January is a time when I often feel a little bleak. There is no particular reason except the cold rainy weather and the bare trees seem naked and gloomy. As I write this, I am watching a bird cling to the bare branches of a tree blowing furiously in the wind. I mentally cheer it on. “You’ve got this! Keep hanging on!” Maybe I am talking to myself, too. At times when I feel a bit windblown by life, it’s nice to think of things I can look forward to and spend some time appreciating the beauty of simple things. Soon I’ll begin to watch for the green blades of…
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Hussif Sewing Kit Project
I have been inspired recently by 18th & 19th century hussifs (sometimes called housewife) and I wanted to make one for myself. You might be thinking, what is a hussif?! A hussif (or housewife) is a sewing kit originally carried by soldiers in the 18th & 19th century as part of their kit. It held needles, thread, and scraps of fabric for mending their clothing and could be quite simple or elaborate. Learn more about how I find inspiration and the book that started it all. Plan Your Hussif Sewing Kit One of the best things about designing your own projects is the ability to make it exactly the way…
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Book Review ~ The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives
The history of the tie on pocket from the 1660’s to 1900 may not seem to have wide appeal or a broad audience, but for those interested in fashion history and the social politics of gender and class of the time period, I can highly recommend this book. It is full of details, not just about the pockets and what they contained, but also their role in the tumultuous dynamic between genders and class. I have a passing and amateur interest in fashion history, but what I enjoyed most about this book was the glimpse into the every day lives of women of all classes. Usually the story of the…
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Finding Inspiration
Finding inspiration for creative pursuits can be a challenge, especially in times of stress or emotional turmoil. It can feel like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack or like trying to find a pen in the depths of your handbag. Somehow it always manages to hide even though you know there’s a pen in there somewhere and your purse isn’t that big. Brewing a Cup of Inspiration When I stop to consider when and how the creative spark comes or doesn’t, the common denominator for me seems to be “thinking time”. The time to create is an obvious part, but I’m talking about something different. I like…
