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Together we sew ~ Together we stand (hee, hee)
October 14, 2009
When I was a kid growing up in church these two little ladies (and I mean little, back then we called people of short stature midgets but I think the more modern and appropriate term is "little people"), sisters actually, would regularly sing a song for the congregation with the refrain the family that prays together... stays together. I can still hear their high pitched voices singing that tune.
Although I believe the message of that song I think there's more to it. How about the family that plays together (or hikes, or cooks, or sews...) stays together. I hadn't anticipated sharing sewing with my family. I've sewed since taking home ec in grade 5. When I started this blog I wrote about little projects I made for the kids and decorating our home. I'm not that good and I have seasons where I don't touch the machine but I still know how to sew a stitch; reading a pattern - not so good.
Of course you know Celine is a seamstress and has shown her skill on the machine. A few of the projects I've mentioned before are her pants, her dog Yvon and her <a href=/medieval-princess-dress-up"">latest medieval costume</a>. The newest member of the family to take to the machine is Laurent who recently completed, with a few touches from mom, this little pouch for himself.
When Damien started talking about sewing clothing and gear for our kids a couple years ago I was pleasantly surprised, I hadn't known any men who sewed. Sorry ladies, this awesome husband is mine, all mine! His first project almost 2 years ago were fleece pants for Celine (she still wears and loves them). His latest was this windbreaker for Brienne.
Speaking of which, it was high time I made a little something for my youngest. I've set aside a weekly time to work on creative projects specifically for or with the children. This week I sewed this purse for Brienne. I ACTUALLY followed a pattern (I love full photo tutorials) and if you're looking to sew a handbag I highly recommend this tutorial over at tiny happy, a new-to-me blog. I shrunk the size a bit to better fit Brienne.
It took me a couple hours yesterday morning and best of all Brienne loves it! And it looks great. I'm so happy with myself. (can you tell?) I'm definitely in a "sewing season" of my life.
Next up to learn on the machine is Brienne but that will wait since she hasn't expressed a desire to learn... yet.
What creative season are you in? Is there any handicraft your whole family enjoys?
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Kirsten on Oct. 15, 2009, midnight
Awesome work! I have got the sewing bug lately too...and Coen is my official "pedal pusher" although sometimes it makes sewing a little...inconsistant, LOL! Love that purse...it is on my list of thing to try out!
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Spring on Oct. 15, 2009, 12:36 a.m.
Our motto has been this year "the family plays together, (or does a play together) stays together!" :) It has been a lot harder doing theater WITH the kids, instead of my time out for me, but it is so fun to see it come together, and see them enjoying practicing songs and lines all together.
Monmouth Community Theater, last two weekends in Oct!! Alice: Return to Wonderland! (Shameless plug!)
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renee on Oct. 15, 2009, 5:47 p.m.
That's awesome Spring. Shameless plugs for family theater are totally allowed!
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Hillary on Oct. 15, 2009, 12:51 a.m.
I love it! The family that sews together! I am so impressed with your family's enthusiasm. My kids love to sit on my lap and help when I sew, but I'm so much of a novice that I haven't felt confident enough to support them to be independent sewers. They're still young though...so in time!
Thanks for the inspirations.
Hillary's last blog post... Home Again
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Candelion on Oct. 15, 2009, 12:55 a.m.
I am totally and completely in dance and spanish mode (two of my favorite classes this semester at the U.) I have also written two poems recently.. I guess I'm in an artsy mood ;) By the way, Brienne is lovely. The purse is great too. My mom sews great bags for me out of stray fabrics and I love them! I really want to learn, but have not had the patience yet. Some season....
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nicola on Oct. 15, 2009, 4:39 a.m.
you already know i am impressed with damien, but your little bag is fabulous, renee. and that isn't what i imagined when you said you sewed a pouch. that's a beautiful bag! and you said you only draw straight lines. ha! i am in handmade holiday gift craft mode. nicola http://whichname.blogspot.com
nicola's last blog post... corner view: love
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Karen on Oct. 15, 2009, 12:01 p.m.
I am still in food preservation mode - drying herbs and apples and pears and picking blueberries (I think Monday's picking was the last) - so I can create yummy meals in months to come. What a cute picture of Brienne with her bag. You should send it somewhere for a magazine cover.
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renee on Oct. 15, 2009, 5:47 p.m.
The best part about this is that I get to eat the fruits of labor come Christmas - I can't wait!
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Denise on Oct. 15, 2009, 1:13 p.m.
ok, did you know that I made that bag too off of Tiny Happy? It took me all day though not just a couple of hours! I was so proud of myself though : ) Your bag looks great.
I just finished my first quilt. I will show it off tomorrow. I have my eyes on making a new bag with materials I have here at home.
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renee on Oct. 15, 2009, 5:46 p.m.
Way to go Denise!
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John on Oct. 15, 2009, 4:20 p.m.
You know if you ever get the urge to sell something you've made there is a great website called www.Etsy.com that sells nothing but handmade items. I've bought a few things from there and think its pretty cool. Also, you take beautiful photos.
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renee on Oct. 15, 2009, 5:46 p.m.
selling stuff is not in the cards for me right now... but maybe someday.
Thank you.
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Naomi on Oct. 15, 2009, 11:07 p.m.
Well I'm not sure there is a craft that our whole family does together. But most of us enjoy Lego, and Nemo loves to help me scrapbook!
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renee on Oct. 16, 2009, 7:42 p.m.
I think Lego counts and the kids liked to scrapbook with me too when I did it, though mostly I tried to do it on my own at night when Damien could care for them so I got a break! Now they do it on the their own from time to time and I like the pages they create so much.
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Naomi on Oct. 16, 2009, 5 p.m.
I did it Renee! I saw this post and you inspired me. Last night I sat down at my sewing machine and made myself the bag you made for Brienne. And I like it so much, I'm planning to make one for Nemo for Christmas. It would be perfect (when made out of Thomas the train engine cloth) to hold a few of his toys when we go visiting. Thank you!
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renee on Oct. 16, 2009, 7:37 p.m.
That's awesome Naomi! Wasn't it a fun project to sew. I think the idea for Nemo is just perfect. I'm so happy for you. Yay for easy projects and I'm so thankful to people who post their ideas on the web for other's to use.
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Jenn on Oct. 14, 2009, 11:09 p.m.
We all enjoy crafting. It's in our blood, I think. We can all sit and draw or paint or needle-felt or glue, sew, cut...There is not one person in this house who isn't creative and artistic. It's awesome!! Lots of fun and great memories to be had.