My Son's Request

This past winter went something like this.. "Snow storm to plummet NYC once again". That was the headline, week after week. Next topic, "Fighting the winter blues".. go figure. Snow storm after snow storm meant little time for anything other than shoveling. During and after it fell, shoveling the sidewalk was the topic of the day at my house. And if that wasn't enough, try shoveling, errrr, digging your car out.. Now there's a workout. Forget the gym, start shoveling! In the mean time, what would a girl like me do while the snow fell? Yup.. Sew!

Once my Sewing Mojo kicked in, it seemed as if everyone had a request.. "Hon, can you fix a button on my coat?", " Mom, can you make me a Maxi dress?", "Mom, can you make me a retro style dress?" Mom, mom, mom.... yes, yes, yes.... Then my dear son, who never asks for anything, made one request.. "Mom, can you make me my first bow tie?"... What... is that it? A bow tie? I had never done a bow tie, but it couldn't be too hard.. right? Here I thought he was going to ask me to make him a 3 piece suit.  So off he went to check out some of my scrap fabric, and off I went to the drawing board.. also known as my dinning room table and researched... bow ties.. That was easy.. While he looked for something he liked, I measured his neck and drew his pattern. Now, thanks to some extra fabric, interfacing and a snow storm, my son has his first bow tie. A little funky, don't you think? 

                            

Blessed

Not long ago, I was asked to sew some costumes for a play that my daughters would be in. Now, this isn't some school play, no, no, this was more like a broadway production. And once that realization set in, the nerves of corse, followed! But, not being one to shy away from responsibilities -_- I took on the assignment! And what I gleaned from this entire experience could be summed up into one word... Gratitude.

Gratitude because these plays are done yearly, and prior to this I had no idea of the amount of work that went on - from auditioning, to learning the lines, from measurements and draping to fabric choices and fittings.. Months of hard work, all done by volunteers! People like me, but who all showed a willing spirit to give whatever it took. And for that experience I am forever thankful. Thankful that I, along with my girls, could be a part of it, truly a blessing indeed!

                                               

                                        

It Starts Somewhere

As long as I can remember, I have always loved to work with my hands. Anything DIY, as long as I could imagine it, I wanted to make it. As a teenager, I decided, what better way to showcase my art and love of fashion rolled into one..., than to enter a school where that's all that's taught! Major wise... So that's what I did.  And looking back now, I'm thankful that I did. This school, taught me all the basics.. 

And when I say basics, I mean everything from sketching to draping, from fittings on student models to an actual end of the year, runway show. Much, like these reality runway shows, but at a slower pace... In school, we were taugh from day one, on  super duper fast, green metal Singer Machines, and what seemed like an even faster serger. I was always scared of it, thought I'd lose a finger.. Still am, But, ten digits later, college, marriage and kids swept into my life and sewing became a distant memory. I guess, in hindsight, it seemed as if I traded sewing for cooking, one love for another! At least, I was still using the hands... Anyway, as the kids got older and the chores evenly shared, I found, if managed right, I could have some me time... And this being true, I purchased a sewing machine, a Singer, which personally, I  hated. Gone were the days of the fast metal that gave me a thrill, instead I got slow & plastic. I managed, however to make a few dresses and some skirts for my girls, but seriously... Ugh.. So I gave it to the mother in law... Haven't seen it since. Fast forward some years later and the girls are now asking for maxi dresses... But honestly, something about making your own clothing.. The feeling you get when your wearing something you've made.. I love it, It's amazing.. 

I decided, that this time around I was going to do it right. And thanks to the internet, I did my research, everything from brands to speed,  from weight and mobility to stitches per minute . Geez, it felt like homework. As a mater of fact, in my search to find the perfect machine, I learned that slow and plastic were now replaced with computerized and fast! Not sure if makes sense, but if you sew, you know what I mean... So basically, it WAS homework! Anywho, I narrowed my search to two brands, Bernina & Janome. I cant remember what I read, (May have been the price tag on some Berninas') but I decided on the Janome Memory Craft 6600.  Let me tell you, I love my work horse! I Couldn't be happier... She apparently likes me too.. Plus, I got her at a good price, and although my husband would disagree, thanks again to Google, I knew what they were going for. I also have full warranty and I can trade her up when I'm ready. Sold!!!! 

So I've started this blog to Kra-ni-kel my sewing progress or lack of it. Be so kind & let me know what you think! In the meantime, here's a shot of my baby girl Jan.