Quilting makes me feel less stabby.

There is nothing I can’t do without a pair of scissors in hand. See, here’s the thing… I love working with my hands. As someone who suffers from high anxiety, there’s something about making things with my hands that provides a sense of calm. A grounding effect, if you will, to focus my energy on the task literally “at hand” rather than allow the overwhelming speed of my anxious brain to take over and send me spiraling into a depression. Crafting isn’t just a fun hobby, it’s a way of life. It’s a mode of self-expression. It’s how I show love for others - by making them memorable, personalized gifts.

I’ve taken on many projects, crafts, and hobbies in my lifetime. I’ve done everything from woodwork, painting, quilting, gardening, and making clothes for my small children, to my most recently ridiculous obsession with my new Cricut machine- making everything from shirts, to signs for my bathrooms, and labels for my medication bottles. Without a pair of scissors, most of these projects wouldn’t happen.

My favorite projects have been the baby quilts. Quilting, you see, makes me feel a little less "stabby". I love spending time planning out a project, then going to the craft store to find the perfect fabrics, and then taking the time to lovingly cut each piece by hand.

For each of my dear friends and family members who’ve been blessed with a wee bairn, I have spent hours lovingly designing and sewing beautiful quilts that are tailored to their nursery theme and favorite colors. While I’ve made many quilts for babies, my absolute all-time favorite project was a quilt that I made for my niece. She is only 3 years younger than me, and we were pregnant at the same time. Our babies are 5 months apart in age. The theme in the nursery for little Celeste, my darling great niece and the 1st cousin once removed to my own daughter, was Owls and forest animals. The only requirement given to me was “don’t use pink.” Given the freedom to do as I pleased, I set off to work. At the time, I did not have a Cricut machine to make my own appliques, but I really wanted to make something special for my newest family member. I drew out a picture of an owl, collected my fabrics, and grabbed my orange Fiskars fabric scissors to get to work. What came out of the project was a beautiful handmade owl applique over a fun purple, blue, and coral. My niece cried upon receiving it, and to this day the quilt remains in little Celeste’s bedroom for her to cuddle up with on cold nights. I’ve made several quilts since then, but this one I am most proud of.