Yesterday I didn't have time to post, but I decided to finish this Christmas kitchen mat instead. So yeah, I did, but I didn't much enjoy the process. How much more beneficial would some restful improv sewing have been! Hindsight and all that. It's hard for me to accept that choosing to say "enough" might be wiser than meeting my goals at times. That's the trouble with high expectations. Sometimes they're too high and who's to tell you?
Dang, life is confusing.
Well, the good news about this here mat is that it doesn't slip. I took the time to await the arrival of non-slip fabric, which I built into a backing for the mat. It sure doesn't look fancy from the back, but well, whatever.
I layered the heavily quilted mat top over an extra layer of batting and the mat backing. Then, I folded Kona Lime over at the edges and secured with a zigzag stitch to finish.
Easy. Done. Aria said, "Oh, mommy, you made that?!?!" So, that was nice. And, it really doesn't slip, so I'm totally glad I waited for the backing.
The tree is up and the decorations are out. I'm cheered to see it all and add a few more layers of handmade this year. Is it too early to say, "Merry Christmas"? Nah, I don't think so. It's December 1st, after all. So, I wish us all a very merry holiday season. Let's give ourselves the grace to enjoy this present day.
Edited to add: The "Oh Christmas Tree" mini is a project from my Curves Class, which will be offered mid-January through February. Details to be announced soon!
Ok, #1 - LOVE the mat!! #2 - LOVE the tree/star wall hanging! Did you design the patterns of these or find them somewhere? I adore the heavy quilting you did on the mat - time well spent!
ReplyDeletegorgeous projects, Rachel. I love the use of that non slip fabric for the mat, it's such a fantastic idea. Hope you have a very merry, creative, and restful holiday season, too.
ReplyDeleteI love when my kiddos recognize a new craft or knit of mine. It's the best kind of flattery.
ReplyDeleteWill the curves class in January be the same as the one last year? I sure love that tree mini!
Yes, it is the best kind of flattery! The Curves Class will be Jan 13 - Feb 14. So, it's a little earlier than last year. Wanted to be done before QuiltCon!
DeleteLove your mat! What a great idea for the backing.
ReplyDeleteLove that mini! We don't have the tree up yet but started with decorations as well. Have a lovely holidays!
ReplyDeleteSo wish my holiday decorating was done! The mat is lovely. Enjoy the season!
ReplyDeleteI can relate so much to this! It's hard to break out of that mould of high expectations, especially when achievement and not satisfaction is so often emphasized in our culture. It's kind of like walking a fine line where you want to constantly be reaching for those goals (and growing), but not loosing sight of the present moment. Tricky, huh? :)
ReplyDeleteSo tricky! Thanks for relating. Sometimes I feel very alone in this. Sounds like you share the "overachievers" pain. There's just good in both ways of being. As you said - it's a balance.
DeleteOh, I know. Thanks for sharing this! I've been pushing myself too hard with people's voices in my head ("You really need to cater for bigger children", "Are these all the quilts you have?") instead of letting myself be free to offer what I have and who I am, and not take on other people's hopes or expectations. I'm giving myself a day off today. :)
ReplyDeleteI love all your projects. That is a gorgeous mat and it sticks ..... I'm a bit of a perfectionist and so things like that bother me .... but from my perspective here ... the mat looks perfect. It's so pretty and Christmassy. Love the colours.
ReplyDeleteI just love that curved piecing Christmas tree. I will be watching for your class announcement.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely shot of your wall decorations over the white little tree.
ReplyDeleteLove your kitchen mat, and adore the Christmas star mini! I can so relate to perfectionism and wanting to do your best! It is a good thing until it takes over and pushes over the edge and becomes an unreasonable demand. Then it can suck the pleasure out of what is to be enjoyable, and for me, I tend to shut down. So I have to remember in this uber-competitive world that it is ok to step back and remember why you do what you do -- because you enjoy it -- at least 90% of the time and that saying stop or no sometimes is the absolutely best thing I can do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Ginny. Today I'm going to take the time to sew something I'll really enjoy.
DeleteGirl, your so right.. I want to do so much and My family has something every weekend starting Oct thru February...... its over whelming and with my disease, its exhausting. But, its also healing. I would love to make the mini, its great. January would be great too.. Merry Christmas.. I have a Blanket around my tree.. uggh !!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful Christmas kitchen mat! And I love your decorations :)
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Tatyana
Hey Rachel! Love it - way too pretty to put on the floor! :) And if you're in a pinch - use the drawer liner (rubbery stuff) you can find at the drugstore or Target. I used it for a bed caddy for my Mom (the kind that sticks between the mattress and box spring) to keep it from coming out and it worked great!
ReplyDeleteAnd one more thing! I will be displaying my treasured (even my husband LOVES it) Oh Christmas tree mini from Curves class in my living room for the holidays AND i'm using a similar "tree" for a pillow I'm making right now. Will post to the Flickr group soon!!
ReplyDeleteOh, good point, Lily! That definitely would work. And, so glad to hear about the Oh Christmas Tree mini love. I enjoyed getting mine out this year too. Will keep an eye out for your pillow =)
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