Hearing about the devistation in Haiti last week, I realize both how fortunate I am and also how important it is to help those in need. When I sell my crafted items, I donate 10% of sales to charity -- at this point, the recipient is the American Cancer Society. Many other crafters and DIY folks are doing the same; I recently came across a very long list of organizations who accept quilts, knitted scarves, and other hand-made items for those with various needs. Here is one such list, I know that there are others.
We should all be sharing a portion of ourselves with those in need. If we create, we should be appreciative of the health to do the crafting, the finances to purchase the supplies, and the motivation to get up and go to the sewing machine, the easel, or the box of supplies. Consider using some of these gifts to make our world healthier, richer, or more motivated for positive change.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Friday, January 1, 2010
Welcome!
It's January 1st -- a good time for beginnings. This blog is intended to track fabric, creativity and related musings through 2010. I hope to give weekly inspiration to you and me through the year. Welcome to the journey!
CHANEL JACKET. I was inspired over the holiday break to look through my fabric stash, and came across a wonderful fabric that has probably been there over a year. It's a beautiful Chanel-type boucle, and I am going to be making up a Chanel jacket beginning soon (see the pictures -- these first ones do NOT do the fabrics justice so I'll play with lighting for the next photos.). Another blogger mentioned that it took her 70 hours to make hers, so I will count my hours until completion. So far, I did a steam-shrink of the fabric (hot iron held over the wrong side of the fabric to steam), which was about 30 minutes.
MUSINGS. Fabric manipulation (sewing, crafting, etc.) is a great diversion. I have a 'day job' that can be quite intense at times, and so an opportunity to focus on something totally different is a great plus. That's probably why I have 3 looms, one high-end sewing maching and a serger, and tons of jewelry-making supplies! There is always at least one project that calls my attention after dinner and on weekends. Plus the occasional lunch-hour trip to a craft supply store! I highly recommend having a hobby that takes lots of inexpensive odds and ends. Looking for just the right under-$5 buttons can be a perfect stress reliever in the middle of the day.
CHANEL JACKET. I was inspired over the holiday break to look through my fabric stash, and came across a wonderful fabric that has probably been there over a year. It's a beautiful Chanel-type boucle, and I am going to be making up a Chanel jacket beginning soon (see the pictures -- these first ones do NOT do the fabrics justice so I'll play with lighting for the next photos.). Another blogger mentioned that it took her 70 hours to make hers, so I will count my hours until completion. So far, I did a steam-shrink of the fabric (hot iron held over the wrong side of the fabric to steam), which was about 30 minutes.
Jacket fabric -- it's much more beautiful in person!
Jacket fabric and lining -- oo la la!
MUSINGS. Fabric manipulation (sewing, crafting, etc.) is a great diversion. I have a 'day job' that can be quite intense at times, and so an opportunity to focus on something totally different is a great plus. That's probably why I have 3 looms, one high-end sewing maching and a serger, and tons of jewelry-making supplies! There is always at least one project that calls my attention after dinner and on weekends. Plus the occasional lunch-hour trip to a craft supply store! I highly recommend having a hobby that takes lots of inexpensive odds and ends. Looking for just the right under-$5 buttons can be a perfect stress reliever in the middle of the day.
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