Sorry for the inconvenience!
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Update on Simplicity Code
If you've recently tried to use the discount code at Simplicity Patterns and it wasn't working, there was a web update and it's working again. Remember it's in effect until October 31st. The 20% off discount code is "FANATIC16". If there was anything you wanted from the Simplicity website, you have time to surf on over and pick it up!
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Sunday, October 09, 2016
A Girls Cardigan from FreeFleece.com
I found this free little girls cardigan somewhere on my internet travels and I decided I'd give it a try. I'm building a wardrobe for the granddaughters and wanted to add several different types of garments to it. Believe it or not, it's hard to find a basic cardigan in the Big 4 pattern catalogs...probably why I went looking for one.
This one works well for late summer/early fall but will need some updating to go into winter because I believe in long sleeves for winter. Also, I chose to make this version from ponte fabric. I wanted something to go over t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirt tops but will be current and a little funky!
One of the goals of sewing for my granddaughters is to give them not only a new wardrobe but to make it a little fashion forward. So I'm making fabric choices for them like I'd make for myself. That's why this cardigan was made with a solid navy ponte and a coordinating navy/white print. It's a little funky and fun and will work with most of the leggings and jeans that I made.
This pattern was easy to use and even though it's a pdf pattern, taping it together was quick. Little people mean little pieces meaning a small amount of paper needed to tape it together. I traced the pattern pieces off in a size 3 for Miss Lena, however, after trying it on her, I'm going up 2 sizes. This one will go to Sammy.
Originally I was going to only use this pattern for Lena because I thought it was a little too much for a 2.5 year old who is still rolling around the floor in temper tantrums. But Sammy tried it on during the fashion shoot and loved it. So this one and the other version I've cut out in chocolate ponte but haven't sewn yet will become Sammy's. I've also figured out how to lengthen the sleeves on the pattern so Lena's ponte versions will have long sleeves. Now while Sammy loved it, I only photographed it on Lena.
Here are the pics ~
If you have a little girl that you sew for, I would recommend downloading the pattern and giving it a try. I really like this pattern and it's versatility!
...as always more later!
This one works well for late summer/early fall but will need some updating to go into winter because I believe in long sleeves for winter. Also, I chose to make this version from ponte fabric. I wanted something to go over t-shirts and long sleeve t-shirt tops but will be current and a little funky!
One of the goals of sewing for my granddaughters is to give them not only a new wardrobe but to make it a little fashion forward. So I'm making fabric choices for them like I'd make for myself. That's why this cardigan was made with a solid navy ponte and a coordinating navy/white print. It's a little funky and fun and will work with most of the leggings and jeans that I made.
This pattern was easy to use and even though it's a pdf pattern, taping it together was quick. Little people mean little pieces meaning a small amount of paper needed to tape it together. I traced the pattern pieces off in a size 3 for Miss Lena, however, after trying it on her, I'm going up 2 sizes. This one will go to Sammy.
Originally I was going to only use this pattern for Lena because I thought it was a little too much for a 2.5 year old who is still rolling around the floor in temper tantrums. But Sammy tried it on during the fashion shoot and loved it. So this one and the other version I've cut out in chocolate ponte but haven't sewn yet will become Sammy's. I've also figured out how to lengthen the sleeves on the pattern so Lena's ponte versions will have long sleeves. Now while Sammy loved it, I only photographed it on Lena.
Here are the pics ~
Lena is wearing the cardi with a white t-shirt and blue jeans
made from a Kwik Sew pattern that's up next on the blog.
If you have a little girl that you sew for, I would recommend downloading the pattern and giving it a try. I really like this pattern and it's versatility!
...as always more later!
Friday, October 07, 2016
Boden Kids Inspired Top
The top was totally inspired by this dress from Boden Kids ~
I'd already made a pair of black 'n white checked leggings. So I pulled some black ponte knit scraps and Vogue 8086 which I've used for Miss Sammy before, to make a top to go with the black 'n white gingham Burda leggings.
After gathering all of my supplies, I kinda went my own way. There is stitching down the front because I had to make a front seam due to my use of scraps. The topstitching appeared to highlight the seam. Then I added it to the center back seam to tie it all together. The pockets are the only thing that are similar and there are no sleeves. I went back and forth over adding sleeves and then decided not to. Sammy is wearing a top from Old Navy under the top.
Here are a few pictures of Miss Sammy wearing her top and leggings ~
This ended up being Samantha's favorite outfit. She even jumped up on the piano bench and asked me to take her picture there. Sammy was the one I worried about the most when taking pictures and you will see that she was the easiest one to shoot. Way easier than her sister!
There are a few more back to school sewing posts. I've condensed them and highlighted the pieces that I'm going to do specific pattern reviews for. So, one more time if kids clothing isn't for you...check back in about two weeks. I will have some pics of me wearing me-made garments then.
Also isn't my Sammy the cutest!
...as always more later!
I'd already made a pair of black 'n white checked leggings. So I pulled some black ponte knit scraps and Vogue 8086 which I've used for Miss Sammy before, to make a top to go with the black 'n white gingham Burda leggings.
