I'm doing this post for Ginny's Yarn Along linky, which I think is a wonderful idea.
Reading is obviously wonderful, but not so obviously wonderful to many young moms is the satisfaction of making beautiful things. And also reading often gets knocked off the to-do list because we feel overwhelmed.
Did you know that work expands to fit the time allowed? This is a true principle of life. If you had all day just to do the dishes, that's how long it would take you. If you knew in five minutes a very critical friend was due to arrive, you'd get them done and brush your hair before she got there!
So while it's true that a 13-month old can wreak havoc on an emerging project in a flash, nevertheless, it's worth it to see how you can fit some sort of creative work into your day.
The hardest part is getting what you need together. Once you're over that hurdle, a few moments here and there — you'd surprise yourself every time with how much you can get done!
I have to remind myself of this often, because I tend to get panicky by November. As George Bailey so aptly put it, why do we have to have all these kids, anyway?
This year I'm going to try to do a lot of handmade gifts, so I'm not showing you these completed things too closely 😉 And speaking of getting what you need together being the biggest hurdle, I've got to make my way somehow to the yarn shop. It's in the world's least convenient place — not on the way to anything, but a good distance from here. Sort of meeting all my criteria for a place I won't go to.
But I will have to go there notwithstanding all this, because I need yarn! Hopefully I will find something to go with that blue cashmerino sitting atop that pile.
The books are an old cookbook that my sweet friend gave me the other day, knowing how I love to read about the cooking of provincial France, My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams, and Ten Dates Every Catholic Should Know. The latter I highly recommend for your older child who is studying history. The lively narrative complements all sorts of time line work.
There are some upstairs books too, but I'm too lazy to get them for the picture.
What are you crafting and reading? Do you have plans for any handmade gifts this year?
GinnySheller says
Thanks for participating Leila! I am wondering how I am going to possibly make all the gifts I hope to before Christmas!
Teresa says
My sister-in-law has asked for an apron – brown and pink, please.
Wool throws might be in the mix for some – I just saw a clever and too-simple tutorial which basically involved just purchasing 1.5 yards of wool and hemming the two raw sides and adding trim for fun. Voila – a snuggly throw. I think I could handle that.
Knitted handwarmers and hats and cowls are sure to be there also – they are quick and fun knits, and always appreciated.
Oh, and cute tissue holders for those purse-size folded tissues. Those are a big hit everytime I've gifted them. They take 15 mintes to sew – are adorable – and perfect for just a little something when you want to gift during the holidays.
Looks like I need to get busy.
Reading right now – The Philosophy of Tolkein by Peter Kreeft.
Rachel P. says
Some slippers for chilly little boy feet, a sweater and hat made for a delicious little girl's first Christmas, and hopefully I will get around to making a couple sorely needed skirts for myself. As for reading, my mother has introduced me to the Lamplighter Collection. So good!
emily barton says
We are loving the lamplighter collection at our house, too! Such great tales, and beautifully-bound books. Emily B.
priestswife says
Auntie Leila- yes! It is so true that work expands to fit time- this is why I try to have a family over for at least dessert once a week- magically, my house is clean then. I know it is awful to clean for others and not for oneself, but that is just the way it is. If it is only us, I would rather try for a nap.
I don't have time for complicated crafts this year, but I am going to make personalized book plates for the cousins and send along acid-free glue sticks so they can label their books.
CarlynB says
I'm re- reading The Pickwick Papers on my own and The Brothers Karamazov to my husband.(My husband and I have read aloud to each other since we were dating. That's one way I knew he was the one for me – a man who enjoys reading and being read to.) Both of those books are two of my favorites, and they are nice and long and can be read slowly with enjoyment.
The only thing I'm making to give away is a pineapple afghan that I'm crocheting. I'm donating it to the clinic where my dear mother had her chemotherapy treatments. I'm thinking that it won't be finished until after Christmas, though.
womanofthehouse says
I wish I had made more time for creating things when my kids were young. I did make some things, but I was also working part-time, and making things was often the item that never worked its way up my to-do list. As my kids got older and I was working I began to have more time for creativity. This year, I am making Christmas stockings for my married daughter and her husband for Christmas. My other daughter is making a quilted throw for her grandparents (I may end up helping). I haven't gotten farther than that yet. I guess I better get on the stick, though!
My husband and I are knitting (yes, he loves to knit!) a blanket for our bed. It's going to take a long time and may not be ready until the end of winter. lol
womanofthehouse says
I forgot to say what I'm reading: The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression by Amity Schlaes and Five Little Peppers Midway by Margaret Sidney.
