How does my blog differ from others in its genre?
It's written by me! That sounds quite silly, but I really think it's true. Before I started Rosie Wednesday, I had a good friend that had been pushing me to start a blog for a long time, and I kept telling her I didn't think I had anything new to add. She argued back that since no one else was me, of course my perspective on sewing would be unique. As Oscar Wilde said, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."
That being said, I don't blog for me, so I did set out with a couple of things I wanted to do. For example, I knew I wanted to be honest about my mistakes in sewing and not be shy about sharing them with you. We all make mistakes, and figuring out what to do to fix them or not make them again is how we learn. I thought it would be a shame to make it seem like all my projects turn out perfect, but I do love them anyway!
And I wanted to tell stories, because it's how I talk, and I think that's more engaging to read. Almost every project has a story behind it, and I like rooting that out of all that happened in making it and assembling it back together again for you in a post.
How does my creative process work?
I love studying creativity, and it's been fun to read everyone's answers on this one during the blog hop. John Cleese has an excellent talk on creativity, where he explains "open mode" and "closed mode." When we're in open mode, we're just that, open. We're more playful, willing to explore the wackiest of ideas, more relaxed. When we're in closed mode, we're focused, executing. Lots of factors can go into why you're in one or the other, or how you could move from one to the other, but my creative process will depend on what mode I'm in at the time.
In an open mode, I'll seek out inspiration from grandmother's outfits, old Hollywood, architecture, anywhere. In closed mode, I find a pattern I like and I sew it up. While I'm sewing in open mode, I'll explore new techniques or details I could add. In closed mode, I'll stick to the instructions and techniques I know. One isn't better than the other, but it's a different kind of work and finished project.
What are you working on now?
A coat! I am using the Ninot Jacket pattern, and turning it into a swing coat. Pauline Alice did this variation, and I thought it was lovely. I've got the muslin fitted and pattern adjustments made, and I think it's going to look smashing. I recently got Adele Margolis' The Complete Book of Tailoring, so now I'm trying to study up on how to put a fleece interlining to make it warmer.
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What are y'all working on?
Interesting comments on "open mode" and "closed mode." I hadn't read about that before. I think when I was younger I was more often in open mode, and as I've gotten older I'm more often in closed--making lists, getting things done, boom, boom, boom. It's kind of a coping mechanism for staying focused. But since I've started sewing, I'm finding I approach that more openly, since I don't care how long projects take me (answer: about forever) and I do it for fun.
ReplyDeleteHave fun at Biltmore--I was just there last week. It looks beautiful with the Christmas decorations up. I'm reading a book I picked up there called Lady on the Hill, about the estate and how they managed to hold on to it over the years (it wasn't easy). It's pretty interesting.
I think that's pretty common, moving to more of a closed mode as you get older. I think we just get afraid to play, for all sorts of reasons. There's a great video from this company that was created to inspire creativity in women that shows that all too painfully: http://www.brit.co/iamcreative/.
DeleteI'm so excited to see the Biltmore with the decorations! I went once in the early fall, maybe 10 or 12 years ago. I can't wait to return. And I'll have to check out this book! It sounds fascinating.
What an interesting read! You are so inspiring - thank-you! I absolutely love the photos of you in your beautiful suit in the last post. What a great feeling creating something so iconic and special. I am trying to find time to work on the "Megan" dress from Tilly's book "Love at First Stitch" but work and my garden keep getting in the way. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Poppy!! Good luck with your Megan dress! I know the feeling. I'm lagging on this coat, because the couch with my puppy by my side is far too cozy right now!
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