No, I don't think this dress was home made.
I have just turned 41, have a full-time office job editing children’s books and a freelance career as a writer of children’s books that you can see at www.karen-ball.com. I find sewing and knitting a wonderful creative balance to these demands on my time. Nothing I make is perfect and I never know whether to be flattered or worried when someone cocks their head on one side and asks, ‘Did you make that?’ Do they sound impressed or … amused? But I love my crafting and want to share my experience with others. Hey! Did you make that?
Sounds like my sewing – i call it theatrical – if it looks good from a distance it works for me
Hi I just found you from a link on Roobeedoo. I too love to sew and knit and when I started in my teens (a year or 2 back!) the best compliment was, where did you buy that? I hated it if people thought i had made it myself. Now the world has gone full circle and w are proud to say Yes I made this. I have also learnt that few non sewers will ever recognise a bodge and they are just as impressed as they would be with a couture finish!!
I just turned 41 too!
I just found your blog last week. I must say, you have pushed me, without even knowing me. How cool is that? I finally got courage to not only figure out how to use Google Reader (now I know how to subscribe to blogs!), but also to start writing my very own blog. I am giddy with my pluck and perseverance. Thank you, thank you for inspiring me with your writing, your sewing, and your all-around winning personality.
Karen,
I discovered your blog last month and I like it and as visitor I think I should say Hello.
Mari Cruz
Hi there!
I’m thinking I should become a new beffie so you can make me a cool dress for Bologna! Though given I’m not in the office, I guess sticking the pins into me could be tricky . . . .
Really enjoyed looking at your outfit piccies.
Sarah (as in Sarah D of Greenhouse) x
Aw, thanks, Sarah!
I am *so* much into the handmade that I’ve named myself “The HandMaiden” ! I will be watching yours ….
ps. what is scary, is that (though you’re 41 and I’m 49) that our kid pictures look scary similar !!!
Just stumbled on your blog and laughed so hard over the Sewing Amnesty Series! Oh goodness I can so relate to it!
Hi, whilst trying to muster up the courage to master my sewing machine your blog has really inspired me. Accepting that the only person holding me back is myself has probably been the biggest hurdle! Anyway, as you said ‘good enough’ is great and having made 3 Sorbettos (seemed like a good place to start – how much damage could I do with 0.5m of gingham?), 1 and a half dresses and a skirt in my week off work ( all of which are absolutely wearable in public – well, perhaps the ‘half dress’ would work better once I’ve put a zip in!) I am totally hooked. Thank you so much
That’s so lovely to hear. Thank you!
I like many who have posted here am a lurker on your blog. Because of you I found Walthamstow market, after 20 years of living in London, oh what joy! Thanks.
I just found your blog recently, and LOVE it!! You have such a great colour sense, it’s fun too. The idea of “good enough” is something I should have in bold letters in my sewing room!
It sounds like you have a great job. I love reading children’s books as much as my boys (or maybe more so!) Now, at 47, I wonder if I’ll have to grow up by the time I hit 50?! It just doesn’t seem right!!
I found your blog at a link from the Teen Granny blog, which I found in my wife’s Women & Home magazine! I have been sewing since I was a fat teenager and I taught myself to use my mum’s sewing machine when she was too busy to shorten my trousers! I now make my own shirts and a few things for my wife but there is not the same scope for us chaps as there is for you ladies – although I have recently made my first waistcoat and bow tie.
I was also taught to knit by my late sister-in-law when I was about 18 or 19 and I have been kniting ever since – eventually I’ll learn to cast off!! I guess I do more of this now as I find it easier to do while watching TV. See we men can multi-task!
I currently live in Cyprus and am so frustrated by the lack of wool and fabric shops, but we are moving back to the UK soon so I’ll be able to indulge a bit more.
I love the idea of the Great British Sew Off and if I was living in the UK now I would definately have applied. Let’s hope it is a success and there are more series.
How lovely to hear from you, Matthew! More power to your elbow. Do you know the blog Male Pattern Boldness? Another bloke who sews and blogs voraciously about it. Good luck with your makes.
Cheers, I’ll have a look at that blog.
Hi! I just found your blog when I read about your pyjama party on burdastyle.com. I had to grin when I read about who you are, because I am also very often asked “did you make that?”, and I feel the same incertitude about it. But now I think that as soon as other people know that you are making your own clothes, they assume that everything you wear that looks a bit special and not so “mainstream” is self-made. I think we can take it as a compliment!