Creativity and Connecting with Others

In a piece written by Catherine Doherty, the author describes how creativity is a creation of God and can bring people who are strangers together and form a bond.  The following paragraphs are straight from her work titled "God’s Troubadours of Beauty: Artist and handicrafts" by Catherine Doherty.

“Arts and crafts made by one’s own hands, reflecting the ingenuity and creation of one’s own mind can bring beauty into the world and make God’s presence more visible.  For all creative effort is from God, and God is Beauty itself.

 “As a bridge of communication, especially with those who speak different languages or who may be fearful, shy, or sick, crafts often bring special blessings. There is something reassuring, homey, pleasant, and relaxing in seeing someone embroidering or knitting on a train. One feels a trust and confidence about such a person. If one has some similar work at hand, one becomes friends almost without words. Or one might ask what the other is making and a bond of friendship, gentle and warm, is established with this person who only a short time ago was a stranger. The craft is the bridge.”

The reality of what Ms. Doherty was expressing in her writing proved to be true as I attended a sewing meetup recently and experienced first hand what she described. This meetup was held at the Bayside Historical Society in the beautiful Fort Totten Park. The craft indeed became the bridge as a group of women from different boroughs gathered together to sew, crochet, and knit and share stories. One wouldn't be able to tell that the women had not met before. All shared tips, resources and ideas and each presented a work in progress or finished project. It was great to have a chunk of time designated just for that purpose. Most of us have such busy schedules with work, family and other obligations that it's often difficult to find time to sew. 

            I asked Nellie the organizer recently to tell us her reason behind organizing the sewing circle and she stated the following: “I came from a family of people who knew how to sew in every day life and with modern work requirement, there is very little opportunity to use our hands to make things. Sewing is very peaceful and stress-relieving. Sewing as a task is very isolating, but historically it was a way to socialize and for communities of women to get together and help each other out. I started the meetup so I could meet other people who were interested in keeping the tradition alive and also meet others who love to create!”

            Thank you Nellie for starting the group and allowing us to come together in such a great space that  helps get our creativity flowing.  Thank you to the ladies with all the great talents who are so willing to help and share with all of us.

Below are some pictures of the sewing meetup. To read Catherine Doherty’s full essay follow the link http://www.madonnahouse.org/publications/passiton/Pass-It-On-028.htm

We shared information from fabric stores, to sewing schools, and where to get discounted patterns.

Individual introductions and stories of how we began sewing, knitting or quilting were shared.

Here we had a chance to look at everyone's finished projects or work in progress.

Back at our seats for some more sewing. We had all levels from beginner to advance.

The featured project of the day consisted of surgi dolls. The meetup partnered with Project Sunshine who provided the supplies to make the dolls. The dolls were then to be donated to help children prepare for surgery and other medical procedures. This was my first time finishing any project in one sitting. For more information on surgi dolls view  http://www.projectsunshine.org/programs/prog-sendingsunshine.php 

NEWLOOK 6849

I've finally finished the Easy NewLook 6849 tunic. This is an old pattern that I had in my bin. I didn't find it easy as stated on the pattern. It also took me longer than I wanted to finish but I realized that the reason for this was because I was getting a bit discourage during the process. After all, I had joined a couple of challenges one of which I wasn't supposed to buy any ready to wear clothing and I just made one tunic. The problems that I encountered with this pattern had to do with the long darts on the back, and setting the sleeves. The pattern called for a side zipper but I omitted the zipper.  In addition, I realized too late as I read different blogs that you should match bold prints. This didn't even occur to me when I cut out the fabric so the tunic reflects that. In conclusion, I am happy I finished it and am looking forward to working on something more simple like a loose-fitting, sleeveless pullover top. After all, I need more tops. See pictures below.

This is a blog about my sewing journey and a little more.

Hello all, My name Awilda. Lately my shopping experiences haven't been too much fun. I spend too much time trying on items and still end up with things I don’t really like or fit well. This is why I've decided that I would teach myself to sew and found out it is easier said than done. I come from a family of sewing enthusiasts but unfortunately it doesn't come natural to me. I did try it back in high schools many, many, many years ago. During the past several years the urge to sew has resurfaced several times and I've taken a couple of sewing courses. Still I consider myself a novice. This is the beginning of my sewing journey. Feel free to join me and share your sewing stories. Sewing is an art that brings people of all levels together. Let us use this journey to learn from each other. That being said my first project is a tunic from a New Look pattern that I've had for a very long time. The fabric is Crepe.  See picture.

The New Look pattern is an easy pattern that I didn't find very easy. It required a side zipper which I omitted since I am not ready to tackle a zipper especially on this light weight fabric. The long darts on the back confused me a bit, but thanks to a sewing buddy she showed me what I did wrong and I was able to create the darts. As soon as I finish the hem I will post