Close, close and closer.... but....

Look what I did this weekend! Yup, the binding is on my Dear Jane. And yes, I should not have cut the excess before I sewed it on. I ended up doing a zigzag seam first to make it easier.

At this time, I am done with hand sewing it down on three sides. Just one side left. This last part of the DJ has gone so much faster than I thought. I was sure I would still be quilting in October. Now it is almost done.... And it feels sad! It's been so much a part of my last four years. The reason I kept my sanity while being unemployed for too long. It kept my mind working, finding out how to solve the different blocks. And I progressed so much in my quilt-knowledge.

And only I know how many episodes of different series I have watched while working on this:)

I almost feel like I did when I was finally done with my schooling - over enjoyed that all this work finally has lead to a result and sad that a part of my life is over. 

There is no way I will start another four year long quilt project! But I do feel a pull towards a 4 000 pieces jigsaw....

There will be socks

This post is not so much about socks, as it is about a decision. I have finally realized that I have made my own punishment. I have, basically, spoiled my friends and family with homemade gifts. Sounds stupid, I know, but increasingly these last few years, I have been adding to and raising the bar so that I have not had a spare minute all fall until Christmas. Apart from making gifts. And too often I have kept on after Christmas, too.

I mean, if they got this last year, I have to do something more this year, right? At least it has to be the same as last year. And so on and so on. I never had time to do things for myself, apart from a few months in spring and early summer. Unless there was a birthday, or confirmation, or something else. Not to mention the costs.

So now they expect it, and take it for granted, most of them. I think the worst part is that I do a lot of these things for people that never can really understand the value and the work of what I give away. It makes me feel that what I do, is not of value, either. And that, is the worst part of it all.

So now I have made a decision. The big, handmade stuff is for the really big days. And for the ones who realize that a handmade quilt is several levels over a quilt bought at ikea. Though some of them are nice:)

I feel quite free, actually. Like a big burden is lifted off my shoulders. And I can finally bring back my collection of ideas, and the long list of inspiration on Pinterest!

And this Christmas, there will be socks. And that is all.