Why do you write?

Beth of SunnyGal Studio (one of the real-life sewing friends I have made thanks to the online sewing community) nominated me for the blog hop that has been making the rounds.  No doubt you are already aware of her amazing tailoring skills, and if not, make sure to stop by her corner of the internet where there is sure to be gorgeous sewing and beautiful flowers blooming.

So here we go . . .

Why do you write?

Well . . . because I enjoy it!  Why else would we all be spending hours at the keyboard, right?!

There was a period of time when I made daily entries in a journal, and there was a whole lot of letter writing to friends in college (yes, email was possible, but we were Jane Austen fans with no patience for keyboards and internet connections).  Once I left school behind, I no longer had a desk whose sole purpose was for writing, and the letters and journaling dropped off.

But my trusty needle and thread were never far away.

I discovered the online sewing world while searching for vintage patterns about five years ago.  Each new blog I discovered led me to another and yet another online chronicle written by a kindred spirit who, like me, could spend hours in a fabric store and was obsessed with the way clothing is made.

And I wanted in on the fun!

Blogging seemed like a good way to keep track of my sewing process and get a bit of feedback along the way.  Taking the time to write also helps me slow down and enjoy each project before rushing onto the next.

The connections I have made are pretty fabulous as well.  This little blog got me way out of my comfort zone and all the way to New York City!  So, in an odd way, spending time alone at the computer keyboard has brought some incredible people in my life that I would never have met if not for the solitary act of writing.  Funny how that works . . .

How is your blog different to others of the same genre?

One of my favorite things about reading blogs is that everyone has their own perspective to share.  In that way, I think we are all different.  

But I suppose I fall into the "vintage" category.  And clearly, I love rather antiquated styles.  Unlike some of my fellow vintage enthusiasts, I am also a fan of the reproduction pattern.  It doesn’t have to be original for me to enjoy a great style line or an interesting detail.  And I am not opposed to contemporary designs.  If I am drawn to a design, the year does not matter to me.  But I tend to use old school techniques in all of my work, even if the directions do not call for them.

Other than that, I am just like every other sewing blogger out there, sharing my work and a few techniques along the way.

What am I working on right now?

I just finished a dress that I started back in July for my New York trip – whoops, missed that deadline by a mile!  After my gala gown adventures, I am trying to catch up with my life and my sewing and blogging!  Work has been rather busy lately, and the sewing has taken a back seat - and perhaps I needed the break.  Just yesterday I finished stitching ribbon hangers and thread loops on my gown and petticoat and made a couple of garment bags.

At this very moment, my red linen jacket is laying on the sewing table.  I have started the hemming process and hope to finish the project this weekend!

What is your writing process?

I would love to say that I am incredibly organized and have a schedule planned out, but that is far from my reality.

I try to post what I am working on at the moment, when possible.  Some projects get more step-by-step attention than others here on the blog, depending on time constraints, how many photos I feel like taking while I am in the sewing room, and how much energy I happen to have that day.

I still have not figured out how to manage both sewing and blogging.  Generally one is getting all the attention and the other is on the back burner.  If only there were more hours in the day . . .

Every once in a while I think I should get a few drafts written up and scheduled for publishing, but it doesn't seem to work with my creative process.  So I am just going to write when I want, and head for the sewing room whenever I feel the urge.  After all, this is supposed to be fun!

If you would like to take some time to ponder these questions, feel free to consider yourself nominated for the Blog Hop.  I have to say, I enjoyed taking the time to stop thinking about my massive “to-do” list and just enjoy the fact that I have a creative pursuit that brings me a lot of joy and has helped me discover so many wonderful people and learn so many new things!  Thank you, Beth, for the opportunity.

And have a wonderful weekend, everyone!