03 June 2011

Ironing Out My Thoughts

It was really ridiculous the size of my laundry pile. Actually, not so much the size of the pile, as the contents. Some things were pre-pregnancy. Think 6 months ago. I knew it was time to make a dent, the kind of ironing dent that draws hangers from every corner of the house to hold the still warm items.  

These are some of the items found and freshly pressed.
People frequently ask me how I find the time to sew. I usually say I am a master of time management. No. Hehe. I don't say that because it certainly isn't true. I usually talk about how sewing is a passion, one portion of my need to create. The need to create, however, runs through the veins of every soul on the earth, I believe. And creations don't have to be tangible. Ryan is a master at creating the feeling of being interesting and worth talking about in others. Olive creates empathy in her whole body, which is clearly manifest when you look at her face, from pain to pure, absolute joy. These are gifts that we choose to bury or feed.
But, the need to create, that's just part of why I sew, I decided last night as the steam was doing it's magic on all these natural fibers. I think it would be so fulfilling to have my own line of children's clothes. I've toyed with the idea, but simultaneously wondered if that would squelch the fun. Still debating on that, but I do know that creating these pieces my daughters wear is about more than just about clothing them in something I think looks beautiful.
As I was ironing, I recalled working on each project, from picking out the fabric to sewing on the buttons.  Then I conjured up the photo shoots for each one, some filled with frustration at uncooperative offspring, but mostly the awe-someness of capturing personalities at a specific age.
As I ironed the little pockets flat, I pictured the sweaty, chubby hands that fill them, one sister and now the next, wondering if this wiggly one I carry inside will be clad in these dresses and frills or we will be treated to raise a boy.  A boy?! The thought just makes my heart pound! I pictured dressing them and fastening the buttons, watching them run off to do something so important it required them to actually hurry.
I made Olive a swimsuit on Wednesday [a tutorial to come tomorrow!] as she left hers at Gammy's. She received glowing compliments from fellow swimmer moms and the first thing she said was, "my mommy made it!" I have dithered whether or not to continue this blog on more than one occasion. It's nice to share a passion with others, and certainly to hear kind words from people who stop by to say hello here, but when my girls are proud of their momma and feel loved through something I make for them, it makes all the finger pricks, ripped seams, and broken needles worth it. More importantly, it satiates that need to create at a deeper level than displaying a finished frock.

36 comments:

  1. The inner desire to create -- place there by God in all of us. Esp. when we create someone new -- like your littlest bundle! I love that we all feel that inner desire; how mysterious and glorious it is. How we're all artists in one way or another, though some of us don't always realize it! And, God wants us to have it, so we can do some very important things for Him while we're here. Even the verb conjures up beauty: Create!

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  2. Well said! I hate to iron. I mean I REALLY hate to iron. Which is oddly funny, because it is such a necessity for doing what I love - sewing.

    The only thing you will find me pulling out the iron for, outside of being in the middle of a sewing project, is ironing something I made for my girls that I want them to look perfect in - and know the love that went into making it for them.

    My eldest is 4, and when someone tells her how pretty her dress/shirt/skirt/whatever is that happens to be one that I made - and she replies my Mommy made it for me. They are the next best words to I love you and kisses - the pride in their voice, it fulfills that deep place in me that knows everything that went into that project was worth it. The time I spend in front of the machine, is worth it. Not just for me, but for them.

    I look so forward to sharing this lifetime joy with them, hopefully teaching them along the way to have a joy or passion in something - whatever it is their heart chooses - and to put your all into it.

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  3. Your creations are beautiful but I love that you see the creative process in all things. Yes to the children's line and no to ever stopping blogging. :)

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  4. A blog seems to have a life of its own which makes it so difficult to end. What a treasure it is to have this archive of your loves.

    Thank you for sharing your creativity with us.Inspiring creativity in others is a beautiful gift.

    I certainly need a new iron so I can begin to enjoy this ritual again. I find it really satifying to clear my overflowing basket but I just have awful trouble getting started!

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  5. I get the same question a lot too about doing it all...AND sewing! And my answer is so similar. It is the one thing that I make time to do FOR ME...it is my creative outlet and I love it. And I love that my girls are proud and still love it too...because I know the day is coming when they will want to shop on there own:) And then I hope they come back around and ask me to do their wedding gowns...just like my mom made mine. Keep sewing sweet lady....it will keep you sane!

