tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post8977158431982315566..comments2024-03-27T22:07:57.614-04:00Comments on Diary of a Sewing Fanatic: Saturday Morning Shout-OutCarolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88243474069610111732007-10-28T14:56:00.000-04:002007-10-28T14:56:00.000-04:00Hi, I'm Ruby from the Netherlands. And as so many ...Hi, I'm Ruby from the Netherlands. <BR/>And as so many I'm truly inspired by my mom who thaught me the love for sewing. <BR/>From a young age I learned that with some effort and a lot of inspiration and imagination you can create just about anything.<BR/>It's the greatest legacy she left me and everyday I'm thinking of her when I enjoy this creative process...Rubyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02514834850114718967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-66115763287721033982007-10-24T02:42:00.000-04:002007-10-24T02:42:00.000-04:00Aless from Adelaide,South Australia .....My mother...Aless from Adelaide,South Australia .....<BR/>My mother didn't teach me a single thing about sewing,BUT,her example of 'I can do anything(sewingwise)' must have rubbed off.The really important thing she DID do was to give me a good sewing machine for my 21st,and then told me to get on with it.<BR/>I am indebted to the art/craft of sewing for teaching me patience. I learned that if I wanted terrific garments,I had to stick with it until I had it worked out. I feel sorry for people who do not sew. They will miss the pleasure of creating clothing unique in the world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-76661856807379037702007-10-23T09:51:00.000-04:002007-10-23T09:51:00.000-04:00Hi Carolyn, here's my shout-out from Chicago (sout...Hi Carolyn, here's my shout-out from Chicago (south of the city) and I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing what you create! My inspiration came from my mom. She made things for us as we grew up. She made all of the dresses for the attendants in my wedding. Both of my grandmothers sewed without patterns. So it's in my blood. I made just about everything for my daughters and myself while they were growing up. I have now passed the sewing gene to my oldest daughter, and we share pattern and fabric info and sometimes go shopping together as our schedules allow. So we inspire each other. And now that we've found the sewing blogs, where there is loads of inspiration! Just seeing what others create in their sewing rooms is inspiration for me. Keep up the good work!Jackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04001093471952326277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-39203298935340089182007-10-23T09:35:00.000-04:002007-10-23T09:35:00.000-04:00Calling out here just one step south of Boston MA....Calling out here just one step south of Boston MA. You inspire me as we are working women who understand that there is room for more than another black pantsuit in our professional wardrobes. <BR/><BR/>I learned to sew by watching my Mom, (very talented, and sewed from need) and sewed a bit as a young working woman. It took the television show from HGTV with Sandra Betzina to make sewing accessible to me again.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-89976387808133091892007-10-23T02:42:00.000-04:002007-10-23T02:42:00.000-04:00Hi Carolyn! Here's a shout-out from Paris (France,...Hi Carolyn! Here's a shout-out from Paris (France, not Texas)!<BR/>My first and constant inspiration is my grandma. (see <A HREF="http://kittycouture.blogspot.com/2007/03/seeing-red.html" REL="nofollow">that post</A> for instance). She couldn't teach me, but she was a professional seamstress and her sewing mesmerized me - this is why I started teaching myself how to sew.<BR/>Yesterday would have been her 99th birthday.Kitty Couturehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18366261017869630923noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-11177457018081690772007-10-22T16:41:00.001-04:002007-10-22T16:41:00.001-04:00I am from Michigan.My mother is the reason I sew!!...I am from Michigan.My mother is the reason I sew!!I am so glad she taught me.Jadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07124115471218433679noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-44937923356099632742007-10-22T16:41:00.000-04:002007-10-22T16:41:00.000-04:00Back again...not sorry to live here..sorry to not ...Back again...not sorry to live here..sorry to not mention it the first time!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-85533433073595165522007-10-22T16:39:00.000-04:002007-10-22T16:39:00.000-04:00I'm back...sorry I live in the heart of Red Sox Co...I'm back...sorry I live in the heart of Red Sox Country...Providence, RI. Not very exotic...but a great place to live.