After making some Doolittle Pouches for my sons and husband for Christmas, I peeked interest in this adorable and convenient pouch that makes for a great accessory bag. It’s roomy and designed wonderfully by Sarah Lawson of Sew Sweetness. All of her patterns are phenomenal.
So, since Christmas I’ve been working on an order for two, one Frida Kahlo and one Maya Angelou. The Frida was a quick and an easy sew: I had already cut and sewn quite a few for myself, but Maya posed a challenge because I couldn’t find a print with just her; an African American women themed print I did find has made the cut, so to speak, since I fussy cut the fabric so Maya was clearly visible.
I’ve just finished the pouches and need to sew some jewelry organizers to complete this special order. The pattern for the jewelry organizers also comes from Sarah Lawson of Sew Sweetness. I had originally designed my own pattern, but though it’s great for travel, Sarah Lawson’s jewelry organizer is far more versatile as it’s perfect for both travel and daily use; plus, it holds more. I made one for myself and a couple of colleagues as testers and for practice, and they proved more practical than my design.
The jewelry organizers are very intricate with lots of details to sew. It takes me about a day to do one so far; however, moving forward, I’m hoping that by doing all the intricacies first and saving the main construction for the end, I can expedite production of the variety I have prepared. I chose a shades of turquoise, teal and green, choice colors for this custom order. What doesn’t make the cut for the order will make it into my online store.
As usual, I have been sewing slowly, toggling between side projects and my day job. My husband needs another Doolittle pouch, I also need a couple, and my teacher mind can’t help but stray onto ideas for my upcoming AP classes. Still, my goal for this week is to finish the order and start on the slings I prepped for the market but never actually finished sewing.
I am reminded of Robert Frost’s poem, “Two Tramps in Mud Time,” in which he writes, “My object in living is to unite / My avocation and my vocation / As my two eyes make one in sight.” For now, teaching is my vocation, and sewing my avocation, but I’ve not married the two yet. My professional responsibilities are too demanding currently, so I can only sew for pleasure and as supplemental income. I hope to bring the joy of sewing to my students one day and make it my primary source of income in retirement, but for now it’s my special passion that brings me joy and peace.
Eduspiration 