Now that I have the time to work/sew/create, I also have more time to think about what I'm doing and why. Years ago, when I started law school, I was sure there would be no time for sewing or handwork, so I put it all away and dutifully hit the books. Within two weeks I learned that I had to do handwork. Nothing else gave me the satisfaction, the sense of progress. I couldn't control anything at school, but I had mastery over my materials in my lap. I designed and completed more needlepoint during those three years than any time before or since. So I do know that piece: creating things in fiber is necessary for my happiness. The inclination toward fiber pretty clearly comes from my mother and grandmothers, all sewers and knitters and stitchers. Wish they were here to have a discussion--it would be such fun as grownups to talk about this stuff. But all are gone. I have great hopes that there will be creative work in the afterlife . . .
Right now, in addition to working on the website etc., I'm making priest stoles to be offered for sale at the Diocese of Texas convention in February. I'm sharing a booth with Kay Sevick, a friend who creates wonderful traditional icons. Have no idea whether my work will appeal. I've done a number of commissions for ordination stoles and love seeing my work worn at the worship service during the convention--but it isn't quite mainstream. We shall see. You can look at the website to see a number of the stoles, and I'll put one in here just to prove I can do it. Feel free to leave a comment about the website, the blog, or the work. I'll answer if I can figure out how to do it.