Big News and Big Fabric Sale

Hello My Sewing Bloggy Friends,
  Just in case you've been wondering why, after not being able to sew all summer, I didn't immediately come home and go on a sewing binge, it's because I'm MOVING!!! I've been wanting to leave these prairies that have cradled me through my adolescence for the last couple years but because of my health it has never worked out.

The little house on the little hill...

When I arrived home from camp it was quickly apparent the Lord had suddenly opened all the doors and I and my parents are going to be moving to a tiny town in Montana. It is a super creative community and I'm hoping I'll have lots of opportunities to teach sewing to individuals and groups. Opportunities of all kinds abound and I'm filled with delight as what I have been long hoping and dreaming of now seems to be taking shape.

Before I ride off into this new adventure I want to take a moment to say thank you and make a request. 

Thank you, you Wonderful Sewing Community, 

who gave me friendship and participation in community at times when I couldn't get out of bed, 

confidence and encouragement in front of a camera, 

and acceptance. 

Even if it is just in the realm of sewing, encouragement and kind words

 can impact a person's entire life. 

While I wish I could invite everyone to a huge sewing retreat or give hugs and cookies to you all but we live all over the world and I can't. What I can do is, between now and the 22nd, give you 50% off all the inventory in my Etsy shop, EmSewCrazy. Use the coupon code: 

BFMOVE1450 

(BF stands for Bloggy friends not boyfriends, just in case you were wondering. ;)

My request is that even if there is nothing in my shop that interests you could you please share this information with all your other sewing friends who might be interested in vintage sewing stuff? All my Dad's done is talk about how much crap I have and even though I let him know it's all his fault for dragging me to Antique shops as a child, I believe him. It's a dangerous place when a girl's business and hobby overlap. :) 

But as you all understand, I wouldn't have it any other way! I hope you all have a great weekend full of sewing fun! 

Now For Something Totally Different: Literary Heroine Blog Party

Hey Fellow Sewists!
  Forgive me while I deviate from normal blogging to participate in something that has been with me longer than my love of sewing, my love of books and reading. I spent the day with my local sewing group making muslins of Grainline's Maritime Shorts pattern, and while it was very productive; it doesn't make good blog posts at this point. So I'm taking this chance to do a little light question answering. Besides how can you pass up these great heroines?

Source Can you name them all? Love all these ladies.

Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!

Wow, what a huge question! My mother read to us as children. I would crochet while she read stories to us in the evening. My life's vision is to live creatively, helping people and being with those I love. 

What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? 

Sticking to what is right graciously, no matter the personal cost.

Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. 

Kirsty Barclay from The Shepherd Girl's Dream 

Jane Eyre

Mary Marston from A Daughter's Devotion

Five of your favorite historical novels? 

Define historical...

The Peasant Girl's Dream by George MacDonald

The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott

House of Love by Elizabeth Cheney

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Orczy

Out of those five books who is your favorite major character and why? 

Kirsty Barclay from The Shepherd Girl's Dream. She drew me in with her actions and kept me with her character until I prayed that I could become a woman like her.

Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why? 

Hard hard choice... especially since I haven't read some of these in awhile... Probably Percy from The Inheritance because he so quietly does the right thing and is perceptive.

If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? 

All of Europe and Asia! Especially Scotland & Wales because of my roots and South Korea because I'm learning the language. I want to see what people of the world do, live and eat. I especially want to see how other cultures sew..

What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? 

I'm not particular as long as it's a good story with a bit of the fantastic.

You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of? 

Probably singing. 

If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? 

Beatrice of Much Ado About Nothing or Lizzie Bennet. I'm pretty loud and outspoken. I guess I could be Emma too...

What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? 

Love the stuff but must eat it in small quantities because of Type 1 Diabetes. Chocolate and mint, Dark Chocolate with GF pretzels and Peanut Butter and some of the best... chocolate and caramel too!

Favorite author(s)? 

George MacDonald

Louisa May Alcott

C. S. Lewis

Victor Hugo

Charles Dickens

Thomas B. Costain

All the old fairy tale writers...

Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? 

An empty trunk to bring back fabric, notions and trim from all the foreign places.

In which century were most of the books you read written? 

