Sewing

I love sewing, it is fun and creative. When I was little I would find scraps of fabric and sew stuffed toys by hand.

Now instead of stuffed toys (which are still fun to do) I prefer making clothing and quilts. Making clothes requires some special tools which can be kind of expensive. So I made some of my own like a sleeve roll and a pressing ham. Mine of course are not like the professional ones but they mostly get the job done.

Imagine my surprise when I was strolling through a thrift store, because I was early for an appointment, and I discovered a pressing ham and a sleeve board for $1.75 each. To buy both these items retail it would be over $50. So I saved $46 buying at my local thrift store, where my money is put to good use.

Sleeve Board & Pressing Ham

Denim...

I think denim is my favourite fabric. I love how it gets softer with wear and washings (there is nothing more comfortable than a broken in pair of jeans). If it gets torn it or cut it frays in such away as to enhance the fabric. You can do many distresses on it because it is very strong.

You can wear it casual, dressed up or for working in the garden. Its always fashionable.

When I came across this fantastic find at Salvation Army in Courtenay last week I couldn't resist buying it. A portion of it is already slated for a suit made from a pair of jeans and some fabric.

Check it out 5.5 meters of 64" wide denim for $20. It is usually $15-$20 per meter at the fabric store.

Quilting

I thought this was kind of fun, it is self updating as each block is complete.

As I am completing each block I started to think about how to use recycled clothing as cloth for blocks. This is how quilts were originally made. History of Quilting in Canada

Perhaps I will start to look for cotton shirts on my next shopping trip....