Hello there, is anyone still around? I’ve been awol for a while, just not in the mood for blogging, and for a while now, not in the mood for sewing either! I’m aware that I haven’t shown what was made in the close of last year, there are a couple of items that probably should be seen! But this year has seen my sewing in a real funk.
January started all bright and bushy with me rescuing some table linens and I thought I’d have some fun with natural dyes and upcycle them into something more useful. I’ve dyes a bit but not made anything – the only thing that did work out was a blue linen embroidered tablecloth that was a little holey in areas. I managed to cut some pouches out which have worked out really well. I used the Petal Pouch by Noodlehead and the Essential Pouch by Sotak Handmade. As for any other sewing – it just wasn’t happening.
Then when the Russian invasion of Ukraine happened, I definitely didn’t feel like sewing! But – I could do something else. Those little blue linen pouches were the perfect items to sell to raise money to donate to the various organisations that were offering help. I sold them all and some of the patchwork linen ones I’d made last year too, making a total of almost £150.
I’ve bought some digital cross stitch patterns from a couple of Ukranian based Etsy sellers which I thought I might try to do over the summer, sitting in the allotment with my feet up… And generally not forced myself to sew if I didn’t feel like it.
Eventually I got a little inspired and printed out a pattern I’d had for a while, the Terra Pants from Pattern Fantastique. I really like the asthetic of these and figured I could use a bit of stash fabric up and ease myself back into sewing – slowly. The toile was made in cream curtain lining – probable not the best choice for a baggy pants pattern!! I was unconvinced for a while until a couple of sewing friends disagreed with my assessment!
I went ahead with them in some soft dark blue denim and I’m convinced! I really like them – but you’re going to have to wait for photos and details! I’ve worn them once but was unable to get photos at the time, so here’s hoping the next week or so will provide the perfect opportunity. In the mean time, I hope you’re all still out there and sewing or doing whatever makes you feel good.
THE COMPULSIVE SEAMSTRESS 
I thought I hadn’t seen your emails for a while. I understand how you feel. The pouches are beautiful and pleased you made some funds to support Ukrainian.
Thank you Marian, I’ve decided I’ll make some pouches each month from my leftover fabrics, and then sell them on. Ukraine is going to need money for a long time to come!
Kudos for using your sewing skills to help out Ukrainians! 💙💛 Creative peeps need time to reflect and recharge their batteries. Recharging might be in any number of ways, and can be different at different times. We’re always changing and having new experiences that influence us in countless ways! I thought of you as perhaps working away in your allotment, clearing out and getting ready for spring planting. 😉 (I don’t know about you, but sewing small fiddly things would exhaust me!) Delighted to see you today!
Thanks Del! I’d have loved to have been on the allotment all this time, but it was cold and wet and definitely not digging weather! No matter, the seasons turn and I’ll be down there more often soon!
Right-o! Hadn’t thought about all the rain you folks have had (being in a slightly deprived condition over here).
Great idea to use your sewing skills to support Ukraine:) I’d love to see your Terra pants when you manage a photo or two.
Thanks! I have managed a few, I’ve yet to check whether they’ll do the job though…
Hi! I was happy to see you pop up in my email! I totally understand about having a sewing funk. So nice that you were able to use sewing and creativity to help our the Ukraine. Looking forward to reading (and seeing) more abut your Terra Pants!
Thank you! Terra Pants post on the way, I hope!!
Yes, I’m still here too:-) I know what you mean about lack of enthusiasm for sewing. The awful situation in Ukraine makes sewing seem unimportant and I don’t think winter helps either, but what a great way to make such a lot of money for a really worthy cause. The pouches are lovely.
Thanks! It can be difficult to focus, can’t it? I hope the tide might be turning there now, but have to wait and see. In the meantime I’ve made a start on getting outside more, which helps!
It’s good to hear from you, and what a great idea for fundraising.
Thanks Catherine!
You’re not the only one. I’ve moved away from garment sewing almost completely, and gone over to quilting (with a focus on hand piecing and hand quilting). I find I want to be around my family more, and work on projects that have a larger margin of error.
Oh wow, well done you! I just don’t have the patience for that much handsewing – I haven’t even managed to do any knitting for a month!
Hey, I’m listening! I think it’s great that you’re doing or not doing what you feel like. I’m happy to see your blog posts in my inbox as frequently or infrequently as you choose. I love your work and hearing about your process! Thanks for sharing (when that feels right to you)
Thank you Lori! I’m making a concerted effort to connect again – it’s not good to be in your own little – and getting littler – world for too long. I hope that the warmer weather and longer “sunny” days will engourage the sewing again.