I don't know... I have vast tastes in books.

In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… 

The Beast. Yes the title one from the fairy tale in all it's many versions and incarnations. He recognizes his faults, doesn't use his strength to hurt people and grows into a better person throughout the story.

Describe your ideal dwelling place. 

A spacious tree house.

Sum up your fashion style in a short sentence. 

A comfortable happy crazy mess involving many shades of red.

Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? 

No

In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... 

Sauron. Creepy, almost omnipresent, disembodied eye. That's all I got tonight...

Three favorite Non-fiction books? 

Grey Matter by David Levy

Organizing for The Creative Person

R. G. LeTourneau: Mover of Men and Mountains

Whatever latest sewing book or magazine I own

Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? 

Depends on where I was and who I was with, but swimming sounds really good.

Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. 

One of those wide brimmed straw hats that droop elegantly down in the front with the sheer rose print scarf as the hat band drifting in long tails down the back. I don't know what this says about my character. :)

Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. 

What has marked my life the most this past year is the lack of significant events and keeping faithful and upbeat in the midst of the monotony. 

Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.

1 Samuel 2:2 (NIV)

"There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.

Malachi 1:11 (NIV)

My name will be great among the nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to my name, because my name will be great among the nations," says the LORD Almighty.

If you read through all of that, thanks for indulging me sewing peeps. If you're part of the Blog party, Hi!!! Hope you enjoyed it! I'm looking forward to discovering some new titles.

Next week it will be back to business as usual so hang on to those sewing machines!

Tips On Sewing Bridesmaid Dresses

So I thought I'd share some things I've learned from this whole bridesmaid dress experience.
Now before I start, I want to say we all walked down the aisle fully clothed and according to everyone, looking very nice. My hope is that by sharing these tips someone else may have a smoother journey than I did and there will be less stress involved for all around.

Iphone outtakes...

First, making custom dresses is the most inexpensive way to nicely clothe five bridesmaids that range in age from mid twenties to mid forties, have a foot difference in height, and are in different stages of motherhood (or not).

Don't let someone who doesn't sew choose the pattern and fabric.
   My best friend has never sewn in her life and her mom has only sewn home decor or small projects. While I remembered to warn my friend on how sizing differs from RTW I didn't even think to mention that very rarely do dresses look like the model on the packet. Pattern photos are advertising just like any other garment store photo. The fabric chosen, while fabulous to work with, was heaver than required which also resulted in a different look. This meant that we had very different results than what the bride was originally picturing in her head.
   If I could have re-done this part I would have had her send me photos of what she wanted and gone pattern and fabric shopping from there.

Try to be as concrete as possible.

   My friend wanted these dresses to be something we would wear again so she said we could choose any of the different necklines from the chosen pattern that we wanted. Since I was sewing long distance I chose the cowl neck since it had the greatest amount of ease built in and the least amount of pieces on the front. I figured it would be the easiest to alter for our different body shapes. 

   Long story short, one of the bridesmaids didn't like the neckline, said her sister would make the dress, and called me the monday before the wedding to help. I spent the first hour putting the dress back together for a fit check and the next 45 minutes trying different neckline solutions until we found one the bridesmaid was happy with. With much prayer I was able to do this without collapsing in tears or anger.

   The solution to this would have been to have the bride and seamstress make as many of the decisions beforehand as possible. When you are a bridesmaid, state your opinion early or not at all. If you do decide to speak up, tell the seamstress not the stressed out bride.

One of my best friends!! Fabulous to stand up with
her! She nailed fit on her dress btw.

Remember the details.

• Get accurate measurements and remember to mention the importance of undergarments. ( I made a video showing the basic measurements as well as some special ones needed for the design of this dress. This helped tremendously in getting a good fit.)
• Remember when buying a lot of fabric to get it all in one go or check the dye lots. (this saves on the bride's nerves when she's called and told the fabric is a different color.)
• Decide hem height and remember to take shoes into account for hemming.
• If someone else is finishing work you started make sure to make notes of the changes you made to the pattern so they can complete it correctly.

Be Patient and Flexible
   No matter how much you prepare; you never know what changes, challenges, or craziness will happen. Being a calm seamstress, letting go when you need to and being patient as you deal with all sorts of people will help keep the bride calm and confident so she can focus on her day.

