Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Blessings

Last week, I was in a terrible car accident. Sewing is on hold until my injuries heal as is my classes and sewing ministry. I have a broken left hand, facial cuts and abrasions plus chemical burns on my face. My car is destroyed. In spite of all of these things, I feel blessed. We are constantly reminded to count our blessings in times of adversity but do we really do it? Today, I'm counting my blessings and giving thanks to the EMT who witnessed the accident and rendered aid. To the other witness who had the presence of mind to disconnect the battery so the engine would not catch fire. For the paramedics who bound my wounds, stabilized my heart, and rushed me to the trauma unit. Thanks to the doctors, the nurses, technicians, etc whom I encountered in the hospital. Each day these people cross our paths and turn into blessings for us. Do you count your blessings? If not, please do.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

National Sewing Month

September is National Sewing Month so as an ASG member and officer, I try to promote sewing in the community. Our ASG chapter started off by demonstrating sewing, embroidering, and knitting at the Delta Fair & Music Festival. Members worked 4 days of the 10 day fair. Then we gave a presentation on African-American Art Quilts at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens for their exhibit on Ancestry and Innovation- African American Art from the American Folk Art Museum. We will return on Saturday, September 20th to demonstrate sewing techniques for their Family Day program. On top of these activities I have started a sewing ministry at my church one afternoon a week in which I do mending and alterations for church members. Plus, I have started teaching basic beginner sewing lessons at a community center in an impoverished neighborhood. There are no fees involved as many people in this area do not have the means to take classes that are offered at the local fabric stores or sewing machine dealerships. My classes will give them a place to gather and fellowship plus learning a skill. I love teaching others to sew and hope they will gain the same pleasure from this as I do. What are you doing for National Sewing Month?

Monday, September 1, 2008

Labor Day Shopping

Yes, I went shopping today at Hancock Fabrics. I wanted some fusible quilt batting to make some more baby bibs for our upcoming ASG craft fair in November. We have a workshop scheduled this week. I found some beautiful challis tone on tone fabrics which would make great blouses but I passed on it. I try not to buy or make anything that requires dry cleaning and this fabric did. I'll think on it and maybe it will still be there in a few weeks. I can always hope. I did buy 2 Simplicity patterns #8523 and #4881 which will be the basis for some new basics. With the top, I can add embroidery or embellish. With the skirt, there is a choice of lengths plus I love skirts with drape and panels as they are very flattering. Since I need some clothes that fit in a hurry, these were my choices. I do love buying smaller patterns. Along with the patterns, I also stocked up on some notions like stay-tape, wonder-tape, and a new seam ripper, etc. All in all, it was a pleasant afternoon. I ran into several people I knew and enjoyed the outing. Oh, by the way, everything was on sale and I spent less than $20. Love Labor Day shopping!