November 27, 2017

#BLOGLIKECRAZY 27: WHY SHE SEWS & WHY SHE BLOGS ABOUT IT...

... having the chance to interact with other sewing bloggers, and getting to know them better is always such a pleasure.  This has actually helped me to grow as a sewist.  Let's face it, "Ever Learning Linda" doesn't  know everything, and never will.  That's where connecting with others comes into play - they help me fill in the blanks!  It still amazes me just how many sharing, like-minded sewing bloggers there are.  I follow them, and they follow me, and we are all involved in this great big learning process.


Mariela Alethia, who writes at Kassmin's Creations started her blog in 2007 (the same year that I started), and it seems that we have been following each other for a very long time.  I watch on as she creates her wonderfully fitting garments, great home dec projects and beautiful decorative planners.  She's much more multi-faceted than me, and I know you wll enjoy reading about "Why She Sews & Blogs About It!!!



Why do I sew?
My love of fashion and clothes was the reason why I learn to sew.

Why do I blog about it?
I am the only one in my family that is crafty and loves to sew. None of my friends are crafters and they don’t sew. So, my family nor my friends understood my addiction to patterns, fabrics and anything sewing related.  Until, 10- years ago, when I google “sewing” and Erica Bunker’s blog came up. I read her blog and found others and was blown away. I did not know that women were blogging about their garments, quilts and or home dec projects.

It was awesome to find a community of like-minded ladies and I started my blog 10-years ago to share what I sew and to keep an on-line diary of my projects.

...
Mariela Alethia

November 25, 2017

#BLOGLIKECRAZY 25: GETTING BACK TO SEWING...

...hoping that everyone had a marvelous Thanksgiving Holiday filled with family, friends and tasty food.  Sewing definitely had to take a back seat while I gave attention to as much pre-meal preparation as I could before my guest arrived on Thursday Morning.  I think we broke a record by sitting down to enjoy our meal at 3p.m. that afternoon.  Making time consuming dishes weeks in advance certainly paid off.

Now it's time to get back to sewing.  I must admit that as busy as I was with Thanksgiving prep, I was also involved in a little sewing procrastination as well.  The project:  Vogue 9032.  Yes my pants project has caused me to procrastinate.  I did work on the installation of the waistband this afternoon, and things are looking pretty good.  Hopefully I will be able to finish construction tomorrow.  Keep your fingers crossed for me...

  

November 24, 2017

#BLOGLIKECRAZY 24: WHY SHE SEWS & BLOGS ABOUT IT (part 5)...

...getting acquainted with "New to Me" bloggers is something that I really like to do.  It keeps my mind open, introduces me to new genres of sewing; and in other words keeps me from growing stale.  I met Elizabeth virtually at the time that she first introduced her "Day and Night Dress Challenge//Tour" last December.  From that time on she has been on my radar. Any blogger who can successfully orchestrate and host 18 other bloggers in a challenge definitely gets my vote!  The Challenge and Tour culminated on January 14th of this year, but I haven't stopped admiring her work.

You see, Elizabeth has a propensity for intense sewing projects; like her recent venture into cos-play where she made costumes for ALL of her family members (I'm sure you'll want to read all about that!).  That particular project involved such elements as: hand dying faux stretch leather, and fully tailoring a man's suit!  I'm sure you'll agree - there is never a dull moment over at ELIZABETH MADE THIS.  But now, lets see WHY SHE SEWS & BLOGS ABOUT IT...





Why do you sew?
I love fabric!  I always have loved fabric.  There was a wonderful fabric store in my home town in this ca 1900 building with old wood floors and bolts of fabric displayed.  I loved when my Mom would take me there as a child to see all the beautiful colors and textures.  At one point in my education, I had the choice between following music and following art.  I chose the former, but I've always been a little artsy, and I think I'm pursuing art again in a way through fabric.  
Watching a flat piece of fabric transform itself into an actual garment is endlessly fascinating to me.  I know a lot of people sew because they like to have handmade garments that express who they are.  For me, it's more about the act of making something with my own two hands and seeing ideas in your head take shape.  There's an honesty in it that's a wonderful break from the rigors of running a household and taking care of my kids!
Why do you blog about sewing?
Though I've hand sewn since I was little, I've only been sewing by machine for 10 years, and sewing garments for 9.  I started blogging in Dec 2007 really to catalog my progress and my learning.  For a long time it was all about my projects and what I learned each step along the way.  I've always been a writer, so I treated my blog as a diary.  I still catalog my learning and my creative process, but I'm looking more and more to give back to the sewing community that's helped me learn through my blog.  I said no to video for a long, long time, but I see now how visual of a craft sewing is, and if I can put together a tutorial that helps someone be able to understand how to do something, I'm happy to help.  The teacher in me keeps reminding me that I really, really love to teach! :)
 Elizabeth
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Paying Homage to Black Pattern Designers...

...for years February has been set aside as a special time to learn about and recognize accomplishments of African Americans and other peopl...