You know when you're watching (Australian or American) Idol auditions and there are some contestants that really think they have "it", and you wonder how they ever got that impression of themselves? Like, when the judges say "you can't sing!" and they are like "YES I CAN! You just don't know talent when you see it!" and you're like "HUH????" wondering how on earth they can possibly hear themselves and perceive that they are making a pleasant or desirable sound, and not the raucous, hideous squawking that you are hearing?

Well, I have been feeling like one of those contestants recently, being awakened to a reality that is not how I have been seeing it.

I view myself as a craftsperson. For as long as I can remember, I have loved making things. I started thinking I was getting pretty good at it, like it was my thing, but here lately, things have been wearing away at my confidence. For example, there are certain blogs out there (and I am sure we can all think of some) that showcase the authors' wild creativity and meticulous skill, via objects masterfully crafted, artfully photographed, poetically presented, with just enough of that trendy edge that is so appealing but not so much that they become commonplace...you know what I'm talking about, right? Yeah, THOSE blogs. Those blogs are places where I can either become inspired, or wistful, depending on my current mood.

Another thing that eats away at my confidence is the fact that my two little girls, aged 4 and 2, refuse to like anything that I make for them. It has become quite disheartening! My sister says it is just because they are girls, but it is hard to remember that when, once they try an item on which you have lovingly, painstakingly hand-crafted with their happiness in mind, they cry and cry until you agree to let them take it off again! Perhaps even harder is when they inform you that they don't mind if you never make them anything else, ever again! If this should occur the night after yet another nightly meal considerately, laboriously prepared only to be flippantly rejected, in this household you have a complete momma confidence crisis, including subsequent pregnancy-assisted emotional meltdown.

So now that I am all melted down, and all vented out, I feel safe showing you my most recent little projects. The first one went over like a lead balloon. This little skirt, which I made following this little tutorial, is made from cottons from my stash. My four-year-old tried it on, and stated that the two-year-old could have it. *sigh* Well, I dunno, I thought it was cute.



The second item is the first of two pairs of identical (except for color) pajama pants I am refashioning. The elastic waist of the original pants was shot, and they were becoming too short for my girls (who wear about the same size). So, I cut the waistband off and replaced it with a contrasting, wider band (and fresh, sproingy elastic) and cut off the cuffs to add contrasting, longer cuffs. I am, on the whole, quite pleased with the result. Oh, except for the part where my little daughters cry when they have to wear it. Anyway I plan to do the same thing to the other pair of pants and treat myself to the sweet duet of my girl-children weeping. Yes, oh YES they will be wearing these pants.

Oh yeah, the photo...


So, on the left you see the original form of the pants in question. On the right, the refashioned pj's. They aren't that bad, are they?? I mean, it's not as if I'm asking the girls to wear them to their year 12 formal dance or anything, ya know?