Monday, October 22, 2012

Getting into the holiday season...

You know the phrase "Everything s/he touches turns to gold"?

Well, what word would you use to replace "gold", when you are having just the opposite experience? Yeah, me too...

So I'm resting my hands for a bit. When it comes to clients that is...

After taking a rest, I will embrace my inner "Selfish Seamstress"(I loved that blog, for those who know who I am talking about.  I miss her terribly.), and sewing for just me and mine for a little while, so I can do the quality of work I want to do, within the budget and timeframe I need to complete it.  Sound selfish?  Well, it isn't, because I will share on the blog, and you all will benefit.

Part of my thinking here, is that every year I scramble around to earn enough to buy wonderful gifts for friends and relatives, and every year I fall short on time, energy, and money.  And suddenly, a bell went off in my head. Guess what the equivalent is? Make the things you can, and carefully plan the rest, keeping the budget low, with enough time to spare before Christmas.  In my case, that means I'll stop the flow of client work, and finish LAST YEAR'S gifts this year.  I know I'm not alone on this.  Chime in on this folks, so I'll know I'm not crazy. Your comments of support will be much appreciated. Seriously.

So yes.  I know EXACTLY where to get the fabrics I need, and they are waiting for me out there in the garment district right now.  Today's shopping and speculating trip is delayed due to exhaustion, and I expect to be back in full swing tomorrow.

Over the past year or two, I have amassed quite a spectacular stash, in terms of quality and beauty, and I cannot wait to turn those fabrics into the items I have planned for them.  I have even managed to finish a TEN year quilt project this fall, and am very pleased to see that it has finally come to fruition.  One of the work hazards of writing this blog, is that I see and am inspired by so much, I just can't stop dreaming and creating!

So here we go, folks... Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah.  That's plenty to take in for all of you who celebrate!  I am inspired by such an eclectic bunch of things, that it makes no sense when you roll them all together. My son wants to dress in a similar costume as the one I made for client's child some time ago.
Two years ago, I made a crazy dinosaur costume for a toddler, using fabrics I found at NY Elegant.

And it had scaly feet you could attach with elastic cord over the child's shoe.

These are the kinds of projects I love to do when the clock is not ticking in an oppressive way, and I need that freedom just about now...

And, on a final note, yes, you can still come on the November 2 Speakeasy tour!  I will accept more participants, if you want to join in!  Details can be found by following this link!


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16 comments:

  1. shamsOctober 22, 2012 at 11:38 AM

    That sounds to me like an excellent approach! If I were on your guest list, I'd far prefer to directly receive your lovingly made item. That dragon costume looks amazing and your son will cherish the memories... and the photos.

    Thank goodness that Thanksgiving is not a gift-related holiday!!

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    Replies
    1. mimi jacksonOctober 22, 2012 at 11:55 AM

      Haha! I agree! But it sure does take some time to prepare for!

      Delete
    2. shamsOctober 22, 2012 at 12:01 PM

      I understand. I spent hours sewing my kids costumes when they were little. They loved it and I loved it, though it was exhausting. I was pretty happy to "retire" from that effort as they grew up. :)

      Delete
  2. Nancy KOctober 22, 2012 at 1:49 PM

    What kinds of things are you planning on sewing for your gifts? Are they sized or more general?

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    1. mimi jacksonOctober 22, 2012 at 5:16 PM

      Not sized, because they are not clothing. That's all I can say...

      Delete
  3. marcy harriell | oonaballoonaOctober 22, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Yep. Absolutely. I have promised half a dozen handmades for various holidays for my husband... Yet to materialize. Great idea!!

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    Replies
    1. mimi jacksonOctober 22, 2012 at 5:24 PM

      Virtual pinky swear that you'll complete at least one of the promised handmades this year?

      Delete
  4. QuiltBOctober 22, 2012 at 4:12 PM

    Fortunately or unfortunately, I have a reputation when it comes to homemade Christmas gifts, and guilt happens if I don't produce. Every year, I say I'm going to start in January, but every year, it's suddenly October & the gift pile is low or empty. (How does that happen?) All I've made this year are some Christmas towels from printed Moda toweling, bought on sale last year. If I could give good intentions, I'd be in fine shape. If I could give buttons & trims, I'd be in even better shape -- you know I went shopping last month instead of sewing! :) I can see some 2am sewing sessions in December, if I don't get some ideas & cracking soon.

    My non-sewing friends appreciate handmade gifts, but what they don't realize is that it's a "selfish" pleasure for me to be home sewing, in my slippers, instead of shopping at the crowded mall. They get the gift, I get the creative pleasure...win-win.

    I hope your shopping trip today will energize you. I had to do a treadmill test recently, so I closed my eyes & pretended I was walking down 38th St., in a hurry to make the corner while the crossing light was in my favor. You can tell where I'd rather be!!

    I'd love to see your quilt on the blog someday!

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    1. mimi jacksonOctober 22, 2012 at 5:22 PM

      We will sleep under this quilt. I'll show it, but it was genuinely a labor of love... Whether people love it or hate it, it is genuinely personal.

      Delete
    2. QuiltBOctober 22, 2012 at 5:28 PM

      I think you just defined a quilt! :)

      Delete
    3. mimi jacksonOctober 22, 2012 at 7:37 PM

      So glad you share my thoughts on that!

      Delete
    4. QuiltBOctober 22, 2012 at 8:20 PM

      Don't forget to label your quilt! We must always label our work....

      http://www.sublimestitching.com/blogs/news/5777722

      :D

      Delete
  5. AnonymousOctober 22, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    I really enjoy reading your posts. Did something happen to The Selfish Seamstress? She was hilarious.

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    Replies
    1. mimi jacksonOctober 22, 2012 at 5:21 PM

      All I know is that she stopped blogging, as so many bloggers do. Eventual blogger burnout seems to hit everyone eventually, I think. I know she contributed to Vogue Patterns Magazine, but who knows where/if she'll take it from there...?

      Delete
    2. JaneeOctober 22, 2012 at 9:37 PM

      During a blogger meet-up at ASE last month, I heard she'd moved (to Europe, I think?) and was too wrapped up in that to continue blogging. I too miss her, and hope she'll be back someday!
      Mimi, I also think your plan is fabulous. I wish I'd thought of it - and I wish I'd implemented it at least a month ago. I just took on a new client who's going to need attention in the next few months, so it's not a time that I'll be able to stop sewing for clients to put my efforts exclusively into gift sewing! Dang, maybe next year...

      Delete
    3. mimi jacksonOctober 23, 2012 at 7:01 AM

      You know, Janee, I can't believe how many years it has taken me to see that I really shouldn't be in a race to see how much money I can make for the holidays. So much of it is just the time you dedicate. Let me not speak too soon, though! Haha! I have to put my effort where my mouth is before I start preaching!

      Delete

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