the ReFab Diaries

Every now and again I'll go on a mending or refashioning spree, and I'll share it with you guys. What I don't share are the many times I thread a needle to stitch on a button or repair a small hole in a shirt I love ... or put small darts in a dress otherwise too wide for my daughter; by hand. I was raised by a tribe of woman who sewed - not in some precious, artistic way... it was simply a survival skill for them, like being able to boil an egg. I realize that this mindset has shifted, and our generation is more likely to replace than repair. So I recently gave the 7.5 year old Ms R her first lesson in sewing on a button. And as we worked together, I realized again how valuable it is for her to learn things like this. Why?

Confession: I loathe the forward and backward movement of the clocks. It messes with my body's rhythms, my appetite, my energy levels etc. And right now, the sun starts going down around 3:45pm in Chicago. So, I'm literally looking for light, and always grateful for the merry and the bright. Here are some ideas for making your life a little lighter, if you're needing it as much as I am!