Tilly's questions and my answers.

~ Just because I didn't have a photo for this post ~

Tilly put up a very interesting post titled "Are Sewing Bloggers Cultural Leaders" and asked for her readers to answer a few questions for her. Here are my answers:

What does the online sewing community mean to you? Why do you participate?

This is such an exciting question to answer for me, because I answer it every time I tell someone I write a blog. Most often I feel the person doesn't really 'get' why I do this. They either don't understand how I can write a blog sewing as a hobby, or are surprised people actually read it (or both)!

As I am sure I have told you all before, I don't have any friends who sew, and the only quilter I know is my mother in law (she is an awesome quilter by the way). Initially I began blogging at My Quilt Blog, an intimate web community made up of only 20 or so regular quilting bloggers. We really did form a tight-knit group, and due to this we would often share bits of our lives with each other, as well as the latest quilt block we were working on.

We would sometimes share fabric and hold giveaways. They even made me a quilt as a wedding present (I will show you photos of this another day)! You see, this is where I began, as a 21 year old who knew no-one her own age who quilted.

After a few site crashes, we all packed our web bags and moved to blogger, and this opened up a whole new world for me.

I participate now in the blogosphere because it allows me the chance to meet so many more like-minded sewers/quilters, all are people I would never have had the chance to meet in 'real life'. I love showing off my creations and receiving encouragement, it motivates me to sew more. I also love seeing what others make and learning from their successes and set backs.

What are your favourite examples of projects initiated by sewing bloggers that capture this spirit of collaboration, creativity and innovation?

I have only recently seen this sort of thing happening. I love how Casey often shares her tutorials so that others can try their hand at making something vintage. Collete Patterns did a Palette Challenge which I saw quite a lot written about around the blogging community. A few of us are also doing a challenge at the moment, utilising the online patterns available on Burda Style website. I am excited to see the results when we finish our dresses in just under a months time, as we each put our own creative spin on an otherwise basic pattern.

Who are the "leaders" in the sewing blogosphere? Is everyone / can anyone be a leader?

This is a really interesting question! I think it depends on what you think a leader is? Is it someone who has a high number of 'followers'? Is it someone who has a high number of page views? Is it someone who sells patterns/fabric? Is it someone who sews as a career? Is it someone who holds down a full-time job or has children and sews only as a hobby?

To me, a leader is someone I read regularly, regardless of their page views or follower status. Yes I read Casey and Tilly's blogs, but I also spend a lot of time reading blogs by people new to blogging, or who have not yet hit the triple digit follower mark. Sometimes I find these people become my leaders, as they have their own style and are often new to blogging, so write by their own rules.

I think everyone can be anyones leader :-)

Are you involved in any other network of makers, whether online or offline? What makes sewing blogs unique?

I have tried my hand at a Sydney quilting group before, but to be honest groups are not for me. I do not like booking in a group once a fortnight, and feeling pressured to go when I am "just not feeling it" that evening. I fluctuate greatly with my sewing, and it can often be unpredictable. This is why sewing blogs are so valuable to me. I can get my sewing fix at whatever time suits me, on my home computer or on my iphone (yes, I read your blogs on my phone when I am out)! I sew to my own timetable and can share my finished garments whenever I have time.

* * * * * * *

I love the idea Tilly has for her paper, and will be watching/reading with interest to see where she goes with this topic!

Sam xox

Loving these.

Some of my favourite patterns for sale on Etsy at the moment (if only I had the time, fabric and money!).

~ Click Here ~

~ Click Here ~

~ Click Here ~

~ Click Here ~

~ Click Here ~

A girl can dream right?

Sam xox

One pattern seven bloggers #1

Something has been brewing for the past few weeks! I contacted a group of sewing bloggers who I find very inspiring and invited them to join me in a sewing project. The idea is simple. One pattern, seven bloggers, infinite possibilities.

And so the "One Pattern Seven Bloggers" project was formed.

~ A big thank you to Rachel who designed this cool badge for our project! ~

Everyone said yes to the project, and we have since been emailing with questions and ideas!

So, who's on board?

