Sew & Tell Friday: Silver Linings

Please forgive me, dear Sew & Tell friends, as I boldly pull a "cheat" card this week. I have no finished product to share, but I assure you that I have what I've decided is a valid reason. I still couldn't bear to not participate this week, so please allow me.

Yesterday I sat down to my machine, inspired to work on a project for a friend. I had a fun idea for embroidery, but when I attempted to use the embroidery attachment on my (very expensive, rather new) machine, I was unsuccessful after several tries. So, I did what any mature woman would do: I tossed my supplies across the sewing table, moped upstairs, and took a two-hour nap.

When I returned downstairs, I checked email before returning to my sewing table. Within a few minutes, I received an email from my mom urging me to call her (via Skype, of course) as soon as possible. My dear Grandma Betty passed away yesterday morning after three years of struggle, culminating in severe brain trauma recently and a quick downward spiral over the past couple of weeks. Although I've anticipated this news, it is not easy to accept -- especially living halfway across the world.

Grandma Betty was such an important part of my life. My childhood was filled with weekends at her house, summers camping with her and Poppy, shopping, cookouts, playing countless games of cards, a couple of failed attempts at learning to crochet (why can't I get it?), and oodles of other memories. We were very close. She was certain that my sweet husband hung the moon and stars, and she delighted in my children, never forgetting a birthday (until recently, of course, when her mind started to go).

I'm determined to finally tackle crochet, in her honor. There are a few projects I'd like to eventually pursue. Above is fabric that I've posted before in other projects. I found it in her sewing box last year when she asked me to clean it out for her. I have no idea how long it's been since she's sewn anything, but I was pleased to have her personally offer that fabric to me. I've used it on several items, including an apron that I made for my mom (since this is her mother).

My precious family has been such a comfort to me. Craig came right home from work after getting the news and suggested we eat dinner out last night. (Japanese! Gotta love children who love octopus, sushi, and caviar.) He led the children in going around the table and listing pleasant memories of Grandma Betty. I am a blessed woman.

Today brought a couple of silver linings to this dark cloud of sorrow. First, I received an email from Liesl, stating that I am the winner of her most recent giveaway. How exciting! If you're not familiar with her site, do visit. She's a genius, and she's so adorable. Her projects and photos are gorgeous.

Also, with the help of a special "courier", I was able to have some fabric brought here. It arrived to me today, and I'm anxious to use it. I thought I'd at least share a photo of the beautiful new stack, still tied in the sewmamasew twill tape. Where to start?

I do hope to have a finished product to share next week. I look forward to seeing what everyone else has made this time. Thank you for reading along. Be sure and visit Amy and the other participants!