Yesterday there was a meeting of "the makers". Our plan was to sew up the "Inside/Outside pouch" we had spotted at Sarah's in downtown Lawrence at last month's get together.
By the time we met, Pam and Mary Joan had each already completed 3 and 8 respectively. Which actually turned out pretty great for Ann and I, since they could answer all our questions and provide guidance.
We had things cut out and ready to go ahead of time, and Ann had her house all set up like an official "sewing workshop". Complete with lighting, cutting surfaces if needed, iron, cranberry/blood orange iced tea, AND oatmeal raisin cookies and snickerdoodles.
We made fast work out of attaching zippers and binding strips to vinyl, making gussets, and figuring out how the interior/exterior fabrics all came together.
Meanwhile Pam sewed up the sweetest little jacket, trusting that the process was right (though we were not sure how it would go together for a few minutes), ending the day with a perfect gift for a lucky baby.
Mary Joan kept me on track with my bag while stitching on this pillow AND knitting her second pair of socks.
My friends also saved the day for me when I noticed at the end that my zipper closure was wonky and they cut off the end of the zipper (gasp!), re-attached the zip thing, and made it like new.
At the conclusion of our August meeting, Ann and I were all done except for a bit of hand sewing on the exterior binding. But more than that, we were all invigorated. Ready to resume, complete, and start new projects. Because, as I said last month when talking about this group... makers gotta make.
I also learned about 2 things that I didn't know would make sewing so much easier!
Scissors that make cutting out easier for sore hands, AND a fold out cardboard thing to put on your table so you don't have to get on your hands and knees on the floor when laying out fabric and patterns. GENIUS!!
Right this moment my brain is buzzing with ideas and I have been infused with a sense of being able to do anything that comes from being in community with my fellow makers.
Helpful links:
There is nothing like a tribe of like minded friends getting together and working on a project together. I truly believe it's necessary for my own well being. TFS!
Posted by: Emie | 08/19/2018 at 03:17 AM
Loved this post. Many years ago, attended a weekly 5-hour session led by a local
master sewer/tailor. You brought your machine and project, what ever skill level it
may be and if help was needed it was available.
As you point out Carol, the camaraderie is inspiring and invigorating. One of my
projects were coats for my then little girls. Another was a woolen cape for myself.
We tackled knitting projects also.
Without that kind of instruction and help, I might never have attempted that level
of sewing.
Hurrah for women who sew, support, laugh and enjoy.
Posted by: Barbara Tarbox | 08/19/2018 at 09:32 AM
Just about my favorite thing in the world is getting together with my friends to make stuff. Love the bags and intend to order the pattern.
Can you find out what pattern was used to make the baby jacket? Thank you!!
Posted by: Sharon | 08/19/2018 at 02:23 PM
Sharon: baby jacket pattern link added to the post above in case someone else wants it too!
Carol
Posted by: carol | 08/19/2018 at 04:22 PM
Thank you for the link to the baby jacket, Carol!
Posted by: Sharon | 08/20/2018 at 06:36 AM
Emie and Barbara - YEP, you guys clearly get it :-)
Posted by: carol | 08/20/2018 at 08:43 PM
That was such a fun day. Thanks, ladies.
Posted by: pam mckean | 08/27/2018 at 10:29 AM