Monday, September 12, 2016

Think Small

Tiny Dresden Pincushion by Heidi Staples from Westwood Acres Pattern

There are moments when you have to make something right away. Sometimes you even find yourself running for the printer and the fabric as soon as you see the pattern on your computer screen. 

The Tiny Dresden Pincushion, designed by my friend Amanda of Westwood Acres Fabric, is just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. This was actually my first Dresden block, and I'm completely hooked. I can't wait to make another one. 

Tiny Dresden Pincushion by Heidi Staples from Westwood Acres Pattern

I made a few alterations to the pattern, cutting the center circle about 1/2" smaller and using a longer strip for the gusset so that I could sew it on like binding (it's just easier for me that way). The whole project took less than a day. I started this as soon as I finished cutting out the pattern pieces last night, and finished it right after lunch today. For the fabric, I used a bundle that I shared on Instagram over the weekend of some of my very favorite prints. I am absolutely crazy about this darling little pincushion!

Tiny Dresden Pincushion by Heidi Staples from Westwood Acres Pattern

Do any of you find that hand sewing encourages deep thinking? It sure does with me. Over the past few months I've found myself mulling over current events as I sew, and it can be so discouraging. 

In this day and age, we're told to think big, dream big. There are certainly moments when this is a good thing. I've been struck lately, though, with the importance of thinking small. The world is going crazy right now. Pain and suffering, injustice and cruelty -- they're happening all around us, and it's frightening to realize that there's not much I can do to alter these things. How many of us have the power to change the world? 

But then I remember that I can change my world. I can't influence heads of state, but I can teach my daughters to be kind to each other. I can't care for hurting people around the globe, but I can encourage a friend who's struggling with problems at home. We can make a difference in the lives of those closest to us, especially our families. It's easier to think that a grand gesture has a bigger impact, but I'm not sure that it does. When we cultivate kindness in the everyday challenges of life, those seeds of love can spread farther than we realize. 

It's not the easy way, mind you. Showing patience with crabby kids, frustrating coworkers, and difficult family members day after day is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage and selflessness and determination. It takes strength beyond ourselves. But isn't it worth the sacrifice?

Make a difference today, my friends...think small.

13 comments:

  1. Well said. And a valuable reminder about what we CAN do to make the world better.

    The pincushion is so, so cute. If I had made it, I'd just look at it over and over and smile each time.

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  2. Oh I love this, the Dresden and your words. ❤️

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  3. THere are two things I hold on to of late....Kindness matters and There is always something to be Thankful for. This is a great reminder that all those little acts make a great difference to those around us everyday. And in the end that's no small thing. And this pincushion is jar the cutest, I hope to make one this weekend!

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  4. Well said Heidi, I find it sad to listen to the news around the world of so much suffering so have been trying to focus on my little universe (family, friends, co-workers) and spread some kindness and cheer.
    Love your pin cushion.....

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  5. Funny, our pastor was talking about something similar this week in his message. It's a good reminder.

    Pretty pin cushion! Love the stitching details.

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  6. I LOVE this pincushion. Too adorable. I want to make one now.

    There is so much horrible and terrible around us, despite that, there is also and perhaps more lots and lots of wonderful and happiness.

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  7. Bonjour,
    Je pense que chacun à sa mesure peut apporter sa pierre pour faire que ce monde fou aille mieux, c'est difficile.....
    Il faut savoir dire, je t'aime aux personnes qui te sont chères.
    Bonne journée de France

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  8. Gosh I just love your blog!! You are so down to earth and real. What you said is so true, if everyone would spread just a little kindness and love everyday it would make such a difference. I adore your sweet little pincushion! You always pick the best fabrics. I think you should do a post every so often about fabric bundles that you have curated because you have a real eye for that! I did see your IG post :)

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  9. Love your pincushion!! Those tiny dresden blades are so cute!! And you're right: not much we can do will affect the world, but we have to work at making our little corners of the world better. Have a wonderful week!! Hugs, H

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  11. I was just talking to my husband over dinner about the crazy world we live in and I voiced my doubts about the future, so your gentle reminder has come at just the right moment...support others & show kindness to those around us. Thank you. PS. a very cute pincushion!

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  12. I hear you loud and clear. I try to focus on the positive and stay away from the news and media. One of my favorite quotes is "Be the change you wish to see in the world" by Ghandi. It sounds like you're doing just that! Love the pincushion, too. Julie@TheCraftyQuilter.com

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