So the plan was to give up work in the shop and dedicate some serious time and attention to my sewing and my pattern writing!
Ah the best laid plans!!!
I think that since I left my job I have actually had less sewing time rather than more.
You see about two days before the end of my contract, my husband came home offering me a freelance 40 hour contract. I could work from home, do the work in my own time (as long as it was finished before the end of June). On top of that it was making good money and I couldn't really say no to the extra income for the family.
The work is a return to career number 1- archaeology! Its fun to be using that part of my brain again, and to be discovering skills and knowledge that I'd forgotten that I have.
With about 15 hours left on the contract, my mind is slowly returning to sewing and creativity. Today I spent a couple of hours working on some patterns that have been in the
half finished pile for a while.
Both patterns are quite complicated, so
I have been doing my best to simplify, simplify, simplify. Its a
delicate balance. I think that part of what makes my patterns
distinctive is the attention to detail, but what is the point of detail
if its too dificult for people to sew together properly?
This bear is destined to be BIIIIIG! I'm really excited about it, but at the same time I can't decide whether I love the pattern or hate it. I think that more than any other pattern that I have designed, its success or failure will lie in the fabric choices. Too subtle a use of colour and it will look like a big undefined blob, too bold and the bear won't be clear. What do you think?
I love the bear... And I love that your patterns are complex and challenging, not only in the execution but in the color and fabric choices necessary to make them really shine. Thanks for not dumbing them down. I treat myself with that kind of sewing after plugging away at simpler things for hours. And I know, with your patterns, that the results will be stunning! Thank you so much for taking the time and sharing your talents. The cost is so small compared to the work you put in and the pleasure I get from them!
ReplyDeleteLove the bear! It's such a great pattern, so realistic.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to make a bear for my OH- it's great as it is!
ReplyDeleteJuliet, this is an awesome block - and it is interesting to read your thought processing. He really does suit the variety of fabrics you have used in the mock-ups. Hope you can get back to more serious crafting soon!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE IT!!! Brilliant! Can't wait to try it out! Your choice of colors are excellent, totally bring out the BEAR!
ReplyDeleteBeary is gorgeous! I love the one done in brown in particular; he's got such a good attitude.
ReplyDeleteLove that big guy
ReplyDeleteLove your bear. Can't wait for the pattern to come out! Looks just like the ones we have around here. Your patterns are brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI really like the bear and I actually like the combo of browns the best - yes I am surprised by that too. How would he look done in polar bear tones or is that just swearing to the bear shape purists??? Love your work and I like that I know a 'proper' archaeologist (even if I have to use spell check to get it right!) xx
ReplyDeleteBusy times! Good luck. I like the new blocks, my granddaughter would love the ballerina.
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous Juliet. That ballerina is exquisite! And love the bear, he looks like a gentle lovely big guy. Get what you mean re the colours... Mmm tricky tricky. Lots of shades and textures perhaps? Am sure it will look awesome whichever way. x
ReplyDeleteI love him! Brown is my fave but I also love Miriam's idea of making him look polar : ) You're so clever!
ReplyDeleteReturning to our number one careers and being busy but liking the extra income for our families huh are you living a parallel life to mine at the moment :)
ReplyDeleteYou know I love love love the ballerina series . . . you are clever beyond words - AND famous
I'm not sure my last comment went through, but I love this bear. I'd be SUPER excited to volunteer as a pattern tester if you need one!!!
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