Transitions

This month marks a transition for many people.  Summer is still hanging on but coming to an end.  Most kids are back in school.  Some nights it is pretty cool here in New England and many of our thoughts move to the cooler months ahead.  I’ve found myself in a funk the last couple of weeks.  As a family, summer after summer we seem to hit our stride in August.  July feels busy and in August we slow down.  We have a lot of family time and the kids and I find our rhythm with them being out of school.  Then school starts.  This August my husband and I discussed home schooling (which is basically: how can we keep this summer feeling going?).  Although that isn’t a path we think our family should take at this time – we don’t rule it out for the future.  I seem to find myself a little lost after my kids start school and that’s where I am right now.

This morning I met a dear friend for a walk in the woods, which was exactly what I needed. This is my mama-lady (see here) and walking in the woods with her is so calming.  We used to do it a lot more when I was younger.  I don’t think I have ever met anyone who gets me like she does. It might be because we are alike in a lot of ways.  It also helps that she has raised four children and to me she is the “Sage Mother”, the wise word of counsel.  Our conversations ended on a note of how important creativity is and making sure we get that creative time to balance ourselves.  These conversations and the connection with her made me think about where I’ve been this summer and where I’m headed.

Although I didn’t get as much sewing time as I’d like this summer (which would be ALL day EVERY day),  we did do a lot of creating.  We crafted to our hearts content!

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Over the summer I pattern tested the Nehalem Pants pattern by Indie designer Sew House Seven.  These pants are very similar to thai fisherman pants that wrap around.  They are very stylish!  I’m about to buy some Ikat fabric to make another pair.  Have you ever sewn with Sew House Seven patterns?  Peggy, the designer, has a great sense of style.  I’ve made the Mississippi Ave dress (see here) and have worn it a lot.  I’m also preparing to make the Tea House Dress and am on a hunt for the right fabric.

Nehalem Pants. Front fold over.

Back view with seam detail.

Did you know that September is National Sewing Month?  Woot Woot…Let’s hear it for sewers everywhere!!!  To celebrate National Sewing Month, Maggie from Pintuck & Purl (a wonderful fabric/yarn shop in Exeter NH) is doing a series of Q&A from various bloggers and designers and yours truly got to answer a few….if you’d like to read further, please click here and here–or just read the whole series!  I feel so inspired upon entering Pintuck & Purl.  The design and layout of the store draws you in and the fabric is pretty great too.  There are classes and also a regular ‘Sip and Stitch’ on various Friday nights that is a great time to do a little shopping, work on some handwork and connect with other creative people.

Below is what I have cut out and several new patterns that have made their way into my stash.

Two Esme Tunics waiting to be sewn.

Grainline Studio: Archer Button Up; Simplicity S0918; Simplicity S0898 by Dottie Angel; Sew House Seven Tea House Dress.

What have you made lately?  I’d love to hear what you are working on.