current status

Should I skip the intros, and dive right into what projects are currently cluttering my living room floor? Or should I mention how December came with a burst of creative energy and very little time, so several projects were started, abandoned, or just came out terribly.

See, the thing with Projectitis is that planning ahead isn't something a person can do. When you're in the grip of the compulsion to create, you don't stop to think about the hows and whens and whys. You just start making stuff until the compulsion leaves you ... and leaves a giant mess on the living room floor.

So let's look at December. I had grand plans of sewing fabulous new Christmas stockings similar to those of several years ago, with more embellishment. However, I finished only two. They were taken down to a local shop to be sold (except they didn't sell).

A stamp was carved and Christmas cards were made with tiny "jewels" (and even sent!), and some were taken to the shop to be sold. There are LOTS still available, by the way. 

After seeing the beautiful chicken tractor my friend made, I was driven to make my own. Due to husband assistance, this was also finished. It's not finished in that photo, but I assure you it has been finished and even used!

You'd think that's enough projects for one December, but no... I had the brilliant idea of making my own Christmas tree. I thought I'd gather willow branches from the ranch, spray paint them silver, and then insert them into a rod that would act like a tree trunk. Well, in my *head* it was beautiful. Let's just say I have plenty of things to do differently next year. I won't even share a picture of it. So disappointing. And definitely not cheaper than just buying a real tree.

Current projects around the house? I shall list them, with status:

1. Belly dancing flounced skirt. Two tiered skirt with lined flounces along the bottom. Fabric has been purchased and washed.

2. Belly dancing beledi dress. Dress was acquired from a very tiny dancer. Since the rest of the troupe uses this dress in performances and the fabric is not to be found anywhere, I am altering it to fit me. Seams have been unstitched, fabric and trim purchased, fabric cut.

3. Return address stamp. I am carving a stamp of my home address to use on letters I mail. Half-carved.

4. Recycled sari silk purse. Half-circle purse knitted from yarn that was woven with the leftover silk strings recycled from a place that makes silk saris. I  have knit both half circles (front and back) and 1/3 of the strap.

A smart person would restrain herself from starting any new projects.