Cold feet before the wedding ceremony.
Mine, not the brides. :)

Finally, Don't fret and trust your skills.
   The dress I was most worried about fitting ended up being the best fitting dress the Matron of Honor had worn in a long time. She was so pleased she had plans to wear it again. Seeing someone glowing and confident in what they're wearing makes it all worth it!

Happy Matron of Honor

At the end of the day, they're married and that's all that matters anyway.

Liebster Award

Wow! Way back in February the lovely Sally of Quirky Peach nominated/awarded me the Liebster Award! It came at just the right time since I was feeling a bit blue and wondering what in the world I was doing blogging. After some research I learned Liebster is German for beloved little one and this blog award is for those with 200 followers or less. I did my best to follow those rules...
Since September is my one year anniversary of blogging I thought it was about time to get this done and perhaps share a bit more about me.

The Liebster Blog Award Rules:

- Nominees must link back to the blogger who awarded them
- Write 11 random facts about yourself
- Answer 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you
- Nominate other blogs and ask them 11 new questions

Eleven Random Facts:
1. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a month before my 14th birthday.
2. I can't go to bed with my feet FEELING dirty.
3. Growing up, it was so hard to choose between sewing or reading my latest library book. I soon realized reading and ironing could not be done at the same time.
4. I love swimming. It's the one "exercise" I would do on a regular basis if we lived closer to a pool.
5. I love being with small children. They are honest, funny and full of surprises.
6. I get scared easily and therefore don't like halloween. Warning: trying to scare me may result in you getting punched, slapped or my ring in your lip.
7. I'm loud and laugh alot.
8. I don't like to drive.
9. The wind whispers secrets in my ear.
10. I love to sing.
11. Right now I think I want to build myself a tiny house with some sort of rounded red door. That or a house that looks like a big red mushroom.

My Eleven Questions from Quirky Peach are: 

1. What is your favorite thing you have ever sewn?
Probably my coral 50s dress. It was such an easy vintage make, easy to wear and gets compliments from random strangers. What' s not to love.
2. Do you tend to sew more for yourself or others?
Hard call. Rough guess,  Me 60% others 40% 
3. What is one thing you love about where you live?
The glorious sunsets and all the stars at night.
4. Do you listen to music while you sew? If so, what kind?
YES! Most often I listen to Audiobooks or Podcasts but I also listen to instrumental stuff like Jon Schmitt and the Piano Guys. I like the acappella band Rescue, Celtic Men and Celtic Woman
5. What is your dream project to sew?
A king size paper pieced double wedding ring quilt. I have the pattern I just need to sit down and start sewing those wedges together. My Dad has bought and sold antiques since I was very little. I can remember him buying some old double wedding ring quilts and thinking the pattern and detail was beautiful. I've wanted to make one since then.
6. When did you start sewing?
When I was ten I announced to my parents I wanted to learn to sew. That summer my grandmother and I made a dress and jacket.
7. What is your favorite kind of fabric to sew with?
I must admit I haven't had a lot of diverse fabric experiences but right now I'm in love with knits.
8. What do you do if you get in a sewing funk?
Go visit the not-nieces and nephew or watch a movie and crochet, knit or embroider. Mainly just getting away and giving myself some space to relax and focus on other things.
9. If you could be any fictional character (movie, book, etc) who would it be?
The wise woman in George MacDonald's The Lost Princess A Double Story or  Nurse Matilda/Nanny McPhee.
10. What is always at the top of your grocery list?
Milk or cheese or both.
11. Who is your biggest fan?
My parents. Both have been super supportive and encouraging. Dad was a boot maker so he understands and helps with the creative process while my Mom is always in awe and encouraging of what I do since she is not creative in the sewing field. 

