31 Dec Celebrating Creative Spirits
Greetings from Edisto Beach, SC – the perfect place to usher in the New Year!
I’m wearing my second serger product – Simplicity 2603.
I had no idea I liked red so much until I gave up buying clothes and started sewing again!
NEVER would I have bought such a bold piece of clothing.
NEVER would I have splurged on something with limited holiday appeal.
And NEVER would I have bought something just for the fun of it!
As I reflect on 2011 in front of an especially stunning sunset, I question the importance of my mighty goal of abstaining from buying ready to wear clothes for a year when indeed there are millions of people who would give anything to have a choice such as this.
However, I consider this decision worthwhile as I place it in the context of my life. Very few of my friends or social acquaintances sew at all and consider me to be talented, when in fact, sewing is a learned skill, just as playing a musical instrument is. The more you practice, the better you get. I hope my decision to abstain from buying clothes and instead make my clothes for one year will in some small way be an incentive for others to tap into their creative spirit waiting to be nurtured.
So………. on this New Year’s Eve I hope you will all live it up and celebrate your 2011 creative accomplishments along with whatever characteristics make you unique!
Sending my best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2012.
Until next year!
SA Curve Ruler
Posted at 08:37h, 01 JanuaryYou look fabulous in red! That is a great cardi. I may have to do the same for 2012. I make almost all of my clothes now. It is making jeans that annoys me (ha). Edisto Beach looks wonderful. I was born in Charleston, but reside in North Texas.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:50h, 02 JanuaryThanks for your comments! I can’t imagine making jeans…… my sewing ambitions might stop right there! Edisto Island, about 45 miles south of Charleston, is a great antidote to life’s stresses and a great getaway after Christmas. After being here three days, I’m ready to get home and start sewing again!
Dorcas
Posted at 13:19h, 01 JanuaryThis wrap is simply gorgeous! Red is definitely your color…wear it and wear it often!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:53h, 02 JanuaryThanks, Dorcas! I don’t know why I’ve stayed away from red. I have one faded red linen dress from Talbots. I’ll take your advice and try more red!
Bethsews
Posted at 18:29h, 01 January“Limited holiday appeal” – Hah! I agree with Dorcas you should wear red whenever you want to look great in 2012. Here’s to more discoveries of color and style and fit in 2012….
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:56h, 02 JanuaryHi Beth- When I wear red it’s been at Christmas and Valentine’s Day – but I’m going to try it more often! Cheers to color, style and fit – thank you!!
Pauline Droy
Posted at 04:50h, 02 JanuaryI have this pattern and love the red on you – beautiful
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:56h, 02 JanuaryThanks, Pauline! I’m glad I gave it a try.
judy roberson
Posted at 06:37h, 07 FebruaryLove red…my favorite color… Your wrap looks great on you.
None of my friends sew either.. I would love to have a sewing buddy
to share and sew with.. But my bloging sewing friends are fantastic.
You are doing a great job with your “no buying RTW clothes..Congradulaions.
Happy sewing.
Alisa
Posted at 21:08h, 23 FebruaryMight I suggest that you sew one item for someone who typically goes without for every item you sew for yourself. You could make a high school girl very happy if all her families money goes for food and utilities. Or perhaps you could felt an old sweater and make several pairs mittens for homeless (I live in Colorado where mittens are like gold to the homeless) or you could make items for woman who are in a shelter trying to restart their lives. You will be amazed how much fun it is to create for those who appreciate beyond belief.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 07:16h, 24 FebruaryGive the gift of love
Gratification awaits
Instant and lasting
Dear Alisa,
Thank you for the thoughtful comment. Though I can barely fit myself, I am always happy to make something for someone who would truly want one of my garments.
I wrote the above haiku a couple of years ago because I know the value of sharing our gifts of time, talent and treasure with the suffering. It helps the giver as much or more than the recipient.
I have and continue to provide food, shelter and clothing for the poor and hungry, and have spent the last five years raising and disbursing hundreds of thousands of dollars for such.
I couldn’t sew to such extremes for myself this year without being mindful and helpful to those who are in need.
I have also sewn for charitable causes.
I hope my efforts this year will inspire people to believe in themselves, especially women who are controlled by retailers marketing mass-produced merchandise (which creates a thoughtless mindset). I have witnessed how self-confidence and self- reliance through creative measures changes lives.
I have no idea how to felt wool, but if you will send me an address I will send a large collection of mittens and scarves to children in Colorado.
Many thanks again for writing!