate to tease you too much. The book won’t be out until Spring 2009, after all. But not to worry, we all know how fast a year can zip by….
I agree that time flies….. where does it go?? Seems like yesterday I was a new bride,but they tell me that was a world away.I had my babies later,but they have flown out of the nest, where did time go??
I wish there was a pause button !
Have a good week.
Diane
I live in Maryland too. A little over six months ago I moved from Baltimore to the cooperative in Old Greenbelt. You should consider the houses there, since they are relatively affordable for housing close in to D.C. And the cooperative is unlike pretty much anywhere. Neighbors look out for each other and there is a spirit of volunteerism and community involvement that dates back to it’s inception as part of the New Deal. A pretty cool place to live.
Anna
Love the Mimosa tree pic!!!! They are a touch rare here, georgous to see,
Thanks,
A
What a fabulous idea for a book! Can’t wait to see it!
Gorgeous pictures! I’m looking forward to the new book!
Such a lovely, thoughtful post Betz! Thank you so much for the mimosa tree picture – they are my favorite tree and don’t grow around here but I spent many childhood afternoons in their limbs daydreaming away. Unfortunately the years do pass too fast but at least I’ll have your new book to look forward to!
On year already – wow time really does fly and I have enjoyed your blog and thoughts this whole time – thanks and can’t wait to see the new book!!
Can’t wait for your new book! Sounds really great. And, congratulations on your move milestone.
Benchmarks old and benchmarks new. It’s amazing what a year can do!
Congrats on the new book, that must be so exciting and surreal!
This year seems like it is such a year of change for so many….how exciting about the new book!
Just when I think that life is going to slow down …it seems to go by faster!
I can’t wait for the new book…sounds fascinating. I’m sure that before I know it …Spring 2009 will be upon me.
What a lovely post! Congrats on your new book. I too, love repurposing and renewing things and I look forward to seeing your work!
Just checking in with you now that I’m back from vacation. I *really* can’t wait for the book. Looks like you and the boys are finding yourselves a fun summer. I think I might have to make a couple of those foamy things with the kids today, they are fantastic! You are inspiring me to get organized for the summer. I mean, lazy summer is one thing, but an organized lazy summer is much better : )