Sewing Projects - Part 1

19. Make something new on my sewing machine every month

 

I'm half way through this one, so thought I would give a 6 month progress report.  (Click on the photos to see larger versions)

 

 

In April I made a larger sized apron for Ishbel (my oldest niece) from some fabric from Rwanda.  (It's good for baking cakes with Granny Dot and her middle sister, Eryn.)  In May I stitched some hand-made paper and made it into a card.  I also used my Rwandan fabric to make some mini bunting for my room.  June's item was a wee drawstring bag, perfect for storing things for going on holiday.

 

In July I made a wee case for needles - I like the heart button on the outside.  I felt a bit desperate in August, so just stitched some photos onto cards.  And for September, I made a little bag for the boot of my car to hold plastic bags for going to the shops.  Save the planet and all that...

 

So 6 months down, 6 to go.  I've found this item on my list pretty challenging to be honest.  People who know me as being creative might think it comes naturally to me, but sadly it doesn't.  My technical skills are fine, once I know what I'm doing.  And that's my problem - coming up with decent ideas to begin with.  I still struggle to shake off the bad feelings from art school and that pressure to make something 'worthwhile'.  Perhaps by the time I hit 30, I might feel better about it?!? 

 

Digital detox

5. Take a months break from Facebook

 

 

In these days of smart phones, it takes a conscious effort to avoid social media.  I know I waste a lot of time on Facebook, so thought it would do me good to give it up for a month.  So I changed my profile picture to the above photo and said goodbye for the 31 days of August. 

 

I would love to say that I found it really easy and didn't miss Facebook at all.  That I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.  That I made more of an effort to keep in touch with my friends by calling, writing, or even meeting up with them in person instead of 'liking' their latest status or picture as a way of making contact.  But unfortunately, I did miss it! 

 

I feel a bit ashamed to admit that.  It's not that I physically struggled to avoid checking Facebook, but I've definitely noticed that there are times when my normal reaction would be to go on Facebook.  Like when I get home from work, or while I wait for dinner to cook, or sitting on the train...  It's a time filler. 

 

I've missed out on referendum debates, ice bucket challenge videos, photos, and messages.  But really, have I missed out?  I still know about these things from talking to people, and most people have texted me because they knew I hadn't seen the messages.  When I have met up with friends, I've asked them what's been going on in their lives because I haven't seen it on Facebook.  And surely talking to someone face to face gives a better idea of how they are really getting on, rather than the select items we choose to share on social media.

 

So will I be giving up Facebook for good?  No, not just now anyway.  But I am going to make a conscious effort to use it less... hopefully!