It's Been Awhile

Wow.  It's been a long first part of the year.  I haven't sewn a thing for months except for a bit of mending.  Somewhere around the first of the year, my Sewing Mojo packed up its bags and left me.  I didn't hear a word from it for most of winter and spring.  Not even a postcard.  It did, however, leave behind its sibling to care for me and mend my wounds.  The Fabric Acquisition Mojo.  It has been a steady companion for the last six months.  The only times I've been near the sewing studio have been to throw fabric into it.

But then, I haven't been feeling well for awhile either.  So I've had no energy or interest in doing much of anything lately.

And then my Mom died.  Two weeks ago.  Saturday, June 14, 2014.  The most fabulous, talented, beautiful, supportive person I've ever known.  There isn't a person she's met that doesn't say she had an important impact on them.  I know I was--and will continue to be--extremely fortunate to have had this woman for my mother and my friend.  She showed me nearly every day how to be a better human being.  I can only thank her by going forward and being that better human being.

If you have continued reading this far, I should at least give you some sewing content as a thank you. This was about the last project I finished before the Mojo took a hike this winter.  I was testing this Katherine Tilton pattern as a possibility for a bigger project I have in mind.  In the end, I decided the pattern won't work for the project, but I am happy with the jacket I got.

I used a cotton fabric I've had on the shelves for a few years.  Black with red and white striping.  I took several inches of width out of the pattern through the body and cut the bottom panels opposite to the body to play with the stripes.  I may well make this pattern again--it's a nice little jacket and an easy sew.  But next time I would completely face the bottom panel, rather than just a small hem.  I think it would give a nicer weight and finish to the bottom of the jacket.

I like the red buttons.  They seem happy.

Now I need to get back to the living part of life, rather than just existing, as I have been.  I've been feeling better lately and have more energy.  The Sewing Mojo and I have been negotiating a return to the studio.  The acquired fabric piles have been washed, ironed and folded neatly.  Ready for any whim that may come.

I have decided to start back in the studio by sewing a summer six-PAC per the Stitcher's Guild sew-a-long that is the brainchild of Elizabeth.  I have chosen an assortment of fabrics in a neutral/natural color theme, because I need the basics.  Shown below, from the top moving clockwise, is a feather print rayon  batik from Fabric.com (for a top), a natural 100% linen from JoAnns (skirt or pants), an ivory with light brown specks rayon knit from JoAnns (top), a textured ivory/taupe tweedy linen from (probably) Fabric.com (lightweight jacket), a printed tone-on-tone woven from Marcy Tilton of some blend that I can't recall (some sort of shirt), and an RPL woven from EmmaOneSock (pants).  In the middle is a lovely print rayon/lycra knit from Marcy Tilton for another top.  I will be using mostly all patterns I have used before, so the reporting on the sewing may be less than interesting.  But I am looking forward to the project.

I am sure, however, that after all this light neutral sewing I will be needing some color in my world.  These below were an early birthday present from My Guy.

So, I'm thinking something red!