After gathering all of my supplies, I kinda went my own way. There is stitching down the front because I had to make a front seam due to my use of scraps. The topstitching appeared to highlight the seam. Then I added it to the center back seam to tie it all together. The pockets are the only thing that are similar and there are no sleeves. I went back and forth over adding sleeves and then decided not to. Sammy is wearing a top from Old Navy under the top.
Here are a few pictures of Miss Sammy wearing her top and leggings ~
This ended up being Samantha's favorite outfit. She even jumped up on the piano bench and asked me to take her picture there. Sammy was the one I worried about the most when taking pictures and you will see that she was the easiest one to shoot. Way easier than her sister!
There are a few more back to school sewing posts. I've condensed them and highlighted the pieces that I'm going to do specific pattern reviews for. So, one more time if kids clothing isn't for you...check back in about two weeks. I will have some pics of me wearing me-made garments then.
Also isn't my Sammy the cutest!
...as always more later!
Wednesday, October 05, 2016
BurdaStyle Little Girl Leggings
I was intrigued by the kids clothing in the August 2016 Burda Style magazine. I really wanted to make those jean leggings (Burda 8/16 #138) for my granddaughters. Seriously, I really had to want to make them because I put up with trying to find those very small pattern pieces on that pattern sheet! Truly I have gained a new respect for those of you who sew from those Burda pattern sheets. It's a jigsaw puzzle to find the pattern pieces you need and I HATE jigsaw puzzles!
After rising above that hurdle, next came the scanty instructions. Now I know this has been discussed time and again but I'm grateful I have a little sewing knowledge. Since I NEVAH found instructions on how to make the waistband. I read those instructions a couple of times and nuthin! Seriously, nuthin! So I added 2" to the top of the front and back pattern pieces for a foldover waistline casing.
Pattern Alterations ~
Next I didn't add seam allowances. I couldn't decide if I needed them or not. After an initial fitting on Miss Lena and Miss Sammy, I learned several things:
1. This pattern is great as is for leggings but NOT jeans for Miss Lena.
2. However, it works as both for Miss Sammy who is a couple inches shorter than Lena.
3. I needed to make a bunch of adjustments for Lena once the elastic was added.
4. The pattern was lengthened another 2" at the top because the leggings hit under her belly button and she asked for them to be raised to cover it.
The length was an easy adjustment. Although I will need to add a little width for jeans - even if they are skinny jeans. Lena wouldn't be able to get them on without a little more width. So I added a 1/2" on the outer seam, making new patterns for the leggings.
Construction Tidbits ~
To add the elastic to the leggings, I used the technique where I stitch the elastic to the waistband - stretching it to fit. Then I folded it over and stitched it flat on top of the original stitching line. My first efforts were a little sloppy but make 10 pairs of leggings (5 for each girl) and you start to get very efficient with this technique.
For my first pair I constructed them totally on the serger but these are small pieces, especially for Sammy's, and I found I had more control if I stitched them first on the sewing machine. I used a 3/8" seam to stitch them. Then I serged the seam over the stitching line. Again repetition makes you more accurate and faster. Construction ended up being only an hour for the majority of the leggings after I figured out a construction order, and pre-cut the leggings and elastic.
Fabric Choices ~
I chose fabrics from the collection for the leggings - pontes (both solid and printed), a cotton knit and a ITY lycra. Since they are more legs than body, both pairs of leggings were able to be cut from 1 yard of fabric.
Here are a few pics of the girls wearing some of the leggings ~
As I stated above I ended up making 5 pairs of leggings for each girl. Part of it was that once I started pulling fabrics, I couldn't believe how much of the collection would work for them. So I went for it because a lot of the clothing you see for little kids in RTW, doesn't necessarily use little kid's fabric anymore.
Speaking of that, I spent quality time on the following RTW sites to determine the types of outfits I wanted to make for the girls: Old Navy, Gap and Boden Kids. I was even inspired by some of the styles there and incorporated those looks into what I made for the girls. Of course there are quite a few patterns for leggings in the Big 4 children's pattern catalog so if you don't have access to Burda magazines, you can make your own from them.
This is the first of the Back-to-School posts, there are a few more to come. I'm doing them as pattern reviews since I used several patterns to achieve the girl's wardrobe. However, if little kids clothing is not your thing, come back in a week or two when I will be showcasing my own me-made garments!
...as always more later!
photo credit: doctortdesigns
After rising above that hurdle, next came the scanty instructions. Now I know this has been discussed time and again but I'm grateful I have a little sewing knowledge. Since I NEVAH found instructions on how to make the waistband. I read those instructions a couple of times and nuthin! Seriously, nuthin! So I added 2" to the top of the front and back pattern pieces for a foldover waistline casing.
The girls wearing the trial/first pairs of the leggings
Pattern Alterations ~
Next I didn't add seam allowances. I couldn't decide if I needed them or not. After an initial fitting on Miss Lena and Miss Sammy, I learned several things:
1. This pattern is great as is for leggings but NOT jeans for Miss Lena.
2. However, it works as both for Miss Sammy who is a couple inches shorter than Lena.
3. I needed to make a bunch of adjustments for Lena once the elastic was added.
4. The pattern was lengthened another 2" at the top because the leggings hit under her belly button and she asked for them to be raised to cover it.
