Mari Musings

Happy New Year! Is it too late for that greeting...? I took several pictures over the past few weeks for this blog, but I’m too tired to update. Funny how that works, right? My strength and fortitude have been challenged in new ways by some personal matters. I won’t quit, though … even if I’ve kissed my limit for a couple of weeks. To take my mind off the horrors, even with no energy, I have played a lot of small, non-committal games, such as Suika, Block Blast, and Life Makeover. It’s helping, and today is a good day.

I bought a new phone last week for the first time in like 8 years, so I’m excited to play with the new camera. —And it will be nice to edit the pictures without worrying that my phone will blow up, LOL. I’ve also sewn several projects this last month! I have improved my basic skills with each project, and I’m pretty happy with everything I’ve stitched together.

I never finished those weird pants for my mom. I felt demoralized after realizing that they probably will not fit her (#skill issue), so they’re sitting in my closet, staring sadly at me. I will make something more practical for my mom out of that cool alien fabric I have left over. 👽 I just need to decide what she would use. I love practical gifts like AirPods cases or book covers, but my mom is an odd woman. Maybe I should make her something as weird as the flap-quilt-pants. I don’t think I’m as creative as her when it comes to out-of-the-box ideas…

I found most of my fabric and supplies at the second-hand craft store. The alien fabric is from Michael’s, though. I miss Joann’s.

I bought new pillows for the first time ever. It’s embarrassing. TMI, but I’ve always just used my crusty, amber, well-loved twin pillows (with clean sheets, I’m not THAT nasty!), never considering buying new ones… until my mom visited and commented on it. It got into my head. I felt so r/malelivingspace. I have no decorations on my bedroom walls... I have no headboard... I started to spiral. Living with a man for the past 6 years has infected me with a virus that only new queen pillows could cure. Thankfully, the post-Christmas sales had my back. Naturally, these pillows need pillowcases. I decided to be ✨extra ✨and design my own quilted pillow pattern. I really struggled to follow a normal pattern or tutorial with my alterations, so I gave up and went rogue. It came out OK! I did not have the pillows themselves when I was sewing, so I trusted the internet and my own measurements to ensure they fit. And my math worked out perfectly! The pillowcase fits snuggly, and this pillow supports my neck better anyway. PHEW! It worked out. P.S. I have not made one for Dudu yet because he’s a princess who wants high-thread-count linen fabric. I wish I had thought of that! I want to be a princess too!👸 I put together a few small projects in just an evening, such as this robin bag for my aunt. She doesn’t like carrying a full purse when just running out of the house… and inevitably forgets her phone, ID, etc. So I made her this phone purse. It’s a bit ugly, but I learned a lot while making it.

My favorite project I’ve made so far is this little travel pouch I made for my 3DS (on the left). The other pouch is a simple book cover that I sewed together a few months ago. Basically, I hate throwing naked items in my purse, especially delicate ones like my handhelds and books. One day, I will post a ‘what’s in my bag’ page so you can see my system. Everything has a pouch.

(Not pictured) Finally, I made a couple of ‘purse pouches’ for Dudu. I hacked his PSP and loaded it with games for him as a Christmas gift. He wanted a soft cover for it so he could put it in his work bag. Ask, and he shall receive. I’m like the sewing fairy. 🧚 Mood: Sleepy

Listening to: Pantera

Watching: The Walking Dead S4

Playing: Cities Skylines (2014)