Hello friends! We got snowed in the week before last because of a big storm, but instead of having snow days, my kids had to (yet again) go to school online. It was a real bummer; the district had used up all of its “snow days” on COVID-related closures, so they didn't have any left for actual snow days. I did my best to kick my kids outside between classes to shovel the sidewalks (Elliot and Clementine) or play with the neighbor kids (Hugo). I ignored a few “back-to-class” alarms so Hugo could play out in the snow longer, and Elliot and I went for a walk through the gorgeous snow-covered woods near our house. All of the school closings/virtual school we've had in the two years since the pandemic began have definitely taken a toll on my work. The first year of the pandemic I was able to launch the projects that I had started in 2019 like Emerald and the Washi/Trillium size expansion, but I wasn't able to start new patterns, which requires a sort of dedicated time and energy that I just didn't have. Because the timeline for pattern production is usually about a year (or two) from inception to launch, I'm really noticing that lag now. It's probably going to be awhile before I have anything new to show you. In the meantime, I've started a “ Friday Faves” series on my blog where I post a few favorite things and a quick update (basically an abbreviated form of my “Studio Notes”). Since I haven't sent out anything to this list since last fall, I thought it would be nice to send them straight to you, rather than having to click over to my blog to find them. |
|
mending: I did some mending on a much-loved and very worn pair of Levis that have been Mr Rae's favorite for years. The stitches are almost invisible from the outside, so I'm not sure it's technically “visible mending,” but it was really satisfying to give these jeans a new life. this book: I found the “upper thigh / crotch repair” instructions in Make Thrift Mend by Katrina Rodabaugh to be really helpful for getting started with my mending project. Full disclosure: I received my copy for free because my Trillium sewing pattern makes an appearance as one of the featured patterns in the book. sewing: I finished a pair of double-gauze Luna Pants and wore them nearly every day this week. To make them high-waisted, I added up to 1.5" (more in front than in back) around the waistband and redrew the facings. If you're interested in getting more of a how-to for this, let me know. |
|
It feels good to write about what I'm making and post a few pictures and a quick update when I'm unable to dig into deeper, pattern development stuff. Do you think you'd like this type of email from me more frequently (maybe every few weeks)? Personally, my inbox is my nemesis, so I'm careful about not sending out too many emails, but at the same time I don't mind getting weekly and bi-weekly newsletters when its someone whose work I enjoy. Hit reply and tell me what you think; I always love to hear from you! -Rae PS. Just in case you missed it, Hugo's black cat Halloween costume (with me as coordinating witch) was a success. |
|
If you know someone who will enjoy this newsletter, forward it to them! They can subscribe here. If you're new to this list or you missed an issue, here's a list of all my recent emails. |
|
|
