The Georgia Sew Along 1

So, I have been really looking forward to joining in with a live sew along and then By Hand London Announces that they are running their Georgia sew along starting the 27th January 2014.



http://byhandlondon.com/topics/georgia-dress-sewalong/

This stylish dress has the advantage that there are three packet variations available and a completely strap-free option that the team at By Hand will also be offering as we go along.

The pattern has now been purchased and a lot of my time is currently being spent perusing the internet searching for the fabric (and when I say the fabric, read THE fabric, you know, like THE one.  The fabric choice will be determined ultimately by whether I want a dress for best or something that I can wear more frequently.  Decisions, decisions.

The idea of sewing along with a group of others has massive appeal for me.  I'm hoping that this level of detail and guidance will keep me motivated and ensure I end up with a well crafted, wearable outfit.  I feel a bit like a kid waiting for Christmas, there's anticipation and excitement balling about in my tummy and I'm wishing away my life.

Sew it's time to start writing this blog. I've been procrastinating and finding reasons to hold off: not enough time, not designed my blog space, no one will be interested. All these reasons are valid to a degree but more importantly by cracking on and publishing what I'm up to I'll get a sense of achievement and really learn from the experiences I have. Blogging provides a rare moment to reflect and I'm hoping that this  reflective time will shape my direction and improve my ability (I really ought to be doing the very same thing for my music - I play viola and classical guitar).

So to kick things off, here's some background information about me:

I'm a 40 year old woman who still feels like she's 26

I have a gorgeous, wonderful son - he's four years old and is the centre of my world

I am single and have been for, ooh quite some time now

I've been ill for 4 years (chronic migraine, cfs and fm disorder spectrum) - this means everything I do is limited by how well I do or don't feel

I'm a size 12 and I weigh .... more than I should!!

I started sewing in August of this year

To date I have sewn 2 skirts, two dresses, one blouse and a couple of cushions

I'm very inexperienced when it comes to sewing, but I won't let that stop me.   Sewing gives me a sense of purpose and allows me to create something beautiful and unique to me (if not in pattern, then in material selection).  I've had some very tough years with my illnesses and through sewing i have found a renewed sense of joy. Every aspect of sewing from finding patterns and fabric selection to ironing and wearing my home made clothes makes me so happy and hence the name of this blog: Sew Happy.