A Candied Apple

The other day someone asked me how I learned to sew. I had to laugh because I honestly couldn't really remember. It wasn't when I was a kid. My mom sewed while I was growing up but if I wanted her to sew something for me I would mow the lawn, make dinner or do the dishes. It wasn't that she wouldn't show me how it was that I didn't want to learn. I was going to be a big business professional who didn't have to deal with small homemaker type jobs like sewing, cooking or canning fruit. To this day, cooking is not my favorite but I really enjoy sewing and canning.

My mom & me

Then I went to college. I started dabbling in various crafts such as crochet and scrapbooking. It wasn't until after I was married and my husband was in law school that I started sewing seriously. I had a great job in the medical field but it was very un-creative. I was good at solving problems and addressing people's complaints but it didn't leave a lot of room for working with my hands and creating something new out of something else. I needed a creative outlet. 

Photo curtest of Red Pearl Photography

Plus, there were tons of babies being born who needed gifts. I did a little crochet but decided what I really wanted to do was sew things. So, I started sewing bibs and burp cloths. Then I moved to clothes for babies. I stuck there for a while and then decided to start making things for myself. 

Lucy Dress

About this time my husband started a very time-consuming job which could seem like a drag, and it was, but in a way it was also a blessing. I was able to cultivate my skills and really reach to the next level of sewing. I feel like I can now make clothes I love and not have them look homemade. 

Yellow Cords

Hand dyed onesie and socks. Handmade pants for Calder.

I LOVE making clothes. I think that is my favorite part of sewing. Of course baby clothes are cute and I still make a lot of things for Calder but there is something so rewarding about making something just for me, that I love, that is in style and fits like a glove. 

James Madison Costume

Calder's Backpack

Weekender Bag

Now that my husband is not at a demanding job I am having a harder time finding time to sew. This is a predicament I am happy to encounter. We are doing lots of family things and I know at some point (like November) that will change and he will go back to working a lot (but not as much) and I will start sewing more. 

Orange gingham & White pants

I do have a few things on the docket. I'm doing some sewing for our home right now. I am making bar stool covers and want to make sofa pillows next. I have quite a few other projects to show you too!