As I mentioned, my success at the
drawstring pouch Tuesday night made me want to do more. Lucky for me, the Step Two class was last night, where I made this handy tote bag. And unlike the first night, when the studio had about five fabrics to choose from, I actually shopped for the fabric in a real fabric store (with a dizzying array of choices) for this one. It’s lined and everything.
This is fun, y’all. And there are just not a lot of things I can say that about right now. Next week, I’m starting a four-week course on reading patterns and learning to make clothes. Next stop: playsuits for the boy?
I sure wish I had stumbled upon this when Hudson was alive—what fun that would have been.
That tote bag is really cute! I'm glad you have found something that brings some joy. I can't wait to see pictures of Jackson in his lovingly crafted outfits!
ReplyDeleteI've never commented before, and I am so very sorry for your loss. I took up sewing a few years ago, little elastic waist pants are sooo cute and super easy for boys! You can make them reversible/lined easily too. I love this tote bag, I need to learn how to sew one of those :)
ReplyDeleteYour Mom's Bernina has been waiting all these years for someone to put it to work! Hooray!!
ReplyDeleteDad
Mandy, the two bags you've sewn are really impressive! I can't believe you did them after just a couple classes. It makes me want to pull out my needlepoint again; the sense of accomplishment is very rewarding. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSuper cute, and I love the New Yorker for staging and scale. You're about ready for Etsy! And, if I may comment on two posts at once (I'm catching up) - you look great (and yes, impressively round-tummied) at 24 weeks! Glad you OBs are taking good care of you, amid all the unavoidable stress.
ReplyDeleteOh lord-I am so NOT this person! I cannot sew to save my life. This is one of the things that you will always associate with Jackson-starting to really sew! Fun!
ReplyDeleteBig hugs-
Claire
Hi there. I've been following your blog for a while and am so sorry for your loss. A friend of a friend of yours (i think) turned me on to "One Good Thing" because I lost a little one in 2007 just hours after he was born. I've so enjoyed your writing (maybe "enjoyed" isn't always the right word?) and can relate quite a bit. I know that our situations are different in many ways, but losing a child is about the most painful experience imaginable.
ReplyDeleteI've not written a comment until now, but I find it very interesting that sewing is helping you cope. Sewing is also a new (since I lost my son, that is) hobby for me and has also sort of provided the same sense of accomplishment and creative outlet that you describe. It made me smile to see your projects and understand what sewing is providing for you right now. :)
Congrats on baby Jackson! I also became pregnant right away after my Benjamin died and had another little guy almost exactly a year later. The mixed feelings about it all were so hard to figure out sometimes. I commend you for writing this blog and being so open with your feelings--not only with your audience but also with yourself. My heart breaks for you, but you're doing so great.
I look forward to watching for more sewing projects! Congrats again. :)
Super-cute! A baby/crib quilt would be pretty easy, too....simple squares sewn into rows, sewn into bigger sections = a great project! Just a little suggestion to feed your new-found hobby. I'm so glad you're having fun with this!
ReplyDelete~Jillian
Okay, now you have me wanting to go to a sewing class. I love the Tote. Green is one of my favorite colors. Just keep swimming Mandy. Love you, Renee P.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely! I think crafti-ness is good for grief. It helps you feel productive and useful and can be meditative.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I love sewing. I think it's cool that it uses both the creative and analytical sides of the brain. Baby pants are super easy once you understand the basic construction of pants. You'll have to let me know if you tackle a playsuit. I've been intimidated by the idea of snaps.
ReplyDeleteI've found cute baby fabric at:
www.sewbaby.com
A good resource for tutorials on sewing techniques is:
www.burdastyle.com
Susan L