Nominees
Cation Designs Funny, Fabulous Seamstress and has a Fantastic Cat. What more can you ask for. Without her help with the stashbusting sewalong I wouldn't have gotten to meet a bunch of you guys!
Marmota Lovely blog from the Czech Republic. Sewing and a different culture!
MoonThirty Witty, interesting and fun. I enjoy her spirt.
CariHomemaker Lovely garments and cute kids. She even has a son who sews!
Kbenco  Gorgeous construction!
Crab&Bee Pretty much I want to steal several of her dyed garments. Give me lessons???
SewPassionistabyDiana I hope she doesn't take offense because I mean it in the best way but this is like taking sewing lessons from your uber stylish mom. I only hope I can rock some of those styles when I grow up.
Thread Theory They make modern men's patterns. Need I say more!?!
HandmadebyHeatherB This lady makes me laugh, every time. She also makes me want stuff, every time. We have a love hate relationship and like it that way. :) 
Japanese Sewing Books Much more than just books, she reviews magazines, fabrics, translates requests, does tutorials and notifies you of free patterns and stuff. If you like Japanese style this is worth checking out.
Crafting A Rainbow Another lady who makes me smile. She has a good color palette and a beautiful smile.

My Eleven Questions for Nominees:
1. Who are the three most influential people in your life?
2. What is the most influential book you have read?
3. What's your favorite thing to do to relax?
4. What's your favorite thing to make?
5. What's your favorite pattern you've sewn?
6.When it comes to sewing: Quick and easy or special details?
7. Classic or Trendy?
8. What is one thing you would not want to live without?
9. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would it be?
10. If you could meet anyone from the past or present who would it be and why?
11. If you could have any superpower what would it be?

Thanks SO much Sally for choosing me! I'm so glad you did because I wouldn't have found your wonderful blog otherwise. 
I hope you enjoyed this and I'll be talking to ya'all soon!

Musings of a Seamstress Bridesmaid

Big or tall, short or small everyone has a body. (super profound, I know)

What I mean with my clever little phrase is everyone, no matter what they look like or are shaped like, has something they dislike about their body. So often we brood on it, turning all our attention on that "defect" until it grows and overshadows our self.
It's like having a car that runs well and cussing it out because it's painted green and we wish it was red. Everyday we go out, kick the tires, let ourselves get angry, and drive off on our day without ever even getting an estimate on what a new paint job would cost.
What if something is seriously wrong, we need a new engine, or something... so we take it to the garage and fix it. Isn't that why we admire women like Joni Eareckson Tada and Bethany Hamilton? Despite visible physical problems they are both vibrant women that draw people to themselves?

Aren't these fun props!

High profile events like a wedding can bring out insecurities in even the most confident of ladies, especially when you're handing over the decisions of dress to another by being a bridesmaid. As this wedding's seamstress, I hope to tailor the bride's vision to our individual bodies so we will all look the best we possibly can. But I, the seamstress, can only do so much. I can't get into your head and change what you say to yourself when you look in the mirror. I can't change the attitude of your heart; and in the end, that's what will show when we walk down the aisle, eclipsing whatever shape we may have.

Respecting oneself, being confident, loving oneself are all good things but sometimes a glance inside shows emptiness. There is nothing to respect, love or be confident in. What do I do then?

I do the best I possibly can, and when I walk away from that mirror I forget all about me. I turn my focus on those around me, which in this case is some of my bestest friends getting married. This event, of all events, is not about me. No matter I'll be on stage, the focus won't be on me it will be on the bride and groom. I'll do my best to SEE the people around me and enjoy the journey I am on. When I do this my nerves calm and I'm ME, as me as I can be. And ya know, she's not too bad of a person. ;)

On this Monday evening, this is my hope and my prayer for all of us bridesmaids and for anyone out there who is also struggling with appearance and self worth...

Amen.

A Silky Love Story

Tonight I am going to tell you a lovely love story. One of my best friends is getting married in September. If I could ever use the term "kindred spirit" it would be with her. I've been privileged to be her listening ear as she's traveled that crazy path that leads to true love.
Now I know what you're thinking, "True Love, isn't that kind of cheesy. How do YOU know it's true love when all you've had are phone calls from a million miles away. Isn't that a little over the top."
Scoff not my friends, (and hang in there, I promise sewing will come in later) I know and here is one of the reasons why.
My friend is a really beautiful, classy lady but she couldn't see it. For as long as I've known her she has struggled with her appearance. While she didn't obsess or let it affect her daily life you could see the insecurity behind her eyes. Until HE came along.
Then all I heard were the praises of him; how valued he made her feel, and the thoughtful things he had done. There was nary a glimmer of her insecurities. When she called me and practically sang, "He loves me. I WANT TO MARRY HIM!" I could feel the glow traveling through the phone.

