Sunday, February 6, 2011

Inspired to Sew!

  So have you heard of Bari J? No? Really?? Ok well let me introduce you to this fabulous and talented lady for those few who have missed out on her. And I mean lady. She's just wonderful, creative and feminine. And one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet.

Bari is a textile artist. What this woman can do with fabric is amazing.  She has such an eclectic style it's really hard to just sum it up in a few sentences. Bari is such a creative lady and she has her elegant fingers in so many pies you just have to go and discover it all. Inspired to Sew has so many funky, modern, elegant, and just down right beautiful projects, everything from purses, to pillows, to a gorgeous garden tunic. And yes, I know I'm getting heavy on the adjectives but this is what this book did to me!

I got to know Bari over on twitter, I had admired her fabrics, from Lecien so you know they're funky yet elegant, but didn't really know her until a few months ago. When I found out about her book, Inspired to Sew, from Stash Books I was incredibly excited. When I found out about the blog tour I begged, and I mean begged, to be included. And Bari did her magic and here we are!

  This book is so full of eye candy, incredibly gorgeous project ideas and absolutely wonderful, "keeping it real" tips you will read it cover to cover, at least twice. And everything is explain in a way that demystifies so many of sewing's great mysteries.

Then you will be inspired to go to your stash, the local quilt/sewing shop and online. Then you will be absolutely on edge to make some of these gorgeous projects.
Don't believe me?
Look at these.Warning you may drool on your keyboard. You have been warned.







Mmmhmm. Told you so. They're amazing. Gorgeous. And not nearly as difficult as they appear. And you all know how much I love easy, difficult looking stuff!

So now you are all wanting to know where you can get this awesome and amazing book. Well, I just may have a copy to giveaway. Yes, you can actually win a copy of Inspired to Sew. But that's a bit later.

  First I wanted to share with you why I'm inspired to sew. As most of you know, or can deduce from my blog title, I quilt. A lot. I do a little bit of garment sewing for Little Bit, and make occasional pillows and what not but most of what I do is quilting.
 Quilting for me is a huge release. It's relaxing and exciting at the same time. I'm often inspired by the fabrics themselves, which make wonderful designers like Bari my muse. The fabric often "speak" to me. No not literally. But the colours, patterns, and feel lead me in my designing of patterns.
  My quilts are expressions of me. My mood, my life experiences and my hopes for the future. I hope a few last long after I'm gone, and if they've been used to the point of being worn out I hope the memories of them continue. My quilting is a way for me to wrap my arms around people I don't get to see, or some I never even know. They let me send my love into the world.
   I'm inspired to sew by the whole process of creating. I always feel like if I can create a bit more it may balance the amount of destruction in my and the entire world in general.
   My mom wasn't a quilter but she did sew clothes and costumes. It was her way of expressing her love, which she didn't find easy to do. But when I look back at some of the crazy and elaborate costumes we had for Halloween and school plays I know she does.
   So another big reason I'm inspired to sew is to follow that tradition of using sewing to express my love. My love for the person who will receive my item, my love for colour and fabrics, my love for the whole process of creating.


 So know to tell you how to win a copy of Inspired to Sew for your very own! It's really easy I promise.
 Leave me comment telling me how or what inspires you to create. It doesn't have to be sewing. Whatever you create. And don't try to tell me you don't create because we all do it everyday, even if it's only creating an outfit or dinner.
What are you waiting for? Get commenting!

101 comments:

robin said...

What inspires me is seeing what others have created, or even a trip to the fabric store. :)

Chef Mama Lori said...

I'm already a follower of your blog! Yea! I had to wipe the drool off my keyboard seeing Bari's projects (and realized I'd somehow dripped ice cream onto it earlier--LOL!). I'm inspired to SEW for my kids. I'm inspired to create paper crafts and fabric crafts by the beautiful things around me. Lately I'm finding my world of paper crafting & fabric crafting meshing as I see designer paper (like K & Co.) and think, "I want this in fabric!" I love that Moda has started making Basic Grey designs into fabric & that I can find Amy Butler paper! I'm learning to quilt & I think the CHALLENGE of doing it is part of what is inspiring me right now.

