I recently finished stitching up these "use them for whatever" small drawstring bags. They are meant to be gifts for two special people at a local Vet clinic who compassionately cared for us as we said goodbye to our precious little Miss Trixie cat just a few weeks ago. They helped us through a very difficult time with great deal of kindness and I wanted them to know how much I appreciated all they did to help. 

I included a custom made card and a book mark for the caring Doctor and the kind veterinary assistant. I've already told the story of how Trixie came into our lives, the joy she brought us for sixteen years, and the unfortunate day we had to say goodbye HERE in another post.

Yes, I still shed tears and miss her terribly, but I wanted this post to highlight the helpful way sewing can help us work though heartache. I believe keeping our hands busy making things of beauty has a healing effect.

I also know that one way to combat being absorbed by our own feelings is to do something for others. Have you found yourself feeling comforted by finding a way to focus on someone else? Mind you, I'm not saying you should stuff your feelings, ignore them, or neglect taking care of yourself by prioritizing others. After all, if you're cup is empty you having nothing left to give to others. We all need each other! But I think filling your own cup gives you ample extra to dish out to others.

The opportunity to spread joy and happiness to others via a hand-crafted gift is really something unique for those of us who sew. Agree?!? While we all appreciate a store bought gift, receiving and giving something made with TLC is truly special! In the hope of inspiring you, let me tell you more about the little gift set I put together.

Finding the right fabric for the drawstring bags was step one. Would you believe this adorable kitty print scrap was buried in my stash. I didn't even remember having it. I followed a basic method for making a self-lined pouch that I developed for a blog post previously published HERE. Hoping it could be used for something like sunglasses or treasures and trinkets, I enlarged the size, making it a bit wider and a bit taller.

For the drawstring, I found some 100% silk ribbon I had been hoarding and after comparing it to the poly ribbon I also had on hand I said to myself "what am I saving this for?" Then I put the poly away and cut into the silk.

In similar fashion, I found scraps of real Ultrasuede I hung onto for years and decided it would be perfect for the name patches. Even though my machine itself has a multitude of fonts, embroidery software is usually my go to selection for lettering. I've found that I have far more options for sizes and software fonts have good underlay stitches that help them sew out well on all manner of fabrics.

For the name patches I used the Cursive font from my *DiME Word Art In Stitches program. I love the way the software gives me a pop up window telling me both how small and how large I can successfully stitch individual font styles. I chose this one specifically, not just because it was pretty but because it's all connected and looks like real hand writing. It came out beautiful on the patches.

The greeting card features a really special font from yet another software program I have called BES Blue. It's a product that comes from Brother but saves to all common home formats so it's useful for everyone. The paw print font is something I've never seen anywhere else. By the way, over the years I developed my own way to make embroidered greeting cards. 

Last but not least, I included a book mark in the set. In the above picture you see the back side of the book marks. Since this is a free standing lace type of design it was important to wind a matching bobbin for each color change. I also found more suede scraps that would look good on both sides. This is a Dakota Collectables Lace Themed Bookmarks collection #970345. They're fun and easy to make and there's something for everyone in this collection. The collection includes instructions for this type of stitch out.

Making this set gave me something constructive to focus on and imagining the smiles on the faces of the gift recipients helped me to smile as well! When's the last time you created something in your sewing space and found it to be soothing to your soul? Let me know. I'd love to hear about it in the comments below :-)

Webster's definition of Upcycle: To recycle (something) in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item: to create an object of greater value from (a discarded object of lesser value).

I might add a few addtional descriptive words: REpurpose, REnew, REuse, REvamp, REcreate, REdesign, REvive, REdo, REjuvenate!!! Note that I took liberty with capitalizing RE simply for emphasis!

Actually, these terms all fall under the umbrella of sustainability, which to me means the simple idea of keeping things that may be destined for the landfill, to instead see new life in a new way by being repurposed. The way I see it, repurposing means using materials as a piece or part of a creative endeavor to make something new from something not so new, and to use items others see as useless or worse yet, trash!

Recently, I went on a road trip with my friends (Kim, Deb & Kathy), to a place called the UpCycle Parts shop in Cleveland. You can learn more about this non-profit organization at upcyclepartsshop.org.

If I had my way I  would wish a place like this existed within reach of all creatives! ​Perhaps there's something similar in your area. ​

It was a virtual candy land for creatives! Their mission was clearly stated and something to take to heart and remember! It was obvious that staff members had a passion for the work they're involved in.

Our donations were weighed and then self sorted in the back stock room. We asked why the scale was key and told they keep track of the "tonage" of items that are re-sold rather than trashed. Alexis guided us into placing our donations into bins that were categorized for easy sorting. I thought that was a super clever way to lessen the workload for staff members.

Upstairs in the shop you could find everything from sewing notions, to fabric, leather, yarn, jewelry supplies, art supplies, and crafting supplies for all ages! Prices were far less than what you would find in a retail establishment selling new goods.

They had another whole side of the store dedicated to holding classes and maker events in what's known as the Craft Cafe.

We had a great time donating, then browsing and buying new "used" treasures. The best part was meeting staff members like Sharon. Everyone there is a fellow maker and creator who loves the upcycle concept and loves creating themselves!