Inspiration

I am working on my inspiration for creating again. I haven't been sewing or crafting much since my divorce and my mother's death. Each of those were 3 yrs plus ago and I have been sorting and culling out my fabrics and patterns. This has forced me to either give things away or make it into something I can use or sell. So, that is what I have been doing for the past couple of weeks. With the help of my older daughter I am getting inspiration to work in my room again. I got my machine out and set up, ready to work. I bought a small embroidery machine since I have been wanting to be able to monogram or add a cute design to some children's items. I need more designs but I will get them later.

I have given some of my mom's quilt fabrics to a friend who is more into quilting than I am. She was thrilled to get the lovely colors and books my mother collected and I am anxious to see what she creates. My mother is happy a fellow quilter is using her fabrics she loved. My mother bought the best quality and the most beautiful colors and patterns. I am more into garments and craft items but quilting may come later. It was time to pass the items on and let go of some of the fabrics but that doesn't remove the memories of mom and I dreaming of what we would create.

I hope you enjoy my items posted and if you are interested in anything, let me know.


Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!  ~Dr. Seuss

Too Many Irons in the Fire (2)

I mentioned last night to my significant other that I am so busy with sewing and craft projects I don't know how I can get it all done. He said, you need to let something go and just not do it. A crafter not finishing a project? I don't think so. I just work on them a little at a time. Whatever I feel like doing at the time. Cross stitching, hand sewing, basting a garment together, reading about sewing, dreaming about the embroidery machine I want, whatever. That is what a creator does. I may work a job 40 hrs a week, but I still think about my hobby most of the time. For me it is relaxing and I spend a lot of time thinking while I work.

My mother was a crafter, sewer, and quilter until the day she passed away. Going through her sewing room I discovered many unfinished projects. Found notes on them as to who they were for or what she was waiting on to finish. I will try to complete them, but some I cannot do and will have to either find a new life for the fabric or let it go to fabric heaven. She loved fabric and new patterns and techniques. She gave me that passion for creativity. I love to wander in a fabric store and dream of the possibilities with a fabric that catches my eye. I miss talking to her about the new colors for the season, new style of a jacket, new quilt pattern she saw and what colors she would choose and how long it would take to complete.

I was able to get my three skirts cut out last night and am ready to get them together. The fabric is breezy and flows which means it will look great when I am done but sewing will be a struggle. That type of fabric crawls and creeps away from the pressure foot so I see basting ahead to make it easier and less of a headache to sew. I have decided to start on the pumpkin and black print - very fall and very pretty. The pattern I have is a gored skirt, no waistband, side zipper and goes together quickly (after the basting). I will post a photo when I have it ready for viewing. Take care and happy sewing!

The only place where housework comes before needlework is in the dictionary.  ~Mary Kurtz
 

My Stitching History (1)

My earliest recollection of sewing is sitting at my mother's feet as she sewed on her machine. I was maybe 6-7 yrs old and wanted to be near my mother and sewing was the way to be close. My mom worked full time at a bank and would come home and sew for herself or others. She would sew every spare moment she had and I am grateful she taught me her secrets.

My first projects were Barbie clothes sewn by hand. The most important thing to learn as a beginner is to understand how to use a needle and thread. I would thread the needle and my mom would knot it until I figured out how to do it. I would make all kinds of things for Barbie to wear and I remember having lots of fun.

When I went to Jr High School, the girls were required to take Home Economics. Part of the year was a sewing course. Needless to say I already knew what I was doing and did very well. I also had the advantage of my mother helping me. I continued taking sewing classes until I graduated high school. Looking back I should have continued taking sewing and design classes in college but that is not what I did.

Today I am able to create many types of sewing items. Recently I purchased some fabric I have wanted for quite a while. I ended  up with fabric for 3 jackets and four skirts. I am excited to get started and will be posting photos of my progress.

Sew much fabric, sew little time.