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| ~ painting by Gritty Jane ~ |
Yes, end of May 2014 was the last quarter of the 3rd year for Project Minima. My, my, etc. So let's see what's been going on, shall we?
During this past Spring Quarter (March through May) I did a major reworking of my studio space, discovered the Chicago Sewcialists and met up with them at the Textile Discount Outlet, made 4 dresses, 2 pair of stockings/ tights, 1 slip and a raincoat. Okay then, not bad, not bad at all. You can see 'em on my Clothes for Spring page (or go to the posts during that time period).
Oh, I also bought shoes on e-bay, as well as some patterns and occasionally some cloth.
What seems the biggest adventure at this moment is my tablecloth house dresses. I've made two during this quarter from donated pieces and just love them. More are on their way...
Year 3 has been the Year of Mom. My 1st quarter starts with her decline in health, multiple trips to Detroit, a hiatus from blogging and sewing, and stress buying of ebay shoes. Sewing resumed with the opportunity to make a dress for an art exhibition, my "Bounce Back Ability" dress. One make that quarter.
Moved Mom to Chicago and by my 2nd quarter, she was in hospice. I was not taking pictures, but did sew. Made many failures, but did a few keepers: my elephant dress and my Egyptian coat. One of my students did a calendar with watercolor paintings of my ensembles for each month of the year!
During my 3rd quarter, the Traveling Yellow Skirt came to call in the nick of time for the holidays. And Mom died in January. During this 3 month period I did all hand sewing without realizing it. 9 necklaces from fabric scraps, 3 pairs of fingerless gloves, 2 hats, and a major failure of a couture coat/ jacket.
That brings Year 3 totals to 24 items including the wadders. That's an all time low for me. Year 2 totaled 71, and the First Year was 114. All together than makes 209 dresses, skirts, tops, pants, stockings, slips, pjs, bloomers, hats, gloves, necklaces, re-shoes, coats/ jackets. hmmm
wow, you've been so productive! Was your mother a hand seamstress? I wonder if all your hand sewing was in honor of her.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping to make clothing some day, but you know, or do you remember when you first started?? It takes time to work up to the things that require more confidence. I'm just getting past the frustration of feeling lost in fabric stores. All the patterns make me dizzy!
She did hand sew baby garments for me until my dad bought her a sewing machine...
DeleteI started sewing in Home Ec class with no clue on how to do the apron, a-line skirt, and shirt with cuffs. What got me going were all the Mod prints and simple shift styles of the 60s that were so cheap and easy to sew. For me a fabric store is like the candy shop. Home depot or Costco, now those makes me dizzy. One thing you could do is look at the patterns online first at your leisure so you know just the one(s) you want to buy ahead of time. Have fun!
Its been a rollercoaster year for you, hasn't it?
ReplyDeleteMy favourite has to be the tablecloth dress, Krista and I talk about it on Skype every time we chat! xxx
Yes, putting this year's report together took be aback. Sewing as metaphor. Yea for home decor couture!
DeleteCongratulations on completing year three! It's been quite a ride, with your mother's illness and death. Obviously your creativity remains in full force with the advent of your gorgeous tablecloth dresses. Your self expression is always thrilling to me!
ReplyDeleteReally! Thank goodness for making stuff. Sometimes I'm at such a loss for words after taking in the wisdom of your posts I leave without saying anything.
DeleteDarling! Such a year of success, but with some very bad spots. I'm so glad you are writing again, and am constantly inspired with your art. I have a sewing project dedicated to you ... hope to get it done before summer is over. Stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteOh my, whatever could that be?! Something to do with tablecloths...heehee,
DeleteI am so grateful you started and blogged your Project Minima. Your mix of fashion, art and philosophy touch me. Your blog is an artwork!
ReplyDeleteI dip into the old stuff when I need to immerse in art and creativity. Thanks for your unsuspecting trail blazing!
Reading your comments is a wonderful way to start off my morning, Jazzy Jack. I'm glad you enjoy Project Minima.
DeleteWhat a map of the year, Pao. Highs, lows, fine threads, knots, you experienced it all. Such sadness as well. I'm so glad you could spend time with your mother. And still, 24 fine pieces have emerged. Very fine. Your journey is fascinating, so engaging. I'm glad you are able to share it with all of us. I look forward to year four...!
ReplyDeleteThanks Melanie, let's see what happens next!
Delete"I am so grateful you started and blogged your Project Minima. Your mix of fashion, art and philosophy touch me. Your blog is an artwork!"
ReplyDeleteYes, what Jazzy said.
Seems like you covered what encompasses a full lifetime all in one year. Sorry to hear your mom passed away, no matter the circumstances, we are really never prepared.
You can say that again!
DeleteI loved looking at the overview of the garments, admiring the details and workmanship. I did a little bit of sewing this week, refashioning a refashion that I wasn't thrilled with. But I got derailed when it became apparent I'd actually have to work a little harder to make it just right. Didn't have the energy. I'm trying to decide what kind of handwork I want to take with me when I go back up to Boston at the end of the month. Your work is beautiful and you always give me a burst of energy, inspiration, and hope. I can't wait to spend more time sewing and creating. XXOO
ReplyDeleteahh, handwork, I love to do it when I'm doing it. But it is hard to switch gears. It's so slo-mo, perfect for what you'll be doing, I think. You've been in my thoughts. Good vibrations to you.
DeleteYou had a tough year, hon'. But I love how creating, even very slowly, keeps you sane while dealing with difficulty. You accomplished a lot even so and the finished pieces are all very "you". I'm so impressed that you kept up your 1-year pledge for 3 years. Here's to more of them!
ReplyDeleteIt seems I'm on a mission. It's not about having new things, but making things out of what I already have so that I really like wearing them. I guess that's it in a nutshell.
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