The length was an easy adjustment. Although I will need to add a little width for jeans - even if they are skinny jeans. Lena wouldn't be able to get them on without a little more width. So I added a 1/2" on the outer seam, making new patterns for the leggings.
Construction Tidbits ~
To add the elastic to the leggings, I used the technique where I stitch the elastic to the waistband - stretching it to fit. Then I folded it over and stitched it flat on top of the original stitching line. My first efforts were a little sloppy but make 10 pairs of leggings (5 for each girl) and you start to get very efficient with this technique.
For my first pair I constructed them totally on the serger but these are small pieces, especially for Sammy's, and I found I had more control if I stitched them first on the sewing machine. I used a 3/8" seam to stitch them. Then I serged the seam over the stitching line. Again repetition makes you more accurate and faster. Construction ended up being only an hour for the majority of the leggings after I figured out a construction order, and pre-cut the leggings and elastic.
Fabric Choices ~
I chose fabrics from the collection for the leggings - pontes (both solid and printed), a cotton knit and a ITY lycra. Since they are more legs than body, both pairs of leggings were able to be cut from 1 yard of fabric.
Here are a few pics of the girls wearing some of the leggings ~
These were made from a ponte fabric from Fabric Mart
The top is from Old Navy
Lena's black leggings are ponte from Metro Textiles
I made the tops both girls are wearing and they will be in upcoming posts.
The denim like ponte for both pairs of leggings is from Metro Textiles
Both Sammy and Lena are wearing Old Navy tops in these pics.
As I stated above I ended up making 5 pairs of leggings for each girl. Part of it was that once I started pulling fabrics, I couldn't believe how much of the collection would work for them. So I went for it because a lot of the clothing you see for little kids in RTW, doesn't necessarily use little kid's fabric anymore.
Speaking of that, I spent quality time on the following RTW sites to determine the types of outfits I wanted to make for the girls: Old Navy, Gap and Boden Kids. I was even inspired by some of the styles there and incorporated those looks into what I made for the girls. Of course there are quite a few patterns for leggings in the Big 4 children's pattern catalog so if you don't have access to Burda magazines, you can make your own from them.
This is the first of the Back-to-School posts, there are a few more to come. I'm doing them as pattern reviews since I used several patterns to achieve the girl's wardrobe. However, if little kids clothing is not your thing, come back in a week or two when I will be showcasing my own me-made garments!
...as always more later!
Sunday, October 02, 2016
What's Next for October?
First, I need to thank all of the retailers who participated in National Sewing Month by donating a pattern ~ Simplicity Patterns, Cashmerette Patterns, Closet Case Patterns, Blue Dot Patterns and SBCC Patterns. Thank you, thank you thank you!
I'd also like to thank The Dutch Label Shop and Stylemaker Fabrics for their generous discounts this month. I hope you were able to take advantage of them.
Finally Simplicity Patterns has agreed to leave the discount code in effect until October 31st. So the 20% off discount code "FANATIC16" is still working. If there was anything you wanted from the Simplicity website, you have time to surf on over and pick it up!
During the month of September I've been busy sewing...for my granddaughters. I've also made an outfit for me using some fabric from StyleMakers Fabric that I will share shortly. I didn't want to interfere with the StyleMakers Blog Tour that finishes up this week. I hope you've been following along because some amazing garments have been made with wonderful fabric choices from StyleMaker Fabrics.
So those are the items that are up next on the blog! My daughter and I spent today styling and photographing the little people. It ended up not being as bad as I thought and I got some great pictures ~ 378 to be exact! I've posted a few to Facebook and to Instagram. More will show up here and on Instagram.
Look for those blog posts later this week. Just so this isn't a picture-less post, here are a few outtakes!
...as always more later!
I'd also like to thank The Dutch Label Shop and Stylemaker Fabrics for their generous discounts this month. I hope you were able to take advantage of them.
Finally Simplicity Patterns has agreed to leave the discount code in effect until October 31st. So the 20% off discount code "FANATIC16" is still working. If there was anything you wanted from the Simplicity website, you have time to surf on over and pick it up!
* * * * * * * * * *
During the month of September I've been busy sewing...for my granddaughters. I've also made an outfit for me using some fabric from StyleMakers Fabric that I will share shortly. I didn't want to interfere with the StyleMakers Blog Tour that finishes up this week. I hope you've been following along because some amazing garments have been made with wonderful fabric choices from StyleMaker Fabrics.
Lena's Outfits
Sammi's Outfits
So those are the items that are up next on the blog! My daughter and I spent today styling and photographing the little people. It ended up not being as bad as I thought and I got some great pictures ~ 378 to be exact! I've posted a few to Facebook and to Instagram. More will show up here and on Instagram.
Look for those blog posts later this week. Just so this isn't a picture-less post, here are a few outtakes!
...as always more later!
Saturday, October 01, 2016
What Sewing Means to Me - Part Three
This is the last post in this series and the last post for National Sewing Month even though it's posting on October 1st! I truly hope that you've enjoyed the posts, the discounts, the giveaways and hearing from your fellow sewists. I appreciate everyone who has followed along, entered the giveaways and left comments.
