Like a Slow Movin' Train

I'll tell ya, I am sooooo slow. Particularly when it comes to creative things. I am just amazed at how free and relaxed some folks are when they are making things. For some, it seems to just come naturally. I've been trying to embrace that free and easy side of things lately, but I'm like a slow movin' train. I hem and haw around like noone you can imagine. For starters, I believe I have a phobia of the sewing machine. While I've managed to make clothes, quilts and complete other sewing projects in the past, I always struggle with the mechanical workings of the sewing machine. So when I discovered Mary Ann Moss and her Remains of the Day journal class I thought it was a perfect opportunity to overcome my fear of the sewing machine. Mary Ann's technique uses needle and thread to attach all manner of paper and fabric to create one-of-a-kind journals.

So while we've had a couple of snow days here, I managed to set up my machine, get the book out and thread the thing. A small victory, but then the bobbin ran out along with my zeal for dealing with the machine. Intrigued and inspired by Mary Ann, I continued to dig in my scraps and whipped out my glue stick just to see how things would look. I also thought if things were tacked down it would help when I attempted to sew the papers. Besides, it's WAAAY too cold to venture out and purchase more thread or contemplate the new BROTHER machine at Target that autothreads and winds the bobbin. ;)

That was two days ago. I still haven't venturned out into the cold for thread. But like a slow movin' train, I'm making my way out of the station. Here are a few of the pages I have ready to sew. It's a start...

I am loving this process of creating layer upon layer of stuff to create a visual journal of my days. Mary Ann uses this type of journal when she travels and I can't wait to create one when I head out on my graduation trip in a couple years. I know - I may move slow, but I do like to plan ahead! And what a great way to get rid of some stuff. I definitely need to do that!

So I'm going to keep at it. Tomorrow I think I may even leave the house to get thread and then give the sewing machine a go again! I know it's been cold most everywhere lately. Besides working on this new journal I've been doing alot of cooking for my husband and just started reading a new book. What have you been doing while staying inside and trying to keep warm?