Marie from A Sewing Odyssey

Reana Louise from Curves, Patterns and Pins

Kat from Petticoats & Peplums

Rachel from My Messings

Jen from Pretty Little Pictures

Amy from Sewing Through the Motions

and Me!

Here is the pattern we decided on...

~ Click here for pattern ~

Today marks 'day one' of the project, and our first blog post. Every Wednesday we will be posting about our progress until the big reveal on the 1st of June!

For the dress... I have been giving some thought to modifying the skirt to create a more '50's look by gathering the skirt significantly, and perhaps making a petticoat to add extra volume under the skirt. Our landscape here is quickly changing to autumn hues of burnt oranges and reds, so I am going to use autumn colours as my inspiration for the fabric.

Image from here.

I love the bodice of this dress so I cannot see myself changing it much. I am also thinking of making a fabric belt to match the dress. I will probably stick to a cotton fabric for this dress, as I like sewing with natural fibers.

Now, off to find some fabric...!

Good luck ladies!

Sam xox

Blog love.

~ Source ~

In the past two weeks I have been chuffed to find out I have received two sweet awards from fellow bloggers. Reana Louise from Curves, Patterns and Pins gave me with an "I am All That" award, and Amy from Sewing Through the Motions gave me a "Stylish Blogger Award".

I am super excited that these sewers, who I find so inspiring, are reading my blog too!

So here goes for the first one...

The recipients of this award are asked to answer the following questions, link to whoever awarded them and then pass it on to five, no six people (who they think will actually be willing to answer these totally intrusive and possibly inappropriate questions). Feel free to snag the badge too, right?

Questions:

1) What size shoe do you wear? If you wear a size 7, can I borrow your shoes?

2) 30's or 60's?

3) Have you ever kissed someone you shouldn't have?

4) Have you ever been poisoned? Was it by the girlfriend of the person you kissed?? That isawesomely "Knot's Landing".

5) Who's on your "Celebrity Free Pass" list (top 5)?

So here are my answers...

1) I am an Aussie size 7, but no you cannot borrow my shoes (sorry).

~ My wedding shoes ~

2) 30's definitely, because my pear shaped body does not suit many 60's style outfits.

3) Yes, but I was young and stupid!

4) I have recently been experiencing poisoning via gluten! The horrid stuff that it is...

5) Don't think I will share it today :-)

The Stylish Blogger Award asks for 7 things about yourself...

1) I spend my week working as a Community Rehabilitation and Support Worker within the context of mental health. It is a totally awesome job that I find rewarding, challenging, and ever-changing (all ticks in my book).

2) I love camping, but it has to be on the condition that I get to bring with me my sheets, floral pillows, and bed quilt!

3) Wool makes me itchy. As a child I detested wearing the knitted jumpers my English grandparents would send me (sorry Nan!).

4) Speaking of grandparents, I love mine to bits and totally like the fact that there is only a 44 year age gap between my Nan and me.

5) I secretly like fishing. I am even considering buying my own beach fishing gear to use as a hobby. Although, I do wonder what an earth I will do with a fish the day I catch my first one. Could be a potential fad...

6) I am moderately introverted. When I reach my limit of social contact I retreat to my sewing room and spend hours sewing. I like to be quiet and alone sometimes.

7) I give in to my cats demand for high quality food... on a daily basis. Sorry dear Jamie if you read this post, yes I did feed Prada 'Kitty Gourmet' this morning!

Ok, so here are my awards:

The "I am All That" award goes to

Kim from Path to Living Simply

Jen from Pretty Little Pictures

Sarah from Ohhh Lulu...

Portia from Miss P

Sarah from Looking In

And my "Stylish Blogger" awards go out to my old quilt blog pals!

Angela from Country Scrap Quilts

Cheryl from My Creative Side

Erin from My Patchwork Life

Lane from That Man Quilts?

Hazel from Sew Crazy

Molly from Crocheting my best with my worst

Hope you all enjoy browsing this fantastic assortment of blogs.

Sam xox

Things that have caught my eye.

I have seen this done on a few other blogs,

and as a reader I really like it because,

I am able to discover blogs/websites,

that I haven't come across before.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Things that have caught my eye:

* Natasha from Samster Mommy made a DIY dress form using duct tape. I think this is a very neat idea, and a great option for any sewer on a budget!