I traveled to Chicago this week for work and tried to write the second installment of this post on the plane, on the fly, and then posted it when I got home. When I went to write this installment last night, I noticed I'd omitted Anita from Anitabydesign. So before you finish reading this post, head back to post #2 and check out what Anita has to say. Thanks!
One more thing...I was writing this post for over three hours last night and ran into obstacle after obstacle. First I came home to no power. It had been off for over two hours then it was another hour before it came back on. After the power came back on, it went off again an hour later. To say I don't know how people lived without electricity is an understatement!!! This is why my final National Sewing Month post is appearing today!
As I said in my last post, I call these sewing women below my friends...and not just sewing friends but true friends that I can discuss all manner of things with and most importantly call when I need help. We discuss politics even when we don't share the same view! Now you know that's a friend! *LOL*
Before I share their words, I need to say that the sewists in this series of posts are NOT the only sewists that inspire me. However, they are the ones that I reached out to and who replied with their thoughts. Actually I could do a month full of posts of sewists that inspire, encourage and challenge me - maybe next year!
Here is what my sewing friends had to say about "What Sewing Means to Me!"
Marcy/Oona/Oonaballoona ~
"Sewing means I get what I want. I want a metallic brocade party dress? I get it. I want a faux fur bomber jacket? I get it. I want a subtle, office appropriate blazer with matching knee length skirt? I get it. (Although that last bit is in opposite world.) And the best part of getting what I want is: I enjoy every bit of the getting of it."
Marcy's blog, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest
Gaylen of Gmariesews ~
"To me sewing means many things, the least of which is being able to make clothing that fits me. Through the American Sewing Guild and blogging, sewing has introduced me to several incredible women. I have the ability to travel to different places and meet people I only knew through the computer, in person and nurture those relationships.
Sewing also allows me to slow my brain while I am working on a project, to problem solve how a pattern goes together when the instructions don't make sense, to encourage and support other women in the local sewing community and ultimately to 'refill' myself.
Finally, sewing provides an opportunity to make clothing for my girls that is appropriate for their careers and which they couldn't afford. Sewing helps me to be a better person."
Nakisha or Kisha to me is SewCrafty Chemist (as I was going through my photos I realized although I talk to Kisha all the time, we've never met in person. I'm gonna have to rectify that!) ~
"Sewing means I get to work with my hands. I am a technical person and I adore that aspect of sewing.
Sewing means freedom from convention when I choose...or conforming completely and making things that look like I plucked them off of a rack.
Sewing means connections. I really enjoy being a part of the sewing community. I love seeing what others create. I love the positive interactions - encouragement, cheerleading, advice, etc. And I love reading a story (PLEASE don't stop blogging people!) of how a garment came to be.
First and foremost, sewing is my hobby. I truly believe that everyone needs some kind of hobby - something they can immerse themselves in that brings them joy.
I am an introvert and the best definition of introversion I've ever seen stated that introverts recharge by being alone. I read that statement and my entire life suddenly made sense - I am outgoing and a people person, but I am an introvert (introversion does NOT necessarily equal shy!). So, sewing means I get to escape from the rest of the world for a little while, recenter myself, and do something that brings me joy."
Nakisha's blog and Instagram
"Sewing is a place of creativity for me. It brings me a lot of joy to be able to sit down at the sewing table/machine to create something beautiful (at least beautiful to me). During the very stressful years at U of I, sewing helped me push through those times. I couldn't imagine life without sewing."
Cennetta's blog, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
Shams of Communing with Fabric ~
"Without getting too spiritual here, I believe that some of us come to this planet with an innate need to create. I have enjoyed many different creative pursuits throughout my 57 years, but sewing most deeply, and most satisfyingly, scratches that itch. My mother, who died at the age of 54 when I was in my 20s, clad me and my siblings almost entirely in her handmade clothing, and our shared passion for sewing was a strong bond between us. Now that I've gotten to that point in life where I don't mind 'looking weird' or standing out in a crowd, sewing has become my strongest form of self expression.
Sewing, and my sewing community, means more to me than most anything else in life, except for my two daughters. And connection to that community is one of the biggest reasons I continue to blog."
My new friend Candice - thanks for always checking in on me! ~
"This question couldn't have come at a better time in my sewing life. As I finally feel as though I now understand 'What sewing means' to me. Sewing, for me, is the opportunity to embrace my creativity in creating different looks with hair, make-up etc. I've realized that this was the aspect of sewing that really motivated me, and that it was okay to just embrace 'your' style of sewing. Sewing also allows me to sew garments that fit as I would like them too, rather than being subjected to 'Ready to Wear' garments, which may not fit as I would always like them to fit."
Candice's blog and Instagram
Wanett/Nettie Sown Brooklyn ~
"For me sewing means a few things. It's tradition - several women in my family were amazing seamstresses. Sewing makes me miss them and feel close to them in equal measure. It's legacy - the women before me continued what was before them. Black women have left a legacy of handcrafting that continues, today. It's connection - I have met and befriended some of the most amazing women I've ever known through our shared connection of making things with our hands. It's introspection - though I love and appreciate the friends I've made, I require time alone to recharge and renew. Spending that alone time sewing, making, creating fills me with pride & makes me happy, and feel the most like myself in a way that nothing else does."
