Regardless of whether or not you have children returning to school this week, does it always feel like the end of summer when term starts? I tend to feel a little flat for a couple of days; it almost feels like a loss. But then I start to make plans for what I would like to sew in the run-up to Christmas.
I think that, in all honesty, the period from Autumn to Spring is my absolute favourite time for sewing projects. As the days get shorter and the evenings draw in, I can immerse myself in a fabric frenzy without once feeling that I really ought to be outside enjoying the weather or making sure that the garden is under control. It’s guilt-free sewing time.
So that is what I am spending time doing right now, and if you are feeling pangs of loss for the amazing summer we have just had, perhaps this will work for you too. Grab yourself a cuppa and a pen and paper, sit back and let all those ideas you have been thinking about over the last few months spill out. I am well aware that there is a very, very slim chance that every idea that I put down on paper will actually result in a finished product, but that’s not the point here. The point is to give the ideas an identity. When written down, I find that they feel so much more real and achievable.
I like to begin by quickly scribbling down everything I would like to make. Once everything is down on paper, I start a new page for each project. This gives me space to describe my vision, add a sketch or two, and suggest colours, fabrics and techniques I could use. If I am making something as a gift, I identify who the recipient will be and add a date by which it MUST be completed. This way of working suits me. It gives an initial burst of excitement as I recall all the ideas I have been storing up inside my head, but then leads to a quieter, more purposeful process where I can think more deeply about each idea.
So, what is actually on my list? Well, for the past couple of years I have planned - and failed - to make my Christmas cards. I love machine embroidery but don’t get as much time to do it as I used to, so machine-embroidered cards have to be somewhere near the top of my list this year. As you will no doubt remember from previous posts, I am learning how to 3D print; I have so many ideas I want to try. My main focus for this is developing ways to incorporate sheer fabrics into the prints, and I have some ideas for seasonal decorations as a starting point.
Like the majority of sewists and crafters, I have something of a fabric stash. You know what it’s like: you see something gorgeous and know exactly what you are going to do with it - someday! Well, my ‘someday’ has arrived, and I plan to make some new bag designs over the coming weeks using the lovely fabric which has been patiently waiting for me.
Writing my list, sketching and choosing fabrics helps me to feel re-energised and ready for the season ahead. It means that I will not dread the darker evenings or the cold weather outside. I will be sitting in front of my sewing machine, cosily turning my ideas into reality.
Feel free to join me; I would love to hear what you plan to make!
Happy sewing,
Suzanne