Procrastination

I have always been a person who puts things off, a serial procrastinator. As a schoolgirl I would put off homework until the night before it was due. As a student pianist I did most of my practice on the day, if not the evening, of the day before a lesson. As an adult, you would think that I had learnt by now that it saves a lot of anxiety if tasks are started and planned in good time. But, oh dear no!

When I moved I started going to the local W.I. group and eventually was co-opted on to the committee. When we were planning this year’s programme way back in September we decided on a number of speakers but were stumped for an idea for the February meeting. I mumbled something about furoshiki as I was planning to do a 2 hour workshop to learn the art of Japanese fabric wrapping in November. The President jumped on this idea as it sounded innovative and before I knew it I was down on the programme as the entertainment for February. Nil desperandum, I thought, it will be a piece of cake.

My friend Fran said she would come with me and help with the WI meeting. She has been my close friend and co-conspirator since I moved here. She is my next door but one neighbour, an ex nurse and loves quilting and other handicrafts. She took to fabric manipulating extremely well. Needless to say I did not.

Fran studiously tying knots

Her beautifully wrapped parcel of books

I started to feel panicky. The end of the session was in sight and my attempts were pathetic. Fran assured me that we could get together and practice in good time. Christmas came and went and we said we would get together but circumstances meant we were unable to in January. By the end of the month I was waking up in the night, tossing and turning and worrying about the forthcoming WI meeting. Even if I mastered the one type of fold it would not fill the hour.

Then another good friend came to the rescue and suggested why not demonstrate several Japanese crafts. For those that followed my previous blog, ditsygranquilts. Jane was one of the Honey Bee friends that used to come to my house on a monthly basis to quilt and have lunch. Why not try sashiko? She had done a simple sample at a class, had a book and a spare kit. I felt myself visibly relax at the suggestion. This was achievable so I ordered some sashiko threads and fabrics and will practice this tomorrow before making up some small kits for members who want to try their hand.

This morning a beautiful package arrived from the woman who had run the furoshiko class. I had ordered two cloths and she had included a booklet with history, and method. Fran and I have a large selection of square scarfs that could also be put to good use.

The package shows the care and attention that is given to the presentation of gifts in Japan. Stunning folded tissue with cherry blossom seals, a folded origami flowers and washi tape. A delight to open.

For the non stitching members I will organise a table for origami. As luck would have it I had purchased a few books before Christmas and one of these had enough origami paper at the back for about 20 people.

So, with the help of friends, we will enjoy some furoshiko, sashiko and origami. I can spend the next week stitching Janes project and cutting fabric for the kits. Fran is coming on Monday to practice the furoshiko.

 I can honestly say I am blessed with my friends and will NEVER procrastinate again ( until the next time!)

Enjoy the weekend.
Catherine x