"What sewing means to me, in a nutshell, is community. It means friendship with people from all over the city, the country, and the world, online and in real life. I am grateful every day for the relationships I have with a diverse and amazing group of fellow sewing addicts! Even more so, I appreciate that learning to sew opened my eyes to the community of garment and textile workers around the globe who use their talents to clothe the whole world. The sewing community has given me a new appreciation for these folks and a new career path in sustainable textile development."
Sonja's blog, Instagram and sustainable fabric site - Hellgate Fabrics
I need to say that these aren't ALL of my sewing friends. I can think of at least 10 women that I could have also asked this question to that I speak with often.
Here are some pictures of other sewing friends ~
I'm going to do a National Sewing Month wrap-up post tomorrow cause there is one more discount y'all! I just need to do a little more sewing today for the grandbabies.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I've spent September sewing for the granddaughters. The photo shoot is tomorrow (Gawd help me!) showcasing the 10 outfits for each girl that I've made.
...as always more later!
I traveled to Chicago this week for work and tried to write the second installment of this post on the plane, on the fly, and then posted it when I got home. When I went to write this installment last night, I noticed I'd omitted Anita from Anitabydesign. So before you finish reading this post, head back to post #2 and check out what Anita has to say. Thanks!
One more thing...I was writing this post for over three hours last night and ran into obstacle after obstacle. First I came home to no power. It had been off for over two hours then it was another hour before it came back on. After the power came back on, it went off again an hour later. To say I don't know how people lived without electricity is an understatement!!! This is why my final National Sewing Month post is appearing today!
As I said in my last post, I call these sewing women below my friends...and not just sewing friends but true friends that I can discuss all manner of things with and most importantly call when I need help. We discuss politics even when we don't share the same view! Now you know that's a friend! *LOL*
Before I share their words, I need to say that the sewists in this series of posts are NOT the only sewists that inspire me. However, they are the ones that I reached out to and who replied with their thoughts. Actually I could do a month full of posts of sewists that inspire, encourage and challenge me - maybe next year!
Here is what my sewing friends had to say about "What Sewing Means to Me!"
"Sewing means I get what I want. I want a metallic brocade party dress? I get it. I want a faux fur bomber jacket? I get it. I want a subtle, office appropriate blazer with matching knee length skirt? I get it. (Although that last bit is in opposite world.) And the best part of getting what I want is: I enjoy every bit of the getting of it."
Marcy's blog, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest
Gaylen of Gmariesews ~
"To me sewing means many things, the least of which is being able to make clothing that fits me. Through the American Sewing Guild and blogging, sewing has introduced me to several incredible women. I have the ability to travel to different places and meet people I only knew through the computer, in person and nurture those relationships. Sewing also allows me to slow my brain while I am working on a project, to problem solve how a pattern goes together when the instructions don't make sense, to encourage and support other women in the local sewing community and ultimately to 'refill' myself.
Finally, sewing provides an opportunity to make clothing for my girls that is appropriate for their careers and which they couldn't afford. Sewing helps me to be a better person."
"Sewing means I get to work with my hands. I am a technical person and I adore that aspect of sewing.
Sewing means freedom from convention when I choose...or conforming completely and making things that look like I plucked them off of a rack.
Sewing means connections. I really enjoy being a part of the sewing community. I love seeing what others create. I love the positive interactions - encouragement, cheerleading, advice, etc. And I love reading a story (PLEASE don't stop blogging people!) of how a garment came to be.
First and foremost, sewing is my hobby. I truly believe that everyone needs some kind of hobby - something they can immerse themselves in that brings them joy.
I am an introvert and the best definition of introversion I've ever seen stated that introverts recharge by being alone. I read that statement and my entire life suddenly made sense - I am outgoing and a people person, but I am an introvert (introversion does NOT necessarily equal shy!). So, sewing means I get to escape from the rest of the world for a little while, recenter myself, and do something that brings me joy."
Nakisha's blog and Instagram
Cennetta of Mahogany Stylist ~
Fabric shopping with my girl at Vogue Fabrics in Chicago
Cennetta's blog, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest
"Without getting too spiritual here, I believe that some of us come to this planet with an innate need to create. I have enjoyed many different creative pursuits throughout my 57 years, but sewing most deeply, and most satisfyingly, scratches that itch. My mother, who died at the age of 54 when I was in my 20s, clad me and my siblings almost entirely in her handmade clothing, and our shared passion for sewing was a strong bond between us. Now that I've gotten to that point in life where I don't mind 'looking weird' or standing out in a crowd, sewing has become my strongest form of self expression.
Sewing, and my sewing community, means more to me than most anything else in life, except for my two daughters. And connection to that community is one of the biggest reasons I continue to blog."
"This question couldn't have come at a better time in my sewing life. As I finally feel as though I now understand 'What sewing means' to me. Sewing, for me, is the opportunity to embrace my creativity in creating different looks with hair, make-up etc. I've realized that this was the aspect of sewing that really motivated me, and that it was okay to just embrace 'your' style of sewing. Sewing also allows me to sew garments that fit as I would like them too, rather than being subjected to 'Ready to Wear' garments, which may not fit as I would always like them to fit."
