Today I’m going to show you the heart bowl fillers I purchased on Etsy from two different shop owners.
I wanted to decorate for Valentine’s Day this year. In years past, I have very rarely decorated for Valentine’s Day.
I guess I just thought of it as “a couple’s holiday.”
But this year is different for some reason.
What Are Bowl Fillers:
For those of you who aren’t familiar with them, bowl fillers are simply decorative objects placed in a bowl or other type of container.
You often see moss balls and things of that nature in dough bowls, which is basically the same thing.
These sewn heart bowl fillers, in my book, are just more decorative.
The purchase of these stuffed hearts were around $24 for 3 hearts.
Fifty dollars, I thought to myself, for six decorative sewn hearts.
I raised my eyebrows at the price. But after searching all over, I found that that was the going price. And in actuality probably some of the cheapest hearts that I ran across in my searches.
A Yearning Arose Within Me:
The more I looked, the more I itched to pick up a needle again.
I’ve created lots of things over the years. Stuffed dolls and rabbits and owls, etc. All kinds of quilts.
I can’t follow a sewing pattern to save my neck. Which is why I flunked Home Ec in high school.
But then I learned in my thirties, when I so wanted to sew quilts, that I could just create things without patterns. I could draw the templates myself and create things in my own fashion.
It was a miracle of sorts. I found that I didn’t need a pattern or instructions. They just confused me.
And so I sewed and learned and tore up stitches and learned some more.
I used to love crazy quilt stitching. I’d spend hours sitting in my chair with my beads and embroidery floss and embellish quilting seams.
Feeling At Peace:
I was so content.
Really, I don’t think I was ever so at peace than when I’d while away hours with my threads and trinkets around me.
But then my hands and fingers became stiff and painful with arthritis.
So I put my sewing things up and just stopped trying. I gave up.
Sometimes it feels almost like a death has occurred when you give up something you love.
I felt lucky to be able to type. For if I type for very long, I will get nerve pain from my wrists up to my neck.
I just thought all that was behind me.
After these heart bowl fillers arrived, I got to thinking about it.
Seeing these cute bowl fillers ignited something inside me. And in my excitement, I began Googling and finding other cute decorative bowl fillers.
The more I looked, the more I anticipated attempting to sew again.
Sometimes in life you close a door and forget to open a window, I’ve learned.
Creating A Craft Space:
I got to thinking about creating a craft space in my office. In my head ideas swirled around and I found myself looking on Pinterest and Instagram at other craft spaces.
Then I began searching online for the cheapest prices for things like embroidery thread and wool felt and fabric.
Fifty skeins of embroidery thread were purchased from an Etsy seller who came across a package of them and didn’t want them. So she sold them cheaply to me.
I have spent the past few weeks anticipating and searching and thinking about all this.
I’ve Googled wool felt and found a wonderful shop called Benzie Design.
There I ordered wool felt sheets and more embroidery floss. If you like this sort of thing, you might want to visit the shop. It’s truly a delight for the eyes!
But Can I Really Do This:
It’s hard for me to pick up small things. So I don’t know how I’m going to be able to hold and work with a needle. But I’m going to give it a shot.
Because if I don’t, I now realize, it will remain in my heart as a sort of death without a headstone.
Sadly, I gave away my two Singer Featherweights before I moved here. They were heavy and I just didn’t think I could handle them anymore. And I hadn’t sewn in years.
I was in so much pain with my ankle then, with tendons torn and in need of repair, that I think my thought processes were dulled. Just getting moved here was about all I could think about.
But they were beautiful and precious and I should have kept them. I don’t know why I didn’t. Other than I didn’t think I’d ever sew again.
One of the Featherweights was manufactured in the forties and I think the white one might have been manufactured in the early fifties.
I called a local sewing machine dealer, and he said Featherweights are not worth much anymore..
He said that so many younger people have discovered them in dead relative’s homes and had no desire to keep them. So they sold them for next to nothing.
