A new craft

I wonder if home renovation could be considered a craft in my blog category or just life experience of a homeowner. Don't know. While I decide, I have started quilting. Several years ago now, while living in the Netherlands, I learned to quilt with some friends and caught the bug. Unfortunately, the bug was pushed underground for quite some time and I have decided to dig it up.

I joined a quilting class at the Nathan Homestead here in Auckland, out of four classes, I have been to two. Apparently, renovating can be considered a craft or maybe a time diversion. Kids also can cause diversions, especially when they need surgery (twice).

With builders busily banging and sawing away downstairs, I escaped this morning and managed to get to my class. At the ripe old age of 42, I am the youngest in the class by a good measure but the women are all lovely, come with loads of interesting life experiences and stories to tell. I'm sure I won't be doing lattes at a cafe with them, but I enjoy their company all the same.

I enjoy having two hours to sit and stitch and not see any housework that needs doing, builders to manage, phone calls to make, errands to run. Just time for me. Senior twin asked me a week or so ago whether I have time to myself, to do anything that I like to do as I seem to be awfully busy. Sadly, I had to say no and vowed to change that. He's a bit miffed also as our move into home ownership after six years renting and renovating, means less time for the kids (and housework). We used to do a lot of extra things together and we don't so much now. I miss our previous life too.

My first project is to understand the basics of technique, so I am doing this flower shaped thing, have already taken it apart twice but today actually managed to create the circle templates for the centre, although will probably take it apart again as I am not totally confident on my fabric choices.

Now for the other main diversion of my day, picking up the twins from school and getting them ready for gym class with a wholesome afternoon snack and homework in between. Will leave the builders to it.