For today’s Wordy Wednesday post, I’m going to be brave and share what my pattern storage looks like

I’ve tried quite a few different methods of the years, and I still find that my trusty set of plastic drawers work just fine for me:

image: C Findlay-Harder

All of my patterns are in there - in no particular order, I will admit.  I’ve tried using different boxes for different types of patterns and I found that it just got too hard to manage.

And besides - I ended up with waaaay too many patterns that way!  One drawer works for me, so what works for you?

There are some wonderful vintage wedding dresses out there - as well as some lovely vintage dresses that would work as wedding dresses!

But what if you don’t like the fabric it’s made out of?

Or what if it’s too small?

Or bits of it are falling apart!

Luckily, there are pattern companies who are making vintage-style patterns for modern bodies. Vogue has some lovely ones in their catalog:

Click on the patterns for more information.

Of course, if you prefer to work from the original sewing patterns, So Vintage Patterns is the place for you!

images: Vogue Patterns

Because there’s always room for one more project, one more inspiring article or one more new piece of fiber artwork….

• Sweet Sassafrass has a great tutorial for re-working an older sweater - yay for re-purposing!
• Wow - these sewing-themed tattoos are amazing…
• Maya Made has an adorable how-to on sewing a little felt basket for Spring - perfect as an Easter basket.
• I would have loved making these charming little wooden spool people from Mr. Monkeysuit when I was a child, actually - I think I would still enjoy making them today
• I’m a sucker for little fabric birds, so I’m definitely going to  need to try out Molly Chicken’s tutorial for her “Love Bird “…

Happy crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

There are so many wonderful craft projects, ideas and fiber art works out on the web, that I’m going to start a new series and share my favorites with you every week!

• The Twisted Stitcher has a great idea for using Altoids tins, fabric and a little piece of cross stitch embroidery to create a cute little needle carry case.
• I laughed so hard at this wonderful video from Hankering for Yarn!
• Embroidery As Art is a new-ish blog that focuses on embroidery, not as a craft but as fine art - there’s some amazing stuff here!
• Large is a sewing blog for plus-size seamstresses.  There are some great tips and ideas - as well as real-world women modeling their own clothes.
• Purl Bee has an adorable tutorial on making jelly bean beanbags.
• I love Betz White’s handmade felt pomander - besides, you’ll save yourself “clove pushers thumb” by making them out of fabric

Happy crafting!

image: C Findlay-Harder

I’ve been keeping a reading journal for several years now. Not only is it handy for finding the title of a book you’ve read, or the author’s name, but reading through can give you insight into yourself. Last year I decided to reread through the lists of books I’ve read in my reading journal. I hadn’t read with the intention of seeing a pattern, but after only a short time, I did. Most of the books I’ve really enjoyed have been coming of age type stories. This helped me understand why the stories I’ve written often include this element.

Of course, I enjoy other books, but this was one theme recurring throughout my reading history. I spent some time writing in my journal about this and realised I feel I have something to share with young people facing the momentous changes that make up their daily lives. Perhaps writing my stories will help someone. I felt empowered to discover this about myself.

What about you? What themes do you tend to enjoy in novels? Is this theme somehow reflected in your own life? I’ve used my reading journal only as an example. Try looking for patterns in your regular journal on rereading. You just might be surprised what you see & learn about yourself.

Heather
Photo used with permission from Newscom