I made a list about a year ago. It was things I would do before I turned 31. One of those things was sew an apron.
For my 30th Birthday (that would be one whole year ago) my friend Christina got me this book and a cut of one of my favorite fabrics. One year later, and just a few days before my birthday, I decided to try and make this dream come to life.
So what took me a whole year? Well you could read this post about why I put off stuff that I really want to do. Or I can sum it up really fast for you…basically I had told myself:
I can’t sew.
That’s it. I can’t sew. And so I don’t do it. Even if I have a really cool sewing machine that I love. Even if I have patterns and fabric. Even if I have dreams. Still I don’t sew.
In the weeks approaching my birthday I kept looking at that item on my list and thinking, why did I write that on there? I feel this urge to accomplish it because it’s on my list, and yet, I’m just not capable.
Then God reminded me in my spirit…”Just like you’re not capable of cooking?”
Oh yes. I did used to tell myself that didn’t I? For years that was my out. I don’t have to cook because I can’t. Then one day I snapped out of that fog and realized, all you have to do is follow the recipe, and do some research for the things you don’t understand. Now I’m not a gourmet chef, but we do usually eat home 5 days a week now. And I do own cookbooks that actually have dog-eared pages and food-stained recipes. And I do actually enjoy being creative in the kitchen. So, the “I can’t cook” mantra, was really just a lie. A lie I chose to agree with and cling to for years.
So God, I see what you’re saying. If I want to learn to sew, I’ll figure out a way. I’ll make it happen. I’ll follow the pattern and do some research for the things I don’t understand.
The things we really want in life…those passions inside us…if we’ll just let them, they really will blossom and flow out of us quite naturally. We’ve just got to start believing God made us with gifts and passions for a purpose. We’ve got to stop telling ourselves we can’t. Is it really that we can’t or that we don’t want to?
I now have a fairly IMPERFECT apron. I made LOTS of mistakes. I stayed up until 1 am on my birthday to finish it. But I did it. And I adore it. I can sew.
So…what CAN you do?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
This makes my heart so happy. Thank you for this post=)
Where did you find the Hello Kitty sewing machine? I NEED ONE!
Okay… I don’t need one… but I want one. A lot.
I think this is awesome! Beware though… now your not going to stop, and we’re going to be seeing all kinds of fun and amazing stuff from you! I did a really easy skirt pattern for my kids. If you did this apron you could easily do it… I’ll have to send you a link. Its fun to see them running around in skirts you made yourself.
Wooo Hooo!!!
I know Shalae. I was thinking about clothes.
The sewing machine was from target online. It appears to be out of stock now but they do have a green one that is a step up from mine. It does more stitches and button holes. It’s a good little machine, but it does have plastic parts which I’m told isn’t as sturdy as metal. I think it’s great to learn on.
Thanks for asking Katie! I was thinking the same thing:) And Mandy, thanks for posting, I have been wanting to learn to sew for a decade now and thought because my Mom never taught me and I was too lazy to find a class that I just don’t sew. This may just be the inspiration I need! Watch out world . . .:)
so cool!!!
Proud of you!!
Loved this post! I also talk myself out of too many things when all I need to do is take a deep breath and begin…and keep repeating “I can do this” whenever I hit a snag. The feeling that you have when you push past one of your can’ts or fears is pure joy. Best of luck with your new list – you probably have one for 35 now.
yes…believing in more of those “pure joy” moments for both of us.