1.06.2014

new year, big news!

A glimpse at some of my sewing-related gifts

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you've all had a happy holiday filled with lots of food and surrounded by some of your favorite people. I know I did! I had plans to jump on the bandwagon and do a 'sewing year in review' sort of post to start off 2014. However my focus totally shifted when I received some exciting news that made me less inclined to reflect on the past year, and more interested in planning out the future. 

I've been asked to join the Mood Sewing Network, and well (holy crap!) I accepted! (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) 



If you follow the Mood Sewing Network blog (and you should, it's excellent - and not just because I'm about to be contributing, but because all the other fantastic people that already are) you might remember some weeks back they announced that they were looking for new bloggers to fill their ranks.  I dashed off an email with my blog link in it, thinking vaguely that it would be awesome to be offered a spot, but without any real hope. It's still pretty hard for me to think of my blog as anything more than this side project that only my Mom and Dad (and sister) read, an outlet for my thoughts and passions that don't get enough play in my day to day life. So I was floored (to say the least) when I got an email from Mood the day before I was set to fly back east for the holidays saying they wanted to talk to me about joining the team!

So what does this mean for my sewing practice and my blog? Well, let's talk about the business aspects first. As some of you might know already, Mood Sewing Network bloggers receive a modest stipend once a month to buy Mood fabric, sew it up, and blog about it.  The post first appears on the MSN blog, then a day or two later, on the bloggers own blog.  Mood has always been the first place I visit online when I'm looking to buy fabric, so I feel like I'm supporting a company that I was going to support anyway (see: my last post - totally bought that fabric before any of this was a reality). I will always be transparent about what is fabric bought with my Mood allowance, and what is not.  As someone who has always sewn and blogged completely on her own dollar and in her own time, I'm looking forward to the bit of material compensation and accountability as a way to actually make me a better blogger. Far too often I feel like my hands are tied creatively because I want to make something, but don't have the funds to make it happen. This is one of the reasons why I occasionally have to go longer stretches between posts, because I simply do not have enough cash to make anything! Bummer! Joining the Mood Sewing Network team will help lighten the strain on my bank account (a little, as I said, the stipend is modest) and free up some funds for me to pursue some of my crazier ideas (leather! dyeing!) and I'm expected to post once a month, so posts will become more regular around here.

But, really, the main reason I am excited about this opportunity is not financial (because, let's be real here, I'm the kind of lady who takes a pay cut to do work she believes in - accumulating financial wealth is not my forte) or related to my blogging productivity. The main reason I am absolutely psyched to be a part of this group is for the creative challenge! I feel like this is a chance to experiment with different fabrics, and to shake myself out of my comfort zone a bit. I've always been in love with textiles, and I can't wait to push myself to try out some fabrics that, given budget constraints and a more practical mindset, I wouldn't normally try.  

I still plan on continuing to experiment with dyeing my own fabric. This is something that I feel very passionate about and get much personal satisfaction out of, so don't expect that to go away.  Really, don't expect anything to go away! I see this as an opportunity to push me to grow in my sewing practice, and as a blogger, and quite frankly, I feel like it's time for growth.


And speaking of 'time for growth' - I finally learned how to knit while I was home for the holidays, thanks to my beautiful and talented big Sis! This is pretty huge, you guys.  I've been way too jealous for way too long seeing all the gorgeous hand knitted goodness that so many of you whip out like it ain't no thang (I'm looking at you, Lauren - Miss Nine Sweater in 2013!!) I've always felt like I had some sort of mental block when it came to knitting.  Many years ago my sister and I decided it would be fun to learn how to knit and proceeded to try to teach ourselves. She took to it like a duck to water and I... well... I ended up with a ridiculous, hole-y mess, and a headache. Whatever slight enjoyment I may have been able to get out of it was totally eclipsed by my frustration, fumbling fingers, mutters of "wait, why doesn't that look right..." yarn slipping off needles, and disgust at whatever I was making.  So I wrote it off as a 'not for me' type thing.


