Meet 'Brambles'

 

Anyone who knows me, knows that sewing is definitely not my strong point.

I've always admired people who seem to be able to whip up some incredible creation using needle and thread and decorate their homes, or gift to friends and family the treasures they've made.

 

I've always been a person who loves creating characters. Whether that be through a pencil sketch, a story I write, or our pet cats that I've taken great pleasure in naming! So when I found myself craving the feel of fabric in my hands and actually wanting to sew something, it was only natural for me to lean towards creating a character.

 

I sat down and sketched out my pattern, then gathered my felts and other materials to begin creating this little character. It took me sooo long! But, I found it relaxing because I made up my mind to just let it take as long as it would take and enjoy the process.

 

I really, really love making characters!

 

So, let me introduce to you, my first ever completed little doll ... sweet little 'Brambles' ... she enjoys long bike rides in the country, reading and hot cups of tea.

 

 

 

I can see a lot of rough bits when I look at her,

but I'm happy with her for my first ever attempt! 

 

This is also my first ever attempt at a satin stitch for the eyes and nose

... not as hard as I thought it would be (thank goodness!).

 

I think the only thing that I would change about her, is making her face more three dimensional. I have no idea how to do that however, so it'll be another skill to learn!

If any of you have tips or tricks to help with this, I'd be so grateful!

 

Using our hands to create things of beauty is such a wonderful gift that God has given us.

I've been looking through my scrap fabrics and I've been inspired by the beautiful colours and hope to make some more bunny dolls soon!

 

What is it that you like to sew? Happy creating friends!


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Linking up with Share your cup

 



The Strangle.

 

There’s a strangle that takes hold of our hearts. A pressure that with each tightening squeeze causes all hope to diminish. A throttle that restricts life; stops the flow of all that is good and right and true.

 

And this world is the beast controlling the grip, the one applying the pressure. As if the grip takes on an audible voice that accuses, "you're not good enough", "you're an absolute mess", "just give up". The pressure, it restricts, it binds, it causes deep internal harm.

 

And we try to operate with our full agenda's, with our hearts in a vice and barely functioning. Each step we take, each task we strive to complete is met with exhaustion and no release of the clamp on our four-chambered soul.

 

And this half-dead functioning is not what our hearts were designed for. It's not it's default operating system. And we know this, but we're still strangled. And so we continue on and on, loosing our breath, just seconds away from cardiac arrest, until we draw in enough oxygen to cry out for help.

 

And then He comes. He comes charging, rushing forth in full battle mode with our hearts in His view. He reaches in and He releases the death-grip, He alleviates the worlds crush. With His nail scarred hands He massages the very life blood back into our vessels. With each beat it strengthens, it crimson glows, it courses and swells with life and health and truth. Our beat becomes His beat; we live and breath in one rhythm.

 

His voice whispers to us, "I am enough", "I'm making you beautiful", "Just let me".

 

And the strangle is gone.