This is what a sewing frenzy looks like. I’ve been working on a large ship and I began with a very specific idea of what I wanted it to be. The ship did not cooperate and taught me a lesson about letting go of outcome. Plans are great but sometimes things need to percolate and meander. I un-did most of my work ( painful) and pulled out just about everything – kimonos, gowns, boro – tons of stuff – and camped out for hours experimenting. A ship is emerging – not at all what I expected and I love it. It’s a ship that wanted to be what it wanted to be – each thought, each scrap, building on the next, layering into something new.
Hoping to finish tomorrow and have it in the shop this week. I’m working on a couple owls as well – a big guy and a little guy – both dastardly and made from Edwardian bodices.
Your sewing frenzy pile of fabrics and haberdashery whatnots made me smile so much….within days it’s what my work room looks like and it’s sort of why I try to only sew unless I’ve got a box (as per your suggestion) to quickly scurry away all the pieces for a hurried tidy up) in that one place rather than all over the house…..
I loved your little gift tags by the way, oh and the mice were just adorable, your kindness and generosity is so wonderful, I’m hoping to make mice for my wee nieces as I’m in the middle of making one a kitty doll for Christmas and I’m thinking she might want a mouse in her pocket or handbag.
Can’t wait to see the finished owls (and of course the ship). Hmmm, may I move into this room — I’ll be very quiet and won’t make too much of a mess. I’d just like to soak up some creativity and your room looks like just the place *smile*.
Oh, WOW!! I shall look forward to seeing the finished ship 🙂
I look at that photo and feel a wonderful coziness. It’s a beautiful mess & looks a lot like my own at the moment. Letting go of outcome is wicked hard and is something I always struggle with. This Christmas. I’d planned to send each of my 5 siblings — all of whom live on the other side of the country — a box of homemade fudge, biscotti, and a needle-felted decoration, along with handmade Christmas card. Ha! One mishap or backstep after another (rock-hard batch of biscotti and fudge that did not set up) & time growing short, I stopped feeling any joy & felt only pressure. Luckily, I I wised up & stopped the madness, sending “only” the Christmas cards with a little personal note. The world did not end. I feel so much better. Hallelujah! Thank you, Ann, for sharing your reality photo & story with us.
PS — I’m dunking that rock-hard biscotti in my morning coffee as I write this & it is awesome.
As usual, the creator/ artist at work. It is a must to end up surrounded and its soon filed away.
Although each time I think tidily, my whole self doesn’t listen and its all over the room again.
Your creations are an inspiration and I love the age old fabrics that go into them, all those memories.
At this very moment I am surrounded by wrapping paper, string and home made boxes doing the Christmas wrapping, the mushrooms that I made from your pattern ( it was magic how they came together) they are being carefully wrapped in tissue for gifts. I’m sure they will be loved.
Thank you for your blow by blow reports, they are so encouraging. Maureen UK
What a beautiful reminder to trust the process. Thank you for sharing. I struggle with being able to accomplish all that lives inside my head. In due time. I love your work.