Engagement soon followed and a wedding date was finally chosen. I finally had to get off my duff and make her super special wedding/bachelorette gift. Finally we get to the sewing, whew!

A pretty silky nightgown for nights when she doesn't
 want to scream "I'm sexy." I checked with some of my
married friends and they said this was a good idea.

I snagged this lovely print at a thrift shop at the beginning of the year because I knew this day would be coming long before she did. She is darker complected than I am and I think this lavender will look lovely on her.
I wanted something super simple and this free Japanese tank dress pattern I found from this lovely blog, fit the bill. While her measurements put her at the second largest size I cut the largest size of the pattern on the bias so there would be plenty of room and be comfy to sleep in. It also gave me a bit extra to do french seams and not have to add seam allowance.

Another change I made to the pattern was to remove the bust darts, cheater style. What's cheater style you ask? It means you ignore the little ledge, v thing the dart makes and continue cutting straight down the side tapering back in to the side seam. I'm not guaranteeing this will work successfully on all patterns but I do think it worked here.
I also drew the pattern outline onto the slippery fabric, partly because the fabric was slippery and partly because I only had half the pattern so I had to flip it over to draw the other half for the bias layout. This whole slip was an exercise in bending the rules. ;)

Closeup of the details.  Not the absolute best job
but pretty good for my first time working with
slippery fabrics. 

After french seaming the shoulders and sideseams I used bias strips to bind the neckline and armholes. I let it hang for a few days then leveled it off and hemmed it. Despite, or because of all the changes, I think I have a lovely little nighty that will hopefully help my friend feel as beautiful as she truly is.

Summer Sewing Thoughts

Hello Fellow Sewists,
  On Wednesday I was trying to figure out what to post, how to get all my work done, and if I should go swimming with the not-nieces and nephew. As you can see, I chose work and swimming. I spent the 35 minute drive into town thinking about sewing, priorities and wearing what we create.
  It is so easy for me to get caught up in my own little world surrounded by my fabric piles, thinking about all I have to create and want to make and I forget to actually go out and WEAR what I have made. This past ten days my grand parents have been visiting and as my grandma, (who is the one who taught me to sew) and I puttered around my sewing room and I showed her my latest projects she kept saying, "You can only wear so many clothes."
So yesterday I went out and wore my clothes. I actually got to wear TWO of my handmade items since I wore a dress as my swimsuit coverup then changed into a handmade top.

So how about you? I know I'm in a very unique situation here, since I live in the middle of the prairie and work from home but do you ever find yourself lost in your sewing/creative space? Do you ever need to remind yourself to get out and enjoy the world and the creations you have made?

I also have an idea to bounce off of you. Awhile back I was reading a lot of articles on how lopsided the media portrayal of beauty is and how blogging is so refreshing because we see the diversity of womankind. Connected to this new idea of actually WEARING what I've made, (I know! Revolutionary!) I would like to do a series called Real Women, Real Dresses. Candid, action shots of all us everyday women wearing our everyday dresses doing our everyday life. But I need your help. Since I live in the middle of nowhere I don't see many people, dress wearing or not. I want you to send me photos of candid, in action, dress wearing. They can be of you, of kids, of some random lady walking down the street. You can even send me a link to your blog post if it's something you've made. Submissions should be sent to my email which goes something like emsewcrazy at yahoo dot com. If/when I get several I'll do a blog post and keep doing posts as long as I keep getting photos. So what do you think?

Shot my G-ma took while we were at the lake visiting my brother.
This was the morning after I jumped off the iceberg and all I wanted
to do was go swimming again instead of going home.

Vibrant April Stashbusting!

Yea!! It's a new month with a new theme!! I'm so excited!! This month its all about color! The brighter, richer, deeper, more vibrant, the better! I'm working on building a hopefully inspirational Pinterest board. Do you guys like having Pinterest boards?
It's also our second CHALLENGE!! You can enter to win fame, fortune and fabulous prizes!! (APRIL FOOLS!!!!) The fame, fortune and prize part. You can really enter, its not a joke.

