Wednesday, March 10, 2021

On my day off...

I opened blogger to compose an update and found these photos waiting to be written about.
However, I feel the moment has passed and I'll just let them be photos with minimal explaining.
These are my 3 favorite pincushions. A colorful sewing lady my late Aunt Maria had given to me many years ago. The Owl ornament was a gift from Watana C. from The Wanna Bees. And a Heart I made 25+ years ago!

 

Crumb piecing.
... led to improv piecing...

...and of course, 2.5" crumb squares...
... just proof that some of my fabric does get thrown into the waste bag...


.... now, onto what brought me to blog today...

I am giving sewing lessons to a 10 year old. We meet once a week and sew for a couple hours. We have made many items in the last few months. We started with learning how to care for her sewing machine. The first thing she made was a pillow case, then we did 'jama pants and a top out of flannel. We made a quilt which took much longer than she cared for. She made masks for her brothers. We just finished simple matching dresses for her and her 18" doll.
I have been blessed to have her as a student. To witness a young person eager to create with their own hands is very satisfying. Seeing how much she has learned in her time with me is amazing!

Why do I tell you all this? 
Because a few weeks ago, she asked me, "what do you do when your not here [at the quilt shop]?"
She's not the only person to ever ask me this or similar question.
My reaction seems to be always the same...
I am bewildered by the innocent inquiry, "what do you do for fun?"
Sewing is Fun!!
Hahaha. She and her mom made me laugh with their wide eyed incredulous, "Really!?!" when I said, "after class I go home and sew on my own projects." 
Yes, it's what I do for fun!
This is my view at the moment, on my day off...

Today, as I'm sewing a store sample, I am getting the urge for dimensional or fabric manipulation projects. So, I'm watching YouTube videos on the subject.  I'm hopeful I'll find a new technique I just gotta try!
But I have to share this video on Tucks. To be honest, it's not a new technique to me. I was taken in by the YouTuber's sweet humor and lilting accent. It's so similar to Julie Andrew's nanny voice in Sound of Music or Mary Poppins. Just adorable!! I especially like what she says at around time mark 12:50 about "flips" and "flops."
I think you might enjoy watching, even if you don't care to sew.