Sewing presents
Thanks to all of you who commented on my last post. I took me a while (3 months!) to decide whether to publish it but it felt like the right thing to do. I feel that the more people speak out about their experiences, the easier it will be for others to do the same and the stigma around mental health illnesses will decrease. Good mental wellbeing is important for us all. Thanks also for the birthday wishes. We had an amazing time in New York and I spent my birthday up the Empire State Building, wandering along the Highline and in Mood (more on that later).
On to the sewing related stuff! I received a number of sewing related birthday presents. My family, friends and work colleagues have been so generous over the last week and I have been completely spoilt!
My friend Amy got me some Sheffield steel thread clippers. I've used them a couple of times and they are great. A little heavier than my small scissors but they are sharper!
Kelly gave me this beautiful fabric and I can see something summery in it. I haven't quite got to which pattern yet. She also got me the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework. There are so many techniques in there I want to try and it might even help me in my quest to perfect quilting!
Identifying and understanding fabrics is a weak spot for me. Hopefully I will learn quite a lot from The Swatch Book which Adam gave me. He also surprised me with my very own iPad! I've been complaining that I couldn't access many apps and he came to the rescue. So, for those of you have an iPad - can you recommend any great apps that are great for sewing, made your life a little easier or are just great fun?
When we arrived at the hotel in New York I was surprised to find a present there for me. A colleague had arranged for a gift card from Mood. I was so taken aback and then doubly excited about visiting. That place is amazing! I felt slightly overwhelmed when I walked in but after a couple of moments found it quite easy to navigate. I came away with three pieces of fabric and stocked up on small zips.
The denim is dark indigo and I'm planning a Miette skirt. The other two are cottons. I'm not sure if they will become tops or dresses yet so I bought enough for a dress just in case!
I couldn't resist these buttons!
And finally my family have clubbed together to get me an overlocker! I haven't had chance to look at which one I would like yet but that is something to look forward to over the next few weeks. I do feel very lucky to have received these and can't wait to get going with them.