Paw Prints Across My Heart

I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  I think this sentiment is not restricted to humans, but applies to any living being who enters our orbit.  I've presented my dog, Max, to you on several occasions through various blog posts, including this one I wrote last month about his unusual sleep behaviors.  At the time I published that post, I had absolutely no idea I'd be saying goodbye to my big guy just days before Christmas.

How Aisha is Getting Her Sewjo Back

I've worked for a large telecommunications company for many years now, and I've found it common for most organizations and industries to adopt and use shorthand verbiage when its members communicate among themselves.  This practice absolutely extends to the sewing community - especially the online varieties - with "sewjo" being a common term used by many members.  For those of you who are novices, allow me to cobble together a definition.

The term has its origins in the word "mojo", which is formally defined as "magic power", and more commonly defined as having sex appeal or talent.  When used in the context of sewing, the hybrid term of "sewjo" is coined and generally refers to the creative energy used in sewing successive sewing projects in relatively short periods of time.

Since completing my Blog Like Crazy challenge, I've been suffering from a very anemic "sewjo" for a variety of reasons, and despite having several active WIPs (works in progress) , I just don't feel energized to work on any of them.  Desperate to not fall back into comfortable habits which lead to a void in sewing and blogging, I recognize the need for a quick sewing energy booster.  Motivated by the dumping of about 10 inches of snow we received earlier this week, I've decided to make winter accessories fashioned from a thrift store sweater.

Monday Musing: Online Fabric Shopping

What is your feeling about sewing in today's immediate-gratification world inundated with "cheap" clothing?  I've mentioned to my family and friends how I felt it's a dying art form, and the closing of brick-and-mortar stores like Hancock helps solidify this fear.  Having limited fabric sources in my area is a big deal for me, especially given my preference for feeling and handling fabric as part of my purchasing process.  There are many online fabric sources available, and I've honestly tried to shop them, but I can't seem to get past my need for tactile input.

So, I'm just curious to know if you purchase fabric online, and if so, what is your process in determining which fabrics you'll use for a given project?  Have you purchased something online that you've later found to be disappointing?  What was your recourse?  Is there an online resource you highly recommend, and why?

Please share...I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts.

Be blessed!

Aisha

Monday Musing: Upscaled McCall Pattern Videos

Did you know McCall Pattern Co. has a YouTube channel?  Have you checked it out lately?  They produced and published videos promoting the latest release of sewing patterns with "experts" talking about them and showing sample garments.

Now, the videos are made with models out on the street wearing the sewn garments with an upbeat musical track.  I find the new format far more engaging.

Here are links to the 2015 Fall and Winter season videos respectively.  Good job, McCall's!!

Be blessed!

Aisha

"Nouveau Vivre" Knit Throw

Hello everyone and welcome back to my little corner of the internet.  After completing the Blog Like Crazy challenge in November, I took a couple of days to relax and think of the next project about which I wanted to write.  You may recall my sharing with you that I purchased several knit sweaters from The Salvation Army to make a knit throw to accompany the knit pillow cases in my Family Room.