small fox press: Adventures in Sewing

Yesterday, for the first time in 5 years, I was inspired to get behind a sewing machine.

As I seem to recall, my last experience with one back in 2006 was not particularly encouraging. I had been working with a garbage bag full of 20-year-old fabric scraps, little know-how, and a temperamental old machine. It didn't take long before I decided that there were other, far less frustrating outlets for my creativity.

Sure, I've long had fantasies about becoming savvy enough to make my own stylish, well-tailored clothes. But in reality, the last thing I successfully sewed on a machine was an elastic hair scrunchie at age 9.

Sewing by hand, however, I have found to be most enjoyable. I discovered this last winter while making an embroidered felt pouch for a new cell phone.

It's just a single piece of felt, folded over itself and stitched at the sides with a long flap on the front. On the back, I sewed a little bluebird. It's shape I traced from a cookie cutter (they are handy for SO many things), then added my own embellishments.

That winter ended up being tough - I had just moved back to my hometown, was living with my parents, and was unemployed. But in the weeks that followed my humble little crafting project, this tweety guy really did help to brighten those dark days.

In the end, it's the small, simple things that make all the difference. Which is great really, because everyone can do small, simple things. And we can each put so much love into whatever we create.

Another thing that gets me through trying times (besides lovingly handmade bundles of cute) is journaling. I'm not typical an evangelist, but because I have experienced it to be so infinitely helpful in my own life, I am constantly encouraging others to take time to write and reflect.

So in my latest sewing project, I have decided to combine two very powerful support systems in one: the lovingly handmade journal, bursting with cuteness.

Basically I created a sleeve for a pocket notebook to slip into - not much more complicated than covering a text book, really.

Needless to say, the first few came out a little rough around the edges. But I think I've actually got the hang of it now. Even the idea of sewing my own clothes is starting to sound pretty achievable.