A Dozen Pay It Forwards
The Pay It Forward winner is #8, Diane Stanley! Stay tuned for another Pay It Forward next month!
I must admit I’ve been feeling a bit down lately…you know, that feeling of comparing yourself to everyone else out there and wondering how am I not doing enough? Should I be trying harder? How do these women make so many beautiful things all.the.time? How do they create so many patterns, books, tutorials?
But, instead of letting my comparing get me down, it seemed like a better time to get something started that would bring joy. The picture at the top of this post shows mini quilts I’ve received as part of swaps, and they brighten my day every time I see them, knowing they were made with love for me friends, not competitors. I’ve seen Pay It Forward posts popping up on Instagram, and {while I still have some gifts to send from the last time I participated!} it seemed like a great way to get back to blogging, spread some joy, and celebrate friendship {because isn’t that what community is all about?}.
However, I’m going to do it a little different this time around. Instead of making something for the first people who comment {and forgetting to make it!}, I’m going to do a giveaway for the little mug rug shown above {I followed Beth at Smazoochie’s tutorial, she’s the one who made me the original heart mini quilt}. The only condition, if you win, you have to pay it forward to someone else.
My mom and I will be doing a different Pay It Forward every month, so you’ll have lots of chances to participate. And, even if you aren’t drawn to receive handmade goodies this month, you’re very welcome to start your own pay it forward, in whatever manner you choose {just make sure your specific rules are clear for your participants}. I’ve set up a linky, so that if you decide to create one, others can find it and play along. I will draw a winner from the comments on this post on Friday {Feb. 7} and I’ll send them this mug rug and some other goodies, and hopefully the recipient will get it by Valentine’s Day.
I hope you’ll play along and make 2014 about spreading joy and celebrating friendship! I’d love to know your thoughts
This is a wonderful idea. I did a pay it forward last year on Facebook myself and made up packages of home made granola, chocolate caramel squares, and scrappy pincushions for those that signed up.
such a wonderful idea. It is always lovely to receive a package in the mail 🙂
I have to say … brilliant idea, but I’m not here for the giveaway … I’m commenting this post because I was so surprised to read that you…a blogger that inspires me and so many others even falls victim to the comparison villan! You are truly amazing just being you! And any bit you share with us is a gift to be treasured … please remember you are unique and a gift yourself! Thank you for this post … I may use this idea in my own blog {wink}. Hugs to you!
What a wonderful idea!
This is such a wonderful idea….the thought of giving and passing it on is heart warming! Just to let you know, I so enjoy following you here and am always inspired by your beautiful creations.
Very nice. I love paying it forward to others whenever I get the chance no matter how small or large the gesture.
I love this idea and I want to join in! (And I really would love to win because a good friend of mine made art for my sewing corner that matches it EXACTLY!!)
Now, as for the little bit of blues you are having… don’t feel bad! I have been a little sad lately about not getting time to sew- it is like therapy, isn’t it?- so yesterday I took back naptime, even though it has been rare to get the two younger girls asleep at the same time and I have plenty of things I SHOULD have done. Instead, I started a little quilt with my other vintage charm pack (thank you, again!) Us mommas are all doing the best that we can and our kiddos have to come first, which really cuts down on the crafting time. We are just making memories instead of things. So, chin up! These days are fleeting, and when the kids are a little older we will have plenty of time to sew our hearts out. 🙂
This is a really lovely idea.
Lovely idea, and I share many of your sentiments regarding comparison. Thanks for the food for thought (and I wouldn’t refuse your sweet mug rug and goodies!)
This is such a sweet idea — that way everyone gets an opportunity to win .
This is a cute idea. I am just in the process of getting items ready to send for a ‘pay it forward’ that I participated in on FB in January. Like the idea of doing one each month! 🙂
What a great idea! I hope you are feeling better – the gloomyness of winter is always a downer for me. 🙁
Jennie, thank you so much for all you share in your blog! I am new to blogging and a rookie quilter and have been inspired by you.:)
I’ve been looking for a cute valentine design to make Valentine postcards for some special people.
Love this. Thanks!
