Project Profile: Antique-Pink Little Girl’s Dress

I recently heard a presentation about creating vs. consuming. He made the point that people in today’s culture are much more likely to eat out at a restaurant than cook a meal from scratch, to read a book than write something of their own, to listen to music rather than sing their own…and to read a devotional book than to dig into God’s Word for themselves.

This really stuck a chord with me and fit right with the nudge I’d been feeling to pick up some handcrafts again. Over the past few weeks I’ve picked up yarn and fabric once again and it’s been a delight. It’s amazing how much time you can redeem, working in bits here and there!

There’s definitely a place for consuming – encouraging books, uplifting music, and informative content. One person can’t have it all figured out and have all the experiences. We all learn so much from each other, and inspire the creators when we enjoy what they are producing!

However, learning from and enjoying what others do, should not be at the expense of shelving our own God-given creative talents, meant to be used for the glory of God! God is the Master Creator and you are the only one in the world with the unique gifts and opportunities He has given to you! Isn’t it incredibly exciting?

I am also reminded of the importance of the quality of what we are creating and consuming. Some considerations are – Does this point me to God? Is this encouraging, fostering a trust in Him? Does this have an eternal focus? Is this encouraging me to use my life and talents for Him, or forming an unhealthy addiction? Is this helping me think on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue, or praiseworthy? (See Philippians 4:4-8)

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

In the spirit of this topic, I’d like to introduce a new series In My Small Corner – Project Profiles! In each simple post, I’ll share a project I’ve made. Of course, we don’t all do handcrafts, but it is my hope to encourage you to use your talents for the glory of God! I’d love to hear about your journey!

Project: Antique-Pink Little Girl’s Dress

Pattern: An older Simplicity 9497, published in ’89, with options for dress and overalls – from our collection

Purpose: This dress was made as a gift for my niece’s 1^st birthday. She is just starting to enjoy walking and looks absolutely darling in ruffly, lacy dresses! Pink and brown suit her very well!

Process: This cotton fabric, with a “dusty,” antique-pink hue, tiny speckles, brown squares, and retro blue roses, reminds me of a feed sack print. (The true color is more accurately seen above – it’s hard to capture in photos! ) I believe I picked it up on a trip through Paducah, KY, with my mom, when we stopped at a huge fabric store and enjoyed a brief shopping trip, years before my niece came along. When I recently spotted it in the stash, I knew I wanted to make it into something for her.

I used my Singer Featherweight to sew it together, including adding the brown invisible zipper, then hemmed it by hand. The brown lace was a remnant from a dress my sister made and added a sweet charm to this little project.

Please let me know!
What is your preferred creative outlet? What is currently inspiring you? Do you have any thoughts to share on the balance of creating vs. consuming?

Thank you for reading! I’m honored to have you here!

Because of Jesus,
Maggie ♥