Tuesday, November 23, 2010

30 Chic Days – Day Twenty Three


Day 23: Do something creative

I love handcrafts like sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery, quilting and patchwork. Often these pursuits can look old-fashioned and fusty though, so I work out ways to enjoy creating in a modern and simple way.

If you've ever made anything you will know the feeling of satisfaction which is gained by bringing an item into existence from a ball of wool or a piece of fabric.

You don't have to learn how to cast on knitting stitches to be creative though. My Auntie literally cannot sew on a button to save herself, but keeps a beautiful and welcoming home, and throws dinner parties for big groups in a relaxed and capable manner (the food's pretty good too).

Some other ways you might choose to express your creativity:

Tend your garden or a potted garden
Bake scrumptious goodies
Cook a delicious dinner, try a new recipe
Decorate your home in a manner pleasing to yourself and your family
Rearrange the furniture every once in a while, move artwork and decorative items around
Paint a picture, choose a couple of acrylic tester pots and be inspired by artwork in home magazines
Look at new ways to combine clothing items, jewellery and accessories
Write in a journal that no-one else will see

Pictured above is the quilt I made for my niece A's first birthday.

8 comments:

  1. I love quilts! Very pretty the one that you've made! I have made one (simple) myself, a little one for the cat to sleep on, from little pieces of fabric from Laura Ashley, came out very pretty too, and very English. Now I am more into knitting and reading, if the pattern is easy I do both at the same time. I'm busy on a winterscarf in grey colours and white, have to hurry, they're expecting snow on thursday!
    Have a good day,
    Inky

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  2. Once my decluttering project is done, I am hoping to use the cold winter months coming for some beading and maybe a watercolors class. I also might implore my MIL to teach me how to make the baby blankets she is known for.

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  3. What a good quilter you are! such a talent. I have dusted off my sewing machine after many years of nonuse. Have been sewing dresses for my new grandchild. I wrote about my sewing in my blog recently. It is a great creative outlet for me.
    Thanks for including the creativity characteristic in your 30 days! I am feeling so chic!

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  4. i love being crafty!
    i've actually got some of my crafty christmas gift line-up ready and set to be made for the holiday season =)

    that quilt is beautiful! I kinda of want to try and take up knitting at some point in the near future...

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  5. I love your quilt! It's so pretty. I'm not very artsy, unfortunately, but I have done a few crafts and have more that I need to figure out how to use. Ideally I'd learn/improve in: knitting, sewing, cooking/baking, and gardening. Thanks! ;)

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  6. What an attractive quilt! Sure to be treasured...

    Your list is a great stimulus to creativity. It's easy to feel "I'm not crafty--therefore not creative". You helped dispel that myth.

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  7. Inky, both your cat quilt and scarf sound gorgeous. I'm sure your cat will appreciate the pretty Laura Ashley fabrics. You've got me thinking about making one for the poodle now. I love the sound of your scarf colours too. Grey is my favourite colour ever I think.

    Vintage Dreamer, are the baby blankets crochet, knitted, or something else? They sound sweet. I love knitting baby blankets. They're not too big to make.

    Dot, hi. Thanks! I loved your post on sewing and enjoyed your reminiscing.

    Lenna, well now you're going to have to show us the results on your blog. Or at least the materials and the ideas.

    Ani, I love a list of crafts to master (or last least dabble in). In my short lived rally career (like girl guides, but religious) all I wanted to do were the craft badges.

    Rebecca, from what I've seen of your life through your blog you are very creative - lovely outfits, a beautifully decorated home, your vintage suitcases are a treat for the eyes, and your writing also is very creative.

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  8. Fiona,
    I was going back through all of your days of chic (so I could post my thoughts for today) and didn't realize you had asked me a question. Sorry, luv. She finds the softest of flannel and then crochets (not with yarn, something finer) or knits a beautiful border around the blanket. I had her do one for my friend who had a baby and she said it became their favorite "swaddling" blanket. It looks simple (though I am not sure) and maybe not as huge of a project as learning to crochet or quilt. In other words, something I might just be able to handle. : )

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Merci for your comment. Wishing you a chic day!

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