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  6. Katy - Have you seen this? -

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

    I love it!

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  7. Perfectly stated. I have been sewing since a young age. This last week I came across doll clothes I crafted by hand, and was reminded that the need to create and sew was born into me. I am a happier, more whole person when I am able to make something.

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  8. They are certainly proud of their mother and aren't afraid to say it. I thought it was cute when I would attempt to play the piano when they were over and they would say, 'My mom can play better than that.' - not rudely, just matter-of-factly. Thanks for the thoughts of creating in different, non-tangible ways. I feel like I can't create anything with my hands, but now I feel there are others I can create without my hands. Thank you.

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  9. You have a beautiful gift. And you're blessed with very pretty models. Not only do you lovingly sew such beautiful clothing but you are able to put them in wonderful photo's and words. These are words and memories your children will cherish.

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  10. such a wonderful post, katy. i'm so delighted to have come to find your blog in the past few months, what treasures you've created! it's amazing how the things we make are so much more than "things" - and how your heart melts a bit each and every time they beam and say that mama made it. wishing you continued joy and inspiration in your work. xoxo

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  11. Katy-beautiful post of words and pictures. I look forward to reading your blog. It makes me feel uplifted and inspired. Thanks for taking time out of your busy life to share with us. Susan in Oregon

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  12. My answer is always..."I sew for sanity." And it is the absolute truth.

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  13. This is a beautiful post. I agree that creating for loved ones satisfies a deeper need within ourselves. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. I thought I'd let you know, a children's line of clothing has all sorts of ridiculous regulations, you are required to test products for lead and label not just content of fibers, but which country they originated from. I tried it for a while, but the paperwork drove me bonkers. If it was as simple as sew pretty things and sell them, I'd still be doing it!

    That said, maybe you're better at paperwork then I am. But you should read up on the rules before you give it serious thought.

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  15. 1. Beautiful post and reflections. I love the thought and care you put into everything.

    2. I think I'm allergic to ironing. Not really but I don't like it. I like to use the excuse that the tag on the cord says it contains lead, which has been known to cause birth defects.

    3. Your daughters are so pretty! Can't wait to meet Baby Dill. :)

    4. I'd love to dress my daughter in your children's line, if you go that way. How about creating a pattern line and/or one or two pieces each season??

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  16. I love that my girls will argue over who gets the next piece of clothing I make. And never is there such disappointment as when I say the next thing is for me. So I don't sew many things for myself, but I absolutely delight in fabric shopping and picturing what I will make for my girls with each piece of material.

    I was figuring my oldest (at 10 year of age) was losing some interest in having mom make her clothes, but then heard through the grapevine that when she was at her grandparents' house before Easter, she was telling everyone about how her mom was going to make her a new Easter dress. And she couldn't wait to see it. :) And now she wants me to make her prom dress (though I have assured her that it is a bit early for that...).

    I LOVE to iron. But I am obsessive when I do it, so I don't do it too often (I can iron for hours though, given the opportunity and enough sweet tea). And I second Emily's suggestion: I would love to buy patterns of what you create!

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  17. I hope you never stop blogging, you are so inspiring!!! And I agree that maybe making patterns would be easier? Well, possibly more work upfront, but then the fruits of your labor go on to earn you money long after the work is done. Not to mention, I love the items you create, but in all honestly would probably not buy them (I am sure they would have to be more than what I pay for my kids clothing), but I would love patterns so that I could make them! :)

    And I agree that seeing your wee ones in items you made with love is utterly delightful, and so thrilling when they fall in love with it too!

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  18. Your blog is very important for so many reasons. Hopefully you can find the time and energy to continue blogging so we may continue being intellectually and spiritually fed.

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  19. As pretty much every post you write, this one as brought me to tears... don't ask why, I have no idea... although... it's probably because you associate your creativity with a way to show your love to your girls... I sew for myself because it's fun but what I like most is sewing for others and imagine their reaction when they'll discover what I've made for them... with all my heart.
    as for ironing... I just wish it wasn't necessary ;)

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  20. Your blog is one of my favorites. Please don't stop, even if you have to slow down on it.