Breanna says
Big needles and fat yarn–I'm going to try to pull off Elizabeth Zimmerman's Hurry Up sweater from Knitter's Almanac. I like reading while knitting and really love my Kindle for that-lays flat and also reads aloud to me if I am doing lace or something.
Other gifts are likely to be homemade this year too, what with the price of everything these days… just got home from the grocery with serious sticker shock. How can the price of Folgers have doubled since August???
GinnySheller says
kindles read aloud to you??? I had said never a kindle for me-I may have just changed my mind.
Breanna says
If the book has text-to-talk enabled, which most of them do and which you can tell before purchasing the Kindle edition of anything.
You can choose if you want it to have a boy's or a girl's voice, too. 🙂
suzy says
What beautiful, homely photos! Your projects look beautiful. I agree with you about finding time to craft with little ones. I find it so worth while even when it means having to grab little moments here and there. They all add up so quickly in the end.
Corrie says
Oh the havoc our 18 month old can bring! He is adorable in his ornery-ness, but really just delights in making the biggest messes. so I agree that the work expands. Exponentially sometimes! The fall always makes me want to craft and I also want to give handmade for Christmas. Since we homeschool I have yet to figure out how to work on Christmas gifts when little eyes are always watching. I am determined to be sneaky- even if it means losing sleep! I am repurposing some thrifted sweaters into cowl scarfs and leg warmers, sewing fleece scarves and hats, planning some cute hair “pretties” as they are called around here. It is such a challenge to craft homemade gifts for boys, beyond the practical scarves and hats. If you have any ideas on that I'd love to hear them!
Reading definitely gets put off when the dishes and laundry call so much more loudly. The Christian Imagination edited by Leland Ryken and One Year to a Writing Life by Susan M. Tiberghien are on my bedside table and I am slowly reading them when I make a spare moment.
I've been lurking here for a while and love this blog, although I don't comment much. Thank you for sharing so much witty, wonderful wisdom!
AtThe Butterfly Ball says
Oh! I just love this:
“I tend to get panicky by November. As George Bailey so aptly put it, why do we have to have all these kids, anyway?”
It really made me laugh. I have always loved that movie and right about now (especially with my grand plans for a handmade Christmas) I'm feeling a bit panicky myself! If I can find freshly charged batteries for the camera, I plan on posting a few things I have in progress for Christmas later this afternoon…
Oh, and I'm not sure if I've ever commented on your blog before, but I wanted to let you know that I really enjoy visiting you here!
~Rachel
Fruitful Harvest says
How fun~
I too am a Catholic. {momma of 4 boys and 2 girls}
( teaching myself how to knit)
Peace, Love and Joy,
Georgiann
Elisa says
I'm reading “Full of Grace” by Johnette Benkovic and doing the book study too. It's really great. I thought about sewing some colorful fabric falls for all the babies in my life.
Lisa says
I just started to knit and I too have 5 little ones to work into the mix (wait..I think it is the other way around: working knitting into the mix..right??) I hope to have some simple hats and scrarves for everyone to open. But at this point all my knitting has been for me. I figure I need to practice on someone and I am always with me to try things on.
I found your blog long ago and then lost it..glad I am back!!
Lisa
kathryn says
Oooh I'm loving the blue cashmerino and can't wait to see what you do with it! I read cookbooks like novels so I'm happy to see a cookbook in your mix of books. I'm interested in the John Adams one, I've seen it on my recommended Amazon que and have wondered if I'd like it.
_Leila says
Yes, I have 4 balls of the blue…but I think I need something to go with it for what I have in mind.
The Adams' letters are amazing. What a couple! If you like letters, you'll love it!
Jackie says
While I'm not really crafty, I do MAKE TIME every day to read. Currently, I'm reading “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott, “The Purpose-Driven Life” by Rick Warren, and “A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life” by Lysa TerKeurst and Sharon Jaynes.
Sarah says
I'm knitting dishcloths for Christmas gifts. I keep them in my bag always, then pull them out during the moments which would be wasted: such as waiting in line to get a new driver's license. Books ~ oh dear, I'm constantly reading. If I don't have a large pile, and several going at once, really, what's the point of stopping to eat or have a cup of tea? Since I'm sickish right now, there's a pot of chicken soup simmering and the fun books (Grace Livingston Hill) are being ploughed through quickly while I drink my tea and lie around in between snatches of work.
Breanna says
Love Grace! I wish I was like her heroines and could always make a lovely outfit out of someone's cast-off finery, a bit of ribbon, and a piece of pink tissue paper (to dye the blouse with)…. 🙂
emily barton says
I am finishing some knit leg warmies for my niece (9 mo. old). I didn't think of it, but leg warmies fit right in with your posts on keeping children warm. As for the others on my list, I am actually sitting down tonight to plan the rest! Emily B
polly says
I won't even get into the reading–that list is too long! For Christmas this year I'm making headbands for a few sweet girls and some knitted dishcloths from some others, but am trying to focus my sewing and knitting on maternity clothes For Now and a few luscious baby items for a new little girl to arrive in January. My new little girl! I'm almost done w/ her first hat. Only 4,628 more to go. A girl born in the middle of winter has to have some cosy hats…..