But then again... I once thought sewing was 'not for me'... Proving yourself wrong is a wonderful thing.  I had decided that this winter would be the time that I would grapple with knitting once and for all. Cross it off my bucket list! And with just a bit of determination, and a slightly obsessive attitude, I am proud to say that I am making serious tracks on Wiksten's Jul Hat pattern.  Of course... this is my second attempt.  I already tore apart one go at it - just before I was about to start decreasing - so saying that I 'conquered' knitting might be a bit rich.  Let's just say, I won't be so easily discouraged this time!

So Happy 2014, my friends! Here's to a year of growing, challenging ourselves, and many many awesome hand made garments!  

xx

47 comments:

  1. congratulations! so excited (and a little jealous) for you. can't wait to see what you make up. especially excited about the leather!

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  2. YAAAAY I'M SO EXCITED TO HAVE YOU JOIN MSN!!! You are gonna make us all look bad, can't wait ;)

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  3. A Stitching OdysseyJanuary 6, 2014 at 8:45 AM

    Happy New Year to you Sallie! It's such exciting news about you joining the Mood Blogger Network ranks! Another fabulous stitching blogger is joining an already fabulous line-up. Win-win for us! And well done on the knitting front, it's always good to give things a 2nd, 3rd, 4th...chance. You never know what it might lead to ;o)

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  4. Ahhh, this is wonderful news! Congratulations!! I can't WAIT to see what you do (so excited for leather...!)

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  5. Congrats! I love reading the MSN blog, it's got loads of my favourite bloggers and now you too! Congrats on the knitting too. Just picked up my needles again after way too long - it's certainly less instant-gratification than sewing, put it that way...

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  6. congratulations! that is excellent news! looking forward to seeing your makes!

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  7. Yay! I'm excited you're joining the MSN team! I just wish I weren't throwing a big wrench (my soon to be born little one!) into my own MSN sewing at the same time. Don't get me wrong, I love thinking about meeting that little one, but I'm also so very protective of my personal time that it's going to be interesting to see how I can blend being a mom and pursuing my own creative hobbies... Anyway, I can't wait to see what you make for MSN!! And, I can't wait to see what you knit and dye as well!

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  8. Sallie! Congratulations my darling! If anyone deserves the good stuff, its you! So excited to see what you're going to make with that stipend (and also happy to hear from you more regularly). I also applied but haven't heard anything. Sigh. It would be too much for my heart to bear, thinking about us in new York, stipend shopping together. Happy New Year! Great news!

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  9. Sara and Bitty ChickletJanuary 6, 2014 at 9:56 AM

    Congratulations! That is excellent news on so many fronts! I'm selfishly glad that we'll be seeing more from you on the blog! The yarn you're using for your hat looks yummy. It reminds me of my favourite winter accessory yarn (Blue Sky Alpaca suri merino). The single ply yarns tend to felt a little with wear, which makes them kind of perfect for winter! Sara

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  10. yay!!! Congrats Sallie. I can't wait to see more of your creations.

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  11. Congratulations! That's really exciting, and I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with! (And your dyeing experiments, since that's something I'm starting to get into a little myself!)

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  12. Wow! Good eye Sara! I forgot to mention in the post what yarn I'm using, but it is indeed Blue Sky Alpaca Suri Merino! And I must say I absolutely love it! Very snuggly!

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  13. Yeah, exciting news. Happy new year x

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  14. English Girl at HomeJanuary 6, 2014 at 12:04 PM

    What exciting news & congrats on the knitting! I taught myself to knit over Christmas too - just think what we could get done if we didn't have to go to work!

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  15. HELL YES they asked you!!!! You're a perfect fit and I'm not surprised at all that you've been selected. I can't wait to see all your new sewing (and knitting!) makes in 2014. Here's to the best year ever ;)

    Congrats, Girl!
    xo

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  16. So TOTALLY deserved! So excited for you to join Mood Sewing Network. Yay!

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  17. I'm so excited to see more posts from you!!!!! And I can't wait to see what you make! Love the hat-- it looks so soft and snuggly already! Yay!!!!!

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  18. Sara and Bitty ChickletJanuary 6, 2014 at 12:33 PM

    I've been knitting with it a lot in the past month so I was pretty sure I recognized it! It can be a bitch to frog though (sticky!) so I'm glad your second go at the hat is going well! I've also had my eye on this pattern so I'll be glad to see how it turns out with this yarn! Looks great so far!

