Since Liam was born I haven’t been able to really work with clay in the way I would love to do. So much of working with clay is timing and children have a knack for having their own timing. As a result I’ve been looking (for three years!) for a creative outlet that would fulfill my need to, well, to create. I like things that have practical and aesthetic value at the same time. I needed something that I could do in fits and starts. I searched and searched and searched.
Then I had a girl.
Finding girl’s clothing that I like (and that’s affordable) was much harder than I thought it would be. Then my mom asked if I would like a used sewing machine and when I said yes, she gave it to me for Christmas. It took me a while to get things set up, but when I did it just felt right.
I’ve just gotten started, but I feel creatively alive again for the first time in years. I started small by working with my mom on some (very) large bibs we made from re-purposed flannel receiving blankets for our messy girl. I could tell immediately that my juices were flowing again and I was immediately off to the races!
My first big project was a small quilt for my friend Courtney’s baby girl, due very soon. It’s not perfect by any stretch, but I was pretty pleased with the result:
Next I moved on to the simplest dress pattern out there: the pillowcase dress. It certainly isn’t perfect either, but I learned a lot for the next time. I love the style and I can’t wait to try it out with some modifications and fantastic fabric from my (rapidly growing) stash. She’s all set for the 4th of July next year!
Next I moved on to a shirring method that uses elastic thread and has the potential for so many applications that it keeps me up at night! I started with a tutorial and (as I am wont to do) moved on to my own modifications. Again, not perfect, but I learned a ton with this as well and I think it’s pretty cute. I can’t wait to make more very soon!
I’m so excited to keep going and going and going! I’ll post more pictures as I finish more projects. Hooray!
Wow Shannon, these are amazing!! I especially love the dress with shirring…I love shirriing and always assumed it would be impossible to do on a regular home machine. Maybe you can give me a tutorial?
I’d be more than happy to! It’s SUPER easy.
Hurray for creativity!!
so glad you’re creating again
are you taking orders now for commissioned pieces or should I just drop by with a bolt or two?
If you drop by with a bolt or two I’ll make you whatever you want (and by whatever you want I mean whatever you want that includes no buttons, zippers, or tailoring…)!
Great! I don’t have time for any of that nonsense anyway…