And now, he said, there is a proliferation of them.
Giving All My Sewing Things Away:
I gave away a big glass container of buttons too. And all my felt wool I’d collected. I’m just sick about it now of course.
Because now I’m having to collect all these things again. What a waste, I think as I mentally kick myself with my good foot.
Like someone struggling for survival on a downed ship, I raised the white flag years ago and succumbed to the death of one of my favorite pastimes.
But maybe I raised the flag too soon, I’m now telling myself as I go about creating a little craft space in my office.
I’ll be showing it to you when I’m further along. I can’t work on it for very long at a time.
But working on it is exciting. I had Greg move the $10 yellow table from my bedroom to my office.
He placed it underneath the window where there is good light. And it just looks perfect in that space.
I know this will sound strange, but sometimes I have tears in my eyes when I stand in the doorway and look at that simple yellow table.
Because in my mind I’m seeing so much more.
I had Maria, the housekeeper, come over to straighten out my closets Friday. And while she was here, I had her move my vintage rolling cart into my office where I can store sewing and craft supplies.
Thinking About Gardening Come Springtime:
I really don’t know how likely gardening is at this point. At any rate I won’t be able to do as much as I use to. And I’m sad enough about that prospect.
Though you can bet I’m thinking about the scent of herbs on my patio. And where there’s a will, there’s usually a way.
In my head, I’m smelling potting soil and mint plants swaying in the breeze.
I want to rub the leaves of lemon balm plants and smell the sugary scent on my fingers.
But right now I need to focus on other projects and push springtime from my mind. Because it isn’t time yet. It’s still wintertime.
I can think about that in a few months.
In the meantime, I’ve got other ideas dancing in my head.
What I know for sure is this: I need to create again.
““Sewing mends the soul.” – Unknown
It’s so great to read that you’re so excited about the craft area project, and the prospect of sewing again. I’m reminded of the quote by the author, Erin Hansen.
“What if I fall? Oh but my darling, what if you fly?” I hope you fly, Brenda! But regardless, you have the courage to try, and that is wonderful!
I hope you just didn’t give those featherweight sewing machines away. Her in Indiana they are very expensive and hard to get one that runs well. On line they run about $500. Be well and try, try,try to sew. I believe you can do it.
What a lovely post! I think we’ve all gotten rid of things then repurchased some! I know I have!! You can do it. Doesn’t have to be all or nothing, just a little. Go get ’em!
I love collecting quotes and fell in love with junk journals/art journals during the pandemic. There are many blogs and YouTube channels on the topic. A good place to start is https://www.margaretemiller.com/blog/ I particularly like using a 4 x 6 file cards. I incorporate a quote on each of my creations. They fit perfectly in a 4 x 6 photo album. All you need is a paper cutter, a glue stick and various scraps of paper. Junk mail and old magazines can be used. If you decide to try this craft, I’d be glad to send you some scrapbook paper. I have tons.
I love collecting quotes and fell in love with junk journals/art journals during the pandemic. There are many blogs and YouTube channels on the topic. A good place to start is https://www.margaretemiller.com/blog/ I particularly like using a 4 x 6 file cards. I incorporate a quote on each of my creations. They fit perfectly in a 4 x 6 photo album. All you need is a paper cutter, a glue stick and various scraps of paper. Junk mail and old magazines can be used. If you decide to try this craft, I’d be glad to send you some scrapbook paper. I have tons.
Brenda, I think it will be nice for you to create! Where there is a will there Is a way. Create your beautiful space and then take it slow. And whatever you do…DON’T LOOK BACK, YOU’RE NOT GOING THAT WAY.
Everything happens for a reason, you gave away your machines, and buttons and felt because you were not using them, and they probably found good homes. Now you are starting slow and creating something new. I am so excited that you will have something to do inside!
As for the herbs, I have no doubt you will find a way to have a little garden.
