Sewing & Snowing

Happy Friday everyone. Hope you all are finding fun ways to keep warm

When I think of snowmen and snow covered cabins, I almost never think of my city, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Sure we have gotten some flurries over the years but nothing that ever sticks. So I was really surprised when I woke up and saw snow falling in my literal neck of the woods earlier this week.

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The cold doesn't really bother me that much. I have lived in cold climates during the many years prior to my settling in Chattanooga, but snow is its own problem because here in the South it melts and becomes troubling sheets of ice. Thus, making venturing outdoors a less than enjoyable experience. Needless to say I have spent the past week indoors where it is warm, dry, and safe from the unrealistic driving choices of others.

(Because nobody anywhere really knows how to drive correctly in snow or on the ice. I have found that to be true up North, down South, and out West. I am just saying...)  

 

That doesn't mean however I was stuck inside with nothing to do. As you have probably guessed I used the time inside to work on some sewing projects from my sketch book.

Turns out many of you had the exact same idea, and I received numerous texts showcasing the many things that were made during our "snow" days, this week.

 

Since I failed to get permission to post photos of student work I thought I would share a few pics from my sewing table. I can never focus on just one project of course. There always has to be multiple projects under development to keep my mind and hands happy.

One is a Spring look currently under construction (just above). I have this idea in my head but it's is little slow going because I am kinda hacking the pattern as I go. So far so good. You can see the collar and the shoulders look a lot like the sketch but the trim work takes time, so I will have to keep you updated on the outcome over the next few weeks.

Two looks like a collection of simple totes, but these bags are special because they have a canvas lining with a built in divider inside. That's important to me because often I find myself travelling to a particular meeting or project, and I find I am carrying a handful of various bags filled with my lunch, my books and or supplies, and the extra paraphernalia that goes with being on the go ( little umbrella, extra jacket, even the occasional impulse purchase).

 

With these custom bags, the canvas lining lets me carry wet and cold lunch items side by side, with dry supplies, like my books, all in one tote. No more keeping up with multiple bags.

 

I couldn't find an existing pattern that had the features I wanted so I had to draft and test my own pattern. The project exercised my skills as an industry pattern and sample maker.

 

It took a few versions to get the measurements and details right but since the snow was keeping me in anyway, I had the time to work on it until I got the ideas from my head into tangible form.

 

Plus I made each bag from a really cool fabric I had been saving for this particular idea.

 

I am still undecided about adding extra features like pockets or a zipper closure. I like the fact that the current design is rather fast and easy to make, about 2hrs total. I even have a simpler version, still lined in canvas but made without the divider, that I plan to use for my groceries so I can skip the plastic as much as possible.

This is just one of the reasons why I think sewing is super cool. You always have something to do even when you are stuck at home.

 When weather gives you snow, that's the perfect excuse to sew.

 

Do you have sewing ideas that need a little development? When you are ready, I am here to teach you how to do it.

View available classes

Need assistance getting signed up? Email me at inkandycence@gmail.com

 

Best wishes & Straight Stitches

 

Kandyce

P.S. Took my bags out for a spin yesterday at the store and then to a work assignment. Had a packed lunch with water bottle on one side of the tote divider and my fabric supplies on the other. Worked beautifully. Got a lot of compliments on the fabric and style as well.

 

Next, newsletter I will share a link to some student photos, so you all can see what other area Sewists are making. Stay warm.

InKandycence Studio
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4120 Maple Terrace Lane, Chattanooga, TN, USA
615.601.1550

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