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-33176035472040177742007-10-22T16:37:00.000-04:002007-10-22T16:37:00.000-04:00Carolyn, I always enjoy your blog and have enjoyed...Carolyn, I always enjoy your blog and have enjoyed your postings on Sewing World, Artisan's square etc. My sewing inspiration is my aunt who taught me to sew when i was 9 years old. She made everything from men's suits to bridal gowns. I wore my first made by me out fit to the third grade! It was a gathered skirt and boxy top. Anyway, she's 91, still lives in her own house, AND SEWS!<BR/>Marguerite<BR/>PS I liked your Jackie Kennedy knock off so much that I bought some of the fabric for myself!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-70501313799096692492007-10-22T14:26:00.000-04:002007-10-22T14:26:00.000-04:00And it's Monday evening here in Bimingham, England...And it's Monday evening here in Bimingham, England! <BR/>My mother always encouraged me to sew; I was allowed to use her machine, with no thread in it to make patterns on paper from a very early age. Aged 8 I was using it threaded to make doll's clothes.<BR/>Ten years later I was training as a dressmaker and my tutor, Miss Parker - no grown ups had first names in 1949! - became my lasting inspiration. Her insistence on perfection in design and construction has been a constant goal and inspiration.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-31356526145758604612007-10-22T10:53:00.000-04:002007-10-22T10:53:00.000-04:00Well, it's Monday morning, but better late than ne...Well, it's Monday morning, but better late than never! So here's your shout-out from Northfield, New Hampshire!<BR/><BR/>As for inspiration - that's tough - could be anyone from the fabulous haute couture designers of the 50's and today to my mom to all you on the net who share your creations!Summersethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00364235843222794829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-46569134303453368542007-10-22T09:50:00.000-04:002007-10-22T09:50:00.000-04:00woo hoo...you just coaxed 40 some people out of lu...woo hoo...you just coaxed 40 some people out of lurkdom.<BR/>I can't say who in particular is my inspiration. I started sewing at my moms feet, sitting under her machine while she tried to sew when I was a little girl - I bet that was a Big help to her ;) but since then, it's just become a part of who I am. However, inspiration and motivation comes from so many internet friends like you who're willing to share their stories, projects, and foibles.<BR/>Marji - shouting out from St Louis MOMarjihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08695305834402487163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-55678877899201062292007-10-22T09:37:00.000-04:002007-10-22T09:37:00.000-04:00Hi from Aveiro, Portugal!Carolyn, this is fabulous...Hi from Aveiro, Portugal!<BR/><BR/>Carolyn, this is fabulous!!!! Like Laura I cannot name ONE person who inspires me to sew! I had neighbor dressmaker (Mrs Lucilia) and she was the one who inspired me first! Now I am most inspired by all the people (namely YOU and many others who are commenting here) who LOVE to sew and make of it a fabulous way of being, living and sharing! A big shout out to all of you out there!Tanyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01073735708031525696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-80392858879448858312007-10-22T08:50:00.000-04:002007-10-22T08:50:00.000-04:00Shout-out from London! I'm inspired by my mom, who...Shout-out from London! <BR/><BR/>I'm inspired by my mom, who used to sew quite a bit, but stopped about 15 years ago as us kids grew up. When I was back visiting in August, I had a HotPatterns shipping mistake that resulted in an extra pattern that mom loved! So she's been inspired to start sewing all over again (and for herself this time!), all because of a mixup from me...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-81706440833150705162007-10-22T07:41:00.000-04:002007-10-22T07:41:00.000-04:00Wowww Carolyn, look what you did, this is amazing!...Wowww Carolyn, look what you did, this is amazing!