Many people I know start making Christmas gifts in July; some even do it year round. But not me. Sewing quilted items, or felts or fleece; knitting or crocheting are just too hot to handle in 90°+ heat. Depression has a way of settling in along with a form of cabin fever - stuck in front of the air condtioner for days at a time, too hot and humid even with A/C to move around.
So why am I writng this?
Because when the first cool days of Fall happen, and I realize that the stifling heat of summer is gone, then my mood changes, takes off in flight and I am happy again. I want to dig out my Christmas craft books, my quilting books, my cookbooks and start planning what to do for the holidays. There is such joy in all of that. I like to look up traditional and Early American recipes made from scratch to have with our holiday meal; last year for the first time I made steamed pudding, and found that it was actually like nutbread, and I learned a new way of baking, steam-baking on a stovetop.
I search for simple ornaments to make using the fabric, yarn, paints and thread that I have on hand. I think of projects that I might do with my grandson, things that I can, at the same time, teach him of simple traditonal ways. Pomander balls made with cloves and oranges, cookie cutter ornaments made with card stock- then painted, origami designs, bread dough ornaments, pine cone ornaments, wood cutout ornaments, all made simply, slowly, quietly, peacefully. Ornaments can be made with fabric cutouts using pinking shears for a pretty edge, stiffened with glue, decorated with rickrack braid, gold rope, beads, sequins, glitter, etc.
I find that this year I need these activities more than ever. With the problems with the economy right now, and the uncertainty of our security that it has caused, knowing that I still will be able to have these simple activities in my life provides enormous comfort. The financial world may crumble, credit may be only for the wealthy that don't need it, but all of that doesn't matter, for I have my piecin' bag, my treadle and handcrank sewing machines, and my recycled craft supplies, and I am happy. Edey
