Seams Inspired.

Sometimes when making something (sewing, knitting, whatever) I’m content just following along with the pattern and doing as told.  But more often, I want to fiddle with things, make stuff from scratch, or tackle a new skill along the way.  A new book has just come out—Cal Patch’s Design-It-Yourself Clothes: Patternmaking Simplified—and Liesl’s excellent review over at disdressed convinced me that this book is just what I need when I’m looking for both know-how and inspiration to make up projects from scratch.  And really, how can you not trust an author who introduces herself like this:  “My name is Cal Patch and I love making things and teaching people to make. I am working toward wearing mostly clothing made by myself, or other handmakers.”  She might be my new heroine.  And on Thursday evening Cal will visit one of my favorite indie bookstores in the city—Word, in Greenpoint—to talk about her new book and give us all some measuring tips.  I’ll be there clutching my new book—I can’t wait!   (Here are the event details, if you want to come along too!)

Speaking of inspiring people, and speaking of Liesl, I’m over the moon about this weekend’s Handmade Crafternoon at the Library.  Liesl of Oliver + S and disdressed, quilter/artist  Denyse Schmidt, and Heather Ross of Weekend Sewing will be our special guests, and they will share with us a little about what they do and what inspires them.  With the help of these three modern women of sewing, I’ve gathered a collection of inspiring books to share.  And when you add to the afternoon’s agenda some little sewing project ideas and plenty of crafty socializing, it’s without a doubt going to be the best way to spend your Saturday afternoon.   So do join Maura and me for this event—our last Handmade Crafternoon of 2009—if you are in the city on the 12th!