Candice's blog and Instagram
"For me sewing means a few things. It's tradition - several women in my family were amazing seamstresses. Sewing makes me miss them and feel close to them in equal measure. It's legacy - the women before me continued what was before them. Black women have left a legacy of handcrafting that continues, today. It's connection - I have met and befriended some of the most amazing women I've ever known through our shared connection of making things with our hands. It's introspection - though I love and appreciate the friends I've made, I require time alone to recharge and renew. Spending that alone time sewing, making, creating fills me with pride & makes me happy, and feel the most like myself in a way that nothing else does."
Sonja of Gingermakes ~
"What sewing means to me, in a nutshell, is community. It means friendship with people from all over the city, the country, and the world, online and in real life. I am grateful every day for the relationships I have with a diverse and amazing group of fellow sewing addicts! Even more so, I appreciate that learning to sew opened my eyes to the community of garment and textile workers around the globe who use their talents to clothe the whole world. The sewing community has given me a new appreciation for these folks and a new career path in sustainable textile development."
Sonja's blog, Instagram and sustainable fabric site - Hellgate Fabrics
I need to say that these aren't ALL of my sewing friends. I can think of at least 10 women that I could have also asked this question to that I speak with often.
Here are some pictures of other sewing friends ~
I'm going to do a National Sewing Month wrap-up post tomorrow cause there is one more discount y'all! I just need to do a little more sewing today for the grandbabies.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I've spent September sewing for the granddaughters. The photo shoot is tomorrow (Gawd help me!) showcasing the 10 outfits for each girl that I've made.
...as always more later!
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
What Sewing Means to Me - Part Two
I'm so glad you enjoyed the thoughts of our fellow International Sewists! They are an awesome group of women making amazing garments.
This next group of sewists inspire me with their creativity and are all US based. When I was thinking of how to break these posts down and share them, I thought of several ways but ended up using global destinations so that ALL of them would shine.
Obviously I admire how they work, what inspires them and the final garments that they share with us on social media. My hope is that you will learn something new about them and/or meet them for the first time!
This group of sewists starts with ~
Andrea who has a quite a list of social media links that will be at the end of her quote ~
"Sewing to me represents FREEDOM. The freedom to create my own look, when I want it irrespective of all fashion fads, trends, expectations and commonalities. The freedom to be myself, inside as well as outside...the freedom to wear what I like and not be concerned about limitations or expectations. Sewing means PEACE. The peace of mind you get from being in your own space mentally. This is my world and I control this part of my universe. To me sewing gives me that which no human can give nor take away."
Follow Andrea on her blog, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Periscope
Anita was another find on Instagram. Here are her thoughts ~
"Sewing is my THING! After putting it aside for many years to raise my children, I have returned and it has become more than I ever imagined. I get so much satisfaction from going into my studio and creating something to wear for a special occasion. Whenever my husband says we're going on this date or that getaway, I get so excited because, first of all, I love dating him, AND I get to make a new outfit. I also find sewing to be very therapeutic for me, because it helps me to refocus when I'm sad or hurt, or just not in the best mood. These are the times when my creative juices just take over and usher me into a different place, a place of peace and calm. Finally, sewing presents me with so many opportunities to reach out and encourage other women. I am so in awe at how God is using this beautiful gift of sewing to open up a dialog between women, creating bonds and an amazing sisterhood. Meeting so many women through this sewing community is really the BEST part of being a seamstress."
Anita's social media links are her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Bianca who blogs at Thanks I made them! with an Instagram account of the same name says ~
"Growing up sewing was always a necessary presence in my life. My mother sewed most of our clothes especially school uniforms. Sewing was always utilitarian, and not necessarily a fun or creative outlet. In college and after, I made what I needed, not what I wanted. When I had my first child, sewing became a way to be creative and have fun dressing my mini-me. It was a way to reconnect with sewing and develop my passion with my mother. In the years since her sudden passing, sewing has become my grief therapy. I sew her wonderful vintage patterns, use her vibrant stash and practice her precision with her sewing tools and notions. Sewing is the link to my mother and a foundation of creativity."
I don't know about you but that answer touched me soooooo much!
Claudine who blogs at Rolling In the Cloth and whose Instagram account is the same name answers the question this way ~
"For me, sewing started out being about the stuff, but now it's more about the community. Stuff being, the clothes I wanted but I could not afford. When I started sewing, before the Internet, I had no idea that there might be OTHER PEOPLE out there who do this kind of thing for fun. Then in the 1990s, I found Sewingworld.com, which was my introduction to this wonderful community of which Carolyn, you and me are all a part. When I talk to other sewists in person or online, I feel like I'm with people who GET me in ways that the general population does not. And for that I'm grateful."
If you're on Instagram, you know Deborah as debek301, Design Development Director at Simplicity Pattern Company. Here are Deb's thoughts ~
"Sewing is my multi tasker. The creative process and results are part of a much larger equation. I have been lucky to build a career around this passion and I am rewarded by it everyday in many ways. But at the heart of my love of this craft is my need for the doing - it is my meditation, my recharge, my quiet time. All the 'stuff' of it adds to the feeding of my senses - a swish of charmeuse, a touch of a textured damask, a perfectly sewn French seam. Sewing = energy = peace. Sewing feeds my soul. And in a more down to earth way, fills my closet with clothing that is unique and well made."
