Sharing the (Silk) Love

Spent a great day today teaching "Simply Sewing with Silk" at Quiltworks Northwest in Bellevue.  As always, the attitude, interest and enthusiasm of the class participants was terrific.  It was a mix of mostly sewing enthusiasts I hadn't met yet (I don't often teach on the "East Side" or "North End") and a few familiar friendly faces.  I continue to be so touched at the comraderie that sewing engenders among its enthusiasts.  There is truly something special about textiles that it creates such a warm - no pun intended - welcome.

Now the true prep work for the Sewing and Stitchery Expo next month begins.  I try not to "dwell" on it, as I might start to panic!  I really do want to get at least one new "show" garment done for my seminar on Friday.  I already have a class sample for the hands-on I'm teaching on Sunday, so really I should quit stressing over it. 

Always on the back burner are more project/article ideas.  So many possibilities!  I continue to be inspired by the book "The Art of Manipulating Fabric".  Because it strictly focuses on the actual manipulation techniques - not projects - it's a great "dream inspiration" as my fevered imagination reworks and sews the various examples into all sorts of interesting things.  Where does inspiration come from?  I always think it's kind of odd when people ask that question of artists.  Where doesn't it come from?  Sometimes the amount of potential creative ideas input is just overwhelming.  I received a beautiful leather journal from my guy for Christmas to help me have a nice place to put my idea sketches (wish they were less rudimentary!) and descriptions for future use.  I'm improving on the habit of writing down ideas rather than just thinking (mistakenly) that I will remember them later.  So I'm grateful for the new journal.