Sandra Loves Sewing: The value of handmade gifts. My thoughts for toda...

Sandra Loves Sewing: The value of handmade gifts. My thoughts for toda...: I like to give a hand made gift.  I also like to receive them. Do all people appreciate a hand made gift?  I hate to say it, I don't t...

The value of handmade gifts. My thoughts for today.

I like to give a hand made gift.  I also like to receive them.

Do all people appreciate a hand made gift?  I hate to say it, I don't think so.

I know when I have made a gift or have received a gift that is handmade, that a lot of time and effort has gone into that gift.

It starts with the thought process. That person has taken the time to think of you and then think of a gift that would suit who you are.  The colours, the tones, there is pleasure in the thoughts of creation.

The maker then takes the time to shop for the materials to create that gift and purchase it.

The maker then takes hours, if not days, weeks or months to create that gift.  This is time out of their day that they have spent on your gift rather than socialising or doing something else important to them.

So imagine the disappointment when comments come your way that a handmade gift is a cheap option?  Guess what, no more handmade gifts for you, it is cheaper to purchase one, you know, the one made in China.

(PS I have not had these comments lately, this is an old gripe, I just limit who I make handmade items)

Just food for thought.  I think it's important to be selective with whom you sew gifts for.  That's been my lesson in life.

Happy sewing.

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: What fabric do you find scary?

Sandra Loves Sewing: What fabric do you find scary?: Well, after tonight, it's one more sleep until we get a two week term break. My thoughts immediately turn to the next sewing pro...

What fabric do you find scary?

Well, after tonight, it's one more sleep until we get a two week term break.

My thoughts immediately turn to the next sewing project (actually, my thoughts are never too far away from sewing).

Today I got thinking, "what fabrics do people find scary?"

My favourite fabric and fabrics of choice are usually natural fibres:  cottons, silks (dupion in particular) and wool. I love the way they feel, cut and sew.  I do love velvet as well, all my bridesmaid dresses were made in a red velvet.

After that I don't mind mixed fibre fabrics.

I am not a purist when it comes to patchwork and will make quilts using polycottons (I hear you gasp).

Of late, I have taken a journey into stretch fabrics.  I admit, I don't have a love of this fabric, however, as I use it more and more I have begun to understand how to manipulate it more effectively.

Even velvet doesn't put me off, a good velvet mat and a teflon foot and off you go.

I'd never really found a particular fabric scary.  I usually take on a fabric and don't think about it. Until one day, one fabric totally defeated me.

Silk chiffon, it was like trying to tame a tiger.  I still don't think I'm over the whole experience.

If you laid it out one way, it went another.  If I cut it straight, it seemed to be off.  I don't like that feeling of defeat, so next time I will wash it first and starch it, dry it and try cutting it.  Of late I've taken to washing fabrics that shouldn't be placed in a washing machine, so why not try it on this one. I will try to tackle it again.  Even if you do scare me Silk Chiffon, you will not win!

So, what fabric do you find scary?

Sandra

Sandra Loves Sewing: Lidiya's Little Girls Bag

Sandra Loves Sewing: Lidiya's Little Girls Bag: We will be attending the concert of the Australian Girls Choir concert tomorrow.  Our friend's little girl Lidiya is performing. This ...