Sewing Summit: Can an Introvert Survive?

Being around people can kinda suck my energy.

Good morning.

Being in crowds, being at parties, throwing parties, rooms full of strangers, and even just a full day of homeschooling with my kiddos. Energy. Sucked. Dry.  Its not that I don't like or enjoy all of the above - I do! Its just that you know, its draining and I need some quiet solitude to replenish. That's why I am up late many nights because its so dang peaceful and that recharges me. Sewing in the quiet hours recharges me.  Give me a choice between a day out at the spa or a day in my own home alone, I'll take my own home thank you. Some of us, my husband included, are actually energized by people. Whaaat??? I don't understand that, that's not me. 

So can a girl like me survive Sewing Summit?  Or should I even attend?  I am living proof it can be done and you can be a better person for it. Here's why:

1. Its good to stretch out of your comfort zone.
Gosh, do I ever live in a bubble. Seriously, I surround myself pretty much with people just like me - devoted Catholic, homeschooling mommas.  (And thank goodness for you, my in-real-life friends, I really really love you all!!)  But the bubble? You need to break out of it every so often. Life's not really supposed to be comfortable. There's a whole world out there to experience!!

At Sewing Summit, I am humbled by the extraordinary, uncanny, awesome talent and creativity that surrounds me at the sewing tables in the faces of women of all ages and abilities. Really. Its like, wow. WOW. And we can talk! Starting a conversation is as easy as admiring what someone else is working on, or ogling over different fabrics, I mean its totally geeky and fun to share this passion. I really do feel transported and that can be a great thing!

2. You can be as involved as you want, and no one really minds.
Yeah. So when you get on the Sewing Summit google or flickr or Instagram chats, you'll notice that lots of women are looking to share a room, share a cab, make dinner plans, get on the Shop Hop, plan a  mini-Shop-Hop, organize a Secret Swap, organize a mixer at a local pub, the list goes on.

So I never share a room. 

I figure, this is kind of a retreat for me, a personal getaway, and since people suck my energy I don't feel compelled to share a room with strangers.  OK I'd probably share a room with Elizabeth Foss or a close friend from my Catholic Homeschooling bubble, but you know, otherwise, no one. Introverts don't like to share rooms, for the most part.

I skip the mixers at the pubs. Yeah, I know they have fun and there are fabric prizes and people sew bunting to decorate the pub, and friendships are made .... but I'd rather be in the open sewing room or in the bathtub. Both options are pretty precious to me! I also feel, as a 44-yr old, I'm kinda past the bar scene. Unless maybe there were sewing machines set up there, in a corner or something.

Dinner plans? Well, maybe. But not a big group. I love love love being able to scoot over to City Creek Mall and have a relatively quick dish at the Blue Lemon. Oh my, I love the Blue Lemon. Its walk-up and order gourmet, and they bring it to you in a couple of minutes.  The butternut squash soup, the fish tacos, my mouth is already watering.  This year, on my way walking up to said restaurant, I happened to catch up to two great gals also on their way to supper and we went there together - and had a GREAT time. There's that stepping out of the comfort zone again. Katy absolutely kept me in stitches (ha) and Anne is just so dang sweet and easy to be around. Actually, I got Anne's name in the swap. So it was providence I met up with her and Katy while walking to the mall. That really worked out. See, Introverts? Things can work out! But normally? I grab a bite on my own or order room service. 

Reading everything I've written so far I bet you're just itching to meet me. Don't I sound like fun. Hmmm, moving on.

3. To Shop Hop or Not
Shop Hops are a blast. You get on a big bus with 75 other women, visit three different fabric shops (it gets a bit squishy), you might win prizes, you get discounts and goodie bags, and you make a few new friends. You all share a love of fabric. Last year I did the official Shop Hop. I won a prize for having the most children. That was good, I felt like my fertility paid off in a really tangible way. 