Lindsey says
Thanks for affirming creative tasks as worthwhile additions to the daily “to-do” list. My first child is 14 months old, and over this past year, taking time for reading and writing has helped me remember that there is more to the world than diapers and baby feeding.
I only have rudimentary crafty skills, but this year I am making coordinating stockings for our family. So far, so good! And you are absolutely right about the satisfaction of making beautiful things. This project is whetting my appetite for more!
Deb Meyers says
reading:
Mary Lyles Wilson's New Cook Book, 1930, from my dear grandmother's early days of homemaking.
a 1980s version of Reader's Digest Back to Basics
making:
simple, super simple, that's-all-i-have-time-for vintage sheet music wreaths as seen all over the internet: for piano teacher of course, and SILs.
If I get these done? I'm doin' good…
deb meyers
Joy says
I have just started thinking about knitting cowls for a couple of the women in my family but I don't know if I'll be able to make the time, even if I put aside the sweater I've been attempting to knit for myself for three years. 🙂 I always make homemade cookies for family and friends but I won't start those until after Thanksgiving.
I've been reading more now that the days are cooler. I just finished a novel on WW II and am also reading “Mrs. Miniver” and “Few Eggs and No Oranges” as well as a biography of Mrs. Charles Spurgeon and a devotional book. 🙂
Camille says
I've somewhat given up on “big” knitting projects so all year long I knit mostly dishrags and kitchen towels. I have a nice huge pile of them now and will give them as Christmas gifts. Once someone gets one, they keep asking for them! I also knit up some little bells for the Christmas tree and to give. The kids LOVE them because I put little bells in them and they take about an hour each. That cashmerino makes me want to purr! So soft!
I've given up on reading much. I stick to mostly magazines and cook books these days.
Wendy says
Beautiful yarns! The Abigail/John Adams book sounds intriguing. I'm hoping to knit 3 hats and a couple of baby/toddler sweaters before Christmas this year!
Chinamama4 says
I always have my knitting bag with me – carpool lane, gymnastics and swim lessons. We're driving Illinois to New England for Thanksgiving and I'm hoping to get a lot done then!
I'm sewing a Christmas quilt for my mom and a purse/tote for my sister in law. I'm knitting a scarf for my mother in law. Knit dishcloths and homemade sugared or spiced nuts for my children's teachers and coaches (there are MANY). Fringed fleece blankets and coordinating flannel pillowcases for my four children. Jammie bottoms for my husband. Oh, my – better get moving!
I just got “Gift From the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh from the library – I haven't read it in nearly 20 years!
Ann Marie says
__i'm a slacker…..not a crafter. And I'm so task oriented that I can hardly justify reading (even before the 19 month old came along). However, my house is pretty clean. 🙂 BUT, my homemade gifts are only as glamorous as food stuff (bread, strawberry jam, apple butter, biscotti, cookies). However, my big goal this month is to complete some hand-stamped-tea-bag-holder-card thingies to give out at the Tea that our church's Tea Ministry (that includes me) will be hosting for the widows of our church in Dec. And since it's raining here in the Shenandoah Valley….perhaps I should start today. Thanks for the push!__(PS to Deb…I'm a piano teacher….you can make me one of the aforementioned wreaths. HA!)
Betsy M says
Well, our family is trying something new this year. We all drew names and will be making the gift for the recipient. Due to the fact that our kids are 6, 4 and 2 (the baby didn't draw a name) I think that my husband and I are going to be assisting in just a few crafting projects. We did this growing up and it really was fun and actually taught us a bit. I need to find out if there is a patron saint of patience. Oh, and one of the books that I have been reading lately is “Dog Stories” by James Harriet. Makes me wish we had a dog – although that is NOT happening right now.
Leila or any of you other ladies, have you ever used a knitting loom? I am debating if this would be a better method for me (and my oldest daughter) to learn how to knit then the traditional way? Any thoughts?
Breanna says
Well, our family is trying something new this year. We all drew names and will be making the gift for the recipient. Due to the fact that our kids are 6, 4 and 2 (the baby didn't draw a name) I think that my husband and I are going to be assisting in just a few crafting projects. We did this growing up and it really was fun and actually taught us a bit. I need to find out if there is a patron saint of patience. Oh, and one of the books that I have been reading lately is “Dog Stories” by James Harriet. Makes me wish we had a dog – although that is NOT happening right now.