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  21. As always, your photographs and creations are lovely. I just posted today also about the joy of creating things; it keeps me sane I think.

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  22. I have just recently discovered this wonderful blog of yours, while googling a fix on footie jammies no less!! I love your blog, your style and the way you share it all!! Thank you!

    PS. My favorite color is also orange and I want to steal your office/sewing room!! ;-)

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  23. I just had to give up sewing - just for a couple of months while we manage a family move to Hawaii - but it made me so sad! It's hard for my husband to understand, but I just have this need to create - and few things make me happier than seeing my children in something I made them. (Even though I am still learning, and nowhere near the accomplished seamstress that you are.) Thanks for your blog and your inspiration!

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  24. Oh how sweet, she was so proud of her mommy! And I hope you were too. All those clothes you made were made from the heart and so beautiful. Ironing them must have been a pleasure.

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  25. I love this post!
    Nothing warms my heart more than the fact that my older daughter will grab her handmade clothes off the hangers before the store bought ones, every time. I love it.

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  26. Can I just saw I LOVE your blog? I've been following for a while now, but I don't think I've posted until now.

    I don't have any children of my own yet--I'm getting married next year--but I just adore the idea of making children's clothes! I can't wait until my little sisters have children so I can be the crazy aunt that makes them clothes (but no scary grandma sweaters, I promise)!

    Thanks for everything,

    Chris

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  27. Yes! Your own children's line of clothing. Of course, you will have to fit that inbetween having this baby and raising the other five. Holy Cow! When do you have time to sew?

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  28. Well said.
    Well sewn.
    Well shown.

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  29. I'm so glad you're still blogging! This was a wonderful post!

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  30. My sewing has a lot to do with my need for a creative outlet as well. I've found though that I also love when I'm making family photo books at the end of the year and see some many pictures of my kids in things that I made them. Not bc I'd taken pictures of the outfits though I do that as well but bc they were simply wearing something that I made on a day we decided to snap a few pictures.

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  31. I have been reading your blog for nearly a year now and I just want to tell you that you are amazing! So talented plus being a Momma. I will say that I have had my own children's clothing line (I am currently, slowly "laying it to rest" because it has taken away my time to sew for my girls (I have 2) and has nearly taken the fun out of sewing. I would suggest to submit a portfolio and be a designer for a brand or different brands. If you are anything like me when you add in accounting and all the business "stuff" it makes the joy of creating, not so much fun anymore. Whatever you decide to do I hope that you don't quit your blog because I thoroughly enjoy your beautiful designs, you inspire me and all the while you have 2.5x the girls I have!

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  32. Katy, is there an area in the blog that talks about how you've learned to sew so professionally? Did you study it in school? I'd love to know you're background -- you are so gifted. Mind-blowing! Your girls are so lucky to have you :)

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  33. This was so well said! I agree! When they are so proud that I've made something special for them it makes me feel so very loved and I couldn't ask for anything better.

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  34. Hello...how many times have I emailed ya telling you how amazing you are and that you need to start your own line!! You go girl! Do it! If it's not joyful you stop. Better to try than to regret it is my motto. You are so talented it would be a shame not to give it a go.

    I love this post. You summed it up quite perfectly my dear. I get asked that very question all the time "how do you have time to do it all?" and I simply say because I have to. It's in my soul to create. I'm happiest when I'm doing it even when I'm ripping seams and screaming at my sewing machine. It's pure joy that I get when knitting or sewing something with my own two hands then to see the joy it brings someone else to wear and to treasure is equally as amazing. You starting a clothing line would bring joy to a lot of people hun. I can't wait to watch you fly :)
    p.s. I think it's a boy :P

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  35. You don't know me and I've never commented- but I for one want you to continue your blog! Such great ideas, with a fun way of writing and inspiration in raising a beautiful righteous family and still taking time to do the things you love! I know you'll sure be busy with a new baby, but just wanted to put my opinion out there because you're blog has been one of my faves!

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  36. I am de-lurking to say that I SO loved this post and your conveyance of how inspired you are to MAKE. I feel the same way. Thanks for putting it so eloquently!

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