Here's the rules!

• All Items entered must be made from a minimum of 75% stash supplies
• Item must be made within the month of April
• To enter upload your submission photo to Cation's April pool before the deadline
• Deadline for entering is the last day of April
• PS. This might be a given but all items better be full of color! :)

Then we'll vote on our favorites and someone will win a token prize and all our admiration. Thanks for participating in advance, everyone! Let's go out and have some colorful fun!

For other announcements, there's still a few hours left to link up your March projects! Go! Do it now and share in the delight of getting something accomplished!

Now, on to some serious thoughts. Today I ready Jess Lively's post on how we can get caught up with the online world. Specifically how we can measure our worth by it. This hit home to me as I was wondering what the point of my blogging was, do people even read it, why don't I get 20bajillion comments on my posts? Obviously this was a selfish pity party since I have recently been nominated not once but TWICE for the Liebster award, (more on that soon) and was given the Inspirational Blogger award. 

So what's my point? I know I can get overwhelmed by the amount of inspiration on Pinterest and in the blogosphere. I fall into the trap of comparing my blog and my sewing skills against others in the community. And guess what? I never come out ahead. 

So this month I challenge you to not only spend time with vibrant colors in your sewing room but also take time to look outside, whether spring or fall, and find the vibrant colors in your life as well. Then we can all create and blog vibrantly ourselves!

Does Exercise Help Your Sewing?

Image courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net

After completing another marathon quilt top I made a decision to start "exercising" this year. I love to sew and I don't stress about the seams but after about an hour at the machine my shoulders and back tense up and when I am rushing to finish a project I push through the pain and keep on sewing. 

So I have been doing some research on stretching and here's the plan I've come up with.

1. Find simple stretches that I can easily memorize and do without looking at directions.

Enter Pinterest! I'm loving this site and I started a special board with my ideas.

2. My focus seems to be on two areas. My shoulders and lower back. Both get fatigued after long hours at the machine and ironing board. (I guess I'm not used to sitting up straight.)

3. My Goal is to spend 15 to 30 minutes every morning doing some stretches and see if it improves my sewing endurance. I want to strengthen what I have, not gain muscles or get ripped. (ripped means lots of defined muscles, right?) 

I'm nervous about this since insulin is best absorbed in fatty tissue and needles hurt less going into fat than into muscle. It's because of this that I've had an aversion to exercising for years. But I want to be strong and not be a sewing hunchback by the time I'm 30 so I've decided to start small and see if it has any effect.

So how about you? Do you exercise regularly? Do you have any secrets for beating sewing fatigue? 

PS. My favorite stretch for relieving cramped shoulder muscles after a long time at the machine was best described in this video here.

It's A New Year!

Hurrah! Congratulations you have made it to 2013! It's a new year full of new possibilities. I have been doing a lot of thinking on what directions I want to take in this year and have been making lists to help me accomplish my goals!! Yeah, this is about New Year's Resolutions.....

In No Particular Order:
1. Blogging! I've loved being part of the blogging community and plan to continue that in the new year.
   a. Continue posting 3 times a week.
   b. Introduce some new topics and figure out ways I can contribute and give back to this rich community.
   c. Make more connections!! I'm going to be a part of

It's my first sew-a-long. I am also already preparing to take part in Me-Made-May!
   d. Improve blog with better photos and formats, etc.

2. Organization! Be prepared for many posts on this. You are forewarned.
   a. Right Brain methods of dealing with clutter and organizing leading to cleaner workspaces for me.
   b. Figuring out a daily schedule that works for me with flexibility for life. (I can't wait to hear your thoughts and ideas on this!)

3. Health?!
  a. Not sure what to title this section but finding an exercise plan
  b. Living and working with a Chronic Illness
  c. Gluten Free recipes for Diabetics (really excited about this)

4. Business!
   a. Lots of big plans including starting my own website.
   b. Teaching Localish Sewing Classes (ecstatic and nervous doesn't even begin to describe it!)
   c. Begin to create an amazing story doing what I love.

I hope you'll stick around and chime in with your thoughts and ideas in the coming year. I'm looking forward to growing with you!

