Rethreading the Machine-A Handmade Childhood

Monday, May 10, 2010

Rethreading the Machine

Last night as I was sewing in my new corner nook (so excited to show you what I was working on) my machine threw a bit of a hissy. Not a full-blown 2 year old tantrum…but a bit of a work-stopping hissy. As I got nearer and nearer my own hissy at not being able to figure out what was going on, I took the thread and bobbin out, rethreaded everything and gave it a go. And…as usual it fixed whatever the problem was in the first place. That is usually all it takes…a simple rethreading! A fresh start!

I’ve hit a few snags in my days recently. (Don’t we all!) But usually…just like my machine all we need is a simple rethreading. A change of pace, a change of scenery, … a change! Here are some of our (very tried and true) favorite “rethreading” tricks!

go outside – fresh air…no matter the temperature or precipitation level always restores some sanity to our crazy little group…this is always our most successful “rethreading” technique
bake something – fun to do, yummy to eat…it’s a change and a treat
go to the library – we always come home with fresh adventures to read, books to inspire activities and creative work, etc.
make a fort – or set up a tent – at the very least it contains the crazy to one place…but usually it opens up a new world and leaves the crazy behind!
take a bath – water is magical for children and there’s nothing like a warm bath to calm a frazzled little soul!

Whatever the method, knowing how to “rethread” your machine is so important! I rely on our favorite methods (more regularly than I would like to admit!!!) and am always looking for new ways to get us out of a snaggy little place and back on track! Sometimes…all you can do is glory in a new day…!

“Tomorrow is a new day. With no mistakes in it yet.” -Anne Shirley

So…how do you rethread your machine?

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misadventuresofkellyandkelly 73p · 777 weeks ago

The kids like to paint or do playdough or something art-y and get their hands dirty. We also do everything you mentioned with going outside and baking being the best. I've heard water play is good too - a sink full of water and dishes to 'wash' or toys to play with.

Sometimes just piling everyone into a bed with books and cuddles helps too.

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Transit Antenna · 777 weeks ago

So True! Being outside and playing at the park is a daily unwind.

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JaneWild · 777 weeks ago

You have no idea how much I needed this today...Thank you for posting this!!!!

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1 reply · active 776 weeks ago

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HRobinson 52p · 776 weeks ago

You are so welcome! �We all take our turn.

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Julie · 776 weeks ago

I love this. I'll certainly be using this quote.

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Russell · 776 weeks ago

I love the plants in the image; both from the shade garden, both similar in size, both types of Hosta.

One ( background) has neat almond shaped dark green leaves, on this plant the foliage is all the same color, it is all the same shape. Each leaf has even, calculated seams down its length, about 1/2" apart, like green organic corduroy.

The other Hosta ( foreground) has dark green, fading to light green, tapering to a yellowish beige to pure white-in the sunlight centers. The leaves are anything but standard in size and shape, they undulate and twist, trying to see it all and reach it all. The plant conveys a motion and energy in stark contrast to its more docile rearward cousin.

I thought it was a poignant image considering the context of how days, like species of plant, so similar on paper, can turn out such incredibly different results.

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