Connections

“Irby” by Ruffle Bunnies, made by Suzanne Sawko

Do you have a really good sewing friend?  Someone who knows what you are all about?  If sewing is your passion and not just an occasional hobby activity, you need someone who understands that part of you, like few husbands or neighbors can.

If you don’t have a sewing pal, I urge you to find one—and be one.  SAGA guilds, EGA, sewing groups and even workshops are fertile ground for developing meaningful friendships with like minded sewists.

I have been blessed with several needlework soul mates, each one a true treasure of the heart. These past few days, I have been reminded in so many ways just how vital these connections are. 

Terri Click is a new and wonderful connection.  Her blog, www.www.thethriftyneedle.wordpress.com, is rich with information and inspiration, though Terri calls it a baby blog because it is new. How do you like the new Janice Ferguson Sews blog look?  I was able to upgrade because of my friendship and connection with Terri.

From my very first post, back in August, 2009, I wanted bigger pictures, a pretty header and a background pattern.  Thanks to phone consultations and tips from my South Carolina pal, I got it!!!!   I’ve spent untold hours in the past two days selecting a header image (that’s the narrow strip of Laurel’s Easter dress), choosing a background image (behind the text, the antique bassinet skirt I made into a nursery window valance) and updating the old posts with larger photos.  Thanks Terri!

Today, for the first time in almost 7 weeks, I got together with another treasure, Suzanne Sawko (digitizer of all three Fil Tire’ Fancywork embroidery collections) for a late lunch at Panera–from 1:30 until 6:45 p.m!!   That’s when my patient but hungry husband called to ask if I were coming home for/or with dinner anytime soon?  Ooops–time got away from us.

Matching crocheted hats were made by Suzanne Sawko for her 6 year old granddaughter and doll.  That’s grandson Luke at the dining room table, doing his homework.

For at least 18 years, almost without exception, we met every single Monday for lunch and to swap fabric, patterns sewing sagas, tips, finds, etc.  However, the needs of grandchildren and elderly parents have pushed us into the so-called “sandwich generation.”  Now our get-togethers are irregular and not even always on Monday.  We catch up when we can.

Suzanne shared some tips about crochet edges on baby blankets after I introduced her to Jeannie Baumeister’s blog http://oldfashionedbaby.blogspot.com/.    I was inspired and excited about the sweet flannel baby blankets Jeannie had posted and had some crochet questions for master crochet-er (?) Suzanne.  She also shared photos that gave me more ideas for projects.  I surely didn’t need that!

But everything Suzanne makes has her own special twist and I love to see them.  A  scrabble board quilt, which I will share later when we get better photos, was a gift to her son, with whom she plays scrabble on line.  You will love it.

Suzanne made the dress at the top of this post from Ruffle Bunnies Irby pattern by Sara Norris http://www.saranorrisltd.com/ This photo is from Suzanne’s phone and not very clear, but imagine this confection on her 19 month old red headed granddaughter.   She was adorable.

As I began writing a post for tonight, I pulled up several of Judy Day’s projects, all drop-dead gorgeous.  Her help, inspiration and expertise just a phone call away, even though she lives more than 1000 miles away.  Wait until you see the 1st communion dress she has made for her granddaughter for this coming weekend.  The above photo is just a preview.

I think of the readers of this blog as sewing friends.  Donna and I smocked together when our children were small and have reconnected through sewing for grandchildren. Hopefully she will allow me to share with you the sweet Dainty Designs Easter dresses she made for her twin granddaughters.

Jenny Jo is a friend I’ve never met, but I loved seeing her smocked Easter dresses, posted earlier, and hearing about teaching her 7 year old to sew.  Shirley and I swap thoughts and information about our beloved Brother sewing machines.

Betty shares button machine creations and more, Haydee sends photos of her applique projects and Mildred is always there for consultation and consolation when I need it.

Other new friends have shared their thoughts and passion for sewing through their comments and their blogs. Cynthia at http://mommysapronstrings.blogspot.com and Jan M. http://bessiemary.blogspot.com/ have commiserated with me about sewing on easy care fabrics rather than heirloom quality goods.   Karen at http://butterfliesandfaeries.blogspot.com/, Elisabeth Rose at http://mommysapronstrings.blogspot.com and Beckie http://sewconsult-ponderings.blogspot.com/ have brought me inspiration and information through their comments and blogs.

There are more, many more, each of whom make me thankful.

To have good sewing friends, you must be one and I try to do my part.  Today, I mailed out special buttons to one and Battenburg patterns to another–it’s not much, but it’s something.

Let’s stay connected, through e-mail, blogs and comments.  We’re all better and happier for it.