Strocel.com | Sewing

Summertime and the Sewing is Easy

Last summer I went on a sewing jag. At the time I was hugely pregnant and I attributed it to nesting. But I think I might have been wrong – I think summer might just bring out the seamstress in me. I guess that knitting hats and scarves just doesn’t feel right at this time of year. Or maybe it’s the desire to dress my daughter in cute little sundresses. Either way, my sewing machine has been getting quite the workout lately.

I improvised a pattern and made a dress for Hannah. I found an old dress of a similar design to what I was going for and traced out the front and the back on newspaper. I made it a bit longer and wider so that she would have room to grow, but it was really pretty easy. I added facing to the neckline since it’s rounded and I have a hard time sewing a rounded hem. And I tried some appliquÃ© to add interest. I was very happy with the dress but Hannah didn’t like it so much (even though I let her choose the fabric and style and everything). I did manage to coerce her into posing. Sort of.

At least I enjoyed myself, so that’s something I suppose. But you can bet the next time my kid asks for a dress I won’t be quite so forthcoming.

I’ve also been hard at work on another project. I’m sewing some toy diaper bags. When I’m done I plan on creating a pattern to post here so you can make some of your very own. Or if you’re not inclined in that direction, I’ll run a giveaway and put a couple of my own up for grabs. I’m going to do that next Saturday, so stay tuned. In the meantime, I have a couple of photos of the bags in progress.

Do you sew? And do you have a season that inspires you? I wonder if I’m the only one who feels moved to dig out my machine every July.

Wooden Sewing Machine

There’s something about handmade toys that is really very magical. Knowing that another person, perhaps even someone you’ve met, has poured their love and energy into this plaything for your child. It’s something that simply can’t be duplicated by a mass-produced toy from an overseas factory. And it’s even better when these toys are locally produced using sustainable methods. You’re supporting your own community and helping the planet and getting a far superior product for your toy dollar.

So, naturally, I was really excited to hear about WoodClinic. WoodClinic is a dad on Vancouver Island who makes fabulous toys using reclaimed wood from local mills. We especially love his toy sewing machines, since I sew and Hannah likes to play along with me. So, of course, we got Hannah one of the machines for her birthday.

It’s so lovely. The rainbow yarn was included, and the little wooden spool comes off. The needle moves up and down when you turn the handle. It’s very sturdy and lightweight, and Hannah uses it to ‘make’ things for me. And I feel good about having bought it, too.