For the Love of SugaBooga

In an earlier post, I briefly introduced you to my granddaughter, Chris, who has quickly became a huge part of my life.  I've so enjoyed the blossoming of our relationship, and the recognition and excitement she exhibits when visiting her Mama and Papa (aka the hubby & I).  Part of that relationship building has included the adoption of nick-names.  Since her birth, I've auditioned a myriad of them, but the one that seems to have stuck is SugaBooga.  Also since her birth, I've wanted to make cute little outfits and accessories for her, but as I mentioned earlier, life has been pretty busy and finding the time and energy to sew has been a challenge.  So, I decided to settle in on a special project which would last her longer than a season or one of her exponential growth spurts.

In 2009, I inherited about 20 yards of this navy and gold cherub-print cotton fabric from my mom, who originally purchased it from Joann Fabrics back in 1997.  I don't know what her intentions were for this fabric, nor did I know what I would do with it when it came into my possession.  As a result, I stored it away out-of-view, and honestly forgot about it.  In 2016, I reorganized my stash so I could easily take visual inventory of all the fabric I had on-hand.  So, when I laid eyes on this fabric again 2 years ago, I had an epiphany that it would make an awesome comforter and bed linens for Chris.

Let Me Catch You Up!

If you follow my blog, then you know it's not uncommon for me to have significant stretches of time with no activity.  I know, I know...I've said many times how I dislike having these "dry spells".  But I've also recognized that life sometimes dictates what gets my attention and what's place on the proverbial back burner, and blogging - as well as sewing - is usually sacrificed.  I know I'm not alone in this fact, but I really am trying to be better.

So, what have I been doing for the past couple of years?

Happy New Year 2020

Welcome to 2020!  I pray this new year brings you all the peace, love, happiness and prosperity you desire.  I'm looking forward to sharing part of my world with you by resuming my blogging activity, and I thank you, in advance, for your interest.

Be blessed!

Aisha

Vogue's Awesome Fall 2018 Collection

I absolutely love when the pattern companies release their new collections for the upcoming sewing season.  Over the past several weeks, I've checked out the Fall 2018 offerings from Simplicity, Butterick and McCall and even identified a few patterns that I'm considering adding to my inventory, but I've been eagerly waiting to see Vogue's Fall collection.  So, when I woke up yesterday morning at 4:00 a.m. and couldn't go back to sleep, I decided to grab the iPad and check their website instead of staring at my ceiling...and I'm glad I did because the collection had just dropped!

As I clicked through the pattern thumbnails on the new collection's home page, I was struck by the frequency of hearing my inner voice say "Hmm...interesting."  In years past, I've been disappointed with new seasonal offerings from many of the companies, but that's not the case with this collection.  In fact, I was surprised at the number of pattern style that I either liked or loved and felt inspired to share this post on the ones which really stood out for me.

Vogue 1597
What caught my eye with this pattern was the jacket lapel, which transformed an otherwise basic jacket into a stand-out piece.

Happy New Year!

I know it's been quite some time since my last blog post, and my plan is to share with you what I've been doing for the past year, but I didn't want this opportunity to pass without wishing you a happy, prosperous and blessed 2018.

I am truly humbled that you've taken the time in the past, as well as today, to read about my thoughts, activities and interests and it's my intent - yet again - to develop a more consistent blogging schedule.

With that said...

Continue to be blessed!

Aisha

Thrift Store Sleeve Board Refinish

I love sewing tools and gadgets.  What's even better than having a plethora of them is finding them at a bargain price, as was the case when I found this sleeve board during a recent visit to a local The Salvation Army store.

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