<BR/>I live in Bucharest, Romania and I cannot name one persona that is inspirational to me. I am inspired by all great sewers and bloggers out there (you are one of them) and I think that their work is not only a joy to my eyes, especially in those "I have lost my inspiration" days but also it makes my own work better.LauraLohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09450981301329994368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-56008255959805335552007-10-22T07:25:00.000-04:002007-10-22T07:25:00.000-04:00Hello from exotic (ha!) Florida. My sewing gene o...Hello from exotic (ha!) Florida. My sewing gene originates in my Mom's family. My aunt studied design and tailoring in NYC in the late 30s, early 40s, then taught my Mom to sew. Not being an enthusiastic teacher, Mom shared her knowledge only when asked specifically about a technique or method. But bit by bit I learned. Every generation has produced someone who knows how to sew, but only a few of us love it. My very talented aunt never concentrated on her design abilities because she, like so many of her generation, became a wife and mother without really considering whether that's what she really wanted. As she lay dying a few years ago, she whispered "I could have been with one of the big design houses...." - a remark that made her daughter very sad for her mother's lost dreams. I sometimes feel that Aunt Alma is looking over my shoulder and silently (thank goodness) critiquing my sewing. I'm glad she's there.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-64082312461129306702007-10-22T06:05:00.000-04:002007-10-22T06:05:00.000-04:00Another suburban Philadelphia sewer checking in!Hi...Another suburban Philadelphia sewer checking in!<BR/><BR/>Historically, my sewing gene and inspiration come from my Mom's side of the family. My grandmother and her two daughters (one of which was my mom) all sewed. As a matter of fact, one of my earliest memories is watching my mom make a dress for me. It was plum colored, with a contrasting bodice and skirt! Currently, I am inspired by all the people in my "online sewing circle". None of my real-world friends sew and my virtual sewing buddies have been invaluable. <BR/><BR/>PS: It's been fun reading these responses.Elarayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06487492651398001387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-52023358571489220052007-10-21T23:13:00.001-04:002007-10-21T23:13:00.001-04:00From Indianapolis IN: I'm a lurker from Indy. My g...From Indianapolis IN: I'm a lurker from Indy. My grandmother and mother inspired my love for sewing. My grandmother was a pattern maker for a designer in St. Louis, and later sewed clothes for everyone in her small town in Southern Illinois. My mom sewed almost everything I wore when I was a kid. I can remember having only one "store bought" dress when I was growing up in the 50's and 60's. My mom was a fantastic sewer and her sewing really made me appreciate the true art of a well made garment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-8333892312392427712007-10-21T23:13:00.000-04:002007-10-21T23:13:00.000-04:00HI Carolyn - I'm from the Central Valley (about ha...HI Carolyn - I'm from the Central Valley (about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco) in California. My mother first inspired me to sew, but she is no longer living. I would have to say I am currently inspired by books, my blogger buddies, the sewists at PR and especially by Cidell. She always is trying something new and I just can't keep up with her!Nancy Winninghamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01291320098379550586noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-89641933452262535092007-10-21T21:56:00.000-04:002007-10-21T21:56:00.000-04:00From Arkansas: Actually you and debbie cook and c...From Arkansas: Actually you and debbie cook and cidell and a host of other bloggers have encouraged me to start sewing AGAIN. I guess I got a little intimidated when my perfect size 10 bod slipped away from me:)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-53715441737791959272007-10-21T20:38:00.000-04:002007-10-21T20:38:00.000-04:00Hey, Carolyn,I'm a lurker in western Kansas. Some...Hey, Carolyn,<BR/>I'm a lurker in western Kansas. Sometime this year I found your blog and really like it. Your decriptions of your sewing adventures are great!<BR/><BR/>Like a few others, I don't have lots of clothes sewing buddies. I have one good friend who, like myself, sews & quilts. She is "super speedy quick." She inspires me.<BR/><BR/>My Mother and paternal Grandmother are my inspirations. My Mom crocheted and was really good at it. She made me sweaters, rings and barefoot sandals! All of which were great. She bought a sewing machine for me when I turned 13, 30 years ago. It is still with me and I do sew on it. My Grandmother made clothes and quilts. She lived to be 93. I have 4 quilts from her. One is hand pieced and quilted (she also cut everything out with her scissors and a cardboard template!) Two quilts I machined pieced and she hand quilted.