This year, I opted not. Instead, and Introverts take note, I came in a day early and rented a car. Did my own little shop hop, visiting 5 different fabric shops in Salt Lake City. Oooooohhhhh!!! So so fun. SOOO fun. The shops were really quiet, no waiting in line for fabric cuts, and the quilt shops honored a 20% discount for Sewing Summit attendees. How cool is that?? That is very very cool.  

4. Swaps, Secret or Otherwise, are AWESOME
You might be an Introvert, but you don't want to feel like a total loser when you get to Summit. You want to at least meet and get to know some people, right? Hard as it is?? By far the best thing I did, to feel part of this community, was to get in on the swap action. Someone (an attendee, NOT the Sewing Summit team) usually takes the lead to organize. Last year, we had a zip-pouch swap, you bring a pouch to receive a pouch. This year, it was a Secret Swap. You sign up, post an "inspiration board" - a collage of photos off Pinterest or flickr that you really like, along with your favorite color, then your secret partner makes you either a pouch, totebag, mini quilt, or pillow cover.  You don't know who is making something for you.  At the same time, YOU are assigned another secret partner to make something for, based on their inspiration board. Want to see my inspiration board? Right here if you want a peek :).

This particular swap was so fun, because you can post photos of your work-in-progress, and of the finished work, and people in the swap make comments so you get to connect. You start to recognize people's Flickr or Instagram names and it helps build community. 

Want to see what I received? An awesome pouch filled with goodies from Julia B. - it was exactly what I had put on my Pinterest inspiration board. Oh, I love my partner for making me this.  Isn't it lovely??? 

5. And About Social Media
Instagram is great for Introverts. I think so, anyway. You're not getting in heated conversations on IG, you don't even have to post anything, but if you follow the #sewingsummit hashtag you will start to make connections with other people attending. Then when you meet them in real life, its so cool. You associate them with their IG name, so we heard a lot of "Oh, you're swellsewing; insidethepaperbox; polkadotchair; angelabdotme,  !" Of course, I'm a bit odd because I'm "livefaithgirl" which has nothing to do with sewing, but does explain to people why I am closing my eyes and muttering a prayer before digging into my lunch ...

But to stay up to date with the latest info and chatter, you really needed to check Facebook or Flickr. Gosh things happen fast! Messages like, I'm in the lobby heading for breakfast if anyone wants to join me." Fast.  I credit Facebook for the super hair-cut I got from Melissa's sister in her hotel room. 

6. Learning Something New
There are two solid days of classes at Sewing Summit. Some are hands-on and sewing-related, others are lectures and some are more related to blogging or growing a creative business. I think there is something for everyone. Mug rugs and mini-dresdens have totally rocked my world. 

Well, you all knew I loved Mug Rugs, but taking this class was great. Andrea of Knittiebittiesews provided the best recipe I've found for a quick and easy mug rug, and her "cheater" binding is super, check it out right here.  This has Christmas Gift written all over it.

The only other thing to mention? Pack light, and bring an extra suitcase for the way home. You'll need it!

There you have it, sewing friends, a little recap of Sewing Summit from an Introvert's point of view. This really will be an annual event for me, I feel inspired and excited about everything I did and learned. Maybe you'll consider it too? Till next time!

Back later to link up with needle and thREAD :).

And here's that link to Elizabeth. Go talk sewing!

Totes and Boxies

[sew].

Oh my poor little neglected blog.

Jane Market Bag in Linen and Cotton. Japanese X Quilt Block Pocket. 

The last time you heard from me I was heading out on vacation and well, then we were getting ready for our homeschooling year, then our homeschooling year began and it was slightly traumatic. As it always is. In a really good way.

Back side of Jane Market Bag. Its just random strips.

First and foremost though, I am a homeschooling mom and second I'm a home sewing enthusiast. Wait, what I mean to say is God first, then I'm a wife, then I'm a mom who also homeschools and THEN I'm a home sewing enthusiast. But I only seem to like posting about the sewing. Anyhoo ... that's the roundabout reason why I haven't blogged too much, the homeschooling has taken priority now that September has arrived.

