Shirring or Smocking

Attempt number one at shirring or smocking was not a total failure but not super great either. I practiced with tension before starting my project but after a few rows the regular thread really tightened the fabric to where the elastic thread couldn't stretch at all. I don't know if the current project I am working on will actually look like I want it to, but it was a great place to start. I will try my hand a t a different shirring piece soon. I used a few different websites for info on what to do. I started at Made (pattern one and two), which led me to creative heart, which lead me here.

(Just an example of what shirring is from Made)

Looks like it is back to the blogs for me to figure this out.

Rock climbing changed my life.

Life is fickle, frail, beautiful, inspiring, and can be messy, but I love it. I don’t always love it but today I LOVE it. There is something about pushing yourself to the edge of your comfort zone and only growing from it, it makes you feel like you can conquer anything. I recently had the experience of watching my oldest nephew do just that and it was as if I had done it in my heart. I was nearly overcome with excitement for him and yes I am very proud, I love this boy who is becoming an amazing young man right before my eyes. He overcame fear and doubt and reached amazing heights. Ninety feet to be exact but that is not what it is really about is it? It is about pushing yourself to become greater, stronger, and better able to face difficult things in the future.

One of the hardest parts for me is to reflect not on failures and downfalls in life but to celebrate success, pictured below is my most recent successes. My husband opened my eyes to an amazing world that I would NEVER have experienced otherwise and I am a better person for it.

I am amazed by the way the sun can change my mood in an instant, eight hours of rock climbing and I am almost sick with relief, peace, and overall contentedness. It helps being surrounded by the majesty of mountains, nature, and friends. A few weeks ago we were surrounded my family and nature and that will be imprinted in my mind and heart for a very long time.