* Claire posted her version of the Walk Away dress. I purchased this pattern last month and have been trying hard to figure out what fabric to use. I am very much liking Claire's choice of white.

* Caitlin blogged about a challenge all of us face when trying on clothes. Very funny and so true!

* I thought Shannon's Easter Bunnies were just the cutest thing, kinda makes me wish I had kiddies to make these for.

* Amy from Sewing Through the Motions discussed pattern inflation. Amy calculated that sewers have experiences a 2750% increase in pattern costs!

* Grosgrain is holding an entire month of free patterns on her blog - head over and check it out.

Sam xox

My new vintage sewing machine.

Two weeks ago I won this vintage Pinnock sewing machine on eBay, for a whole $1.04!!!

The seller said she wasn't a sewer, so could not guarantee that the machine sewed, although she did say that when plugged in the needle moved up and down - which is a start! I haven't yet plugged it in to give it a go, but fingers crossed it stitches. I have found a website that offers the manual for sale, so that will be next on my list to buy, as I have no idea how to thread this thing!

The machine is in great condition, and comes complete with its original cabinet. The cabinet lid folds down and the machine rises up from inside. Once up, the sewer is able to open the cabinet door (which has cute shelves and a bobbin holder), and sit in it to sew.

From online reading this machine dates to the 50's or 60's. If anyone knows anything about these machines feel free to give me advise. My best $1.04 buy on eBay ever!

Sam xox

My vintage Simplicity 1430 blouse.

I have been feeling in a bit of a sewing slump recently. As fellow blogger Amy put it, I think I lost my sew-jo. I was beginning to get a bit worried, as I really wasn't feeling in the mood to sew much at all. On Sunday morning I sat cross legged in the middle of my sewing room and laid out all my patterns on the floor. I stared blankly at them, trying to select one that I could make in a day and that wouldn't be too much in cost for the fabric.

I really feel like sometimes I am my own barrier, like I build up some of my patterns in my mind to be harder than what they actually are. I know I do it, and am thinking of taking up Tilly's challenge and journaling my sewing productivity.

I think that might give me a little insight into my sewing routine. You see, Sunday morning I was sitting deflated on my sewing room floor, and by that evening I had one blouse completed and three other projects lined up ready to sew. I think I definitely need a happy medium between apathetic and obsessive :-)

As promised, here are the photos of the blouse I made. I used the Simplicity 1430 pattern I purchased from Etsy a number of months ago. Why did I wait so long to sew it? Well, I purchased this pattern early on in my 'discovering vintage' stage and did not understand what "unprinted pattern" actually meant. You can guess my surprise when I opened the envelope to find a bunch of shaped tissue papers with nothing on them but holes of various sizes. It was like sewing Morse code! I was scared half to death and placed the envelope at the beck of the shelf.

After a few months, and much vintage sewing blog reading, I finally understood how to use an unprinted pattern. On Sunday morning I went to Spotlight and bought this black fabric plus a cute floral print for Tasia's Crescent Skirt pattern (more about this later this week).

Sunday afternoon was spent sewing and watching the Formula One Grand Prix. This pattern was an absolute breeze to sew! Seriously, the pattern has very clear instructions and the finished garment has a very polished look to it. The pattern suggested fastening the sleeves with snaps, but instead I made use of self cover buttons for the fastenings.

I also made a few other small changes.

- I removed one of the waist darts so that it better fit my pear-shaped body.

- I didn't include bias tape around the neck as the fabric was so sheer.

- I used buttons on the wrist of the sleeve instead of snaps.

This blouse took me around 4-5 hours from cutting to finish. Like I said, it was a very straight forward pattern, and my size only used 1.2 meters of fabric, which made it a very cost effective sewing project.

~ I am so happy with how this turned out ~

~ Side view - you can see how the waist darts give a more 'fitted' look ~

~ Button up at the wrist ~

~ Bow ~

I have this Liberty of London fabric on my shelf, and I think I will use it to make View 1 from next...

Thanks also everyone who left me comments on my last post. It was really nice to hear your good wishes, and thanks heaps to everyone who pointed me in the direction of gluten free help! You're all gems :-) I will let you know how I go.

Sam xox