HOWEVER!!

This bag has "tucks" sewn on the four sides and around the bottom, so it keeps its shape quite nicely! I used a triple-stitch on the topstitching. I feel like it needs a French Baguette.

Added a pocket from an extra quilt block.

I'm beyond excited because next week I'm heading to Sewing Summit. Oh yeah! Part of the Summit experience is to sew like mad before going so that you can travel using some handmade lovelies, AND participate in a secret swap. Both are optional but very fun. Last year we made zip pouches. This year, we could make a mini-quilt, pouch/zippy, or tote bag.  Each person posted an "inspiration collage" on Flickr to highlight their style, colour preferences, etc. We know who we are making for, but not who is making for us. Here is what I've made for my partner:

Boxie Pouch - free tutorial at So Chick.

And the back side. Pretty simple lines.

So there you have it, a little peek at my latest projects. I have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE sewing the Jane Market bag, and there are a zillion versions on Flickr which provide great inspiration. I'm planning to make more. 

I did modify the pattern slightly and just so I don't forget when I make this again, here's what I did differently:

• added an extra couple inches to each handle
• interfaced the handles
• enclosed them in the upper seam rather than attaching them to the outside
• added an inner pocket
• interfaced the exterior AND the lining with Shapeflex
• sewed a tuck around the bottom perimeter in addition to the four sides

That's all for now dear sewing friends. I'll be back to link up to needle and thREAD a bit later :).

... And here's our lovely link to this week's needle and thread.

Chowdy-doody!!

A little tote sweetness - Needle and thREAD

Oh, just a quick post for Elizabeth's Needle and thREAD Thursday.

I made a pretty tote to take with me to Sewing Summit.  I was inspired by Susie D's Retro Handbag on Craftsy, using her pdf pattern as a loose guideline. I made mine much bigger (hers is really more of a purse-size even though its labelled as large), added a magnetic snap, and used pellon to give it body.  I also made just one handle, with one end of the strap attached to the front and the other to the opposite back side.  I like the clean look of it that way.  I have enough fabric to make a matching clutch :).

Used cotton canvas from JoAnn.

      Dig deep!  Lined it with a boho orangy cotton. I love using bright and cheerful linings! 

As for reading, I'm plugging away at Jane Eyre; my Classic Moms class is tonight! Eeek!

Amy Butler Blossom Handbag Tips - needle and thREAD

Good morning! Its Thursday again, and time to join Elizabeth for her weekly Needle and thREAD sew and read-along.  May I introduce to you the Blossom Handbag by Amy Butler?

Careful, put on your shades.  The fabric is pretty funkalicious! I'm still not sure how I feel about it ...

Of course the really exciting part is I'm getting ready for Sewing Summit in just a few short weeks!  Ahhhh! And if you follow the "Travel Handmade" threads on bloggerland, you'll find that most attendees are busy sewing something useful for the journey. I have had some Amy Butler Lark fabric hanging around that I've been dying to use. I was saving it for the Weekender Bag, but won't get around to that in the very near future. So I decided to try out Amy's Blossom Handbag, a free pattern online.

Pretty darn roomy inside! I'm thinking a great little sewing bag for the conference. Can stash my scissors, thread, unstitcher and other unmentionables ... and maybe a little knitting project for the road as well!

The pattern itself is a JOY to construct. Honestly, it was not difficult, just take your time. It does help to have some experience.  I searched online for tips before diving in, and there were only a few.  I'd like to share a few more here, in case you are inspired to whip one up for yourself :).  Can't beat an Amy Butler freebie ...

Here are some things to note:
- you CAN use quilting cotton, as I have, even though the pattern calls for a heavier-weight home-dec fabric. The only thing I would suggest is to ALSO apply fusible interfacing to your lining pieces, not just your exterior pieces as per instructions.

