"Grammy Carter would be so Proud!"

Some might say sewing is a hobby of mine. I will use the term hobby very loosely. If by hobby you mean, something I do on occasion, enjoy doing it when I do have time, but have room for a lot of improvement, then yes, sewing is one of my hobbies. It is also something that I am interested in and want to be better at.

The majority of the sewing projects that I have conquered have been at my parents' house in Cedar Vale. I really can't do much sewing unless my mom is close by to help me through the steps I'm not so sure about. I have braved a few simple projects on my own, but the cell phone is close during these times.

Each and every time I have been sewing, my mom always has said at least once during the project, "Grammy Carter would be so proud."

Yesterday I went to my parents to conquer yet another sewing project, a purse for my sister's birthday (yes, she knows she is getting it). Mau (the nickname we all call my grandma on my mom's side), who is Grammy's daughter, came by to see the progress I was making on the purse. As I was showing her, she said, almost in tears, "Grammy Carter would be so proud."

It is hard to explain the significance of these words without explaining the close relationship I had with my great grandma, who we affectionately called Grammy. I'm not saying that I was the favorite of her great grandkids, because she of course did not pick favorites, but I was lucky to get to spend a lot of one on one time with her that my other cousins probably didn't get. The year I went to preschool was the year my mom started working as a para at the school so Grammy would pick me up after preschool in the morning and I would spend the afternoon with her until my mom got off work.

Our afternoon activities make me laugh as I look back on them now. Most afternoons consisted of her laying on the couch and me on the floor (on her mattress we all fought over so I got it all to myself), watching soap operas and both of us eventually falling asleep. The only reason soap operas were on was because she only had the main networks so that was the only option for afternoon television. We would also make sugar cookies quite frequently. I wish I had her recipe because they are truly the only sugar cookies I really like and there aren't any others like it (or that I have tried). She would often be working on some sewing project that I would watch her do and at times help with simple steps. She and my mom often made clothes for my sister and I. They also made us dresses for Easter and Christmas. She attempted to teach me to crochet, but that didn't amount in more than just a small crocheted blanket barely big enough for a baby doll.

We often would go to Winfield or Ark City for the afternoon to run some errand. I loved how she backed out of her driveway. I'm convinced to this day that she literally floored it backing out. But my favorite afternoon activity was helping her wash her porch. I'm not sure why I thought this was so fun, maybe because I got to use the hose and spray water everywhere and it didn't really matter what got wet.

Grammy also taught us all how to make Christmas candy. I remember everyone being down at her house making tons and tons of Christmas candy. We still carry on the tradition and make some every year. This is definitely a tradition I will pass down to my children.

Grammy was also a teacher for many years. I only knew her being able to speak at a whisper so I like to think she lost her voice from yelling at kids for so many years. This probably isn't true, but I do love that I come from a long line of teacher from her to Mau to my mom and now to my sister and myself. Even though she only spoke at a whisper, if she got really mad and "yelled" at us, it almost came out as loud as a normal voice. It is hard to explain, but I always found it so funny that when she cussed, it came out clear as a bell. Don't let that fact make you think poorly of my great grandma. She was an incredible lady who lived a long and full life and I'm lucky to have known her for as long as I did before she passed away.

So... when my mom or Mau tells me, "Grammy Carter would be so proud", those words mean more to me than I can even explain.

Pictures below are of the sewing project!

Scraps from cutting out the pattern.

All the pieces that will eventually be a Birdie Sling (pattern by Amy Butler)

Lining and pockets! I had enough fabric to make two bags.

Bands attached to inside and outside! (This is not Mandy's bag)

Pinning the pleats (the pleats are what makes this bag so cute!)

All the pieces of Mandy's bag ready to be sewn together, except the handle goes to the other bag.

The Finished Product!

Oh, and I changed my mind on the fabric for my quilt. Below is what fabric we are going to use instead!