It was fun getting the sewing machines out this spring and using them. The Blue House Pants project went great production-wise, although our opportunity to sell them at a regional conference fell through. We're hoping to add a little to our "inventory" and try again in the fall.
Several of us were inspired to venture beyond pants to sew other things: customized pants for ourselves and as gifts for family (Kendera, our resident artist led the way here), cloth napkins and tablecloths, a "slouch bag" for shopping, new kitchen curtains. It was particularly rewarding when we used re-purposed fabric donated to us - old sheets and curtains and some old clothes. Sewing is such a handy skill to have - and to pass on.
My mom taught me to sew like her mom taught her and I constantly hear her voice in my head reminding me that cutting accurately is the most important part, that basting is worth the time, to use the lighter color thread when faced with a choice between two that don't quite match. I am also enjoying watching others who sew with us who work with a totally different set of rules - or apparently none at all. We've made some interesting stuff, beautiful to look at and made with love - or hope or patience or spunk or a number of other aspirations and emotions indicated on the homemade tags.
I'm inspire by the time and care put into each item. I'm also inspired by other folks for whom tougher economic times has been a spark for their creative fire. Using it up, making it do, and wearing it out has never looked better, or at least more interesting...
Thanks for the link luv!
Posted by: Shannon | May 29, 2009 at 11:30 PM