Instagram is my social media of choice and I found Eryn there. I love her style and her helpful blog posts. Eryn says ~
"Sewing means more to me than stitching fabric together. Sewing is about carving out time for my self-care where I am not a mother, wife, worker bee, or any of the many hats I wear on a daily basis. I love carving out time to do something that is solely for me that feeds my creativity, gives me space to just 'be with myself' and makes me feel great. The bonus is that I get some unique and amazing clothing for myself!"
Check Eryn out on these social sites ~ blog, Instagram, Facebook
I've been following Faye's sewing for years...so here's what Faye has to say ~
"God created us in his own image; He created us as co-creators. I use to think that I wasn't a creative person AT ALL; but finally realized that sewing IS my creative force; it's my creative outlet. I can't sing, I can't draw, but I can sew. Sewing is my passion, my relaxation mechanism, and it calms me after a stressful day. I simply must create, therefore I sew!"
Follow Faye on these sites, her blog, Instagram and Pinterest.
"Sewing is art and art is freedom, so freedom is what sewing means to me. Freedom to create things with my own bare hands. Freedom to take a piece of fabric, mold it, cut it, twist it, color it, weave it and stitch it into whatever I want it to be. Yup that's what sewing means to me and I love sharing my freedom!"
Michelle's social links are blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter
I've started following Robin when I found her on an internet sewing board. Here are Robin's thoughts ~
"In a practical sense, sewing means freedom - to wear the colors I like and the styles I prefer, and made in the fabrics that suit me best. Sewing affects my lifestyle, too. Many years ago, my primary creative outlet was playing music. But as I got older and my responsibilities grew, I no longer wanted to be out of the house on weekend nights to play music. How wonderful it was to realize that I could get the same 'creative fix' from a sewing project.
Then there are the social aspects of sewing. By seeking out other sewing enthusiasts, I have also found friendship. Lastly, there is contentment. Sewing soothes me. There is nothing better than ducking into the sewing room to lose myself in the process of cutting, pinning, stitching and pressing each seam. I am so lucky to have such a multi-purpose hobby."
Robin's social media links are blog, Instagram and Pinterest.
There were several words that stuck out to me from the quotes above, "freedom, contentment, creativity, and fun." Aren't those words that most of us would use to describe this craft we love so much?!
I have one final post and it's my sewing friends words on "What Sewing Means to Me!" I'm thrilled to call all of these women friend because they mean so much to me.
Lastly, there are only 2 more days left in September. If you haven't already taken advantage of the discounts that were offered this month, here they are again.
Simplicity Patterns ~
20% off your total order from Simplicity patterns using the code "FANATIC16"
...as always more later!
This next group of sewists inspire me with their creativity and are all US based. When I was thinking of how to break these posts down and share them, I thought of several ways but ended up using global destinations so that ALL of them would shine.
Obviously I admire how they work, what inspires them and the final garments that they share with us on social media. My hope is that you will learn something new about them and/or meet them for the first time!
This group of sewists starts with ~
Andrea who has a quite a list of social media links that will be at the end of her quote ~
"Sewing to me represents FREEDOM. The freedom to create my own look, when I want it irrespective of all fashion fads, trends, expectations and commonalities. The freedom to be myself, inside as well as outside...the freedom to wear what I like and not be concerned about limitations or expectations. Sewing means PEACE. The peace of mind you get from being in your own space mentally. This is my world and I control this part of my universe. To me sewing gives me that which no human can give nor take away."
Follow Andrea on her blog, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Periscope
* * * * * * * * * *
"Sewing is my THING! After putting it aside for many years to raise my children, I have returned and it has become more than I ever imagined. I get so much satisfaction from going into my studio and creating something to wear for a special occasion. Whenever my husband says we're going on this date or that getaway, I get so excited because, first of all, I love dating him, AND I get to make a new outfit. I also find sewing to be very therapeutic for me, because it helps me to refocus when I'm sad or hurt, or just not in the best mood. These are the times when my creative juices just take over and usher me into a different place, a place of peace and calm. Finally, sewing presents me with so many opportunities to reach out and encourage other women. I am so in awe at how God is using this beautiful gift of sewing to open up a dialog between women, creating bonds and an amazing sisterhood. Meeting so many women through this sewing community is really the BEST part of being a seamstress."
Anita's social media links are her blog, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
* * * * * * * * * *
Bianca who blogs at Thanks I made them! with an Instagram account of the same name says ~
"Growing up sewing was always a necessary presence in my life. My mother sewed most of our clothes especially school uniforms. Sewing was always utilitarian, and not necessarily a fun or creative outlet. In college and after, I made what I needed, not what I wanted. When I had my first child, sewing became a way to be creative and have fun dressing my mini-me. It was a way to reconnect with sewing and develop my passion with my mother. In the years since her sudden passing, sewing has become my grief therapy. I sew her wonderful vintage patterns, use her vibrant stash and practice her precision with her sewing tools and notions. Sewing is the link to my mother and a foundation of creativity."
I don't know about you but that answer touched me soooooo much!