I have a few pieces of Bari's Full Bloom fabric waiting for me to decide what I will make. I'm afraid to cut them, so I'm waiting to get my hands on her book to get REALLY inspired! :)

Wendy said...

Hey Cara! I honestly don't know why I create, I just know I have to. I can remember making cards for my mom from newspaper pictures glued to paper when I was very young, or playing with my toy sewing machine at 5. If I'm not creating, then I'm thinking about creating, or planning what I'll be creating. I'm most happy when I have someone to create for ... blessed that God gave me two daughters to make sweet girlie things for ... or the feminine things like those found in Bari's book ... :) Thank you for this giveaway!! Appreciate you!

allsewnup said...

Simply put, for me, it's a NEED to create!
I cannot not be making something.

I enjoy perusing blogs and seeing what others are creating and derive pleasure from this too.

Thank you for the chance to win this marvelous book.

Carolyn
I'm a follower of your's!

Jessica said...

I am inspired by beautiful things, whether gorgeous fabric and awesome projects from artists like Bari that inspire me to sew, or beautiful words from my favorite authors that make me want to write!

Jen said...

every time I see this book, I get excited!

I like to create - because it's somewhat innate in women! I can't explain it - except to say that I have to do it!

I think there's something artistic in each of us (and that's hard for me to admit, because I really don't think of myself as artistic!!!!) and we need an outlet for it - so whether it's a PB&J in the kids' lunches, or dinner, or a quilt, or anything - It has our "touch" of creativity on it!

Anita said...

I'm always inspired when I read other peoples blogs. I have one set that I read in the morning and another that I read in the evenings. There is always something that I want to bookmark as a future project or that takes me into my sewing/craft room for some instant crafting gratification.

Heather A said...

I'm inspired by wanting to be an inspiration to my kids. My parents made EVERYTHING and I think making is important and a real gift. I hope my kids become makers, too, and inspire their own kids to make things. To create.

Tas said...

I have always been creative but left crafting and art behind for academics and a professional life. When I became a mum to my 3 littlies, I realised how much I missed it and I just wanted to create. Anything. It is like I am using 20 years of missed creativity up. At the moment it is sewing and i have added knitting but oh, so many crafts seen in blogworld that inspire me to try them. Bari's projects are beautiful.

Sunnybec said...

OMG I want that Bag!! Everytime I see lovely bags, quilts, table toppers, runners you name it, it inspires me to create. I am still stalking you.......

deserae said...

I am a follower, and I get inspired by other people's blogs everyday! It is amazing what people come up with!

Vickie said...

I am a follower! I am not sure exactly what inspires me to create anything except the deep down inside feeling I get when I am making stuff! It makes me happy and I think ultimately that is what inspires me! The need to be happy!

Tonia said...

The things that inspire me are my family and my emotions. I also love to see what others create. All these things give me a starting point and then "it" just happens!

Unknown said...

My mom inspires me to sew. She taught me how to embroider, and she loves to sew. The best thing that I take away from my mom's love of sewing is the reward of steppi back and admiring the beauty of a self-made creation!

Maria McCabe said...

I am already a follower and love your style! Oh this book is going to be great...can't wait to read it! Life inspires me to sew, when I am happy I feel the need to create something to express it, when I am sad I sew to escape and when I am stressed I sew to relax. The projects depend on what is going on. Right now I am celebrating my husband Irish heritage so there is a lot of pretty green fabric and claddaghs, celtic knots and shamrocks being embroidered! Sewing is a Celebration!
Maria

Suzie Button said...