Have a wonderful week my friend,
Elizabeth
Brenda, Check out SarahLizzies.blogspot.com. She has created numerous gorgeous floral quilts. So check out many of her posts. She takes her time and lets her fingers be inspired by her flowers. Her gardens and quilts are masterpieces of color and bloom. It is summer in her part of the world and blooms abound in her gardens and her quilts. Her Sunday posts bring me joy and peaceful inspiration. I certainly hope that you will be able to create some lovely projects. Spend your time wisely and don’t overdo it. Spend your money wisely, too. $50.00 for six little hearts! My goodness. I could buy several stunning potted house plants at Trader Joe’s for that amount. Stay focused and be happy. We are all rooting for you that 2023 will bring your greater mobility and lovely flower filled days.
Great ideas Projects are more fun than garments.
Love the heart bowl fillers. I have a bunch that have been gifted to me over the years…some from Carol at Art & Sand and another blogger-friend, Penny who also no longer blogs. The others I found at a vintage shop years ago. I haven’t dug out my Valentine’s Day decor yet.
I know you will find a way to indulge in some sort of creative pursuit – it’s in your blood!
Last year, when you moved, you correctly underwrote the situation based on what was going on at that time- ankle hurt, sewing hurt your hands, moving heavy sewing machines is hard
You had no way of knowing that sometime in the future you might want to see felted hearts. Now you are starting with fresh ideas and supplies. Enjoy
You’re right. I didn’t know then what I know now. So I need to stop beating myself up over it. What’s done is done. Thank you.
Yesterday I was all “What the heck is a bowl filler?” so I googled it and found out I have some – I just didn’t know they had a name. Then I had to google fabric bowl fillers to see what they looked like. I love yours and can’t wait to see the ones you make.
I didn’t know what they were either 6 months ago. Or probably even 3 months ago. But once I found out what they were, I was looking all over the internet for photos of them.
I know what you mean. I picked up crocheting last week again, but do it in small spurts because of arthritic hands/wrists. Finding a small project that doesn’t take too long is what I’ll look for (cat toys, anyone??!). Also, I found some crochet hooks that are good for arthritic hands. For sewing, I found a website, mygoldenthimble.com , for example with help for managing hand issues. I’m excited to see what you come up with! I remember your Featherweights.
Oh, it was an article on My Golden Thimble entitled:
SEWING TOOLS FOR ARTHRITIS THAT WILL EASE YOUR PAIN.
ON: JUNE 10, 2022 IN: SEWING, SEWING GADGETS, SEWING TOOLS
They’ve come up with all kinds of gadgets for people with arthritis. And I’m so glad!
I cried happy tears for you as I read your post. I can ‘hear’ the excitement! WooHoo I’m up on my chair clapping for you. LOL
Like anything else practice doing whatever you want in baby steps. There’s no rush – enjoy the journey. I have learned that keeping my hands busy keeps me peaceful. There’s been quite a bit of research done about when we keep our hands busy, we produce more endorphins which in turn makes us happier.
I’m sorry you gave so much of your stuff away – especially your Featherweight machines. I did something very similar 4 years ago and while it does occasionally bother me, I no longer fret about it. I didn’t do anything with a needle and three until just before Covid came along. Yes, I’ve purchased some things again but it’s ok. You have to replace some things but don’t fret about it.
I can well imagine your excitement when you simply put the table in front of the window in your office.
I ordered some Valentine (hearts) bowl fillers as well but I’m finishing three more to add to them. Sometimes we need something to fuel the inspiration fires.
I’ll leave you with a few more words: have fun, enjoy the journey and baby steps. I have a feeling you’re going to be filled with peace and happiness. Big Happy Hugs, Brenda!
That produces endorphins, as well as digging in the dirt gardening. I guess brain stimulation is just what we need.
