Friday, May 6, 2011

Time...

Time...slipping away...you don't realise how precious it is until you're grasping for more of it. 
The decision to work as a teacher's aide was well thought through, and it was needful for our family budget, so I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to work in a field I love and to be able to add a small contribution to the family coffers each fortnight.
The downside of this is that time is always taken up with work - work *at* work, and work at home. My plans to stitch fall by the wayside more often than not because the time at home must be spent cooking, cleaning, washing, taxi-ing, vacuuming...you know what I mean, of course. You all have homes to care for too. :-) 
But, my heart is still happy. Being a wife, mother and homemaker was my childhood dream and it came true. 
~~~~~
So it seems this 1950's themed BOM I am finally working through has taken on new meaning because every block captures a home-based scene, a catalogue of domestic life in the family home. It has taken a week, but I finished up the 2nd block (a miracle since the 1st block took me 18 months to complete!), and I love it. 
Apart from the sewing room, my kitchen is the next best place to 'work' in my home.
Aren't the little ceramic buttons sweet?
I'd like to think I can get this quilt finished by year's end. We'll see. 
~~~~~
My own new quilt design is coming along, though slower than I'd hoped. The 9 stitched and appliqued blocks are bordered now, and ready for some sashing to be added. Yay! I'm so excited to show you more, but you (and I) will just have to be patient...
~~~~~
My dear friend, Linda, sent me something very special this week. It took 11 weeks to arrive and she'd worried it had gone astray, but with God the timing is always perfect. This arrived on a day when I really needed it....
~~~~~
It is Mother's Day on Sunday May 8th, and my lovely friend Wendy has designed the most beautiful stitchery in memory of her own beloved mother - and she is sharing it freely on her blog!
Visit Wendy's blog HERE if you'd like to make this for your own mum - and be sure to thank her for being so generous. :-)
Another lot of ideas for Mother's Day gifts can be found on our Gum Trees blog from last year. We (Fiona, Vicki, Dawn, Joy and I) all shared a free Mother's Day design, and they were so lovely! I am keeping the Gum Trees blog up until June 1st, so if you'd like to download the designs they are still HERE, but you'll have to be quick. Just scroll through the five blog posts for the download links. 

Now I must sign off and head to work. Grade 12 sewing class to end the week - that is time well spent indeed. Hugs
Jenny
xxx


18 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Jenny,
Yes a woman's work is NEVER done...very big smile! I love the fabrics you are using for your quilt. Have a lovely day at school!

hugzzzz

Vickie said...

Hey girl your sttichery looks fabulous-them buttons are so sweet..yes us moms-wives could sure use some more hours in each day..lovely gifts you have received there..hope you have a blessed day with family on Sunday,cheers Vickie

Karen said...

Hey Jenny! We "homemakers" are a lucky bunch, aren't we ;) Sure could use a few more hours to the day sometimes, though. I love your quilt and those buttons are soooo sweet. Have a great weekend, and Happy Mothers' Day...Hugs

rosie said...

Lovely post Jen, Have a good weekend....

Colleen's Blog Long Island NY said...

I think it's time for you to delegate chores at home. You cannot do 3 jobs. Other people need to help out.

Dolores said...

Hi Jenny. I just popped in to tell you that it will all get done in the end. No worries. You can only do what you can do. Right now you are helping a group of girls learn the things you love to do. That is an awesome job. So many of today's young people don't even know how to boil water or sew on a button - never mind how to iron a shirt or a pair of pants. Your stitching may seem like it is taking a back seat in your busy life but when you get the time to do it, it will be that much more special.
Have fun on the bike. All the other things can wait.

Bluebell said...

Hi Jenny, as always your posts are interesting and informative, you sound busy but happy, enjoy every day sweetheart they are all precious.
Love Jillx

drMolly, the BeanQueen said...

Jenny, I like your blog. And I could not agree more about the time. However, one does what one must, right? I love, love, love those buttons.

Vintage Sandy said...

Jenny...I just love your 1950's BOM is it a BOM that is still available from somewhere would love to do it!!
Thanks

Allie said...

Block 2 looks wonderful sweetie! Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Can't wait to see your quilt, I know it will be gorgeous. What a precious gift from Linda, so glad it wasn't lost...it's just beautiful.

Mireille said...

Hello Jenny,

I understand very well what you means. Often in the morning i think "this and that i will do and i will stitch" but when it is evening i have done nothing on my stitching and yes i understand also that you are happy. Sometimes i have the same feeling. For the moment i can't stich at al because i am to sick, i am now already happy that i can be on my laptop.

I am curieus to your new design :-), yes i am a woman so it is normal that we are curieus :-)

Hugs,
Mireille

Daisy Jayne said...

Jenny, as always your posts are motivating, enlightening, inspiring and honest you sound busy but in high spirits, enjoy every day for tomorrow is promised to no one

Vintage Sandy said...

Jenny I feel so silly asking this again where you got the 1950's BOM I was cleaning out my emails and accidently deleted yours telling me the blog from where you got it sorry to be such a pest
Hugz & thanks
Sandy

Ladydy5 aka: Diane Yates said...

Love every pattern. I went to your ESTY and fouond a perfect pattern for my lavender. Had to order it. Will keep on checking.

Jilly said...

Hi Jenny, I love the 50's square and was hoping you could tell me where I could buy the pattern for it!!
Thank you,
Jilly oxo

Sharon in Texas said...

Hi, I have thoroughly enjoyed looking through your blog and at your beautiful work!! I want to know if the 1950s themed stitchery and the adorable buttons on it are available for purchase anywhere, thanks so much, and God Bless,
Sharon in Texas

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Hi Sharon :-)
The complete pattern can be purchased through "Orange Daisy" -
http://www.orangedaisy.com.au/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=12_13&zenid=kvqivgjm4g8rd0p5npe8028f51
Hugs
Jenny

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much!! I love your work!
SharonTx