Throwing in the Towel

Shopping for Father's Day gifts is always a challenge.  You could say, each year I'm always ready to "throw in the towel".  Quite honestly, purchasing anything for the male in your family is nearly impossible - unless you go with the traditional gift card, tool box, or fishing gear.  Except, my Dad doesn't fish (often), he isn't really a "mechanical" guy and I'm really tired of picking up anymore Best Buy or Starbuck's as the "go-to" gift card for him.  It has nothing personal do with my Dad, my hubs or any other man in my life; men are just plain hard to shop for, right?  Can I get a holla' back on this one from my girls out there?

This year, I was going big, or going back to the gift card aisle.

After doing a little online research, I found a few ideas.  I came across this blog that gives you a great tutorial on creating a golf towel for that special guy in your life.  Perfect - my Dad DOES golf, so this was hitting the jackpot!  After picking up a few things at Hancock's and rummaging through the sale bins, I found some great fabric and pulled Sal (my sewing machine) back out to stretch her legs again.  

                                         What you need:
"Manly" Fabric (about 1/2 yard)Soft Fabric - terry cloth or I actually used flannel (about 1/2 yard)
Grommet Kit (instructions are clearly outlined on the back on how to use this fancy tool)
Hook to match your Grommet Kit
Thread to match your fabric
Iron-on letter (optional)


It went off with a hit - no pun intended!  I know Pops is swinging better, hitting further and you can definitely make bets that his game has improved with this little beauty by his side. 

I know Father's Day seems like it was ages ago - but life has happened in between the last couple of months and I've been sewing like crazy with my new little sewing busy.  Check us out Etsy or "like" us on Facebook to receive an extra discount when you shop! 

Happy Thursday!

Swinging Doors

Picture from mysafetysign.com

For years now, people have encouraged and at times, offered a challenge that has stuck with me for years.  "The Lord opens and the Lord closes doors."  A solid truth that always reminded me of God's faithfulness in the midst of difficult times, but lately has posed some questions.  For doors to close or open, they must swing, right? Lately, I have felt more like I'm in a diner with constant swinging doors than perhaps a still, closed door or a friendly "welcome, please come inside," kind-of-door.  Ever felt that way?  Just when you feel the door open, it slams shut...or when it begins to close, BAM, you're surprised at the entrance waiting.  If you've spent any time in a Christian community, or let's be honest a "Christian Bubble", you know exactly what kind of language I'm speaking...

Let me be frank for a moment.  I believe that my God truly delights in pleasing His children and seeing us thrive in our environments.  I also believe that He views our environments very differently than you and me.  I'll share a quick testimony.  I have walked on an incredible journey with the Lord for many years now.  There have been opportunities I never thought I would have.  My time with Heartlight Ministries and currently with Mercy Ships has been nothing short of a testament to God's faithfulness and love.  Meeting my incredible husband and falling in love was a fairytale I never thought I would have the chance to witness, much less live out and serving the Lord in full-time ministry at Heartlight and with Mercy Ships has been a blessing and honor.  The Lord's eyes definitely saw more than I did before I took my last steps in Aggieland as a student.  The "doors" have been narrow, and at other times, have seemed W-I-D-E and inviting.  The path wasn't always straight and smooth, but it has led to times of growth, maturity and a very real and authentic relationship with Christ - something I would never, ever trade. 

Without sharing too many personal steps in this journey, I have learned that although I believe in this traditional saying, I also wholeheartedly believe that we are all on a path with swinging doors - in transition times - times of spills, falls, and at the very least - occasional and total wipe-outs.

The highlight is:  there is always an opportunity for your door to swing open again or perhaps an opportunity for you to see something else on the other side of your doorway that you didn't see before. Be encouraged, friends.  If you're in the "swinging" part of your journey, know you are not alone.  You never know when doors will open again or which entrance will serve as a new entryway, it could very well be the same one you're trying to close... 

Rockin', Rollin' and SEWIN'...

Never in a MILLION, TRILLION years would I have guessed that I would be telling you, my blogging family, about a small little business of mine.  Wait, let's rewind - blog and business.  Those two "b" words were never in my vocabulary before.  It's been so thrilling to introduce these two words into my language!  Who would have thought that Mom's Christmas purchase in 2011 would turn into the best gift that kept giving in 2012?

After week one of opening my Southern Sewendipity Facebook page, I have completed 8 orders of custom, homemade clutches for 2 sisters, 2 co-workers, 1 out-of-state friend, 1 "2nd mother", and 2 girlfriends.  Believe it or not, I just confirmed 1 additional order for another.  The world of technology and word-of-mouth is a girl's best friend when it comes to advertising her favorite accessory.  In the world of marketing and accessories, 8 is a small, very tiny number in comparison to companies like Coach or Vera Wang.  But, let's face it - I'm just a Southern girl, in a small town, just doing what she loves.  So, eat your heart out, Vera!  I see eight as the new 1K!  

