What is in my workbasket?

my first knitwear coming along..

artsy clutch

in the works...

fabric combinations...

new spring/summer time pj's

More appropriately ...what is in my craft room?

Amanda Soule, who I am inspired by creatively, has a regular post on 'what is in your workbasket'? It is a peek at things she is making. Handmade things that are utilitarian mostly and especially, they are beautiful or playful. Sewing, embroidery, knitting, food making, baking, etc. She wants others to post on what they are crafting for their home and family. She takes photos with a nice Nikon camera too. I don't post on her blog but want to share it here on mine. I don't agree with her politics and some of her child raising (if you happen to stumble upon other things on her blog as linked) but that is another subject..I simply appreciate her creative eye and her inspiration to have her children along side her as she creates...that is what I strive for in my home always..the children creating with me. Or, at least asking questions while rolling around on the floor or listening to German lessons or read alouds on the cd player while mommy creates. Something like that anyway.

I am thankful to find other women who are fully engaged in the task of homemaking and child training and still carve out time for themselves to create. It makes such a difference in my day to create something...food, a little sewn bag, a bit of knitting or embroidery. It feeds that creative beast that lurks inside but with the task of children, does not get out as much as she once did...

I used to think that creating the way I want to and raising my children the way I want to did not coincide very well...but, they do somehow come together. There are real applications for their growth and learning in working alongside me at the sewing machine or the kitchen counter. Some times are better than others. Many times, they don't want to do what I am doing and then I am spinning plates...keeping them at task on something else or free play fairly while I work on my project and that is too stressful at times. I just have to abandon my work temporarily. Often, I am nursing and sewing simultaneously! I am keeping a harmony in our home.

I think that I have to remember to pray for God to prioritize my day...not me and that is the real tough part. I have to stop and wash dishes and laundry and teach, teach, teach my people what they need in the moment even if I want to make one more stitch! Of course, teach what they need in the moment as well as what I deliberately teach. Ewww..ohhhh...that is tough indeed when the creative muse beckons.