How to Cope...SIT

Sew it Together...what a FAB concept.  Over 50 crafters in one room all day working on a myriad of different projects!  Sheridan, the organiser, managed to surpass her 6 stitches from the last Sew it Together by producing this incredible amount of work!  Thing is, what Sheridan has started is more than a single project.  Evidence of her efforts surrounded us.  There was a room full of excited, enthusiastic women thrilled to bits to be together.  Some were friends, some were meeting for the first time but all were sharing their passions.   

Most of these gals have small children.  Now we all know what that means.  Picking up a project only to find someone needs a drink, costume or bandaid.  It means that for the love of love we set aside the things we enjoy most and attend to others.  It means that often when we do get the chance to sit and enjoy our projects we are so tired we can't manage.  I don't mean just for a day but for a long, long time. I found myself lost in the memory of 10 years as a stay at home mom trying to MAKE stuff other than dinner. 

I worried that if I told them how much time my teenagers take it would send them all under the tables in denial.  I worried that if I told them the worries go from temperatures and tears to girlfriends and cars...well...what is the point as we all learn in due time.   So aside from pointing out that my kids friends were just outside the window  skateboarding around town (while my young son was actually somewhere in Newtown looking for an earing...don't read that bit mom!) I kept relatively quiet.

Yes, the days of managing kids within arms reach are gone for me.  My favorite commercial these days is the one where a mother and her teenage son are at the table.  He takes off his headphones and the music blasts, "HALLELUIAH".  They then share a chocolate bar and conversation...anyway, I digress. 

Some have children and businesses like Saffron Craig...

 There were tables of knitters and crochet... 

We had a workshop table set up for four sessions throughout the day.  We talked colour and did demonstrations with wedge rulers, 60 degree rulers and then Cath sat them down for a slow burner session with hexagons and hand sewing.  Although this process does not produce the quick result it does add a nice flavour to life.  Left or right handed, fingers or all thumbs...this is a nice thing to have going in a corner to pick up when you need a moment to find yourself.

Saturday was a very enjoyable day.  Cath and I loved meeting these industrious gals.  We both got a dress from Polly Pratt (which I will be wearing again today!) Not a moment of stress. Sheridan deserves a medal.  These events don't happen without passionate devotion. Emails, phone calls and lots of hours planning so that we can all enjoy ourselves with all details covered.  I was most grateful to be included as a participant and sponsor.

Then on Sunday, after they all hit the town Saturday night, they hit the shop.  We did some more demos, had a coffee and a chat and then madly ripped through the shop before they all lined up with arms hugging goodies and then got on the bus to the airport.  It seemed like only five minutes but they were a bit later on the bus than I promised Sheridan...hope you all made your flights and thanks for all your nice comments.  I hope you get to your purchases and I look forward to seeing what you make!

Now, onto the week that is.  Was there a weekend in there?  I didn't go home to small children but rather walked in, had a bite to eat and then a two hour nana nap.  Ugh.  It is true.  I collapsed.  Fortunately because there were four loads of laundry and three bathrooms to clean later.  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  Gotta love it and take the good with the bad. Learning to cope.  k

Comments

[Bloom]

Great post Kathy, keeping it real! Yes, the nurturing of children simply takes on a different set of worries as time passes. It certainly doesn't take less time as they get older! This is such a wonderfully encouraging post to see a group of women, all with busy lives, families and businesses, taking some time out to get together and enjoy each other's company & creativity. Thank you for taking the time to share it with us. It is nice to know I am not the only one struggling to find creative time in amongst the choas! My favourite photo: the one of the girls and their hexagons - such concentration! My favourite thought: you keeping it quiet that your son was off in Newtown earring shopping! Hey, he could be doing far worse, it's all relative! Have a great week.

[Michelle]

We all got to the airport just fine! We even had time for lunch and a leisurely coffee and browse at the bookstore. Shall send you my photos now (they might be a little large though - let me know if it doesn't get through and I will post the (blog friendly ones) on Flickr for you to download from there.

[lyn lindsay]

Thanks Kathy great to see such 'worker bees' gathering, good for the soul...have a great week.

Lyn

[Bronwyn]

Kathy - we all had such a wonderful time on Sat at SIT with your huge all-day effort - and the special opening and all the attention we received on the Sunday morning was fantastic!!!

Can we bottle you and your shop and bring you down to Melbourne?

Lots of us remember you crying out " We need a retreat!" and we all cheered YES!!!

[Hilary]

You've written such a lovely wrap up of the day and your photos are a great reminder of who was there and what they were working on ( I forgot to take photos I was so obsessed with the top I was piecing!)It was lovely to meet you after all this time.

[Lara]

Thanks so much for summing up the day so beautifully. We had a wonderful time and you really are inspirational Kathy. Your expertise, knowledge, and passion are very much appreciated.

[Kylie]

What a fantastic write up Kathy - Lovely to meet you on Saturday. Yes, our little ones will soon grow up and we will have different things to worry about:)

[Esther]

We did have fun didn't we!

Glad to hear you did too. Many thanks.

[Candy Walker]

Hi Kathy, Love your quilt in QNM. I was busy looking at the complexity of the one on P60 but when I turned the page I went 'wow' and then looked at your picture, hey! I know her - ha ha. So here I am back at your blog to catch up. Congrats on the shop move, looks very homey. Love the wrap for the Sydney show - will have to think about a visit. Keep up the great work, you are indeed very lucky to be surrounded by what you love - on bolts and on legs! Candy x

[Rachel]

Great post Kathy. I was so disappointed I missed out on your demonstrations. It was such a fun day wasn't it. Trying not to hide under the table now...

[SandyN]

Kathy, Thank you for taking the time and sharing your talent with us last weekend.

LOVE all of your quilts..

Sandyn

I must come and check out your new shop!!!

[Martha]

Kathy,
I loved your comment about having something "going in a corner to pick up when you need a moment to find yourself". Very insightful and wonderful to know I am not alone with teenagers, laundry and projects.
Martha

[Megs]

Thank you so much for having us Kathy, and for sharing all your knowledge and wisdom, you truly are a very inspiring lady. Look forward to seeing you again in the future!

[pandora-birthday-charms]

How funny to see you all sitting there is your winter garb!!!
Can you believe a year ago today I was like a cat on a hot tin roof ready to board the 'plane!!!
Cath can't return - I need to see her tomoz for a cuppa!!!
And pleeeeze put me on the BOM list if I'm not there already!

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