Friday 19 September 2008

Reading, thinking and planning

My favourite part of sewing anything is finishing it. The cutting out of fabric drives me to distraction, the sewing part I enjoy, but the finishing is just wonderful. Seeing something unique, that I've made, all pressed, neat and ready to use for the first time gives me such satisfaction.

Here's the apron I made last week - I'm wearing it almost constantly because I love it so much. Even C admitted that it isn't too embarrassing if I wear it to pick him up from school sometimes.
.
The pattern is an old favourite of mine from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing. As well as a brown one for me, I've also made it in various colours for Anna. You can see it being beautifully modelled by her here! The fabric on this new one is a luscious deep indigo and purple Martha Negley print on one side, and lilac with lime green polka dots on the other.
.
Doesn't it go well with my tights!
.
The other aspect of sewing which I love, is that of being inspired by other people. There are so many blogs that I read and get inspired by, but there are also many books that I go back to time and again. Sometimes for the patterns, sometimes for the pictures and sometimes for both. My two latest acquisitions are these:
.
.
Sew Fabulous Fabric by Alice Butcher and Ginny Farquhar and Country Garden Quilts by Kaffe Fassett. I've had the Sew Fabulous book for a week now, and my eyes have been greedily taking in all the projects. I keep coming back to the one for those flowers on the front through - I want to make a whole plateful of flowers just like that! And there are not just one but two gorgeous apron patterns in it. I may never have enough apron patterns.
.
The Kaffe book is more for gazing at than sewing from. Although one day I've promised myself I will make one of his quilts. It may be a five year project, but I'd love to do it. The photographs in his book are so wonderful, I could gaze at them for hours. That man will drape a quilt over anything!
.
This latest book of his has Jane Brocket as his guest designer and there are instructions in the book on how to make her allotment garden quilt, using some other Martha Negley fabrics. Maybe I'll make that one as well!
.
And then as if that wasn't enough inspiration for one week, my copy of Selvedge also dropped through the letterbox today. A Selvedge subscription was a Christmas present from my sister-in-law last year, and each issue is filled with unexpected and quirky articles and photos. Sewing books make me fizz with excitement and enthusiasm, and Selvedge counters that by making me feel more sophisticated and knowledgeable about my fabric.
.
What's inspiring you at the moment?

6 comments:

  1. OOh a fellow Selvedge reader!
    I have been a reader for many years now and have a small collection! It's great isn't it?
    We're off to Columbia rd market on Sunday after reading it.
    Love the smell of it too....ok that may be weird!

    I've had my allotment quilt on the go for nearly a year - it has just been folded up and not looked at - maybe once the family quilt is done + i can see a small sparkle of light at the end of the tunnel with it!!!
    happy sewing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. your pictures are inspiring me!! How cool are those flower brooches?! You have to make them, they are brilliant!!
    I love my aprons, I wear them daily and always get lots of comments. I think I am gaining a reputation as 'the mad apron lady who runs the cafe' which frankly, is fine by me. Love the tights my love, and where did you get that fabulous denim skirt? Am thinking Boden?x

    ReplyDelete
  3. P.S- other inspiration!! Is the pile of childrens recipe books you gave me- I am currently planning my first ever cake decorating birthday party, as discussed at length in Waterstones, Oxford,I recall!x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Loved your book choices, The Kaffe Fassett book looks really scrumptious (if a book can be scrumptious?) and I liked the aprons. I find that odd words spark my imagination, and that the change of seasons prompt new ideas.

    ReplyDelete
  5. oh no, now there are more books I need to have, don't show me any more please!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have the book by Ginny at The Flour Loft. It's lovely isn't it and am definately going to have a go at the flower brooches.
    I LOVE your aprons and the fabrics that you use. Maybe one day soon I will once again delve into the world of sewing. I used to do a lot years ago, but it's been so long now!!
    I think you should definately make the quilt...I'd love to see that.

    ReplyDelete

Even though I often do not have the time to reply to everybody, I really appreciate all your comments so much - thank you for taking the time to read my blog and share your thoughts on what I've written.