Sewing in the Time of the Internet

While I was away, the boy called to inform me my sewing machine felt neglected. Indeed, it was the most rest it’s received from the beginning of the summer, though my output would suggest otherwise. It’s nearing August and I’ve still got three things on my Summer Essentials Sew-Along List: The sun dress, the cardigan, and the swimsuit.

I typically pride myself on my self-reliance, but this trip—in which I helped my sister move her three kids across an ocean—tested my will. I got very good at jacking up vehicles, the John Deere in the middle of the desert, my car in the California Grapevine. We mounted an electrical wire the utility company wouldn’t touch. Heat. Boxes. Coyotes. Ships. Planes. Dust. Diapers. Did I mention the heat?

Needless to say, I returned exhausted. A long way of saying: No way I’m going to make the Aug. 1 deadline for the sew-along. “By August,” is becoming “through August.” What about the rest of you?

It’s tempting, two months in, to look at the list and be completely uninterested and move on (I have a very short attention span). But I’m glad I made it as it’s motivating me to make these “essentials” that are otherwise lacking in my closet and I’ll use them lots in August and Self-Stitched September.

Anyhoo, I came home to my sewing machine and this lovely package in the mail from Zoe. How awesome is this? I’d been oogling the one she’d given away for her giveaway that I’m sure is now proudly owned by a very clever woman. I love the color, the sixties flair. It’s been making it’s way with me around town. The inside is a matching gingham. Most of all, I love that it’s handmade, not to mention by someone I know and respect. Thanks, Zoe!



And, right before I left, I had the pleasure of hanging out with Jessica from A Yen for Craft who was in the area visiting fam. My blog life and my real life intersected and it was brilliant. She arrived in Simplicity 3835 and I in McCalls 5803. What sewing geeks are we! Let me show her off:



Note that it’s self-made bias tape and that she cut the back and front in different sizes, which I’d just heard about on a sewing podcast while driving, which eliminates some back fit issues. Definitely knowledge to file in the old noggin. Anyone else have luck with this?

Also, related sewing inspiration:

This is the list that Amy of Quixotic Pixels was kind enough to share during Me-Made-May, “Sewing with Knits,” and I’ve returned to it lots while sewing knits.

This is an oft-recommended tute on sewing a classic neckband, which I’ve been using with increasing success. It’s also by Cal Patch, one of my recent sewing/designer crushes.

Reader Anne K. mentioned she started a podcast, GreenStitch, about refashioning and eco-sewing. An invite to you (who are far more sewing-savvy than I!): “if anyone has a particularly cool refashioning technique or project or passion, let me know and I will gladly interview you as a podcast guest!”

Speaking of eco-friendly, I’m seriously considering the Ethical Clothing Pledge began at IsisMade. Those who take it, pledge to wear clothes that are one or more of the following: Pre-loved, Handmade, Reconstructed, Made with ethical / environmentally friendly materials, and Made by a company with strong ethical policy & workers' rights. The Ethical Clothing Pledge was discovered through the Remade in Melbourne blog, where I also stumbled upon a book I’ve been enjoying, Style Statement.

I know I’m late to this party, but I’m totally inspired by the Uniform Project: One dress, 365 days, and all proceeds of this adventure went to help fund uniforms and expenses for schoolchildren in India.

Uniform Project Picture Book from The Uniform Project on Vimeo.

And what’s even cooler? The pattern for this amazingly versatile dress is for sale here. I’m so buying this. Let me just get through August and September or I’ll never sew that swimsuit.

I never would have come across all of these people and concepts and movements if it wasn’t for the Internet that's largely blamed for disconnecting us. Sorry for the mish-mash post, I've actually got some sewing to share with you, but I was feeling sentimental and so excited to be among you.

I thank you for your collective awesomeness.