* * * * * * * * * *
Claudine who blogs at Rolling In the Cloth and whose Instagram account is the same name answers the question this way ~
"For me, sewing started out being about the stuff, but now it's more about the community. Stuff being, the clothes I wanted but I could not afford. When I started sewing, before the Internet, I had no idea that there might be OTHER PEOPLE out there who do this kind of thing for fun. Then in the 1990s, I found Sewingworld.com, which was my introduction to this wonderful community of which Carolyn, you and me are all a part. When I talk to other sewists in person or online, I feel like I'm with people who GET me in ways that the general population does not. And for that I'm grateful."
* * * * * * * * * *
If you're on Instagram, you know Deborah as debek301, Design Development Director at Simplicity Pattern Company. Here are Deb's thoughts ~
"Sewing is my multi tasker. The creative process and results are part of a much larger equation. I have been lucky to build a career around this passion and I am rewarded by it everyday in many ways. But at the heart of my love of this craft is my need for the doing - it is my meditation, my recharge, my quiet time. All the 'stuff' of it adds to the feeding of my senses - a swish of charmeuse, a touch of a textured damask, a perfectly sewn French seam. Sewing = energy = peace. Sewing feeds my soul. And in a more down to earth way, fills my closet with clothing that is unique and well made."
* * * * * * * * * *
Instagram is my social media of choice and I found Eryn there. I love her style and her helpful blog posts. Eryn says ~
"Sewing means more to me than stitching fabric together. Sewing is about carving out time for my self-care where I am not a mother, wife, worker bee, or any of the many hats I wear on a daily basis. I love carving out time to do something that is solely for me that feeds my creativity, gives me space to just 'be with myself' and makes me feel great. The bonus is that I get some unique and amazing clothing for myself!"
Check Eryn out on these social sites ~ blog, Instagram, Facebook
* * * * * * * * * *
I've been following Faye's sewing for years...so here's what Faye has to say ~
"God created us in his own image; He created us as co-creators. I use to think that I wasn't a creative person AT ALL; but finally realized that sewing IS my creative force; it's my creative outlet. I can't sing, I can't draw, but I can sew. Sewing is my passion, my relaxation mechanism, and it calms me after a stressful day. I simply must create, therefore I sew!"
Follow Faye on these sites, her blog, Instagram and Pinterest.
* * * * * * * * * *
I watched in awe as this next sewist won the "Rippin' Ain't Easy" contest last year. I've been following her ever since because her sewing is so inspiring - it's Michelle of That Black Chic!
"Sewing is art and art is freedom, so freedom is what sewing means to me. Freedom to create things with my own bare hands. Freedom to take a piece of fabric, mold it, cut it, twist it, color it, weave it and stitch it into whatever I want it to be. Yup that's what sewing means to me and I love sharing my freedom!"
Michelle's social links are blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter
* * * * * * * * * *
I've started following Robin when I found her on an internet sewing board. Here are Robin's thoughts ~
"In a practical sense, sewing means freedom - to wear the colors I like and the styles I prefer, and made in the fabrics that suit me best. Sewing affects my lifestyle, too. Many years ago, my primary creative outlet was playing music. But as I got older and my responsibilities grew, I no longer wanted to be out of the house on weekend nights to play music. How wonderful it was to realize that I could get the same 'creative fix' from a sewing project.
Then there are the social aspects of sewing. By seeking out other sewing enthusiasts, I have also found friendship. Lastly, there is contentment. Sewing soothes me. There is nothing better than ducking into the sewing room to lose myself in the process of cutting, pinning, stitching and pressing each seam. I am so lucky to have such a multi-purpose hobby."
Robin's social media links are blog, Instagram and Pinterest.
* * * * * * * * * *
There were several words that stuck out to me from the quotes above, "freedom, contentment, creativity, and fun." Aren't those words that most of us would use to describe this craft we love so much?!
I have one final post and it's my sewing friends words on "What Sewing Means to Me!" I'm thrilled to call all of these women friend because they mean so much to me.
Lastly, there are only 2 more days left in September. If you haven't already taken advantage of the discounts that were offered this month, here they are again.
Simplicity Patterns ~
20% off your total order from Simplicity patterns using the code "FANATIC16"
The Dutch Label Shop ~
15% off your order at The Dutch Label Shop using the code "carolyn". I know that a few of you have already received your labels. If you could leave a link in the comments, sharing a pic of your new labels that would be great!
15% off your order at The Dutch Label Shop using the code "carolyn". I know that a few of you have already received your labels. If you could leave a link in the comments, sharing a pic of your new labels that would be great!
Style Maker Fabrics ~
10% off your order plus $5 shipping ($5 off International orders) from Style Maker Fabrics using the code "SEWSEPT". I also know that some of you have already used the discount, so please share pics of your new fabrics by leaving a link in the comments section! Also, don't forget the Style Maker Fabrics Fall Style Blog Tour that is still in effect.
I don't know about you but it seems as if this month has flown by...just one more post to celebrate National Sewing Month...
10% off your order plus $5 shipping ($5 off International orders) from Style Maker Fabrics using the code "SEWSEPT". I also know that some of you have already used the discount, so please share pics of your new fabrics by leaving a link in the comments section! Also, don't forget the Style Maker Fabrics Fall Style Blog Tour that is still in effect.
I don't know about you but it seems as if this month has flown by...just one more post to celebrate National Sewing Month...
...as always more later!
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