Lessons learned so far:

1. Don't be afraid to "take the plunge", even it means standing at the edge for a long time.  Don't watch what everyone else is doing...you'll jump when you're ready.  
2. Practice.  You learn more with every step. 
3. Ask for help.  There are many people willing to give you great advice.  
4.  Let your creativity flow...sewing leaves the door WIDE open to create things that reflect you.  Take advantage of allowing this opportunity to show others a side they may have never seen before.
                                                                 and....
5. Don't forget to HAVE FUN.  Sewing has become a hobby for me.  Something I enjoy doing when everything else around me isn't enjoyable.  Don't let it become "homework." 

 I think it's time to introduce Southern Sewendipity's line-up.  I think they are a pretty fabulous crew, don't you? 

(Don't forget, you can inquire more with our Etsy Shop: here and visit us on Facebook here):

"Wild Thang"

The "Su-Su" clutch (named after my Mom a.k.a Su-Su)

"Southern Belle"

"Chevron"

"Summer Sky"

Addicted

You may remember my post here when I introduced the wonderful world of clutches, or at least, the homemade kind.  I didn't realize at the time, I would fall so IN LOVE with them and making them.  I carry mine around like a champ.  I don't know what it is that has me so hooked in creating such a fabulous accessory, but it's totally my favorite sewing homework assignment right now.

Since creating my black and red beauty in April, I have made three others:  one for Mom, one for a dear friend and just finished one last night for my sister!  If had more fabric, believe me - a fourth would have made its debut.  Over the last month, I have learned the fun in making each purse one-of-a-kind.  Between choosing your fabric to picking out your pattern for the "flap" verses your "purse" and my latest addition:  a little embellishment.  The ways to make a Southern Sewendipity clutch are endless!  

Here are the final products:

 

Dancers and Leaders

Most people that know me, unfortunately quickly learn that my biggest weakness is the need to control.  Ever since I was a little girl, I have thrived on organization, structure and at the very least, the need to have a clean room.  Anything less was always unsettling to my young mind.  At 29, not much has changed and sadly, some of those tendencies have only worsened over the years.  Last week (and since writing this, today again), I experienced one of those realizations where it was finally time to make a trade:  control for freedom.

When I married my handsome groom 2 1/2 years ago, I realized that control was not really welcomed in a marriage.  He is one of the most patient men I know and thankfully has put up with my shenanigans over the last few years, especially when I wanted things done on my time and my way.  (Yes, selfishness seems to be a weakness, too.  I think control and selfishness must go hand-in-hand.  Go figure.)  Just in case you are newly married and want to tell your husband to pick up socks again or re-clean something, it's not worth it.  In fact, it can be border-line disrespectful, in my opinion.  Control can be a messy thing - and can corrupt your life.  Don't let it creep into your marriage, your workspace, or any other area of your life.  In the end, I have learned that control seems to be one of those battles that I have struggled with for years - even before Jeff was in the picture. 

My expectations were set above any bar and in order to reach them, it was as if I had to climb 1,000 staircases to even touch the first floor.  This led to sleepless nights, headaches, unhappy moments, and many tearful conversations.  It was not only wearing to my mind, it was damaging my heart.  It shouldn't surprise you that I realized last last week that I have lived many (unprofitable) years mentally exhausted, trying to control things that are out of total reach and simply just out of my control.  A hard lesson for such a stubborn soul to see.  Never was anything "in my control" to begin with anyway, except maybe the occasional disciplines like brushing your teeth or perhaps learning to study for a test weeks in advance rather than the night before?  Nonetheless, I look back at my life and review the blessings, the very unfortunate heartaches and believe this:  It is always the best policy to trust Jesus. He will consistently take better care of our hearts and plans better than we ever could or ever will. Sounds so cliche, right?  But, so full of truth, friends!  The best part?  When He takes the lead, you will find yourself in a place of true freedom, and I believe there is no better place to live.  How many years have I been living in mental bondage, when all I needed was a time of surrender to my Savior?  I hate to even start calculating the math.  

Last Thursday, as I was cleaning, I landed on one of our music channels and found this catchy tune.  When I paused to listen to the lyrics, I couldn't help but giggle at the thought of the Lord saying, "This is for you."  I took a moment from cleaning and re-played it a few times - and found myself dancing with zero inhibitions.  Talk about a whole other kind of freedom! 

My favorite part of this song is not only the title, "You Lead," but the end of the chorus:  "I know what you've got for me, is more than I can see."  I kept thinking that as I moved around my living room.  How much greater are His plans than ours and what He has for us is more than we can see?  It reminds me of childhood, when all you wanted was to climb over the fence just to see the animals at the zoo, but Mom or Dad stopped you because what they saw on the other side, was far more dangerous than what you could see on your side.  Or what about the time as a young adult when you wanted so badly to date "Joe" or "Sue", but "someone" else saw him for what he/she was and chose to protect your heart instead or perhaps just had someone better for you around the corner?  As a Christian, I believe my path is directed by someone greater and His eyes see more than me.  I realize there will be bumps, STOP signs, and many "uneven" roads along the way, but I trust Him.  I give Him the control. 

I don't know where you are in your walk with Christ, or maybe you haven't yet given your life to Him or entrusted your path to His leadership.  But, let me tell you, there is some serious freedom when you give that up.  So much is completely out of our control.  I encourage you to live in freedom and allow Him to take the lead, I promise you - you won't regret it.