A Year of Firsts

Looking back it has been a year of firsts for me.

I started selling my baby boots and vintage patterns.

I joined the best team on Etsy, Pattern Patter.

I got off of facebook... twice.

I joined WeSewRetro and it didn't take me very long to realize I loved the interaction blogging gave me!

I started Tumbleweeds In The Wind.

I joined Pinterest!! (Still excited about that.)

I started sewing vintage dress patterns culminating in a dress from an unprinted pattern.

I've started to make friends around the world and have already learned so much from them.

I participated in my first craft show.

I made my first pair of real pants conquering a big fear in the process!


I am thankful for so much this year too!

A dear little friend who sews with me.
 This was her Christmas outfit.

Privileged to be a part of these amazing kids lives!
(and their parents too :)

A super special night with my mother at our first
Broadway show. One of my favorite stories!

Living in a place with some of the most stunning skies!

There's so much more but so little time! I am already making big plans for 2013 which you'll be reading about shortly! I hope you'll hang around in the new year to share your thoughts too! In fact I'll end with a question for you! What are you most thankful for in 2012?

Christmas Creatives

As Christmas quickly approaches the the blogosphere has filled with two sorts of posts. Most are full of ideas and showing off handmade gifts, the others are on why creatives are NOT giving handmade gifts.

So this got me wondering why do I create and what is it about Christmas that makes me kick it into overdrive?

1. I make things. I do it all the time regardless of holidays. There is something in me that must come out, if I can't sew I cook or play music.
2. I love people.
3. When it comes to gifts I have more supplies and time than I do money.

At Christmas time this gets kind of crazy because I keep finding more and more people I would love to give gifts to. After living with a lady with Alzheimers and dealing with some health issues of my own I have realized my time is limited and there is only so much I can accomplish within a certain timeframe. So here's some guidelines I've developed for myself on how to stay sane and happy while Christmas Crafting.

Do they need/want this? Has it been requested? 
The first gifts I made for this Christmas were for my not-nieces and nephew. Since they are small and have a ton of toys I asked their mother THIS SUMMER what they needed for Christmas. She requested vests.

All cut out and ready to be sewn

She wanted solids and basics that would go with whatever they were wearing. I jazzed them up a little bit with some fun appliques that expressed their personalities a bit. I got them finished the end of November.

Does this gift scream someone's name?
One thing I have noticed is the closer it gets to Christmas the less I can creatively think. If I don't already know what I am making for someone they don't get a handmade gift. Unless a project jumps out at me screaming their name. (am I insane? I can't be the only one fabric talks to)
Last year I saw the Koos loop infinity scarf pattern and some fabric in my stash demanded to be made into the perfect gift for a friend. This is a great quick project that allows me to use some of my vintage trims. This year, I was visiting with my good friend from college and she mentioned infinity scarves were very popular in her area, so I asked her about colors and whipped up this.

Surprise!! It's a bit stiff since I used some iron on fusible but it
should break down and be more fluid with wear.

Do I already have all the supplies I need?

 As Christmas draws ever closer I am running out of time but still have people I want to give something special to. I'm not going to run out and buy more supplies to add to my bunny-like stash so it either comes from there or it doesn't get made. I've come to realize I would rather take the time to make something that fits the person instead of pouring my creative energies into something amazing that they wouldn't care about.

Christmas acts as a huge deadline in our little creative worlds, where we so often work at our own pace to deadlines we set. It is a time where our focus is switched from sewing mostly for ourselves to focusing on others. Christmas is a time to gather together with those we love and care about and if the stress of Christmas creating is keeping us from that then maybe we need to rein it in. After all the world isn't going to end if we don't get that tote bag made for G-ma Zee! I had to remind myself of this very fact this week, when some unexpected events came up. It's the little things and the Love that matters.

My parting thought for you is also one of my gifts to another good college friend. She is a creative, people loving, crazy like me. I found this quote in a fortune cookie and LOVED it! I turned it into a pin for her to put on her bag. So enjoy this crazy time of the year my creative friends!

She wins the ugly gift award. I need to work on my embroidery skills!

Your Size... And Why It Doesn't Really Matter

  The other day I was having a conversation with someone I care about. She was excitedly telling me how she was beginning to sew for herself again and buying patterns. 

