Wool Stuffing and a Tall Wading Bird

Let’s see.  My big 6 lb. box of stuffing arrived from the Amish, much to my delight.

And right in time to finish up the 16th bird for my show at Young Blood.

Promptly upon finishing this bird my sewing machine began making an odd chugging sound and then stopped working all together.  I took it in this morning to be repaired and I really hope it only takes a week to fix it.

Being without my machine has made realize how important sewing has become in my life.  Making these soft sculptures has allowed me to maintain an existence other than being a mother. Sewing, or just thinking about sewing, sustains me during the day, in the evening, through stressful days and even through beautiful days. Having shows in various galleries gives me a reason to travel, to leave home by myself.  Even needing materials – more thread, vintage fabrics, found wood – gives me a reason to go out by myself and explore.

And, of course, sewing was my entrance into this amazing arts community online. Through you I maintain my motivation, my inspiration and my excitement to see what I can make next.  I learn new techniques, figure out how to resolve business and artistic difficulties, and discover new opportunities.

These are all of the things I’m thinking about today as I look at the corner in our bedroom where I usually sit for at least an hour every day and sew and which is now empty and waiting for the return of my sewing machine.