A Machine and a Dream

2009 is gearing up to be an amazing year. My ongoing list of things I will accomplish this year just got a bit shorter. Last night, I used my new sewing machine for the first time.

My sophomore year in high school I had a home economics class that briefly touched upon sewing, among other domestic duties. I do vaguely recall my mother sewing things on occasion but I never got into sewing.

I have always had this energy within that calls me to create things with my hands. I feel a deeper sense of accomplishment and ownership of my handmade creations. It feels as if I have called something into being. The final product is a piece that I can proudly stand back and say "Yes! I did that. I made it happen". (I will blog more about what my creative process entails, later.)

My first sewing craft accomplishment is the pair of hemmed blue jeans I am wearing right now. I am now converting an old over-sized, light blue turtleneck into a cute gathered shirt with 3/4 length sleeves. I got the idea from a sewing blog where a woman used an old t-shirt to do the same thing.

A major aspect of my sewing adventure is the reuse and reconstruction of clothes I have but don't wear anymore. My mini goal is to make cute craft items such as stuffed animals, bags and cards to sell at local farmers markets. I will stress the "reuse and reconstruct" value inherent in every piece I create and present for sale.

One major creative challenge for me is parting with the pieces I make. I make something and end up thinking "Oooh. I really like this..." and then it is over. The piece gets added to my personal collection. I am my biggest patron.

My next sewing adventure? Aprons! Retro-aprons. I promised 3 friends handmade retro-aprons. The pattern I bought gives instruction for 3 different types of aprons. It will work perfect because the individual apron styles compliment the different personalities of my friends. Photos will be coming! I am going to blog/vlog the whole process.

Well, I am off to visit a few sewing/craft stores near my area. I live in downtown Seattle. I will head up to a cute local sewing shop called Stitches. Normally, I would not plug a business on this blog but I find the staff there so freaking friendly and helpful I have no choice but to send them a shout out.

Random Thought of the Day:
"I'd like to be deep and profound but I'm drawing a blank."