Please try to avoid the temptation to overdo, you get so enthusiastic about your new projects that you push too hard, too fast. When you start working on quilting/sewing again, maybe try limiting yourself to no more than 15 minutes daily for the first week, and then gradually increase by 5 minutes each week. As a reader of your blog for some years, I’ve read about you jump full throttle into projects without thinking about potential physical consequences. You’ve already invested quite a bit of money buying new supplies, and it would be a shame if they get boxed and stuffed in a closet again for years and then given away because you overdo it and have to stop because your hands/fingers hurt too much.
You know me too well! Yes, I tend to jump into things with such enthusiasm I don’t think straight. I needed a little talk about that. Thank you!
As I was reading Jan’s comment I thought to myself that she does know you well!
I am sure you could make something like those heart pillow really easily because you can sew. Just go slow and do however long it takes you on your newest endeavor. Do a little, rest a little. I have learned that I have to do things this way even if I don’t like it. You have to listen to your body. We will be anxious to see what you start your new project is. Have fun!
When Greg, the physical therapist, comes over, he looks around and if any piece of furniture has been moved, he’ll ask who moved it. Thankfully when the older recliner got moved, it was Steve. But usually it has been me and I get scolded over it.
I am familiar with that felt shop on Etsy. There’s a shop on Etsy called mmmcrafts. The shop owner, Larissa Holland, has some of the most beautiful felt ornaments that she created! She sells the patterns. Benzie Designs is one of the many Etsy shops that sells the wool and floss needed to make the ornaments. My wonderful sister made a set of The 12 Days of Christmas ornaments, and I LOVE THEM!!! I’ve never tried making them myself, but she said they were a labor of love, lol! Anyway… totally worth checking out those Etsy shops, if you or anyone else is interested in making them. Or just the wool shop. They sell the coordinating floss colors too. It’s wonderful that Teri still has your wool fabric and is giving it back to you, AND that she can come help you with your craft room! Just another one of your many wonderful friends! You are so blessed! I love your heart bowel fillers. They are so pretty and perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Thanks for the tip. I’ll go over and take a look. And yes, finding out Teri still had the wool felt gave me a boost of excitement! I’d been kicking myself over doing away with it.
I think I told you what happened about 2 yrs ago to my cedar chest full of crossstitch, floss, some projects complete and not framed yet, yarn for crochet etc. I like your “a sort of death without a headstone”…because of all the hours, not to speak of the amount of money tied up in that chest. I was able to keep a couple items that smelled ok…but with no way, nor time, nor money to invest in “fixing” the awful smell on about 99% of it, I had no choice but to take it to the garbage can, crying as I went. But when I can manage to get things more organized and in order in this apt, I hope to find a bit of time to work on some things again. Maybe even sew…I have some pressing items that need repairs to do first in that dept. Thanks for an encouraging post. You are not the only one who wishes they still had some things they threw out. Even though I really know of no way to have “fixed” mine. It was indeed a kind of death.
Ah, I’m sorry. And it wasn’t even your fault.
Brenda I loved this post. You seem so happy and I just know all your planned dreams will come true.
It makes me happy to create. To decorate and garden. Without those outlets life just seems kind of dull. To not be able to get around much and not get to do all those things has been hard.
I spent hours online yesterday looking on Etsy and a few other places for little Valentine decor to hang on my little silver tree
(3ft tall, slim). I saw very cute things and zeroed in on little stuffed fabric hearts. I choked at the prices! I couldn’t justify the expense since I used to make hanging stuffed fabric items to hang on the Christmas tree and know how inexpensive they are to make. I keep getting sick with respiratory illnesses so I am unable to get out locally to purchase supplies to make them. I have rheumatoid arthritis so like you, I don’t even know if my hands will hold up to sew them. I am almost afraid to find out! My mind wants to be doing something, but my body has other ideas most days, and that can get me down. I also have got to plan ahead of holidays better so as to not be scrambling at the last minute to pull something off. I love the hearts you did purchase though, and I am sure the bowl fillers you make will be absolutely gorgeous.
Yeah, things are pretty pricey.