<BR/>I am also inspried by the gals out there with the blogs talking about their sewing and fitting challenges. Thanks for asking and keep up the good blog!!!<BR/>(PS. Knowing that something I ordered from EmmaOneSock is coming my way makes my whole week!!!!)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-59922059953308917302007-10-21T20:26:00.000-04:002007-10-21T20:26:00.000-04:00I was taught to sew by my Mom, who sewed prolifica...I was taught to sew by my Mom, who sewed prolifically & beautifully :) My favorite outfits were always ones she made. Families in the neighborhood used to fight over who would get my hand-me-downs LOL Plus she made her hostess gowns & formals (late 60's-early 70's time frame) which were always gorgeous. Hmm maybe I've biased LOL <BR/><BR/>The other influence was my Granny. She worked in all needle-arts. I have great memories of my 'coat of many colors' which was a comfy & warm housecoat made from all the leftover yarn. She was very much into flower arranging, decorated eggs, needlepoint, etc. We used to joke that you couldn't stand still for more than few minutes or else you'd be decoupaged LOL<BR/><BR/>Laura in Melbourne FLIzoraLeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01544666809145336689noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88285896836701149922007-10-21T20:22:00.000-04:002007-10-21T20:22:00.000-04:00Another lurker - San Clemente, CA - yours is the f...Another lurker - San Clemente, CA - yours is the first blog I read when I wake up...I like what you sew, and your enthusiasm shines through your writing.<BR/><BR/>For inspiration, I'm going to steal Sandra Betzina from an earlier poster. I still have her shows from HGTV on tape, and I remember reading Power Sewing cover-to-cover when it first came out (at work--my guy co-worker laughed at me for reading "Power Sewing" on my lunch break) and renting Sandra's videos from Nancy's Notions. She made some really hip things when the majority of sewing patterns were really ugly . . . Debbie Cook makes a lot of things I like, and she and Gigi from PR got me into "pushing the envelope" a little on making things and not being afraid to "rearrange" my pattern pieces to fit better.<BR/><BR/>And my DH, who once drove two hours in the other direction on the way home from vacation so I could go to a yarn store I had read about on the internet...<BR/>Gail, San Clemente, CAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-46954518060089010402007-10-21T19:03:00.000-04:002007-10-21T19:03:00.000-04:00Hi Carolyn,I read your blog in Nassau County on Lo...Hi Carolyn,<BR/>I read your blog in Nassau County on Long Island. <BR/>I come from a dressmaking family (both sides) but I didn't really learn to sew until my college sweetheart gave me a sewing machine for my birthday. I taught myself for the most part and do things like alter and draft patterns, things my mother and aunt were never interested in. <BR/>I don't have one flesh and blood sewing buddy in close enough propximity to talk fabric and sewing with so I get my inspiration these days from the internet and oh boy is there inspiration to be had.Anna R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03900196845196932912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-36476185581566028692007-10-21T18:57:00.000-04:002007-10-21T18:57:00.000-04:00Another Michigander delurking. My inspiration to s...Another Michigander delurking. <BR/>My inspiration to sew comes from many sources. My mother detested sewing (had a bad experience in school, I guess), but my dad's mother sewed her own wardrobe (she was very busty with thin legs-an olive on toothpicks). She had beautiful white hair and made dresses with loud prints (often black and white, or gigantic flowers). One Christmas she sewed corduroy shirts for all her grandsons (about 20). I never observed her sewing, but one year she gave me one of those fold-up cardboard cutting boards because she knew I was interested in sewing, and I was thrilled.<BR/>I know I come by some of my interest via genes, because I am a visual person (as many sewers are); I can "see" how a piece of fabric is going to turn into clothing (I know many of my friends, including my husband, cannot). My dad is a visual person (never sewed) but is a mechanic; he has always been able to fashion a part for the car he's working on, especially if it's 10 pm and no place to buy a new part.<BR/>Another source of inspiration was the Stretch and Sew classes I took in the late 1970's; loved the classes and never had a fear of tackling knits of all sorts after that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com