- think hard about fabric placement. My main fabric "motif" runs exactly down the middle of the bag. The yardage requirements are VERY generous, so you should be ok, just plan where you lay your pattern piece

- one of the first things you do is attach a magnetic snap. Use a little piece of Pellon to stabilize it. I also placed my snaps about 1/2" higher than pattern, based on tips online. Glad I did.

- don't bother with Pellon in the side flaps. Use a softer fusible fleece instead. I saw too many complaints online about difficulty sewing bartacks through all the Pellon layers in the side flaps. Substituting fleece makes the sewing easier and the product is still very strong and stable.

- and about those side flaps, that came up as one of the "difficulties" of the bag, because you are sewing curved side flaps to a straight edge.  Here's what I did, in picture form.

This is a side flap (lining piece). Mark the bottom center with a pin.

This is the bottom panel, attached to two exterior main panels (lining). Mark the center of the bottom panel with a pin.

Right sides together, pin side flap to straight edge of bottom panel. Poke!

Now pin the side straight edges, matching raw edges at the top. Leave the curve part unpinned.  Just pin all the straight edges. Then over to the machine.

Begin sewing from the CENTER of the bottom panel and head straight into the curve. Stretch and ease the fabric as you go, gently sewing around the bend. Raise and lower the presser foot every few stitches as you sew the curve, if you have to. Sew right up to the top.  Then, turn the piece over and begin back at the bottom center again, sewing around the other curve and up the side. Voila!

Another great tip - when attaching the lining to the exterior, the pattern would have you put right sides together, leave an opening and turn it all right side out.

I say P-shaw. I read online that this turning process caused a lot of crinkling of the pellon (which is hard to smooth out again once crinkled).  I also saw somewhere (I think Patternreview.com?) a tip to do the following, which I thought was brilliant:  Just fold over your raw edges and set the lining directly INSIDE the bag exterior, pin and edgestitch all the way around.  I edgestitched twice, for added strength. Oh yeah. 

 

Hard Mike (cranberry) bottle in background. Empty. Sometimes it helps ...

The interior divider panels are lined. Which means you have to sew right sides together, but not all the way around. You need to leave room to turn it right side out, about 10" so says the pattern. Anytime you have to leave a space for turning, sew a little notch. It helps hold the fabric folded in place when you go to iron and stitch it down:

Can you see the little blue dot of fabric marker? That's where I start stitching, about a centimeter down to the actual stitching line; pivot and turn and carry on. That's what I mean by a little notch.  

When you attach the interior divider panels to the sides of the bag, there are a LOT of layers going on.  So don't bother with pins.  Use binder clips instead to get you to your machine.

Nice little bartack! Can you see it in white?

And I'm ready for date-night with my husband :)

When I make this bag again, I will opt for the shorter handles (I think it looks nicer) and a softer, more subtle fabric. 

As for reading this week, I've delved into Jane Eyre for a second time.  Its the first book we are discussing over at Classic Moms next week. Gonna be great.

Head over to Elizabeth's to see what everyone else has been up to.  Happy sewing!

Guess where I'm going?

Oh yeah!!!

Sewing Summit is a modern sewing and blogging conference going into its second year.  The vision of the organizers was to keep the conference small and intimate, in order to encourage connecting with others, and therefore ticket sales were capped at 250.  The conference sold out within ten hours!!  Not only that, the first 50 registrants received a discounted price ...

AND I WAS ONE OF THE FIRST FIFTY!!!

Yippee!!

I could hardly believe my luck!  The teacher line-up this year looks amazing, there will be some awesome classes and some awesome fabric shopping as well.  Giddy-up!

But the best thing, and all you moms can relate, is this:

hotel room all to myself


a little break away from the everyday


no locking self in bathroom just to have a telephone conversation, for one glorious weekend


That's what I'm talking about!


Have a lovely weekend, God bless you!