Project Linus

I took the day off because it is Stephen's birthday. Not that I knew what that meant when I woke up this morning, I just knew I couldn't go to work. Since his death, I can't focus or plan anything. Finding meaning in the loss of a baby is totally impossible but I just did not want to waste this day wallowing in my own sorrow, I've done enough of that on most other days. I wanted this day to be a positive remembrance of this most important day.


I had ordered altar flowers for church in memory of Stephen, and I planned on planting a bush in memory of his birth. But it all felt sort of superficial, like some common thing that everyone does whether it's meaningful or not. I did it anyway, I found a beautiful blue butterfly bush. It was something that felt good to do, but at the same time I couldn't imagine myself planting a bush every year on his birthday. I guess I really wanted a tradition I could continue in memory of him.


So I fidgeted and surfed the net for nothing in particular. Of course all I usually want to do is sew on my off days as sewing is therapeutic for me. Before I knew it, I was surfing for baby quilt patterns. And that's when I remembered Project Linus. I looked them up and there it was - a reason to do what I love best - make a quilt. And I could do it in memory of Stephen and give it to Project Linus so a sick baby could have it. And I could do this every year. It was a perfect idea. I was rambling and excited and ready to get started. It's perfect and how incredibly coincidental that I am a big Peanuts fan. It was like this was meant to be. I got started immediately. A review of a good pattern and a look at what I have on hand still meant a trip to the fabric store. I really enjoyed picking out such cheery fabrics. I got them home and put them in the wash machine immediately. While I waited for the laundry to finish, I read the instructions and prepared everthing to get started. In no time I had the top done. Since I machine quilted it with straight lines, that also went pretty quick. Before I knew it, the binding was on the edges and I was done.


My daughters really liked the idea and thought they might want to do the same next year, so a new tradition begins out of sadness and love for our little SIDS baby boy. I am so glad I took the day off.


With love,
Stephen's Grandma

Fall Craft Fair

Even though I had planned on doing two craft fairs this fall, as it turned out, I didn't get my booth money in quickly enough and the craft fair at my church filled up. But that's ok, it just meant I had more time to prepare for the next one. And that one was paid in full so there was no turning back. Plus it was at work so it was an easy decision.


The craft fair at work was meant to benefit the Alzheimer's Foundation. It was pretty successful for me and I am glad I had the opportunity to participate. I almost forgot how much hard work it is to pull this off but it was a great experience and pretty profitable as well. It was a nice "employee benefit".

When today came I was a little nervous even though I had done this years ago. There is something about having my hard work judged and sometimes rejected by customers that I find intimidating and I guess I take it too personally. I mean there are plenty of things at craft fairs I'm not interested in so I don't know why I take it so hard.


I set up my booth which was pretty stress free and almost relaxing. It didn't take me as long as I thought it would and I had plenty of time to enjoy the process. I think part of the reason was I followed a crafters suggestions and set my booth up at home first. I also did a lot of prep work including great signage and good packaging after the sale.


The craft fair took place from 10 am until 1:30 pm, not long but it was enough time to sell lots of stuff. I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to sell my items. I sold woodcrafts, tote bags, hand made dolls, and lots and lots of catnip toys. What fun! I had a great time and made some extra money in the process.

The hardest part of the day was taking everything down and packing it all away. It took me four trips to the car to get it done and I was exhausted when it was all over. Now it's time to list the rest on Etsy and get ready for the spring crafting events.


Until then, it's time to make some handmade Christmas gifts and get back to quilting.