Sewing It Up!

If you haven't done anything crafty or creative lately, why not?  It is so good for your mental and physical health.  The more you exercise your creative side, the healthier you will be.  One of the big problems I have seen in many elderly is that they never took the time to develop any hobbies or crafts that would carry them through their old age.

You don't have to be an "artist" to enjoy creating things.  There are courses out there for those of you who have never tried anything.  It can be flower arranging, gardening, bonsai, painting, sewing, knitting or whatever, but try SOMETHING!

You would be amazed at how pleased people are to receive a "personal" gift from you which you have created with your own hands.  Today I finished a costume for my ten-year-old granddaughter to wear while she gives a report on Abigail Adams.  It really wasn't all that difficult, she will love it and it will give her extra credit on her report.  In addition, it made her work harder to study everything about Abigail Adams, thereby furthering her educational development.  Have you helped a grandchild with a "project" lately?  It is such a rewarding way to spend time with them.

I took the granddaughters to a place called "Art By You" this past Saturday where they painted a couple of mugs and little ceramic animals which will be fired and I will pick them up this coming Saturday. They had great fun, I loved watching them exercise their creative talents and I love to encourage them to do so.  They were so excited to be making something tht we can keep to remember what a fun day we had.  They painted Valentine mugs which I will love using.  

I have been sewing since I was just a little child.  I actually made tons and tons of Barbie clothes for my sister who was ten years younger than me.  I made everything from sandals to wool and fur skating outfits.  She had the best dressed Barbie in town, and I honed my sewing skills at a very young age.  I also used to make my own Halloween costumes.  All this led to my making my own clothing after I was married.  I don't sew nearly as much as I used to, but every now and then I pull out the machine and go at it!  Sometimes I just make American Girl Doll clothes for the girls.  I have made Halloween costumes for the four of my grandchildren who live here in Georgia.  It encourages them to be creative also.

I encourage you right now to find some hobby or craft you can get into.  My sweet hubby has been chip carving and power carving for the past few years.  He has gotten really good at it, and loves it too.  We hope that some of our hobbies can supplement our income after we retire.  Plus, believe me people when I tell you that using your hands, eyes and talents is what helps to keep you YOUNG! Use your mind and expand your world.  You won't regret it.

Sewing It Up!

Eric, my 15-year-old grandson is quite a soccer player; and that is not just his Granma's opinion. He was just accepted in the Olympic Development Program here in Georgia! Go Eric!

Last weekend, while playing, another player grabbed him by the front of his $55.00 jersey and tore it from the neck down to the belly button! Yikes! By the way,that is a foul. Anyway, last night he delivered the torn Jersey to me to try and make a repair so that he can wear it this weekend. Another shirt is on order, but he is playing this weekend and must have a jersey to wear. So, this morning Granma was off to Hobby Lobby to pick up some fusible fabric to put behind the tear. After cutting a piece big enough to go behind the damaged area, I carefully ironed it in place. Then, taking a single strand of matching thread, I approximated the rough edges on top of the fused area. It actually came out really well. I am glad that I can sew!

It is becoming more and more common that women no longer sew. Oh, most can sew on a button, but anything beyond that is a challenge. There are a lot of places where you can get sewing lessons, like Singer stores, Hancock Fabrics and even Hobby Lobby. Ladies, it isn't a bad thing to know the sewing basics! Knowing how to repair a hem in your pants or skirt, or repairing one of your children's clothes can really come in handy when someone else isn't around to do it for you.

I have made Halloween costumes for myself and others since I was a child. I also made Barbie clothes for my sister's Barbie. That was the best dressed doll in the neighborhood! This past year I made cheerleader outfits for my granddaughter and some of her friends so their American Girl dolls could be dressed like them during their Competition Cheerleading Events.

The girls loved them! By the way, there are people out there charging $80.00 EACH for those things! So, you could possibly make a little money if you find you like sewing.

You can create great memories by sewing for your friends and children too. Last Christmas I made beautiful white nightgowns with red ribbon trim for the girls and their dolls. These are treasured little memories the girls will carry with them into adulthood. Maybe a good place to start would be for your to begin with doll clothes. There are all kinds of patterns out there...some simple and some more difficult. Here are a few things I made last year...

So, why don't you give it a try?! It really doesn't take a lot of "talent", just a little patience; and it is so rewarding.

Sew for it!

TODAYS RECIPE

Salsa Chicken Stir Fry

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
1/2 sweet onion, sliced thinly
1 clove minced garlic
1/2 sweet red pepper, sliced thinly
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup of your favorite salsa
Salt and Pepper to Taste
You may add some Cayenne, or Tony Chachere's Creole seasoning to "light" up
the heat a bit.

Cook the children in a large nonstick skillet, stirring frequently until it is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the pan. In the same pan, cook onion, garlic, pepper and broccoli until crisp-tender. Return the chicken to the pan and add salsa and stir to cot. Cook together for one to two minutes. Season to taste. Serve immediately over Rice or pasta.

Calories in Chicken Stir-Fry (not including rice or pasta)... Calories 167, 28 g protein, 8 g carbohydrate, 2 g fat, 66 mg cholesterol, 326 mg sodium, 2 g fiber.

You can use other veggies if your family is not fond of broccoli...snow peas, green beans, etc.

EAT UP!