Here We are in I-Sew-Lation

Sew!! Are you doing more of that these days? I hope so!! It’s one of the creative superpowers that will help us get through this. After assessing my supplies, I’ve been able to determine that I could be socially isolated for the rest of my life and be able to keep sewing. You, too? (Don’t panic – that picture above was taken before we all started wisely distancing!)

Before I get into what I’m sewing, I need to say clearly that the term isewlation is not original to me. I don’t know who started it, but it’s FABULOUS and I’m seeing the hashtags #isewlation and #isewlation2020 all over in social media. And, aren’t we blessed to have social media right now!?!

Finishing, Sorting and Repeat

Some of my extra time is spent sorting and purging in the house as well as my sewing spa. It’s a great time to re-assess what’s really important and think about moving a few things out for others to use. My latest projects are all finish-ups I’ve found and I have some peeks for you!

Feathery Hacci Sweater Knit Cardigan

Right before the 2020 Sewing & Stitchery Expo, I FINALLY cut out the Snapdragon Studios Lemon Squeeze Cardigan I’d had planned for a year. That’s a reasonable length of planning time, right?

The GORGEOUS fabric I’m using is a scrumptiously soft Hacci Sweater Knit I bought from So Sew English at the 2019 Sewing & Stitchery Expo. The plan was to sew it up and wear it to this year’s show so I could show it off at the SSE booth when I visited, but it didn’t happen. Sometimes plan at my house is spelled more like put-it-off-until-its-too-late!

Yeah, I know this doesn’t look like much, but I really am sewing – see? It’s okay, it’s almost done and there’s still enough cold in our Pacific Northwest Spring for it to get a lot of wearing time! (There’s a little of this yummy Hacci left on the SSE web site – click!)

Sweepingly Magnificent French Terry

That reminds me of more magic from So Sew English and this one is actually done!  I wanted something spectacular for the Kimono/Haori stage show I was doing at the Expo, found this amazing Brianne French Terry and Amanda of SSE was kind enough to send it to me right away. It was even more beautiful when it arrived and I LOVED wearing it! That’s my wonderful friend, Rhonda Pierce of Schmetz Needles, backstage with me.

Do I look tired? Yep, the Sewing and Stitchery Expo is amazing, but exhausting, too!! I used the Indygo Junction Contemporary Kimono pattern and added to it to create a duster length. It will have it’s own post at some point! (This lovely French Terry is still on the SSE site, too – click!)

The Progressive Tremont Jacket

You know those projects that just seem to go on and on? My first Sewing Workshop Tremont Jacket has been like a progressive dinner! I sewed it up, tried it on, admired it, wore it, but. . . . When I knew I was teaching a couple of Modern Kantha Stitching classes at the 2019 Sewing Expo, I realized that the turned-back Shannon Fabrics Embrace® Double Gauze cuffs were the perfect canvas for a bit of creative Kantha.

I got one cuff done before the class last Spring. Then I finished the second cuff last August while we were dog-sitting for our niece and nephew. And, finally in the last week, I added more stitching to the right front edge. I love the way the Double Gauze looks folded back against the Organic Block Printed Cotton I bought at Maiwa in Vancouver BC.

And . . . it’s still not quite done. I’m thinking a button would be good and maybe I need to go ahead and stitch along the left front edge, too. Or the turn-back along the front should be wider? It will be actually finished at some point – really!

And, finally . . . . .

Keep Shopping Local, PLEASE

It’s tough when you’re staying socially distant and trying to self-isolate, but let’s not forget our locally owned shops that are still paying rent and bills even if their location is temporarily closed. We want them back and our support could be the key! Check with your locals first when you have a need and see if they can help you out. I know some shops are selling online, doing drive-in pick ups and call-in orders. Don’t forget your local store buddies and if you don’t have a local store, think small business first when you order online!

What Are You Doing While You’re I-Sew-Lated?

Sewing, cleaning, dreaming, napping, planning? I’d love to hear from you! Post a comment below or send me an email with a picture. We can all still inspire each other!

Sew long from the Sewing Spa . . . I’ll be back with more from my Sewful Life soon!

Moment of Further Truth:
This post includes affiliate links and I may receive a small payment if you make a purchase using that link. Thank you if you do – it helps to keep The Sewful Life stitching along and I sincerely appreciate your support. The Kimono pattern was provided to me by Indygo Junction and the French Terry was provided to me by So Sew English. Thank you to these generous companies – please support them!! All opinions are solely and truly mine and I only gush about things I love!