Oh, I'd love to win this! What inspires me to create?! Just having a pile of beautiful goodies, trims, tulle, fabrics, threads, buttons in front of me! My mind starts swirling the possibilities! Suzie purrpage3 at verizon dot com
Oh, and I'm a new follower!

Lee said...

I am a follower! I am inspired by my family and nature! thanks for the review and giveaway.

Kasey said...

I get inspired by tons of things- lately, it was a floor in our local furniture store.

Kate said...

things that make me smile inspire me....bright colors on gray days...kids happy clothing....(make me want to add extra details...like embroidery on them)...wonderful blogs like yours are inspiring too!

babiesdoc said...

I have just become a follow
what inspires me to sew is the happy smiles I see when I give my sewing presents.
Most recently a baseball quilt for my 8 year old nephew --Okay he liked the back better then the front but it was still okay

Anonymous said...

I already follow you. :0)
I create every single day with either quilting or piecing. Then I take off that hat and become the cook who creates dinner. LOL I'm sure many of us wear many hats and if we aren't creating a mess of something we create the beautiful things we make with fabrics.

Barb said...

I am a follower

The simplist thing can inspire me, the way the wind moves through the trees, the way the sun sets on the ocean, the smile of a friend, a picture on a wall.

Pam Hunter said...

Thank you, Cara, for the opportunity to win. What inspires me? The kind words of friends; any fabric (never met a fabric I didn't like); sun, stars, moon, trees, flowers, the beach; working with clients through my VA biz; watching my daughter dance; creative people - no matter what they create.

I have been following your blog and Bari J's blog for some time. Thank you for the inspiration.

Good luck to everybody!

Pam Hunter
E: phunter89[at]aol.com

Mommarock said...

Sewing (be it by hand) is my sanity. I cannot sit home, homeschool my son, and keep house, with nothing else to do. I would go stir crazy! I need something in my hands. Something to show that I was here. I want something for my kids in the future that they will say. Momma made that. Grandma made that.. Quilts and such that will still be here.. even when I am not. Not that I plan on going anywhere for another 100 years.

sewfunquilts said...

Thanks sew much for your giveaway, and I do follow your blog and try to "play" with you gals on #talknt
every once in a while.

Lots of inspiration for me; selling on Etsy, blogging, going to a fabric store, magazines, colors, flowers, nature....on and on and on.

Sara said...

WOOOHOO great job on showing off BariJ!!

I am inspired by fabric, colors surrounding me in the world everyday,other people's blogs. I always have this innate feeling to want to MAKE something constantly and I love it----the QUILTING drug per say!!!!

Kd Brown said...

Cara, color is one of the things that inspires me to create. This book looks terrific! Thanks for a great giveaway. ~Kathleen

Patricia Lessell said...

I have been a hand stitcher (XS) for years. So what inspires me to quilt? I love all the fabrics, the colors, the feel of them and just looking at them used to be enough. Well all of you guys who are amazing quilters inspire me to the nth degree. I love looking at what you all have quilted and all of you quilters are just so amazing in what you do and what you all share. I have never seen anything like it before. In fact quite the opposite in the XS world. I am so happy to become one of you now and hopefully, one day, be able to share what I have learned with somebody else who is as new as I am now.

Anonymous said...

THANKS FOR YOUR INSPIRING BLOG!
QUILT BLOGS DO INSPIRE ME; ALSO I DO WATERCOLOR+SOMETIMES A PAINTING WILL SPARK A QUILT BLOCK! THANKS FOR THE CHANCE AT A NEAT BOOK!

jldouglas@wispwest.net

MoeWest said...

Quite often I'm inspired by the fabric lines. I see something that I love and I just 'have to' make something with it. Thanks for the chance to win Bari's book. It looks awesome!

Cat said...

What inspires me is not one thing but many. The need to relax, a new line of fabric, a photo just taken, a friend (Hi Cara) and the especially the process, the journey and the enjoyment of it. I started sewing when I was 5 waiting for parents to come home from work and have had some kind of "needle" in my hands every since.

