project make something is put to bed

Here she is.  The very last project make something on my list, and I find it very fitting that I stitched up sweet home Chicago!  Fletcher loved this one and asked if it was snow or stars over Chicago.  I told him it could be either one with Chicago!  Although it's a lot harder to see stars than snow when you're downtown.

If you are new here and wondering what all this project make something is all about, then here are the details.  Last February I put out a post that I shared here, on Instagram, and on Facebook telling everyone that I would like to make something.  For anyone who wanted a something.  And send it in the mail, all for free.  It was a project that I dreamed up to keep my hands busy, and to keep me creating in a way that I enjoyed.  And making something new for each person who asked was just a joy for me. I tried very hard to accommodate all wishes and wants, and I got such great responses from a lot of people.  And roughly 90% of the people asking were complete strangers, some across the world from me.  And the thought that there are strangers across the world from me with little bits of me in their homes is such an amazing feeling!

I gave away around $2000 worth of handiwork, and spent over $150 on shipping costs.  And it all took me 9 months.  Like gestating a big project baby, ha!  I do not regret for one minute the cost, the time, the effort or the bloody finger tips (I need to buy a thimble).  I earned so much confidence in my work that I opened an etsy shop, and I'm so happy to report that it is doing well!  I have met people through this project that I am sure I will continue to keep in contact with for the rest of my life.  And giving away my work just made me happy in a way that I can't describe.  It was a joy, that's the best way I can say it.

A handful of people did not reach out to me after I sent them something, but the overwhelming majority of people seemed so grateful and complimentary to my efforts.  I received a lot of thank you's on Instagram and Facebook, a couple of thank you notes in the mail, and even a thank you present in return!  I loved hearing back on how everyone responded to their something, and it was mostly an extremely positive experience.

I don't think I'll ever forget the 9 months of my life that I spent making things for strangers and loved ones.  It is one of the best gifts I have ever given myself.  And so I want to say THANK YOU to all who participated.  I sound like a broken record, but it was a JOY.