As my blog name implies; I am a chemist by day - surprise! I live in the tundra -aka- Minnesota and live with some people; one I married, two I birthed ;-) I have 3 more people that belong to me kinda-haha! (We are a blended family; I have two, he has three, but due to distance the kids are only with us in the summer and some Christmases).
When/How did I start sewing?
I started sewing in January 2013 on a whim. I'd learned to crochet a couple years prior and very quickly progressed in that craft. I was supplementing my income selling cute baby hats and booties. In seeking out other crocheters, I was in awe to discover that people were sewing their own clothes. At this point, I'd mainly found refashioning/upcycling blogs but nonetheless, was awestruck.
Well, Christmas of 2012, my husband asked if I wanted a KitchenAid (I LOVE to bake) or a sewing machine. I guess I surprised him with "sewing machine" and in January, I got my very first machine!
I knew absolutely NOTHING about sewing or sewing machines and I'd found no sewing resources prior to, nor had I done any research. We went to JoAnn and bought a machine that was less than $150 because, "What if I suck at this?!". As they say; the rest is history.
What sewing machine do I have?
I recently acquired a vintage Kenmore 1503. I haven't used it much, yet.
I also own a Brother 1034D serger and would love the 2340CV coverstitch machine.
What do I like to sew?
Clothing. And lots of it! I am (obviously) still learning a lot and therefore still ruining a lot of fabric. Not intentionally! I am often quite excited about a project when I start it but either it fails during the construction stage or I finish it and later realize it doesn't really fit in with my wardrobe or, the fabric is bad.
How do I sew SO much?!? :)
I sew a lot, I know.
- I think I sew really fast. Not in an "I'm in a huge rush to get this done" sort of way, just that I am really good at process based things. I can sew a (TNT) pair of pants (not jeans) in just a few hours because in my mind it's broken down already into manageable processes; interface all the things that need interfacing, pockets, fly front, in/side seams, waistband, facing, hem. Done. There isn't much lulling about and I sew a lot of basics. Because of work; there are no highly tailored garments or luxurious fabrics happening for the bulk of my sewing. It just doesn't make sense. So it's knit tops, simple woven tops, cardigans, jackets, pants. That's my work wardrobe and the majority of my sewing.
- My kids are teenagers. I have a LOT more free time than I did when my kids were younger and am really wondering what I'll do in three years when my youngest is 18. Like, WOW! I have a ton of free time and OMG there'll be MORE?!?! I became a mom at 19 so there has been none of this "freedom" at any other point in my life up to now! :)
- My main 'chore' at home is cooking; I buy the food and I cook it. I do no other chores! Kids do dishes, their own laundry and clean their own bathroom. DH does our laundry and general house cleaning (oh yes, it is possible! haha!). I know that I'll have chores again in a few years but it'll be a little easier with just DH and I, I assume.
- I have a dedicated sewing space. IMO this is crucial. I don't have to share my sewing space with the dining space (anymore) or the family room space, etc. So I can leave something right where it lies and come back to it when I have spare time.
- Time. You would really be surprised at how far 10-20 minute chunks will get you on a project!
Why do I blog?
Because I love sewing!!! I love to talk about sewing and see other's sewn projects and ooooh, fabric!! and blogging is the best way for me to interact with lots of other sewers!