Quilter Bridget said...

When I need inspiration I turn to my inspiration journal. It's just a very fancy (to motiviate me) blank book thats halfway full of pictures, swatches, drawings, samples, etc. It's as much fun to work on it as it is to flip through for inspiration.

suesueb said...

If I don't get to make (or start) something creative for a while I get sort of cranky! Whether it's knitting, sewing or mixed media, all the outlets help me express myself through art. I get inspiration from blogs, books, and just looking at all the stuff in my studio. Thanks for the chance to win such a beautiful book!!

Christine said...

Hi, Cara: I was excited to learn that you are a fellow Canadian from my own province! I have sewn all my life and now all those hours at a sewing machine focus on quilting. I love to create. My inspiration is the patterns that I drool over in quilt shops. Hats off to those who are talented in that area. I think we like to work with our hands creating things because we are made in the image of our Father who is the ultimate creator.

Kathy H said...

I am inspired to sew by what I see around me. I like to create quilts for people based on their interests and favorite colors.

Gill said...

Inspiration is all around us! and even the weather plays a part for me!! All the gorgeous fabrics available are just wonderful and some days I don't know where to start!
Thanks for the giveaway!

WandaFish said...

I'm so pleased to have found another lovely blog through this book tour. I am inspired first and foremost by my little girl but I gain so much inspiration and knowledge from surfing the internet and following so many talented crafters.
Thanks for this giveaway - Bari's book looks to be a 'must have'!

Shannon H said...

I am inspired by others' beautiful creations and the sweet requests of my 3 little ones! They get so excited of me making ANYTHING for them and makes my heart warm to make more. I am self taught and love it!! My girls 7 and 5 are very interesed in learning to sew so they inspire me even more with their interest :)

csharri@comcast.net

Lily of the Valley said...

Yes, I am drooling on the keyboard!! But to the point, I am inspired by life-- the good, the bad, the beautiful, etc. I love nature -- my Dad taught me that!! I love fabric -- my Mom was my mentor!! My children and grandchildren inspire me with their unconditional love!!

Wendy said...

I'm inspired by what I see around me... and what I see others make. This looks like a fabulous book, and I can't wait to get my hands on it!!

Ariane said...

I'm inspired to sew and quilt by all the wonderful fabrics, by nature and by all the quilts I see in blogland. I just love to go over to flickr and see all the different styles. But, the fabric is what really inspires me. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful giveaway!!

A Gal Who said...

I am inspired by so many things: people, fabric, photos, words, yarn, etc, etc, etc. Sadly, about 90% of my creativity is in my mind; only about 10% actually gets made! But, boy do I have a stash of ideas in my head! Thanks for this opportunity.

Victoria said...

My granddaughters inspire me to sew. Even at 2 and 4, they have very definite and different ideas about what they like to wear. I love letting them choose fabric and picking out pictures of skirts and dresses.

Marcia W. said...

What inspires me? photos - in a magazine, catalog, book, blog, etc. nature - so many colors, shapes, and good feelings. people - that I love and who love me. Thanks for the stop on the blog book tour - hope to win and get some extra inspiration to sew with Bari's book (the collages I love)

sandra said...

I have sewed for ever but when I started to quilted I really became inspired and just found I fell in love with quilt shops and fabric, the colours the feel and the designs. There is no end to creativity in quilting. I have to say you inspire me also with all that you do and the fact that you have FM just doesn't slow you down.

Linda in NC said...

I love to see something come out of nothing. A pile of fabrics turns into a quilt. A handful of floss laying on linen becomes a picture. Miscellaneous items in the kitchen transform into a delicious, one-of-a-kind dish to sustain my family. Some flour and water works up into a fragrant loaf of bread.

❦Bayside Gal❦ said...

