Sewing is my stress relief. I can’t count the number of times I’ve said this. Even when I’m stressed about the sewing (because deadlines and overbooking my time), it relieves stress in other areas of my life. But, when my Grandma was lost to us earlier this month, I wasn’t sure how to start the grieving process. My go-to is the craft room. But the first project I tackled, a super cute wallet for my sister, took forever! Every step was a reminder of the calm patience she wore like perfume while teaching me how to sew.
Checking my grainlines reminds me of her explanation of the importance of truing them so nothing twists while wearing. Picking up my good scissors (thanks family!) amazes me at how free she was with any of the scissors in her sewing space. At least for me. She never told me to use a different pair or not to cut this or that with the beautiful shears. Should I use binding on the inside of the wallet, or just finish the edges with my serger? Vicki goes through these wallets so fast, I’ll just serge them. But, oh, I have this bin of bindings that Grandma gave me when she couldn’t sew anymore. Now I need to sit for a bit and have a good cry.
The first sew took forever, and wasn’t easy to focus on. So glad I picked a project I’ve sewn a million times. But, as I worked through the first wallet, then the two others, with matching key fobs, I had planned. It got easier and I was able to find the joy in sewing once again.
Then I had to tackle the project with a real deadline. This beautiful Sly Fox Fabrics Heavy Ponte de Roma, in dark rose needs to become something beautiful. This was Grandma’s favorite color. Ok, had a good cry about that as well. Plus Mom telling me she feels Grandma is with me while I’m sewing. Yeah, that helped. I want something I can wear regularly, not a special occasion piece. I was thinking pants, but I adore the new Made for Mermaids Dione Jacket. Grandma would have loved seeing me in this! She would have touched the sleeve and told me it was beautiful. Decision made! But, this two yard cut shrank. Significantly! Now I can’t quite squeeze this out!
Instead of moving forward and picking something else, I blanked and reached out to a friend. Becky suggested a color blocked jacket! I’d been meaning to make one with black on shiny black, so let’s see what I have on hand. Oh look! I have this great charcoal Ponte de Roma, also from Sly Fox, that I already made a Dione out of for Virginia!!! Just enough scraps for the facings and some sleeve color blocking. Plus, a bonus skirt!!
This is the Rebecca Page Peggy with just a few changes. I obviously color blocked due to fabric limitations. The waistband is the gorgeous rose, then I couldn’t quite get the bottom front and back pieces cut on the fold. So, instead of adding just a bit of seam at the back, I made it a focal point! I cut at an angle across where the center fold would be, hemmed that edge, then aligned the center back on both rose pieces as well as the main skirt piece before attaching. I LOVE how this turned out. It is a bit sassy and super fun. Plus, way easier than most vent construction, so if you’re scared of vents, this is a great alternative.
The only problem with this project? Other than the tears and distracting memories, of course. I ended up hemming everything by hand. I didn’t want the smoothness of these pieces to be interrupted but hem lines and my machine blind hem stitch just did not like this fabric. I think it was totally worth the effort!! YAY! I’m done!!
Now, what the hell do I wear this with? I had planned on a solid jacket that matched a few of my other Sly Fox Fabrics floral tops. But, with the color blocking, I’m not in love with the pairing anymore. So, back to the fabric cabinet to see what matches. Low and behold, I have this great glittery black knit from the same order as the charcoal ponte! What?! And I know just what pattern will be great with this!
I’ve been wanting to make a Rebecca Page Chloe Cami since I first saw Becky wearing one in testing. I was scared of it until then. SHE IS STUNNING IN HERS!! And I already had it printed and handy. This pattern is drafted for wovens, but, this sparkly stuff (ok, so it is black and silver metallic jersey. Sly Fox has black and gold right now!) doesn’t have vertical stretch, so as long as I cut my straps with no stretch, I won’t have to stabilize them.
I am so pleased with the entire outfit. And how easy it is to mix and match with other pieces (like the DIBY jeans above). The whole process was rather cathartic and really helped me keep moving while waiting for our flight home. While I was initially nervous that the reminders would be too much, jumping right into the sewing room really helped me feel connected and loved.
Hold tight to the ones you love.
Stephanie <3
DISCLAIMER – The dark rose ponte was sent to me for free. The sewing, opinions, and recommendation that this fabric is amazing, come completely from me. This post also contains some affiliate links. These don’t change the price for you, but the designer does give me a small percent if you buy something. I use this to buy more fabric.
You look amazing as always! Great save on the shrinking fabric! That can be so disappointing! I am sure your grandma will always be in your sewing room with you. She is your sewing angel now. 🙂
What a great tribute to her! She loved teaching you and sewing. I know for a lot of the family they thought about her always crocheting but until the last couple years she made most of her own clothes – I think partly because she liked pockets and most women’s clothes doesn’t include them.
So sorry for your loss but what a beautiful way to pay tribute to your gran. She sounds like an amazing lady who has passed on her love of sewing and knowledge. She will always be with you when you sew.