Jennie, you are a wonderful inspiration to me! Thank you for your honesty, I think most of us at one time or another get caught up in the “comparison trap.” I do all the time and I remind myself that G-d made me a beautiful and unique snowflake and that is what I will always be best at – so there it is that I find my contentment. I looked up the tutorial; I am excited to try my hand at these sweet little hearts. Love and hugs for all of you! OXXOXO
What a great way to curb those sneaky bad feelings of inadequacy that I think all moms have! I know I do, a lot! I am always thinking I should be spending more time with the girls, or I should be or I should be….but then I get tired and fatigued and I just neeeeeed time for me, and then I feel guilty when I get it. We can’t win sometimes. 🙂 I love this idea you came up with though, to feel better and help other people feel better too.
What a great idea. I feel the same way sometimes regarding other people making so many things or having so much of the hot new fabric when I feel I have no idea whats even out there at times or that I’ve been working on the same project forever. I just have to remind myself that my financial, time and family commitments are very different than others and if I’m happy with what I’m making or the recipient will like what I’m making the rest shouldn’t matter. Have a great day!
Great idea! I would love to win your mug rug & than pass one on. I am always amazed at how much you do get done with having 2 little ones & a newborn. I had 5 kids in 9 years, so know how precious your time is to do anything besides taking care of kids.
Wonderful idea , we all enjoy receiving happy mail. By the way your blog is a delight to read and you are an inspiration to many , I may not comment often but I love to read . Thanks for being you !
I’ve been a caregiver for my husband for 15 years now. I can’t get out to volunteer, but I try to do what I can to play it forward! I am always coming up with ideas!
I think this is a lovely idea. I keep seeing Paying Forward posts on various blogs, but hadn’t considered participating before. I’m trying to be more adventurous in my quilting this year and would love to make a surprise for someone I have never met.
What a lovely idea! I would for sure pay it forward and so fitting this time of year when many need a boost!
This is a great idea! I’m hosting my own Pay it forward on Flickr. You can find me as @cosertejercrear. And there are 3 spots left, if you’d like to join! Never compare yourself to others! You are your own master and angel!
What a super idea! It’s always exciting waiting for the mail when you know something special is coming your way. Like the others mentioned, I’m always blown away at all you do! You are so inspiring and very talented. However, I appreciate your honesty as I have been feeling the same way. I can’t believe it’s already February and have not done all that I had wanted to do. Tomorrow is another day and I’m happy to know you will be there with more creative goodness to encourage and inspire us. Sending you an online hug, don’t sweat the small stuff and I’m so glad you are you! Love your blog!
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
What a lovely thing to do, Jennie! Giving is the very best way of getting back. I hope your sunny little hearts help chase away the blues.
[big hug] Beth {smazoochie}
Here you are feeling inferior to others when I look at your stuff and dream of the day I can sew like you! 😛 Thanks for the giveaway! I’d love to enter! Keep up the great work. 🙂
I have no idea how you can do what you do. I am in total awe of you Jennie. You gave me the opportunity to sew out of my comfort zone and inspired me to start my own blog and for that I am truly grateful. The pay it forward giveaway is such a great idea and reminds us that it is always better to give rather than to receive.
What a sweet idea~ and really cute mug rug!
This is such a fun idea! I’d love some happy mail. Thanks for the chance to spread the love!
I’m always looking at what you make and wishing I could make things as nice! I would love to participate, that little mug rug is adorable!
You always make such lovely things, Jennie! And I often wonder how you manage to do so much as well as being such a busy mother to your sweet little ones! Love the little hearts, and the pay it forward is a lovely idea!
Helen xox
What a lovely idea to move forward or of a rut! Yep. ? I’m in a rut, stuck in the middle of projects that I can’t seem to get finished, but I could whip up a sweet little gift for someone! Pick me! Thanks for the inspiration!
I really like that quote! I have to remind myself of it when I see all the wonderful things on the blogs of others.
Miss you!
I love this! I did a homemade pay it forward last year and it was a blast! (Even if I got my packages in the mail on 12/31)
Love this idea. I also really appreciate the quote you posted here and on instagram (once I read it right. I first thought is said “compassion is the thief of joy” and then realized that didn’t make any sense and actually read it the second time around!). I so often compare and then miss out on what God has given me to enjoy!
Ooooo what a lovely idea! I love this little mug rug, so beautifully stitched and finished. I have a thing about mug rugs at the moment, I simply can’t get enough of them, I made my first one at Christmas and then made another soon after. I would love to win and then pay it forward on my blog also!
Happy stitching!
That is a really sweet idea. As for comparing yourself to others, remember that you are unique and only you can do what you are doing. Sewing isn’t a competition and should be a joy – so have fun and enjoy your sewing time.
Di x