On Finishing a Marathon

Well, sort of.  Not an actual 26.2 mile run.  But a sewing marathon.  Yes . . . I just completed a sewing MARATHON.

Several weeks ago (but only 1 post back), I finished my first Fancy Pants Bow Clutch purse . . . my first of 5 purses that I agreed to make for my friend for her bridesmaids to use on the big day.  After completing the one, my progress slowed quite a bit due to some stuff that was a bit out of my control:

1. I am a full time mom to 2 kids under the age of 5, and 1 in utero (who, I'm told, is going to make an appearance in the next 5-7 weeks).
2. I work part-time, from home, mostly in the evenings but sometimes during the day (NOT as a sewist).
3. Because of #1 and #2, most of my sewing time is relegated to my weekends.  One of those weekends I was out of town to celebrate my niece's 7th birthday, and another was spent with some good friends who were in town to celebrate a baby shower (not for me, but at my house).  I am ecstatic that I was able to do those things, but it really ate into my sewing time which means this project got put off a bit longer than I had originally hoped.
4. I completely wrenched my back and hip last week (I have a theory as to how that happened, not that it really matters), which though it's yet to be corrected (my first experience with a chiropractor is tomorrow) knocked me out for a few days from really being able to sit for long periods of time at the sewing machine.

So yes.  Enough of the excuses and explanations.  Bound and determined and with a very sweet friend (who also sews) by my side, I was able to work on the remaining clutches this weekend.  I don't mind working on my own, but having someone to talk to and encourage me (while intermittently pinning some stuff and doing a bit of ironing) really helped jazz me up to finish.  I am OVER THE MOON to tell you that this project is DONE.

Sorry - - the lighting is way off in this picture.  See the previous post for a better representation of the color.

Picture me working on those last few steps of the last purse while the theme to Chariots of Fire plays in the background.  Or better yet . . . picture me doing some rendition of the Anthony Adams pregame warm-up dance as I put that last stitch into place:


Ok . . . you got me.  His belly is a teensy bit smaller than mine right now.  ;)