I am inspired by fabric. Any fabric! Coloful fabric! Fabric I just have to have! I don't always use it right away, but I love making little things for my grandkids like toybags, purses, etc. I love Bari J's designs. She is so creative. I want to be just like her when I grow up.

Cecilia said...

I'm already a follower of your blog. I get inspired by different fabric and patterns I see in books and magazines. I love making quilts for people I love. It is very rewarding to see their expressions when they are given a gift made just for them. The book looks great, I would love to win a copy.

CHRISTINE said...

I am inspired by the wonderful fabrics, books, blogs. I love to sew for my kids and grands, as well as quilt and stitch. A day without stitching is a day without sunshine.

quilterliz said...

This book looks awesome! I might have to add it to my collection! I love the blog-keep up the good work!

Gina said...

I love to create to see the reaction people have when they find out *You made that?** I love it!

Thanks for sharing your story and thanks to Bari J!!

Hugs,
Gina

Christine M said...

I get inspired at the Quilt Guild after watching the monthly show and tell. Then I get home and think about the housework I have to do! lol I also love looking at blogs and getting inspiration from them.

Beth said...

With each new quilting book I pore over, I am inspired to create something new. I'm so glad it works that way, instead of becoming more intimidated when I see the work of all these brilliant, skilled, creative people.

Thanks for the generous giveaway.

wordygirl at earthlink dot net

Bee Yourself Fabrics said...

I get inspired by reading up on all these fantastic blogs! The creative books and magazines that I buy bring me such joy and peace. I love the exposure we have and it encourages me to create. Thank you for this giveaway opportunity. I would love to get my hands onto this book!

Sherill said...

My children,grandchildren, the garden,friends, blogs, everthing inspires me!

Pattij said...

So many beautiful pictures in blogs inspire me so much. I can't believe the amount of projects that I have planned and may never ever have time for!

Evin5 at aol (dot) com

Rachel Locke said...

What inpired me to start this crafting journey was my children. They still continue to inspire me. I love to make things for them!!
Thanks for the great giveaway.

Paula Lemos said...

Life inspires me! Sometimes I create out of necessity (in the kitchen, when I don't have all the ingredients I need), other times I look at objects and materials and make up diffentent ways of using them.
Thanks for the giveaway!
ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

Elizabeth said...

Color...that's what inspires me to create. What I create is dependent upon the color. It's a vicious cycle, but it works for me.
Other artists work also inspires me. I love Bari J's fabric collage.

Rose Hughes said...

Life! Everywhere I go, everything I see... life is a creative adventure.

Heather @ The Beating Hearth said...

I get inspired but what i see online and by beautiful fabric that I just have to buy, even if I don't havea project in mind...it will come to me eventually.

Stina Blomgren said...

Ok.. lots of things do Inspire me... living in Sweden and far away from shops and quiltfabrics.. all I can say is this inspires me... BLOGS and BOOKS... ;o) So Baris book is most welcomed..;O))

@penjo99 said...

I am inspired by the world around me, by people, nature, and sometimes even the unnatural. All of my new sewing and quilting friends have been a HUGE inspiration to me and I thank all of them!

Sara said...

Bloggers inspire me!!!

nhsarab at yahoo dot com

Jan said...

I am inspired by many things. But mostly from magazines, books, shows. From that I then put my own slant onto it.

Donna Joy said...

My grandmother inspired me, now i can come to the internet and read so many peoples blogs and see what they are creating. Bari J is one of those people.
Only problem is not enough time to sew and create.
Thanks for sharing the giveaway.

Jodi said...

I am inspired by my Grandmother, mother, the ladies in my embroidery group and by my 6 month old daughter. My Grandmother died when I was young but I still remember some of the beautiful things she hand made for me and my sister. I still have a few tucked away. My mother learnt alot from nan but has always regreted that she didn't take the time to learn more before it was to late. So now we have a small group of ladies who do all manner of fiber art and my sister and I are learning all that we can from an amazing group of ladies who inspire us to believe we can do something worthwhile and that we can improve with practice to be as gifted as them. Finally I am inspired to learn all I can and create things with love for my daughter and to hopefully instill in her a seed of inspiration for the future.