“You know they go up about two sizes from your ready to wear. So if you are __ in RTW you will be around  __ size in a sewing pattern.” I mentioned.

“Ahg!” She gasped. “I can’t be that size.”

   My heart broke a little when she said that. Didn’t she realize her shape didn’t change but the different companies use different systems? A woman’s size, whether she be young or old, seems to be something that stirs up great emotion and struggle. 

   My struggle was slightly different than most, since as a budding 14 year old I was interested in GAINing weight so I wouldn’t look so much like a holocaust survivor. Forced by a disease to count the carbohydrates of everything that came near my lips I wasn’t complaining when I did get to eat. I was more embarrassed about the bruises on my arms from checking my blood sugar than I was about my hair or clothes. I would get angry when I had to run laps to bring down my high blood sugar instead of getting to visit and eat ice cream with friends in the evening. 

   One of the blessings of living as a Type 1 Diabetic is the detachment I can view my body with. It is a piece of equipment I must use to get through my life. Unlike my car or my house which I can’t trade in, or paint whatever colors I want, My Body is something I can decorate however I want, changing whenever I feel like it. And my “Size” is merely a set of measurements that tells me how best to decorate. They are part of a complex math equation and when I get them correct I can create beautiful things! 

   My friends, I care about you and want you to feel as beautiful as I know you are so let’s sit down and have a serious chat about our body measurements and sewing patterns. So put on your best bra and undies, grab a tape measure and lets get the first part of the math problem correct by taking accurate measurements of ourselves.

Here's a few links to the beginning measurements we'll need: 

BurdaStyle with pictures and explanations.

Simplicity with clear picture and instructions.

Threads with a printable chart and comprehensive measurements.

Vintagegirl on choosing a pattern based on full or high bust measurements.

So now you have your homework!

Monday we’ll have a little history lesson on how sewing pattern sizes came to be and tips on how to choose the correct “size” vintage pattern for you!

Wednesday, we’ll take a look at what some modern pattern companies have to say for themselves and whatever else I dig up that is interesting.

Until next time, keep rolling with the wind!

My Knitting Master

What a way to replace a hoodie!
I had this in the works for about a year!

A couple years ago my youngest brother came to me and said, “Hey, let’s learn to knit.” 

“Ok,” I said, “I’ll talk to the lady in our church who knits and see if she’ll teach us.” 

Instead I walked away and promptly forgot about it. Yes, because that’s how cool of a big sister I am. 

This happened a couple of times until one day he walked out of his bedroom and said, “Hey! Look what I made!” 

We stared in amazement at the beautiful scarf in his hands. Knitting ladies oohed and ahhed over his remarkable tension and perfect gauge. 

When asked, "How did you learn this?" 

“YouTube.” was his reply.

Fast forward a year and my brother drags me over to a lady and says, “Tell her she needs to learn to knit. She can’t just crochet.”

After a long conversation, in which I learned many interesting things, like the fact that knitting was invented by fishermen and in the beginning was strictly done by men until women stole it from them; or knitting was made for clothing because of it’s built in stretch, I was converted. I picked up my first set of needles and learned to cast on! 

It has been two years since I began to knit and after multiple Interesting knit projects,  I have finished my first full sweater! 

Meet My Joseph's Coat Of Many Colors

It is super beautiful, warm and I love to wear it! It has replaced several old hoodies and is much warmer than they ever were. It is 100% wool from Noro. I adapted two Noro patterns taking the shape from one and the stitch pattern from the other. I took the extra time to knit it to the correct length for me. For the back and front I just added rows to the bottom. For the sleeves, I knit an extra row before every sleeve increase so it would grow in proportion. 

To finish, I did a four strand braid in two colors to match the sweater colors. After some research on the best methods, I used grosgrain ribbon on the back and perl floss to sew the buttons on so I wouldn't rip the sweater with wear and tear.

A cozy collar instead of a hood to keep my neck warm.

I’m so thankful my brother took the initiative to learn a new skill and wouldn’t leave me alone until I learned it too! I really enjoy having someone to discuss a creative process with and watching him create is truly inspiring. Plus I now have some amazing things to wear!