The creative and spiritual journey of a (textile) recycler. . .

I have thought about starting a blog for a long time now. I just couldn’t seem to get started. I thought. . what would I say, what would I do and really . . . . . who would care.

Last year I had the great fortune to witness a ‘happening’. As a spouse at a reunion (I know, groan) I was both an observer and participant. This reunion was attended by some of the most creative and talented people on the face of the planet. Really, no exaggeration! But many were holding onto life long insecurities. They didn’t think they were talented enough and embarrassed to perform in front of each other for fear of . . who knows . . . finger pointing, whispers, laughter, ridicule of some sort for sure. Once it was revealed that many shared the same feelings, the healing began. And I was the lucky one. I got to witness it all and benefit as well.

So, the message is that we all think we are not good enough compared to someone else, but we are. Don’t let your fears and insecurities stop you. We can’t measure our own success by someone else’s talents.

This revelation and the kindness / support of strangers has propelled my creative journey to a place I had given up ever getting to. Tho I thought my creative juices were dried up forever, they have merely been reawakened. Many thanks to all involved in my process, including in-part . . Victoria B, Mrs. W., Charles Mc., Claudia H, Mary B, Cindy G, Sandy B, Traci B., Kat C, and my IAA family. So, thank you. I dedicate this blog to all of you!

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

American Sewing Expo 2012

Wow! What a weekend ... The American Sewing Expo (ASE) was amazing. I ran in to so many friends - old and new, made lots of new ones, worked for a few vendors, worked the fashion show stage as always and made so so so many wonderful connections. I highly recommend that each and every one of you try to get there next year. Whether you make garments, quilts, crafts or all of the above, I guarantee that you will find something new and exciting to try. Here are few reasons why .....

I spent Friday morning working with Janet from Felt on the Fly. Oh yah! This is not just any felt folks ... this is pure merino wool felt ... machine/hand washable and dry cleanable.

 

It feels so yummy. It's soft and pliable. Did I mention that it comes in 99 colors?


When you cut into it, the edges are crisp and sharp.... and let's talk about needling. Not like bugging someone, but putting the needle into the felt. It's like cutting butter....oh so smooth.


This is a make n'take that a lady started at the Expo. She took some petal shapes and a leaf and hand stitched them down just to see how easy it was. She kept repeating how wonderful it was to sew thru!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FeltOnTheFly 


Then I saw Luveta. She's always smiling, has a wonderful outlook and southern accent that just draws you in. She has been the Junk Jean lady since long before I started going to the Expo. She saw my recycled jean vest and loved it ...  and I loved her grommets!


She loves to put grommets on shirts and jackets to jazz them up. They really look great. I think you could use them for so many other things too. I installed 2 for someone and they really and truly went together with just a light push of the finger tips .... no hammers, no tools... Yeah Luveta!

http://www.junkjeanspeople.com/


I love anything bright, colorful and ethnic .... Akonye Kena fit the bill. I also love baskets. In fact, I have a bunch of these. You can fit anything and everything in them ... I keep sewing projects in them and little boxes of bits ... like little buttons, trims, itty bitty beads, etc. He also carries African fabrics, beads, batik panels and more, more, more....


Who says business is all serious? Here the proprietor of Akonye Kena shows off his name tag .... he is known as Princess Cranky Pants. I don't know why. He's a delight!


I wonder if the big basket full of sour candies has anything to do with it??? Just a theory.

One of the many exhibits was goodies made in the 'Out of the Box' challenge. Here are just a few items...



Stay tuned for sew much more ... part 2 coming up ... 
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