my (feed) dogs are barkin'

After months of neglect, my little sewing machine is getting a much needed workout. I have been working on Christmas gifts for family and friends. It's so fun. I always forget how much I enjoy seeing something come together.Oh, there are still times when my seam ripper gets more use than my sewing machine, but the end result, the gift, wonderful. I'm having a difficult time keeping all of my sewing stuff (fabric, thread, measuring tapes, ribbon, bobbins, ...) in one area though. Well, technically speaking it is all in one area...the dining room. It's all spread hither and yon on the table and on my desk as I work through a few projects. Putting it all away each time I have to stop sewing to function as a wife and mom is crazy, but it must be done lest the cat eat an entire bobbin full of thread and gag and hurl for days on end. Yes, that has happened, and yes, it's disgusting.Oh yeah, which leads to the ironing board being set up in the kitchen to press seams and the like. I must add here the plus side to all of this mess... having fabric out, measuring devices on the table, thread and pins close by but out of reach of the cat, has perhaps inspired my little ones. Oh joy! Can it be? They are eager to sew? Well, here, take a look. Not only did they build a makeshift dress form from tinker toys, but they assemble an entire outfit out of fabric and accessories. A dress form! Visionaries, those girls of mine. I've always wanted a dress form but with limited room and limited skills I've never given it a second thought, but they knew that creating clothes is easier with a headless and armless mannequin. No, they didn't call it a dress form, but clearly that's what they meant. I've got a few little, quick and easy, instant gratification projects on the sewing list for them to create. It's just fuel for the fire, baby, fuel for the fire. Oh, and did I mention my crochet bag is full of yarn and small projects? In spite of the sewing and crocheting frenzy and the fear that my head may explode if the clutter is not reduced, I do still feel pretty calm. Here's the thing though, not only do I need to make room for the coming Christmas present overload, but I also need to make room to breathe. Sewing is pretty relaxing for me...it's the clutter that messes me up. Okay, inhale through the nose, out through the mouth. I can do this. Maybe I just need another cup of coffee to give me that boost of clutter-clearing-energy that I need. Happy Wednesday xoANG