A method to the madness

I've always been pretty good at cross stitch and like many crafters had many projects that I had started with good intentions of finishing. Most of them are still only half completed or on my 'to do' list.

I had so many plans for things to make for our house before our son was born but as always projects I was doing for other people for birthday's or christmas took priority over anything I wanted to do for myself. Since our son was born in January I find most of my time is spent trying to entertain him around the house or when we're not at home we're at baby groups or out with little friends. I found myself really needing small projects that I could complete in an evening or two (now that his sleep routine is finally sorted) to keep me motivated and feeling like I had something for myself once Isaac was asleep.

I came across a few small kits on eBay that I purchased just because they looked like they would take hardly any time at all and would come it handy for housewarming, christmas or birthday presents. I completed the first kit in a day (a Nemo cross-stitch) although I did add a few bits, my son's name and a few bubbles.

The second one I decided I would do for my Grandma for christmas. She lives in a residential home so it's quite difficult to get something that's different from what she got the previous christmas or birthday. Let's face it do you really need any more pairs of slippers or biscuit selection boxes!? Once completed it looked great :)

With so many children's birthdays coming up around the same time as my son's (January!) I really wanted to be able to make something for them that I could complete before christmas that would be individual to them and have their name on it. I had already stocked up on a few children's things (story books, a few types of wooden cars and buses, crayons etc) but for a first birthday it's difficult to think of something that a) they won't have and b) that will be appreciated.

I set myself this task knowing that I also have three birthdays next month (October) which I plan to make these for so no time for hanging about. I am tempted to stick with the boat design for the boys for now and design a new one soon. A girls one is designed I just have to stitch it, acquire a few charms and beads, and price up frames at our local picture frame shop.

My husband will be very happy knowing there is finally a meaning to all my crafting madness!!! :)

check in soon,

Lydia