Amy said...

My planner. I know it sounds weird, but I jot down all of my ideas on there that I get throughout the day!

SewLindaAnn said...

What inspires me mostly, is that I can. I have the opportunity, I have supplies and taking the time to create gives me more than I ask for. I create for swaps and communicate with people around the world, I create for charity and my heart swells with pride for helping others. I am inspired to create because it makes me a better person every day.

epban said...

All of the wonderful blogs inspire me to create along with a need to CREATE! Thanks for a chance to win...the book looks wonderful.

Jackie said...

Inspiration is a funny thing. I never know what is going to inspire me. It could be something I see, a color that attracts my attention, or something that has been fermenting in the deep recesses of my mind popping out when I least expect it. That is what is so much fun, you just never know where it it is going to take you.

Jennifer said...

I have tried a lot of different hobbies! From little crafts with the kids to gardening to scrap booking! My husband, bless his sweet heart, supports whatever new hobby I come up with! What has inspired me to sew would have to be my best friend. Three years ago, on Good Friday, she lost her 11 yr old daughter in a car accident! I flew from Florida back to Illinois to be with her for the funeral. I try to be there for her as much as I can, but living 1200 miles apart makes it very hard! So I wanted to give her something I thought about making an scrapbook for her, but I didn't have enough pictures to fill an album. One day I was cleaning out my closet and I found my old baby blanket, and it was in such bad shape! I loved that blanket, I slept with it for 20 yrs until I had my son. Then it hit! I could make my friend and her son a quilt of all of Heather's favorite colors (purple)! That way I could be with them to "hold" them on those hard days! So I told my husband what I wanted to do, but one thing stopped me. No sewing machine! Plus it has been years since I used one. So Christmas came and my husband told his mother what I wanted. So that morning when I opened my new sewing machine I was so,so excited! I just finished a small quilt that I made for myself, mostly to get a feel for my machine and to get a little practice before I made my friends. I just love making quilts! So that is my story on what inspires me to sew.

Beth said...

It would be great to win a copy of Bari's book, if not I'll be ordering one from Amazon. I am intrigued by the flower collage on the tunic. Her colors are so happy.

Cate Lindsey said...

I love seeing my loved ones enjoy something I've made them, whether it's a homemade meal, cufflinks, a quilt, or comfy pajamas. It's a real thrill!

Chelsea said...

This book looks so fun! I've been a fabric obsessive all my life so that's what keeps me sewing!

taliana said...

I'm inspired by the beauty around me..whether it is the mountains or trees or a beautiful fabric or picture.

Unknown said...

I am inspired by blogs, there are just so many good ones out there! And then just everything around me, even tile floors in restrooms! And thank you for the giveaway.

Syd said...

Every time I see a new pattern or just something that intrigues me I go all out. Like the time I decided to make jam for christmas. That turned into jam of the week. By the end of the year I had made 92 different jams. (I'm just a little obsessive!) I believe there are so many things to learn and so little time!!

Eva Emilie said...

Natural fibers, beautiful craft projects, interesting patterns,amazing fabrics, small embroideries, great design - Inspiration is everywhere, and this book looks really inspiring!!

Victoria said...

I sew and knit because my grandmother taught me. I share this knowledge with my granddaughters. This NEED to make things and give them to others seems to skip a generation in our family. My daughter has other wonderful skills but still needs her mother to sew on a button. I am looking forward to the day that her daughters say "Here, Mom, let me do that." The circle of a creative life, ny friend.

Bec Clarke said...

I am inspired to create when I see fabric. I just want to cut it up and put it back together again.

Jansie said...

Hi there, my sister inspires me to create. We both have the same taste and I am always trying to create projects that make her exclaim and ooh and aaah. Then I know I've done a good job. ;) Thanks for the chance to win this fabulous book!

schmidt1016 said...

