"Big dreams have a way of changing everything.  They spring from the soul unannounced."  I read this quote and know it as fact.  Our biggest dreams do come unannounced and in unique forms, changing the direction we thought we were headed.  

I've been told I dream HUGE - sometimes so big the person I share the dreams with can be overwhelmed with dollar signs in their eyes.  I don't see the dollar signs; I see the possibilities of outreach and how my dreams will help others.  Do I ever dream of the dollar signs?  Sure, who doesn't dream of a great (free) vacation to an exotic place, or a day of service while we bask in the sun and cool breezes. 

I Dream Big
I have big dreams for my small business. My personal dream is to know I've made a difference in a life for  someone.  How can I do that with crochet or sewing? Through fun community projects, awareness raising events, teaching and most of all, sharing. 

Wanna' explain that?
You see the pictures of a bear and then a quilt.  Nope, it's not a mistake.  I am adding yet another item for awareness - Awareness Quilts.  My family, friends and readers know I am a passionate advocate for so many causes.  I believe in helping others whether that means with their comfort, rights, or whatever their needs may be.  Though it's not advertised, I provide free alterations to persons in specific situations.  The quilt?  Okay, I'll get back to that.  Aware Bears are a unique idea for showing a person you care about their situation and bring attention to various causes. While working on a community quilt project for Children's Mental Health Awareness Month (NEFFCMH and their Affiliate Family Organizations) my husband asked me if I had considered making these quilts for other causes?  He was onto something with this and my mind turned to dream mode.  Out comes the journal and onto paper go the ideas. I begin to write notes on all the ways an awareness quilt will help organizations raise money, bring communities together and provide a warm and comforting blanket for someone.  The possibilities are endless!

A Beginning 
Here are a few fun pictures of the process of the first Community Awareness Quilt.  I've also included some fun pictures of another work in progress - the laundry/sewing/catch it all room where I create most of  the items.  It's only the beginning... 

Since just before Mother's Day I have been a little nostalgic and yesterday especially.  My  only grand-daughter will be turning 5 years old in a few days so I was working on a nap mat for her (right).

 I noticed while working on it my thoughts continually returned to when I would sew for my children when they were young and the clothes they would ask for (all the latest trends of course!).  

I had to giggle to myself over the last thought.  Take a look at why: 

Sure, you remember the "Hammer" pants!  They couldn't get enough of them and in fact, my oldest son had a pair in the zebra stripes.  Tucked safely away in a box are wonderful nostalgic pictures (for me; horrifying for my kids!) of my children in all their trendy styles.  

And then they all grew up and now have children of their own.  Though I sew for my grand-children and others, my joy comes from making something I know will bring a shriek of delight as they run to show it off to their friends.
 

I've made my grand-children costumes, toys, stuffed animals and  each has a quilt of their own.  Ahh, another moment of nostalgia.

It was Christmas and I had no money to buy my children presents.  From a large box of Double Knits I created patchwork quilts for each of my children.  I stitched their names and birthday on a corner and the reception from my children about their quilts was overwhelming!  Today, as adults they still have their quilts and two of them still sleep with them (if their kids didn't snag them first!).   I receive another blessing with sewing for my grand-children; the privilege of sewing and re-purposing what I can for them helps their family budgets as well.  I raised all my children with the values of use what you have, make what you can and re-purpose the rest.  In our fast paced high technological society, it's a good feeling to know my children and their families appreciate handmade necessities and gifts.    

The little bear that started it all for Day Dreams. "Kieran" a bear I made for one of my grand-sons.  

If you are interested in Day Dream's Designs or gift items, please see the apparel page or visit us on Face Book. 

A little nostalgia is good; it helps us keep our sense of humor, learn and grow.  I look forward with great excitement to all the fun projects I can work with as I move forward into the next generation of family.  I hope the treasures I make for my family endure, much as the one's my mother made for me and I now make for my children and grand-children.

Wishing you a day of inspiration!

Sher

This past week several things came together and clicked for Day Dreams. I discovered I'm still learning at 50 plus.  I think a lot of it had to to do with one word - Mom. So, as I sat here wondering what the topic would be (my muse has been working in other parts of Day Dreams) it hit me.  I'd write about what I didn't say about Mom; that Day Dreams exists in large part because of her and in some ways, her mother and all the women before them.  

It was my Mom who taught me to sew at the age of 11 years old.  I remember my first time sitting at her sewing machine placed against a wall in my parent's bedroom.  I don't have to close my eyes to see in my mind the picture of my first time sewing.  It's funny how I learned early on, you don't need a large room dedicated to just your sewing (thought it would be nice!).  You can create, design and sew anywhere!  I digress.

Back to the first time - she was standing next to me, leaning slightly over my shoulder with her soft voice giving me instructions.  "Use your left hand as the guide...there, like that. Watch your lines....that's nice, Sherri!" I would hear her say while I struggled to contain my excitement and listen.  These lessons were something that was pleasing not only to me but to her.  I have to explain that a little. I was very awkward as a child (and still am) and there wasn't much that came easily to me. I had all sorts of motivation and wanted to try and learn to do all the things my older and younger sisters could do, but still things did not come easy.

I think Mom knows everything.  Her skills are exemplary, her intelligence amazes me and she always knows just what to say or do when I felt like I don't belong anywhere.  Mom knew I wasn't the athlete or artist like my sisters and it seemed to me she was lovingly devoted to finding something I could feel successful with.  She hit the jackpot with teaching me to sew.  When I made my first outfit and I wore it in a JC Penny fashion show for young seamstresses, something else wonderful occurred (besides our joyful excitement); she taught me to use my skills in needlepoint, embroidery, crochet and other crafts along with helping me earn my first sewing badge in Girl Scouting.  Over the years she has encouraged me to stretch my skills in sewing and needlework.

After the turbulent years of adolescence passed and I had my own family to raise as a young adult I remember calling her after I had a terrible day with my kids to tell her specifically, "I don't know a thing!"  Her laugh on the other end of the phone was grand and full as she exclaimed that's something magical that happens at my age (we discover we don't know as much as we thought we did).  I began to once again look to my Mom for guidance, advice, instructions and all the how-to's I now share with my adult children.  

When someone asks me who my hero or idol is I answer, my Mom.  She's been my inspiration to do more, be more, learn more, pray more and love more.  She is the little voice (sometimes my muse) that I hear when I'm trying new styles, learning something new, making a new design.  I find that I always ask myself, "would she approve?" when working at any task.  It's not unhealthy - to me it's wanting to do my best for the woman I consider my mentor and deeply admire.  Her own tailoring business was quite successful and it's in her footsteps I endeavor to follow.  

What I didn't say about Mom is my knowledge, motivation, skills and zest for life in general are because of her gentle devotion to teaching me as a child.  What I didn't say is because of her encouragement, support and shared ideas, Day Dreams came to life. I'm still  learning, Mom.  What I will say is Thank You Mom for being you.  Thank you for choosing me and always sharing your love of life.  

Happy Mother's Day to you Mom! 


Sher