Stuffed dolls, rabbits and owls. The only other thing that could make my heart sing would be birds! I love the felted pieces too and I wish I could felt. When I look back on my life I am disappointed with myself that I didn’t take an interest early on with what Mom and my Grand mothers could teach me. One Grandma made doilies and sewed dresses native to her country. The other probably couldn’t even afford a sewing machine but could crochet and knit. Mom sewed everything from gowns, lined drapes and even upholstered sofas. I dabbled in embroidery. Felt hearts and animals make me happy and I am glad you are getting excited for some sewing. I love houseplants and herbs and I don’t know why I start seeds every spring because I have the worst luck with them. I guess we all like to nurture something and plants make me happy.
I’d have to give some thought to what kind of shape I’d make a bird…
Brenda, I just did a quick search of helpful aids for sewing with arthritic hands and I ran across a little portable battery operated sewing machine, Singer Fix Quick. There was a video on Amazon reviews of someone using it and although it only has one speed it might be slow enough to do what you want. The reviews are mixed, but you have to account for those who are not familiar with sewing machines at all. ALSO, guess what I have in my storage closet? Would you believe I still have your felt squares? I just hated to get rid of them because all the colors were so pretty and with my terrific imagination I could see myself MAYBE one day thinking of a use for them, hah. That ain’t hap’n. I can’t even sit in one place long enough to drink a cup of coffee sitting down. I will be so delighted to get them back to you. Depending on whether we get snow as they’re predicting for Tuesday, which I really don’t expect I’d be happy to come over and help you get your craft space set up. We’ll talk! Do you remember what happened to your sewing machines? I can’t remember taking them but if I did I must have donated them because I already had one which you’re welcome to try out and see if you want another one or not.
I bought a little simple cheap Singer machine that’s been sitting in a box for about 6-8 months. I’ll be trying that out. I can’t believe you still have that wool felt! I’ve been just sick about getting rid of it and had no idea what I’d done with it. I’ll feel like Christmas getting those felt squares!
Brenda, I can so relate! Love crafting, not good with print directions, learn better being instructed. Always loved and collect embroidery needlepoint, but have never done it myself. Keeping our hands busy definitely helps mentally and reduces anxiety. I too must find a project! Thanks for the inspiration. Let’s not give up!
I’ve never tried needlepoint.
Good for you! Artists never forget the joy in creating. Who cares if it will take longer to do a project…you can still do it…just at a different pace! I can/I can’t is really just relative. Mindset is everything. Looks like you found that artist spark again.
I did find that spark that was just hiding inside me I guess. You’re right. It shouldn’t matter how long things take to make. Good words!
Awww, this was sad to read. I can picture you stitching away contentedly on a pretty wall quilt with a piano cd softly tinkling in the background….heaven on earth! I can still hand quilt, but my very much missed extra curricular is an evening walk to control cholesterol and exercise my now deceased dog. My arthritic knee just hurts so badly to do much walking anywhere.
I see that half your bowl hearts look like they were made from recycled old quilts. Awhile back, when magazines were popular, there was a big controversy in the quilting world over cutting up such gems for smaller projects. I myself made a teddy bear out of a discarded one gifted to me. Most of it was in poor shape, so I cut around the bad parts. I thought it was ok to do that considering the unusable condition.
Looking forward to seeing what you do with your free lance bowl fillers from those lovely colors and prints!
I think many of these things made from old quilts were salvaged pieces from quilts that were very damaged. That’s what the seller usually says anyway.
I have just finished looking at all the delightful things on New and Notable’s, so very interesting.
I love the bowl fillers, the hearts are lovely but as you say a little pricy.
I do hope you will be able to do some crafts when you are all set up, I know I would not be happy if I couldn’t do something creative.
I feel all pent up. Like I want to run a distance but can’t. Maybe I just need to create. I can’t garden yet. I can’t do a lot indoors due to my ankle. I’m just busting to do something.
Brenda