I love the idea that I can make something with my own hands, even if it isn't perfect. Thanks for the chance to win this fantastic book.

Leslie S. in MN
esclante at comcast dot net

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Pretty much everything is inspiring, but I have to admit that I get most of mine from books. I'm a self-confessed bookaholic and actually do read every word in my crafting books (a little obsessive perhaps?).

Jagels said...

i'm inspired to use up some of my stash and be creative! i love to make things all the time. thanks for the giveaway.

Barbara said...

Hi, My name is Barbara and I became creative when I gave up my job to babysit my grandchildren. I did not believe that I could ever make anything like I had seen other people do. My oldest son was getting married and I had no choice but to get on the internet and find a way to make a wedding happen with very little cost. Second, I had to decorate my house for the holidays because my other decorations were burnt in an attic fire. I took the colorful leaves that were changing during the fall, laminated them and made coasters and placemats. Bookmarks too. Filled a vase with so many different acorns. For Christmas I took pine cones and painted them Christmas colors for my vase. I took big acorns and took the tops off and painted the acorn white. I then gave them faces and little scarfs and glued the tops back on for hats. Bought candles and put the tiny painted acorns and twisted vines around the candles. Laminated old Christmas cards sent to me for coasters. This all being said, it gave me the confidence that I could do more than I thought. Some of these, if not most, were my ideas. My first sewing machine was purchased a few months ago. The only thing that I have made so far is a cape for my grandson out of old sheets. I am very proud of it because I had no pattern, just me, practice and my computer for help. Next is Batman. Quilts are the main reason that I got the sewing machine. I want to make quilts for warmth and love to be able to leave to my family. I hope to leave them comfort when I am no longer here on earth. Pillows and such also. They can hug the pillow and wrap up in the quilt and then I am hugging them back with lots of warmth and love. I met a cousin (Donna) on my husbands side of the family through doing a family tree. States away from me. She makes beauiful quilts. With her telling me that I can do it and for the love of my family, that is my inspiration.. No doubt, there has to be be such pride in making one but my inspiration for doing what I thought I could not do, is my family. I will do it. I have a lot to learn considering that I did not even know that there was different types of thread, I know, that's sad. I am learning through websites and Donna and will continue too.I am getting fabric now and hope to start one soon. Most of all, thanks for the website because without them I would be lost..Barbara

Barbara said...

Hi, My name is Barbara and I became creative when I gave up my job to babysit my grandchildren. I did not ever believe that I could ever make anything like I see other people do. My oldest son was getting married and I had no choice but to get on the internet and find a way to make a wedding happen with very little cost. Second, I had to decorate my house for the holidays because my other decorations were burnt in an attic fire. I took the colorful leaves that were changing during the fall, laminated them and made coasters. Bookmarks too. Filled a vase with so many different acorns. For Christmas I took pine cones and painted them Christmas colors for my vase. I took big acorns and took the tops off and painted the acorn white. I then gave them faces and little scarfs and glued the tops back on for hats. Bought candles and put the tiny painted acorns and twisted vines around the candles. Laminated old Christmas cards sent to me for coasters. This all being said, it gave me the confidence that I could do more than I thought. Some of these, if not most, were my ideas. My first sewing machine was purchased a few months ago. The only thing that I have made so far is a cape for my grandson out of old sheets. I am very proud of it because I had no pattern, just me, practice and my computer for help. Next is Batman. Quilts are the main reason that I got the sewing machine because I want to make quilts for warmth and to be able to leave to my family. I hope to leave them comfort when I am no longer here on earth. Pillows and such also. They can hug the pillow and wrap up in the quilt and then I am hugging them back with lots of warmth and love. I met a cousin (Donna) on my husbands side of the family through doing a family tree. States away from me. She makes beauiful quilts. With her telling me that I can do it and for the love of my family, that is my inspiration.. No doubt, there has to be be such pride in making one but my inspiration for doing what I thought I could not do, is my family. I will do it. I have a lot to learn considering that I did not even know that there was different types of thread, I know that's sad. I am learning through websites and Donna and will continue too. Getting fabric now. Most of all, thanks for the website because without them I would be lost..Barbara

quiltnmaryf said...

