You might have wondered where I’ve been…. Noticeably absent on social media and here on the blog (but for a couple of posts) in the last year.
Well, I’m still around! And yes, continuing to help students in my online classes, answering emails, responding to blog comments, and even producing a new podcast episode.
Last week I had to jump onto Facebook to retrieve a friend’s contact info and noticed the Historical Sewing page had a number of messages and comments. (I thought I had deleted the page entirely… And down with fascist FB for making it nearly impossible to manage and delete business pages!)
As I do, I jumped over to read them. There I found a lovely post to the wall within a day of me reading it and tried to respond. When I couldn’t. (see above) So to reply to the thoughtful ladies I thought I’d write this post to catch everyone up.
A few days ago I was talking with a friend and she mentioned her teen daughter plunging headlong into sewing all sorts of summer dresses with a deep passion. They had pulled out a vintage pattern from the stash and needed fabric. My friend decided to “donate” a couple yards of silk she had purchased for a historical gown to be transformed into this new project.
That really is a beautiful thing. And one to consider when our own personal stash is filled with fabrics waiting on long-forgotten projects where their interest has passed and our attention has floated elsewhere.
Is there a stash fabric waiting to be used that you could repurpose into a project that gives you joy NOW?
I’ve taken a long break from sewing over the last several months. Not completely off of it, but going long weeks without working on something. You know how that is…
After finishing four COMPLETE dirndls for the latest online class I produced last June I was ready for a break. And dreams that had been floating in my head for years were starting to come back around. (More on that in an upcoming “pivot” post.)
So… I’m doing quite well. Thank you to those ladies for asking!
I miss chatting with you all everyday and posting lovely photos and inspiration pics to allow our dreams to explore creative possibilities. (I’m considering options to reconnect as I’ve been detaching from Big Tech over the last several months. If you prefer a particular site please let me know.)
I’m clinging to those precious friendships that have strengthened over the past year. I’m thanking the Lord for my strong faith and friends who remain true.
My little family has most of my attention currently – taking care of my husband, young daughter, and our household. Fresh sewing projects are on the cutting table (an everyday gray dirndl, dress for my girl, apron for a friend…) And I just finished sowing the last seeds in my backyard garden. (I’m SO not a green thumb but am willing to try growing a bit of food for my family and neighbors.)
Thank you for your continued follow! Feel free to contact me via email, or post comments here on the blog or as a student in the over dozen online classes I host in the Historical Sewing School.
I appreciate you! Keep sharing your creativity with the world. I know I’ll be doing more of that soon.
I was thinking of you when I found a print in a thrift store–two matching prints–1850’s? or 1860’s? –one was of a woman in a dirndl and one in folk costume of coastal france. had to get them to put on wall in sewing room..cost me $20.
Oh, what a delightful find! 🙂
Hi,
I deleted my FB profile a couple of years ago and Instagram last year and have never looked back. One downside is that you lose touch of all the wonderful makers on those platforms, especially since I don’t know anyone personally.
If you are thinking of becoming more active again on “social” platforms but not a big fan of the practices of the big silicon companies might I suggest an alternative – locals.com
You can either be a subscriber to a creator (like a patreon I think) or create your own community and write posts and share pictures with other people for free (like FB groups). There aren’t many sewing groups but the more people will try to find better alternatives to the silicon commies the more sewing communities might pop up there.
I would create such a group but I don’t know anyone who is interested in historical sewing and only one other person who occasionally sews modern clothes. So I am afraid that I am not the best person to start a group like that. However it might be a good option for you, if you are interested that is. 🙂
Hope that didn’t sounds like an add, just thought I’d mention it. Have a lovely day,
L.
I agree, it is sad to lose touch with friends after leaving the “big” platforms.
I HAVE heard of Locals (and follow a lady who is a huge fan of it) and am looking into how it can work for me and my business. Thanks for the additional thumbs up for it!
Greetings Jennifer
I periodically drop in to see what’s going on and saw that you and Jennie Chancey had a fine time together; Jennie & I go way back – I illustrate the pattern covers for her, though not in some time (my bad).
I’ve been looking for any blog that deals specifically with historical American West sewing, particularly ranching outfits of women – do you know of anyone?
Take a well needed break from tech – it is truly a double edged sword.
Hi Anna,
Oh neat in working with Jennie!
I don’t know of any specific American West blogs. Buckaroo Bobbins sells specific patterns for Old West; I’d recommend contacting them for blog resources. Sorry I can’t be of more help! Best of luck.
Steve and I have been thinking of you and Jeff, wondering how you both are. Great to hear all is well! Staying off Fakebook and Twitter is a wise move, one I have done as well. But I miss hearing your news! Give my love to your wonderful husband. Hugs from Kentucky!! XOXO
I sent you an email. Hope you got it!
I’m so glad to know that you and yours are doing well. I rarely visit FB, but when I do I miss seeing the lovely gowns you would post on your HS page. I, too, have not done much sewing as embroidery is now my passion, but I do intend to get back to one of your classes. You helped me finish a number of outfits, which gave me much satisfaction. Take care.
I came here after thinking about you, Jennifer. You were the one who initially gave me courage to start costuming. I learned so much from you. You’re so friendly and bubbly! I recently moved to xxx and was just remembering when you moved to Utah, I’m enjoying the change of scenery. It’s so green here! I love all the civil war history around me. I visited a civil war cemetery on Memorial Day. I’m closer to my family here and have made historical clothes for my niece. I’m in Amish country here. Ideas remembering how you also enjoyed the change in scenery and seeing the mountains. I’m glad you’re doing good. I can barely find the time to sew these days myself and with my younger sister’s help I’ve also started gardening and finally grew stuff that was edible! I wear Victorian style daily now and use a lot of Victorian methods for every day life. I’ve found inspiration amongst my Amish neighbors. There are so many antiques around here and they’re cheap too! Miss chatting with you!
Hi Susie! Thanks for your note. 🙂
Lovely to hear from you! I’m glad you’re doing well, and I understand very much about needing a break.
🙂 Thanks.