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  19. Congratulations doesn't seem to be enough! That is awesome news! Have fun and I look forward to seeing what you choose and what you make!

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  20. Congrats!! Sounds like 2014 is already off to an amazing start for you :) Looking forward to seeing more dyed fabrics as well, and I think any project you make with leather will be gorgeous! Your first hat already looks great..

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  21. Congratulations Sallie! I always love seeing your creations so can't wait to see your Mood Sewing Network creations!

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  22. amazing news! congrats, i look forward to seeing what you do as an MSN blogger!

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  23. Congratulations on all your great news!!

    We haven't formally met before, but I'm a seamstress (formerly with The Sew Weekley--woo hoo sewing!) and a fashion writer/blogger for Houstonia Magazine. I am a huge fan of your work and I'd love to write a profile about you this month--can you email me at sarah@sarahthewriter.com so I can send you some questions?

    Happy New Year!

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  24. The knitting envy finally got too much for me too Sal. Very impressed with your first project choice, that wool looks loverly too. And congratulations, totally not surprised, don't know why they didn't know about you sooner, on the mood sewing network gig. Luf your work, can't wait to see what you do this year! x

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  25. Congratulations! I am looking forward to see what you make with Mood fabrics! You have such fabulous taste I can see myself ordering whatever you sew with. What a treat to be able to do so. But please do keep dyeing, I love! those posts, find them very inspiring!

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  26. Congratulations! What amazing news! I have this dusty old pair of knitting needles sitting in my sewing drawer that I have never used. Seeing all these fabulous knitting creations out there makes me think I need to give it a go.

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  27. Congratulations!!! You totally deserve it! I can't wait to see your projects, there!


    Also, hooray for knitting!!

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  28. congratulations! and happpy new year to you too.

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  29. Congrats! It totally makes sense Mood would ask you, you are a very talented sewer and have a great blog! Love all of the things that you make, can't wait to see your future makes with MM! Cheers to the New Year! -good job learning to knit!

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  30. So awesome, Sallie! Can't wait to see your MSN awesomeness! :)

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  31. Can't wait to see what you make, girlfriend! You always make the coolest stuff.

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  32. Congrats! Excited to see your take on what mood has to offer. And still excited to see your dying projects! Congrats on the knitting too. I taught myself last year and am in no way a pro. But to me once you figure it out enough to be able to know that you'll figure it out if u let yourself rip it out enough times, you're good!

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  33. Congratulations! You so deserve that spot. Well done. Can't wait to see your creations.

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  34. Congratulations again! We are so proud of you!

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  35. Of course they wanted you! Congratulations. Can't wait to read your first msn post. Ps. Your mum is so sweet posting you lovely comments

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  36. There is lots going on in your world! Congratulations. It looks like 2014 is going to be a good year for you :)

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  37. Congratulations on the great news Sallie! I'm thrilled for you and can't wait to see the fabrics you choose and the patterns you pair them with. You have such a good eye for the cool and hip :) Looks like 2014 is going to be a fantastic year for you :)

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  38. I'm so glad for you, because I love the reason's why you're doing it :) And knitting? Ugh... I don't think I could possibly turn a deeper shade of green when I stop by your gorgeous little space on le interwebs. A lovely way to start the year - here's to 2014! x

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  39. Well done - I am pleased you have been picked. You choose and make such lovely clothes. I always enjoy your posts and glad that there will be more of them!

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  40. saaaaaaaaalllllieeeeeeeeeeee you are going to ROCK this!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  41. congratulations! and what a way to start off 2014!

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  42. Whoo hoo!! Congratulations! You are so SO deserving of this!!! And also, welcome to the wonderful world of knitting!! I just started this fall, and I'm SOOOOO glad I did - isn't it lovely!!!??

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  43. Super exciting news!! Can't wait to see all your awesome projects. And of course more fabric dyeing. 2014 is off to a great start!

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  44. Congratulations! I'm sure that this will be a wonderful opportunity and that you will create some amazing garments! I will be cheering you on and looking forward to your new pieces! Plus you are working with an amazing group of people, so enjoy!

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