I am inspired by fabric...just plain old beautiful fabric!!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

I am inspired by the photo of the bag with the flowers on it in the book! I have been making bags for everyone else for years - now it is time to make that one for ME!

Sara @ Sew Sweetness said...

I love seeing the projects on other people’s blogs. I think it’s great that there’s a whole sewing community out there!

Nancy said...

Other creations inspire me. I like to change stuff around, different colors, layouts, etc. The internet is fantastic for ideas!

Jacqui said...

I guess it comes down to the personal satisfaction I get from the process and results. Thanks for the chance to win the book!

Peach Rainbow said...

Yummy fabrics, Tutorials & lovely blogs & websites inspire me to create - Thanks for the chance :)

Spontaneous Threads said...

What inspires me are my friends (who gave me a surprise lunch for my birthday and a gift certificate to my favorite fabric store)

Debbie B said...

Inspiration comes from everywhere - magazines, catalogs, just looking at beautiful fabrics - not just looking, I usually HAVE to touch, too. And, since we have a little grandgirl, I love love love sewing for her! Those little clothes can be so cute!

maeve315@msn.com said...

This book is GORGEOUS!!! I just received a copy today and I am raving about it! If I win a copy, I will donate it to my very large quilt guild to share with all the members. I am inspired by nature, by books, by soft lines and colors, by friends, by stories. I love to quilt!

Unknown said...

I get inspired to sew & craft when I'm in fabric and book stores. I always want to draw when it's a gorgeous day.

Anonymous said...

Martha Pullen - Sew Beautiful magazine started me to smock when my girls were young and I have been sewing for children for 20 years now. Love it !

lag123 said...

Flowers inspire me. I saw yellow and purple pansies yesterday and I could just picture variations of those colors in a quilt!

lag110 at mchsi dot com

Erin said...

I'm inspired by fabrics and the thought of creating something a friend would really love...things that are custom and totally personalized. Just makes me happy :)

Unknown said...

I'm new to your blog so...
What inspires me...well after reading about the womans shelter event this all brings to mind the following;
My mother taught me to sew on my great grandmothers treadle machine when I was 8. We have an old photo of my father standing outside in very early spring in the Upper Peninsula of MI. Behind him is the treadle machine, great grandmother would have the men take it out as soon as the snow began to melt. Talk about your cabin fever! He remembers her sewing away with her winter coat and hat on, she sang while she sewed outside. He never heard her sing while sewing inside..hmmm.
I've always followed the example of the women in my family, sewing is thrifty, a way to provide for others, it can be relaxing and it is a joy.
I was married to an abusive husband; once I was away from him I decided that I needed to go back to school. By this time I had an 11 year son., who, bye they way, also learned to sew on on that same treadle machine. I went back to college only to realize how hard it was to work full time, mother full time and go to school full time. THIS WOULD NOT WORK!!
What to do.....
So I channeled my inner mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and a light bulb went off!!
I began taking orders for historical clothing, baby layettes, gowns anything I could sew.
I worked all summer and at night during the school year. I was home with my son doing the things I loved getting an education and thanking God for the wonderful women who came before me in my family!
I received two degrees and a few associates along the way. I have worked with a local womans shelter and as a rape crisis intervention counselor.
I'm now retired and can enjoy sewing, quilting, crafting and my grown children. I've also made it my mission in life to teach other young people to sew and the enjoyment that can come from it.
Oh, yes, that treadle sewing machine....well I still have it. My mother is gone now I hope she knows the love she started so long ago when she taught a pesky eight year old to sew.