Sometimes we need easy wins. That's what the Emmeline Apron is for me, an easy win. I bought the pattern shortly after I picked up my first sewing machine just over seven years ago. Using some subpar cotton-poly fabric from a big box store, I carefully followed all the steps and put together something that resembled an apron. It was pink and green and looked like it had be topstitched by a four year old. It wasn't perfect, but I happily accepted its flaws and called it a success.
That was April 2008, about the same time I launched Badskirt. A few months later, I decided I wanted to do something for the women in my life. What better than a blog sew-along? So in July 2008, I launched Aprons for the Ladies I Love. I made a blog button, put an announcement on my blog and started sewing.
No one joined me. Not a single person. My first sew-along was a cataclysmic failure. In hindsight, I was very new to sewing and had very few blog followers. It's not surprising that no one else joined in. I kept sewing aprons anyway.
That year, I had sent out about a dozen aprons to women in my life who I cared about - women who influenced who I am and what I believe in. I wrapped up the fledging sew-along two months later by making another apron for myself. An apron that despite being never quite finished, I've used for the last six and a half years.
I needed a small win this week. I needed a reminder that little victories win out over big setbacks, so I made myself a new apron. I'm pleased to say that my topstitching is looking far better these days. I donned the apron last night and made pasta in the kitchen with Craig.
It's easy to get hung up worrying about the perfect quilting pattern or obsessing over every detail of a complex design. It's easy to fret that you're sewing solo instead of moving with the crowd. When that happens take a moment, find something small and feel good about it. Remember the easy wins are worth it.
That was April 2008, about the same time I launched Badskirt. A few months later, I decided I wanted to do something for the women in my life. What better than a blog sew-along? So in July 2008, I launched Aprons for the Ladies I Love. I made a blog button, put an announcement on my blog and started sewing.
No one joined me. Not a single person. My first sew-along was a cataclysmic failure. In hindsight, I was very new to sewing and had very few blog followers. It's not surprising that no one else joined in. I kept sewing aprons anyway.
That year, I had sent out about a dozen aprons to women in my life who I cared about - women who influenced who I am and what I believe in. I wrapped up the fledging sew-along two months later by making another apron for myself. An apron that despite being never quite finished, I've used for the last six and a half years.
I needed a small win this week. I needed a reminder that little victories win out over big setbacks, so I made myself a new apron. I'm pleased to say that my topstitching is looking far better these days. I donned the apron last night and made pasta in the kitchen with Craig.
It's easy to get hung up worrying about the perfect quilting pattern or obsessing over every detail of a complex design. It's easy to fret that you're sewing solo instead of moving with the crowd. When that happens take a moment, find something small and feel good about it. Remember the easy wins are worth it.
This post is exactly what I needed today, thank you!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that I found your blog long after your apron SAL. The idea is inspiring, and I may steal it for my womenfolk later on in the summer. I've got the Chatterbox apron pattern by Mary Mulari that has never been opened... maybe it's time to give it a go.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl...great philosophy that works.. U r quite clever you know...
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice Amy! I followed your links and loved the step back in time to the early days of your sewing career!
ReplyDelete