Leila or any of you other ladies, have you ever used a knitting loom? I am debating if this would be a better method for me (and my oldest daughter) to learn how to knit then the traditional way? Any thoughts?
Betsy M says
Thanks Breanna! I know what we'll be doing this weekend. 🙂
Meredith says
Leila, thanks for the tip on the Catholic dates book, I'm going to check my library as it's one I haven't heard of before. The blue casmerino is gorgeous, can't wait to see what you will turn it in to 🙂 Have a lovely day!
Barbara says
Love, love your knitting spot!
Shawna says
I am looking at projects from SewMamaSew.com and Amy Butler books. My 12 yo DD and I will be crafting felt pretend food for the littles and I'm making easy peasy nursing shields for the crop of babies that are currently popping up. My husband and oldest son (9) will hopefully be crafting some windchimes for grandparents.
Currently I'm indulging in Regina Doman's fairy tale books and still working my way through “Introduction to the Devout Life”.
There's something so soothing about creating a thing of beauty. An additional bonus is that it remains done, unlike most of my daily chores (dishes, food, laundry) which are rendered undone in milliseconds.
daniyal says
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Conny says
I love that you quoted George Bailey ~ that made me smile and chuckle. Love, love, love the blue cashmirino too ~ wondering what it will become: someone's favorite something.
Funny, I usually find you on my own, but today I “found” you through Yarn Along. I've recently re-learned to knit and so have a little practicing project of my own. I may just post on Yarn Along next Wednesday.
I enjoyed your Yarn Along post tremendously. Cheers~
Chinamama4 says
Ladies, what is this “Yarn Along” of which you speak?
And my husband and I often quote that George Bailey line – with a twinkle in our eyes, of course… 🙂
_Leila says
Chinamama, it's the linky on Small Things to which I linked this post, and some other commenters also did. I have the link at the beginning of this post — go check it out!
Amy says
I have too many books and too many projects to list, but I am definitely trying to put a homemade spin on Christmas this year. The problem, an almost 2 1/2 year old and twins 10 1/2 months younger. Still I try to get things done after they are in bed or during nap time. I just have to get better at planning!
margo says
Christmas? Oh. I guess I should start thinking about it.
I'm reading Miss Manners' Guide to Domestic Bliss. I adore her.
Have a Margery Sharp novel waiting for next.
I'm making dishcloths (always) and I need to finish up a scarf for my son. But it's not a gift. It's to use now in the cold weather.
Anne says
All the commentors make me quite envious. Where did you all learn? Home Ec wasn't offered at school. My mother and grandmother sew very well, but I've never learned how to make anything. I can get dinner on the table and follow a recipe, but I'm not much of a baker. Though I could sew a straight seam if I really had to, I can only dream of having enough space for a sewing studio. I can't do anything crafty at all. 🙂
priestswife says
Choose a craft that YOU want to do- and watch every youtube on the activity. I have a friend who can HAND SMOCK- if you want to do it- you will, Auntie Leila would say 'if I can do it, so can you'
Lynn B says
I have such a need to make time to do the creative things that feed my soul! I don't often, but this time of year is the best for it. I used my glue gun and scraps from nature to make ornaments. I'm giving some away, so swing by and leave a comment before Sunday! And steal a very, very easy idea you can do yourself 🙂 Now if only I could knit!! Those beautiful colors make me drool 🙂
_Leila says
Anne and others who feel uncrafty but would love to try, do simply just think about what *your* fingers feel like doing! I started knitting (this past January!) because I felt that I would love the feeling of the wool and the needles, and because I wanted to make *socks*. So I refused to start on a scarf! But my friend did convince me to start on a hat 😉
I started quilting because I had a longing to make a quilt. I got books out of the library and just started and made many mistakes. It was so hard, that first quilt! Who cares, though. Now I know what I love to make.
If glue and glitter give you an anxiety attack, don't go there. If sewing makes you cry, don't worry. There are so many creative things to do…just try one thing, and keep it simple at first.
Breanna says
Glue and glitter make me itch and twitch, but I can knit. Everyone hasa niche. 🙂
sandy toe says
I love that blue tile on yor floor!
sandy ote
the fabled needle says
maybe you can make a fun trip out of going to the yarn store. you know, find a yummy place to stop for lunch before/after, etc.
so far i only have 1 handmade gift in the queue. i think i'm quite slow b/c it takes me forever to make something for someone!
Maria says
Your post prompted me to make mittens today! (Not knitt–I've given up on those for the time being–but hand sewn out of felted sweaters.) It was very satisfying, and my kids were both appreciative and inspired to do some sewing of their own.