Exclusive Buttons to the Rescue

This past weekend was a very productive one.

Saturday morning I headed over to the East Bay for a get together with a lovely group of Bay Area Sewists for a fabric swap.

While I was across the bay, I stopped by Exclusive Buttons with a few knit swatches.  The only downside of being surrounded by thousands of lovely buttons is that it can be overwhelming.  Looking for something specific helps me focus among such riches!

One of the swatches was for this sweater.  It was finished months ago, except for the buttons.  I have been looking, but nothing  I came across was quite right.  Mary knew exactly where to find the perfect button (no small feat considering the selection in her shop!).

And I may have also stopped by Stonemountain & Daughter and picked up a yummy wool fabric while I was there . . . I already have plans for it . . . we shall see if it gets cut into before the weather turns warm.  But before I start playing with new fabric, I have promised to finish one of the numerous works in progress strewn about my apartment!

Britex Fabrics Workshop Launch Party

If you have never managed to get to Britex Fabrics in San Francisco, here is the perfect excuse:  their new workshop space is opening, and to celebrate, they are throwing a party on June 28^th!

Along with five other fabulous local bloggers, I will be speaking about some of my sewing/blogging adventures.

For all of the specifics, click here.  Because there has been such a wonderful response, make sure to register for the event - it sounds like it is going to be a full house.

Hope to see you there!!

Bay Area Sewists

This morning I headed over to the East Bay for a pattern swap and chat about Indie Patterns with the Bay Area Sewists (very fitting with Sewing Indie Month, don’t you think?!).  I brought nineteen patterns, and three came home with me – now I just need to remember to not immediately go out and purchase sixteen new ones!  Must resist the lure of new patterns . . .

The past week has been tough, to say the least.  I have been feeling like a big open wound with three hits of bad news that came one on top of the next; one I might have been able to handle, one was somewhat expected, but three was just too much.

To be honest, I was not sure if I was actually going to go, right up until the time I walked out the door.  I decided there was no way showing up was going to make me feel any worse, and would probably do me some good.  Turns out, today’s meetup was the first time in days that a smile did not feel forced and make me want to burst into tears - and that is a huge improvement.

After the meetup, a bunch of us headed to Stonemountain & Daughter.  I managed to resist all of the lovely fabric and patterns, but I did pick up a few essentials, namely, hair canvas and horsehair braid.

And I must not have looked too down in the dumps when I left because several strangers approached me to say how much they loved my dress - this is rather surprising because I believe I often have "b*tchy resting face," aka "shy girl in public place face."  But I do not feel the need to be shy around sewing people, which must have affected my face on the walk back to my car from Stonemountain.

Definitely glad I went.  It was great catching up with Beth, Loran, and Meg and meeting some new folks as well!  And I have to say that quite a bit of sewing was accomplished when I returned home – thank you, ladies, for cheering me up.  I feel so very lucky to be a part of this fabulous sewing community!  

Like-Minded

Today I spent a lovely Sunday afternoon in San Francisco with some Bay Area sewing enthusiasts!  Most of our group from the Britex meet-up back in May were present, along with Cindy of Cation Design fame.  Because who else is going to be interested in hours and hours of conversation about Marfy Patterns, Alabama Chanin, the intricacies of fitting even the most basic of patterns, and so much more?!

A huge thank you to Vanessa for opening her stunning home to all of us, and to Beth for organizing.

For me, most San Francisco trips are in non-residential areas, but each time I walk quiet streets with old houses full of character, I want to do more exploring.  Then the parking issue reminds me why I never have.

I did manage to return home with less fabric than I started with, which is always a good thing.  But with all of the shared projects and inspiration, I am afraid there will be more sewing related purchases in my future!

Thank you, ladies, for an amazing afternoon!

Kindred Spirits

This post is long overdue . . .

A couple of weeks ago (yikes, has it been that long!), a few local bloggers met up at Britex Fabrics to bid farewell to Amy of Sew Well (she is also a member of the Mood Sewing Network), and to gab about sewing and blogging and other lovely things. 

I first met Amy at a BurdaStyle book launch in San Francisco back in 2011.  We were both new to blogging, and immediately bonded over common interests - which is what always happens when you put a bunch of sewing enthusiasts in a room together!    

These get-togethers always provide excellent company, and are also the perfect opportunity to pull a favorite dress out of the closet!

Here we all are at Britex , where we started the evening (thanks to our lovely hostess, Geana!). 

Top Row:  Amy of Sew Well, Veronique of Verte Adélie, Geana of Britex, Erin of Seamstress Erin and me!

Next Row:  Rebecca, Vanessa, Elisabeth of e-beth knits, and Shams of Communing With Fabric

Bottom Row:  Beth of Sunnygal Studio, Jilly of Jilly Be Joyful, Kelly of bennomusik and Jean of j.kaori sews

We then headed over to a wine bar around the corner where a table was waiting for us, and proceeded to play musical chairs for the rest of an evening filled with fabulous conversation.  Let's do it again soon!

Seattle is very lucky to have Amy, and we will miss her very much!  

Dress:  Made by me, Simplicity 3849

Sweater:  Made by me, Cabled Cardi

Shoes:  Miz Mooz

Earrings:  Vintage

Purse:  Harveys Seatbelt Bag