Original Extension

Normally come Friday morning I am in the mood to be a little silly. Because it is the end of the week, and couldn’t we all use a break? Today, however, is not my usual Friday. Today is the end of a series, and I can’t in good taste go out with silliness.

Which, I suppose, works out conveniently because there is one more subject related to originality that I want to chat about before the series closes, and that is the practice of extending ourselves to others.

I use the words “practice” and “extension” intentionally here, because that is exactly how I feel about stretching myself to serve. It is figuratively a stretch for me--and like my sad, sad hamstrings, I’m often a bit tight and cramped up. And so I need practice. Lots of it.

This time of year we are often encouraged (or “bombarded” depending on how you look at) with opportunities to give of ourselves. And I wouldn’t be a good citizen or good human without urging all of us to take advantage of these open doors and give.

However, this year I want to dig a little deeper--make it a little more personal. And, frankly, a little more fun. And that is the “original” part of my quest. What I want is to start with what I have, meaning my skills and talents and resources, and explore the creative ways I can use those skills and/or stuff to extend myself to others.

So, for instance, when my good friend petitioned me last week to help her knit baby items as a fundraising effort for her international adoption, I was thrilled to say yes. Not only do I have a special place in my heart for women who are pursuing unconventional families (because I am one of them), but also I love to knit. Love it. And donating my time is a perfect way to extend myself for a good cause. It’s just the kind of practice I need.

During this season, then, I want to challenge myself (and you) to consider ways to give beyond the usual food donations and Good Samaritan coin collections (but of course give to them too!) by considering ways that we can creatively and with originality extend ourselves using the gifts we have been given. Maybe your talent is for cooking or sewing or organizing or just listening. Find it and give.

Because originality may start with us as an individuals, but I’d hate for it to end there.

And with that final note, I’m signing off! Stay tuned next week for photos and anecdotes from my Thanksgiving week, and then come back for the launch of my new series on handmade holiday fun! Until then--have a great Friday!

Photo Glossary:
photos 1-2: handknit baby sweater-dress, my latest knit design (I love how it turned out, don't you!?)
photo 3: handknit bunny from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
photo 4: bunny on baby girl quilt designed by me and sewn from recycled fabrics
photos 5-6: handknit raglan from Last Minute Knitted Gifts on baby boy quilt designed by me and sewn from recycled fabrics

Creative Hour: Baby Quilts

With next week's Your Best Birth event quickly arriving, my Creative Hours this week have definitely been devoted to stitching up items for my soon-to-be-opened online store: Hillberry Baby.


First on the list are these baby quilts that I've completely fallen in love with. I created the design for them this past winter when I was busy "nesting." And since then I've been trying it out in all different types of fabrics and textures.



Although it is nearly impossible for me to pick a favorite, I have to say that the fuzzy sections on the cream & ivory quilts are calling my name. They were taken directly from a sweater I loved the idea of but never actually wore (you know the type...).



I do also really like how these pinstripe boys' quilts turned out. They are a traditional blue, admittedly, but I think the pattern and stripes make them less generic. Plus, they are repurposed from the dress shirts that used to hang in my husband's closet (and he thought they were going to Goodwill. Hah!).

I have a few more still to assemble, plus bibs, boppy covers and maybe a crib bumper or two. Needless to say, the sewing machine is calling my name!

Hope you all are enjoying your own creativity this week!

Previous Related Posts:
Upcoming Event: Your Best Birth simulcast
Creative Hour: tote bags
Dining in Style: chopstick placemats
The Creative Hour

Upcoming Event: "Your Best Birth" Simulcast

I know what you might be thinking. Why would an unpregnant woman without children be advertising for an event/book that is all about giving birth? Well, I'm glad you asked...

Excited to Attend!
I am excited about attending the Your Best Birth simulcast party this month for a variety of reasons:

1. Even though I'm not a mother, I can't help but be curious about what Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein have to say about the culture of giving birth in our society. Because I am admittedly a little concerned about reports I hear of escalating induction and C-section rates, and am interested to hear more about this important women's health issue.

2. I love how motherhood and birth connects women in a way that almost nothing else does. Creating community is important to me, and always fun to witness!

3. I am looking forward to debuting my Hillberry Baby collection of handmade baby quilts, bedding, and other nursery decor items! I've been wanting to launch a baby line for quite awhile, and this event gives me the perfect opportunity to start sewing!

4. I am also looking forward to meeting new friends, and hopefully introducing them to this blog and your company as readers! Maybe we'll find some new Recessionistas!

Come Along!
Of course, certainly I'd love to see you there! If you are a mom or soon-to-be mom living in Northern Colorado, this would be a great event to check out. It is free to the public and will have lots of resources! Even if you aren't (as mentioned--I'm neither cooking a bun or raising any at home) but would like to learn more about this timeless women's health issue, or would like to see some entrepreneurs in action, come along too!

Feel free to email me for more details at shillberry@stephaniehillberry.com.

Nesting: Nurturing my Maternal Side

I wrote last week in The Personal Side of Nesting that, for me, part of this season is about preparing for motherhood.  And while most women do this by taking vitamins and getting in tune with their bodies, I will do it by decorating (naturally).

So I thought I would get in touch with my maternal side by launching a few projects.  Now, I've noticed that there seems to be a lack of variety out there in the world of nursery wares, or at least in my price range.  I'll admit that I like some of Dwell Studio's designs for Target, but otherwise the options seem to be a bit...generic.  Incidentally, I do have a sewing machine, and some time, so....

First I started with this fabric (above left).  I found it disguised as a dress in a thrift store.  I loved the coral, mustard yellow, chocolate brown, and just a touch of blue--perfect for...say...a modern baby girl, no?  Six dollars later, some scissors and a seam ripper, and I was well on my way to my first nursery design.

Pieced together and sewn over several days, I ended up with two quilts and a little extra fabric to spare.  I'm thinking the next project will either be coordinating curtains or a crib bumper...

And while I was out, I also picked up what is undoubtedly the world's most hideous floor lamp for $6.99 at Goodwill (my husband said I was scammed).  In spite of its shabby state, I have some major makeover plans for this sad discard, and think it will be the cutest nursery lamp someday.  So even though my hubby is contemplating banning me from thrift stores from this point forward (he just lacks my optimistic imagination...), I think in the end it will be a triumph of recycling and resourcefulness!  

Thus concludes my Nesting update for this Monday.  But don't go far--debuting later this week will by my first ever giveaway along with my first ever email newsletter sign-up, more chat on Mavens, and of course, more Nesting.

Previous Nesting posts:

Nesting is Creating

Nesting Before & After

My Domestic Renaissance