10 Things I Didn't Know

Phew...I didn't really plan to be away from this space for so long. And, I missed it and I even kept composing posts in my head and then never finding the time to get. it. all. down! But, it's been a busy sewing whirl of activity in my parts.

When I left my job at the start of the year I knew that I wanted to integrate sewing instruction and just plain old sewing into my weekly, if not daily, life. I knew I didn't want the kids pulled out of their preschools completely and this would mean I have some time to myself. I knew a few people interested in learning to sew and excited to take a class with me. I knew all those things, but here are ten things I didn't know:

1. I didn't know it would be easy to convince my church to let me use the basement, on a regular basis to hold classes.

2. I didn't know I had it in my ever-cautious and deliberate nature to spontaneously say "Yes, I will buy those 4 sewing machines you are offering me at a steal."

3. I didn't know that same cautious nature would find the courage to dream out loud.

{got to love the work shoes tossed aside next to the machine pedal!}

4. I didn't know that every time I dreamt out loud someone in the room would say "I can help you do that? A web site? Sure, I know a guy....A facebook page? I can start it for you. Buzz and word of mouth? My speciality. A sewing machine? You can have this one that I never use."

5. I didn't know that every step I took away from the base of the tree and further out onto the branches and limbs would leave me feeling vulnerable and raw for a day...and then I would get over it. And, I would feel even more courageous afterwards.

6. I didn't know there would be days. DAYS! when I got nothing concrete accomplished and that it would drive me nuts and I would be wracked with guilt for not at least accomplishing something to help family life run smoothly. Then, suddenly I would work like a fiend and it would all come together.

7. I didn't know that people were serious, very serious about wanting to learn to sew and they would show up for class and want to talk sewing at every daycare drop off and we would develop inside jokes about bias tape and my husband would catch them chatting about fabric around town.

8. I didn't know that it would all begin to grow into something more like community...that it would mean a lot to take time out of the house, away from the kids or responsibilities, to sew something and to talk to each other. I didn't realize quite how much that feeling of making something that I love would also be loved in the same way by other people. Maybe even more because we are doing it together and each class would end with everyone looking at me saying "What is next?"

9. I didn't know what would be involved in being my own manager, website designer, bookkeeper, accountant, scheduler, fabric buyer, and social media player. That it would mean I barely sew for myself at all. That I might feel compelled, on a day like today, to make a single bean bag just to combat that feeling.

10. I didn't know this post would make me a little weepy....

I didn't know a lot. And, I still don't know a lot. But, I'm learning and I'm so excited to share more as it all develops (like a new name!) and this whole new chapter develops.

What exactly am I doing? I don't know, it's evolving and maybe I am to. Or maybe I'm just going nuts and my family will look back on this as that weird 'sewing phase' but either way it is making for good stories in my old age.

There are Pants!

You know that feeling? When you are working on a sewing project and you are diligently cutting and hunkering over your machine making stitches. You aren't sure where exactly things are going and how it is all going to look. You get a little stuck on something and it just about kills you because you are so eager to SEE! JUST SEE! how this project is going to turn out. And, then, you finish and you turn everything right side out and shake it a little and you know...it looks *good* and you made it and you feel fantastic and full of possibility.

Do you know what is better than that feeling? Watching someone else experience that very specific emotion for the first time. This, I am discovering, is the most spectacular thing about teaching people to sew. Getting to that 30 seconds when the look of pride and enthusiasm crosses someone's face. And, look at these pajama pants (and these happy faces!):


Oh yes! The first official stitching class is complete! It was so much fun to make pajama pants with these women (though, we did miss our third friend who got sick :( poor thing. ) These are the most adorable pajama pants EVER and I think it's safe to say they are not the last pair to be made in both of these families! There may even be some plans for matching family pajama pants...so, take that Hanna Andersson.

Another Door Opens

Last weekend was the official beginning of something wonderful...and the first step (of many) of aligning how I spend my time with how I dream of spending my time. I've found a little space, some eager people, (I even got myself five more machines. gulp.) and we got together making pajamas. Look at these determined and concentrating faces! Pretty cute, huh? The class was so much fun, so much fun. I'm a little sad that it will end in one more session. Here is hoping there will be many more!

My Very Own Pajama Party!

