What do I like?

Among the reasons I started this blog (besides staying in touch with friends and generally chronicling our lives) was to try to figure out what I like to do. Last winter, on a particularly dreary day filled with sniffles, bathroom cleaning, and what seemed like extreme isolation, I tried to think of what I would rather be doing. I could think of wildly fantastical vacations I would rather be taking but I couldn't think of one single hobby I wanted to pursue. It sucked.

I know (as you do) that I love gardening. It is the single most fulfilling non-parenting activity in my life. It provides me with a very public way to show my love for my home and my neighborhood without interacting with people or even saying a word.

I think I want to learn how to sew (simple things like pillow and duvet covers - I'll leave the making of clothes to people who understand the shape of the human body better than I seem to). I love fabric. I have "discovered" so many fabric designers in the last year that I simply adore. Among my favorites are:

Anna Maria Horner. This fabric is called "Small Gathering Azalea" from the Good Folks line.

Then, there's Amy Butler. I don't love them all (nor would she love everything about me) but many of her fabrics are rich, yet casual. My daughters each have dresses made from Amy Butler fabrics.

Patty Young has some fabulously flamboyant fabrics and sewing patterns, too.

Liberty Fabrics are classic and beautiful, especially when used in unexpected ways.

I am, of course (who isn't?) in love with Marimekko fabrics.

I also love denim and ticking and crisp white cotton.

I ought to be able to make something good(ish) out of all that, right?

We'll see how it goes. Check back after the snow falls and see if I make good on my intentions.