Seams of Life

my creative space

 Still working on those hexagons. I'm eager to join them together. The color combinations just make me happy :: blues, greens, beige, gray and pops of purple, yellow and red. Especially the green and yellow combo. Perhaps because everywhere I look I see bursts of green and yellow, ensuring that spring is here at last.   
 Look here for more creative spaces.  
  

Vintage Swap 2010

Take a gander at all the vintage goodies my wonderful swap partner Mary sent to me!

Vintage crochet patterns, wood bobbins, charming fabric, seam binding....

...and a retro scarf with the funniest exercise images.
 
   
And a sweet teacup that was my (and my girls') favorite piece. It's so delicate and dainty I have no idea how it survived the shipment but I am so happy that it did. I couldn't be more pleased!

I am so thankful to Mary for putting so much thought and time into my swap package. I'm also happy to have been introduced to another inspiring blog to read.

the ice-breaker skirt

 
I have always wanted to make clothes for myself but I have been too intimidated by the process. Most clothing patterns get way to technical for this fledgling seamstress. But lately I have felt the need to challenge myself and to take my sewing skills to the next level. This week I got a copy of Sew What Skirts from the library. The directions in the book were easy to understand and they gave me the confidence I needed to make that first cut. I made this simple, elastic waisted A-line skirt. It was so much easier than I thought it would be. Now that the ice has been broken, I am ready to move on to a more fitted garment and tackle scary things like invisible zippers and facing.

But first, my current project must be finished. Anna Maria's prairie blouse from her book Seams to Me. It too includes something I've never done before :: making bias tape.