To Sew Successfully

You may have seen this before, it's been posted on other blogs and in newsletters over the last few years. I am posting it today, with my own commentary below, as you would probably expect!  From the pages of this (pictured) 1949 book, in a section called: "To Sew Successfully":

"Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do. Never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisacally. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew with a sink full of dirty dishes or with beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do those first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing. While you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick on.  If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing."

In today's world we care little about whether or not we'll be caught looking afright by a visitor who drops by unannounced or, even worse, our own husbands! A lot has changed since 1949, to be sure! We're not worried anymore about the clean dress, face powder or the French chalk; but, I wonder, isn't there some very valuable information hidden here that is all too easily laughed off? Wouldn't any task we approach benefit from the understanding that good results are difficult when indifference predominates? I believe that to be the truth. Although the words may seem archaic (lackadaisacally?)  to me in 2012; I'm also aware of being a throw-back to an earlier generation at the same time. I can't enjoy time spent sewing unless my own house is tidy and the chores are done, I  become too distracted by the "still-gotta-do" list. It's my personal curse! I am extremely thankful however, to be comfortable living in a time and place knowing that if the UPS delivery man rings the doorbell, or when Mr. Goodneedle wanders into the sewing room, my favorite sweatshirt and blue jeans won't raise an eyebrow. And for the record, I always try to keep my hair in order; it makes for more successful sewing sessions, I'm sure you would agree!

Life is Good!

The Power Of Perseverance

I am blessed with the best when it comes to friends; Quiltkeemosabe sent this to me and I am passing it on to you. You know all about the power of perseverance, that "ant and the rubber tree plant" mentality that is the key to success in life. Watch this short movie; you won't be disappointed, I promise. In fact, this may just be the best two minutes you spend today. I had the opportunity to hear Alex Anderson give a lecture. She told her life story through her quilts. She challenged her audience to step up to the plate in whatever it is they want to accomplish, she explained how she was reticent to accept the offer to host "Simply Quilts", but then she realized how sad it would be to look back on her life one day and see all the opportunities that she had missed. I understand that logic; I don't want to look back with regret either! There is something that I really want to do; I have decided to keep at it until it occurs. What's the worst thing that can happen, I get tired from trying? I can live with that. And so, for me, I will persevere. Wish me luck, and enjoy the film clip!

Many of life's failures are men who did not realize how close

they were to success when they gave up.~Thomas Edison

Life is Good!