I might just wear these pajamas every day this summer. The pattern is from Heather Ross' Weekend Sewing (which, as you know, I mostly love). One of the great things about this pattern is that the sizes range from a kid small to adult large. I've even used this pattern to make pajamas for my husband. I made them in a medium for myself because the hip area is (ahem) a little wide on me...so they are a bit baggier in other areas, which is great for pajamas in my opinion.

But, the really exciting news is that I didn't just make these pajamas because I wanted summer pajama pants or because I'm growing into a habit of wearing pajamas until noon on Saturday...both of which are true but beside the point. I made these to prepare for some Saturday sewing with friends. They are coming over and we are going to brave the depths of my scuzzy basement for some pajama sewing! They are brave and dedicated women.
(This gorgeous, spring-y fabric is Verna by Kate Spain for Moda. I've noticed I'm pretty keen on Moda fabrics these days. I don't think I've given them enough attention before. The quilt under-foot is wool and was made by my grandma, it keeps us warm all winter long without fail.)

A Jaunt

For the past two years, my husband has given me sewing classes in the city for Christmas. It really is a fantastic gift as I end up with a lovely visit to NYC, an always inspiring class and I usually pick myself up a really good, good coffee. I really like heading into the city...I like the energy and the pace...for a short while.

This year, he sent me off on my merry way to Purl Soho. Oh the joy! The shop itself is so amazing I couldn't even purchase fabric...just stare. And, that place is hopping. If ever there was a need for evidence that crafting is making a comeback, Purl Soho would provide the proof. I took a class in pattern-making for clothing. It was taught by Cal Patch, who is wonderfully down-to-earth and essentially feels that most clothes are not made for most bodies and that even most sewing patterns are not made for most bodies. She really de-mystifies the whole process of measuring a cylindrical body shape and then transferring that into a 2-dimensional pattern.
I bought her book before class and I briefly read it but the class itself is going to really help me to fully use the book and really start making my own patterns. I'm not sure I would have been bold enough to dive into pattern-making without the class, to be honest. I would recommend the book on its own, I think. (One small thing holding me back is that I'm not always sure what fabric to use for clothing. I'm unsatisfied with how wrinkly and lightweight quilting cotton is but don't want to use denim or corduroy for everything. It seems that my own clothes are something different...a heavier cotton? a blend of fabrics? I mean I wear a lot of jersey knit but even my cottons are different from what I can usually find in the average fabric store. Anyone got any thoughts on this? I see things referred to as cotton poplin. Got any idea what that is?)

In the class we made individual patterns for an a-line skirt and a shift dress.
This dress is not the one I made a pattern for, it's a bit too advanced at this point but isn't it incredible! Very inspiring for sure. I can't wait to get started.

Between A File Cabinet and a Conference Table

For the past year my coworkers have been buying me lunch (usually sushi), in exchange for sewing lessons. We gather as often as we can, which isn't always that frequent given our work demands but we do what we can. We operate out of a conference room down the hall and have received more than a few funny looks.

Now, while this is all very sweet and nice there is definitely an element to these 'stitching classes' that is more like a military boot camp. Turns out I'm a pretty precise sewing teacher with something of a 'no excuses' attitude. There is almost always homework that must be completed (my coworkers confess to lots of evening and early morning sewing and ironing) and I never, ever do anything for them. And, yet, they kept buying me lunch and begging me for homework while simultaneously promising it would be done. In short, I have converted them into full sewing addicts.

Am I proud? Definitely! Very proud.

Look at what has been accomplished (this is just one of many completed or nearly completed items):
But, truthfully, we've been doing more than sewing. We've been becoming good friends...moving past a professional relationship and into a personal one. This is the true value of what sewing does, isn't it? It makes something real and soft and woven together out of could have remained unknown and uncertain. I've also discovered how much I love converting other people into sewists. I love it enough to get serious about bringing it into my everyday life. And, it is my coworkers that have taught me that. All this from a simple stitching lunch.

The hard part of all of this is that I decided to leave my job, Monday was my last day. The effort involved in balancing family and work got to be too much. But, guess what? They still want to sew with me! Next up, we are making a wrap skirt and I can't wait for it to happen. This time we will be ditching the file cabinet and conference table for coffee and the pitter patter of little feet in my house. And, I can't wait.