work week progress

It's been a busy week so far--ferrying lunches and mid-morning snacks over to the "new" house, fitting in a load of laundry and a trip to the grocery store here and there. The girls are champing at the bit, knowing Dan is just around the corner, and yet so busy.

And of course I waited until the last minute to tackle a birthday present for my cousin (yes, when you're father comes from a family of 15, you have cousins the same age as your own children) whose little birthday get-together was tonight.

It was her turn for a pillow, just like I had done for her older brother a year or two ago. I think she knew it was coming, especially when she saw a soft, square gift, wrapped in paper. And she was happy. This project made me realize two things:

1. My fabric supply needs some replenishing--starting with the fact that I need some more solid colors and simple prints.

2. I love hand sewing. The minute I sat down in my rocking chair, flicked on the lamp beside me and began to stitch up the last little opening on the pillow, I felt so much busy-ness and stress and worry leave my mind and body. I need to make more time for this kind of simple sewing, or even knitting. It brings such peace. Isn't it a gift that we have these simple ways to unwind?

Dan and his brother have been doing some crafting of their own at the house this week--tearing out and replacing rotten logs, and laying down new floor. It has been so fascinating to see the old bones of the house. The progress is slow and there's always something that doesn't go as planned. But having the extra help here and the solid week of work is making things move along.

I intended to share some good mail in this post, too...but I think I'll call it quits for tonight. My book, journal and clean sheets are calling to me. And I need to coax my achy, sore, tired husband from the couch to the bed. The girls tucked him in before I took them to bed for the night--he has a pillow over his face and a blanket draped over his knees and ankles. I'm going to guess he'll be more comfortable in our bed.

More soon......good night, friends.

Comments

[molly]

those old beams are amazing! what crafsmanship. i bet the boys are having fun working hard. working on projects like that gives my husband the same feeling that hand sewing gives you. i'm so excited for you friend!

[Thistle Downs wool design]

i'm enjoying your blog. lots of old homes in new england of similar construction. grew up in one. quess that's why i love them and am interested in your progress. your pillow was adorable and i so agree on the handwork part. i always check out your pics on flickr. almost the weekend. enjoy. sarah

[Missy K]

I can so appreciate what you mean about the hand sewing-- that is how embroidery is for me-- sitting in that little pool of light-- somehow the perfect balance of mindful and mindless lets the stress lift away and dissolve. And what a happy, fun gift resulted!

[Mrs. Happy Housewife]

I love the pillow. I think you and I must have used the same horse coloring page for a pattern because I embroidered that same horse in rose print fabric on my daughter's dusty rose t-shirt.

[miss chris]

Hand sewing is one of my favorite evening activities... sitting quietly with busy hands... Love that horse applique.

I love that your kiddos will have memories of their daddy working on their house like this. They'll remember this time forever. :) Thanks for letting us peek in on them...!

[Lori]

i agree - i love seeing the bones & structure of a house. and how special for you and the girls knowing that their dad worked to make the floors they're going to walk on - and so much more.

love that pillow! :^)

[laeroport]

I embroider exactly for those reasons. The sense of calm. The relaxing. If only there were more of those moments in the day.

I'm loving seeing your house progress. What is that lovely color on all the trim and mantle?

Be well, Molly.

[Melissa]

Okay Molly, do you have room for me to move in? How about a guest room so I can come for a short say maybe?

I love seeing the bare bones as well.

[Collins]

The pillow is perfect! I love seeing all the work coming together on your house. Hand work always makes me feel better too!!!

[Tonya Richard]

Love the pillow and it is amazing to see an old floor pulled up like that. That is one rotten beam!

Your poor dh must be exhausted.

[Knitsational]

Beautiful pillow! I love your blog.

[Jessie]

Oh termites! Those little monsters! We keep finding spots like that in our house, its a wonder our house hasn't fallen in yet. Just replace/shore-up the beam and make sure the dirt/mulch outside your house is below your foundation. You have to love the surprises you find in an old house though, it keeps it interesting!