Fixing the damaged partridge in a pear tree ornament, I was highly motivated to get the three other ornaments in the 40-something year-old crewel kit sewn up. I had finished embroidering the last one in January, but as of last week I still hadn't sewn them all up and gotten the job completed.
Some may recall the video I posted a month ago, called The 10-year Window. This project felt like that. When I finished these ornaments I felt both elated and, at the same time, sad that I had tucked these away for decades partially completed - instead of finishing them years ago and enjoying them every Christmas since.
I have no idea if our sons will someday want any of the handmade Christmas ornaments we've used over the years, but I hope they choose to keep some that they remember from their childhoods. Whether they've given it any notice, they've had many opportunities to see the partridge ornament, but the three last ornaments will hold zero memory for them.
That said...what can't be undone shouldn't be lingered on for too long I'm learning. But I'm tellin' ya'... if you haven't yet watched The 10-Year Window video, I highly recommend you do so.
And if you do, please come back and leave me a comment!
I watched that video! I was thinking about it the other day! Very lovely and well done for completing some projects!
ReplyDeleteI hope I keep thinking about that video, Elizabeth. The lesson is profound.
DeleteSo many 10 year windows in my life. Each time I finish one I also think 'why did I put that off so long'. Your little ornaments are precious. They will now create new memories.
ReplyDeleteMarsha, at least they'll make me smile when I see them out, instead of coming across them in the "unfinished" box
DeleteWhat beautiful ornaments. Unique in that I haven't seen embroidered bags as ornaments, but they are bright and beautiful.
ReplyDeleteMaureen, the kit calls them "Little Treasure Bags". I'm not sure what possessed me to stuff the first one and turn it into an ornament, but I like them this way. :)
DeleteWhat lovely ornaments you completed. They will look stunning during the next holiday season.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ruthl I'm kind of sorry to put them away for the rest of the years. :)
DeleteI loved that video. I am the queen of procrastinating. Maybe not 10 years but definitely putting things off that don't take long to get done and then when I do I wonder why I waited.
ReplyDeleteThe ornaments are adorable. Who knows?! maybe a grandchild will come along and one day like the ornaments.
One never knows, Sandy... :)
Delete"Be not afraid of going slowly. Be afraid only of standing still." - Chinese Proverb
ReplyDeleteGood proverb, TB. :)
DeleteThese are a lovely set. I have some flying pig ornaments from childhood Christmas tree decorations before my mum changed cute wooden ones to stylish coordinating colour themed ones. I prefer a tree with random bits from holidays or handmade bits or old treasurers. I did watch the video at the time and then instantly forgot what had come to mind to do. I maybe need a rewatch to remind myself. No wonder whatever it was never gets done,
ReplyDeleteLiz (Highlandheffalump)
DeleteI'm with you, Liz. I enjoy a tree where the decorations have been curated over years. Even simple glass balls with age are interesting, IMO - I am sad to see them replaced with plastic.
DeleteI hope you're putting your initials on your ornaments so your family do know that you made them.
ReplyDeleteWhen our boys were born I started collecting an ornament each year for them - sometimes it was purchased and other times it was handmade. When they moved out and had their own Christmas celebrations I packaged them up and tried to give them to them for their first tree. Nope - neither one was the least bit interested so I sent them all to the thrift store.
Mary Anne, that is a good idea. I wish I had thought of it before I sewed them all together. You did inspire me go on- line to see how I might put initials and dates on things (after they've been finished into their final form). On large pieces, I always did this in the past, but (for some reason) it doesn't occur to me these days with all the small stitches I've made.
DeleteBeautifully done. I agree with initials and also the year. Helps give them a connection from present to past.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Leigh. I may just tuck a note inside these, and then remember to date and initial things going forward.
DeleteOh, I did enjoy the 10 Year Window video. Very convicting and made me sit and think, in quiet, of what isn't done and just "waiting for the right time" or when I make time. I do love your ornaments, especially the Lion's Mane for the Lion and the Lamb. It is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteAnd your post made me think to look at my oldest WIPs. And I found one I started in 2015! I wasn't expecting that. But I remember the project and right where it is stored. I think I need to get on it. Just today, I was thinking of different crochet projects to start. Start-i-tis is at work this Spring. But a little Spring Cleaning of old WIPs is in order.
Cheryl, I wish my oldest WIP was just 11 years old. I have a few other things much older than that to finish. It's kind of funny how my interest in different handcrafts goes in cycles. And while I know it's true, it's hard to imagine how I spent the years of raising my children really not doing any handcrafts (other than things I did with the kids). Oh my goodness... you've possibly given me an idea for a post.
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