Both of my parents are Libras, and I was inspired to make them a simple handmade gift as part of their birthday present last month.
Eyeglass cases, made from scrap fabric from Discount Fabrics and some sheets of polyester felt. The instructions are from this book.
My mother and grandmother taught me the basics of sewing when I was fairly young. I went on to learn a little more in home economics class in middle school. Is that even offered anymore? In high school I made some items of clothes – simple elastic waisted pants and a pair of shorts (with pockets even.) But then strangely I never wore them. I liked them but they just felt a little too vulnerable. I was too self conscious of the fact that I made them to wear them – they were too unique to be safe.
I actually still have my first two home ec. projects from junior high:
an apron
love the sewing detail
a skateboard pillow!
In college I did work exchange in the costume shop, where I used a serger for the first time. Then somewhere in my late 20’s/early 30’s I was inspired to make a blanket out of a patchwork of recycled wool sweater squares. And my friend Jen began teaching me the basics of quilting on a small pillow cover piece. I started them both, and they now sit unfinished in a trunk downstairs. These I will definitively finish one day however.
I have long since gotten over the mindset that handmade is uncool, as I felt in junior high/highschool. And I have even gotten over being defeated (at least somewhat) because it is too hard. I know that I can do things that are hard, and that the outcome is worth the effort. I think what has shifted for me most recently is letting myself indulge in the pleasure of it – all the little details that make a craft unique. The textures and color, the histories and stories, and the excitement about the process of creation. The manifestation of an urge that has a life of it’s own – that is in fact Life actually.
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