Sewers Needed Immediately!

A while ago when I was living with El Senor, I was out driving one evening. I just needed to be out of the house (I'd been sick for a couple days and cooped up inside). I started driving to Target but realized that if I went to Target, I'd spend money. I also realized that my friend Sidsel lived on the way to Target, and it would be much more fun and economical to go and pay her a visit. So I did, and she introduced me to my destiny.

She had an Amy Butler pattern for a nappy bag (diaper bag) and although neither of us needed a diaper bag, we both loved the pattern. So we decided to make it together that weekend. (And the finished product led me to get into the work that I'm currently doing, and the work that I would like to continue doing, so thanks, Sidsel!) Of course, once we counted up all the money we had to spend on fabric and supplies (and all the money that I have subsequently spent on Amy Butler products) I certainly wouldn't say that I saved money by visiting Sidsel that day...

Neither Sidsel nor I was an avid seamstress, but we both enjoyed sewing, and we found that it was much easier and much more entertaining to work on the project together. We each had our own sewing machine and we each would take turns reading the directions for what was next. In fact, we thought it was so funny that one of us would pull ahead and take the lead, then get behind and let the other person pull ahead and take the lead, and that it was much like geese flying in formation, where the lead switches out every now and then. We even started calling each other "goose."

Well, due to her selfish nature, Sidsel moved to Ohio for her husband's med school, which has left me without a sewing goose.

In June, Murray and I are going to Texas, and while I'm excited for the new experience, I'm not excited for the heat. I've decided that the only way I'll survive is by wearing lightweight cotton skirts, so I need to make at least two before I go. Does anyone want to be my sewing goose? I have Amy Butler's Barcelona Skirts patterns. We could even go fabric shopping together if you like! Here's the details:


1) You need your own sewing machine. I would like to do this at my house, but if you write a good enough essay, I might be convinced to take my sewing machine over to your house.

2) We'll need to do this on a Saturday or Wednesday by June 7th.

3) You don't have to be the same size as me. My mom told me how I can cut multiple sizes out of the same pattern.

I also would like to make these lounge pants for when I start working from home (after my trip to Texas). I don't have Amy Butler's pattern, but I could get it by buying her In Stitches book. If you don't want to do skirts but do want to do pajama pants, let me know and we'll arrange a sewing date.

23 comments:

MTDA said...

I hope you consider me because the first thing I have ggoing for me is that we live together in the same house, so that's pretty convenient.

I guess I need to get my own sewing machine though.

..and learn how to sew.

and be a woman,

oh well.

Emily said...

Amy Butler makes me want to own a sewing machine. I love my Amy Butler bag that I made awhile ago. I've thought about making one of those skirts before, actually several times. Plus, I still have two of her bag patterns that I need to make. Plus, I someday reallyreally want the Feather Your Nest stuff for my room. Plus, those pajama pants are really cute.

Um, yeah, too bad I have like -25 hours of free time between now and June 7th.

These sound like super fun projects, though. I can't wait to see pictures of how your stuff turns out.

Braden said...

Ah. So you do not, in fact, need waste water lines.

Cicada said...

Bawb, Nope, but I thought maybe that would get people's attention.

Anonymous said...

I can't sew, as proven by my unfinished quilt started in high school.

BUT, when you do finding your sewing mate please ask them to whip me up a pair of those PJ pants. That would totally make up for the time you ruined by birthday party by getting married and requiring El Senor to attend.

jeri said...

I am applying for the position of Sewing Goose, advertised in this weeks blog.

Qualifications: I have minimal sewing skills, having recently reached the level of No Longer A Danger To Ones Self. I did sew that cute Christmas apron that Sarah wears at cooking club though.

Additional interests: I've been meaning to make a cute skirt just to see if I can.

I can come to your house on a Saturday this month. If you want to work on a Wednesday though, maybe you could come here. Otherwise my kids will wreak havoc on your beautiful home.

Katria said...

Ahh! I want those pajama pants!

Umm... I do have a sewing machine, but you don't know me and I don't know you, so I don't know how that would work...

Carina said...

Dear Cicada,

I was staring at those patterns just last night. That is not hyperbole, I was truly trying to justify buying the pattern so I could sew my own skirt.

Not only am I an expert sewer (my grandmother was an honest to goodness seamstress and I didn't have a store-bought dress until I was 18,) but I am a blast in person.

Stay tuned to my blog to see the hand-embroidered, lined baby jacket and matching hand-quilted blanket I made for my friend last month. If the awesomeness that is those baby items doesn't convince you, I don't know what will (my penchant for incredible baked goods and sparkling conversation?) I am free most evenings at home or away.

My trusty machine and I await your decision.

-Azucar

G said...

Oh yes, skirts for daily wear have saved my sanity living here in Texas! Good luck.

I would love to be your sewing buddy, but the commute would be a beast! But you know, if you get here to Texas and still haven't made the skirts and have time to hang out with some random person you don't know, I'm your woman! I won't hold my breath on that... especially since I don't even know what part of TX you're coming to :)

Hannah said...

Oh, please...let me be your sewing friend. Or...at least let me go shopping for Amy Butler fabric with you. I have a major crush on her fabric.

The Holyoaks said...

I would totally be willing to goose you if I lived close. I have that skirt pattern but haven't made it yet. I've never seen the pants - it's in a book? I want to make those. They look super comfy.

bedelia said...

1. I have my own sewing machine. In fact I currently have 3.
2. I'm leaving for TX in less than 24 hrs and will not be back until May 28 and I'm moving within Provo on the 31st so I could do it on June 4 or 7. I made dresses for my trip but one turned out too small cause my sister convinced me to ignore the measurements. And the other poofs out and makes me look pregnant. I'm not. I should have stuck to skirts.
3. Ummm, so I have a way to copy patterns but I'd like to know what your technique is because mine involves a large window and sunlight which I'm pretty sure is not the easiest way.
And lastly, I do know how to sew and I've been dying for those lounge pants. I was just going to make my own pattern but if someone else has the book...In conclusion, I'd be the perfect sewing buddy.

Anonymous said...

I would totally be your sewing goose, and I even have a serger! Problem is, I live in Pennsylvania which is even farther than your previous sewing goose's move so I guess that's out.

However, those pants are the cutest thing ever and I must go out and buy that pattern tout de suite. Could you share the pattern info with your adoring readers?

Cicada said...

The pants are found in In Stitches.

Petit Elefant said...

Ooh! Ooooh! Pick me! Pick MMMEEE!!

Mariah said...

I know we are only barely acquaintances, but you could describe my adoration for you this way

Anyway, I sew. I have my own machine & it's quite portable. In addition, I have been dying to make some skirts myself. Also equally cool is that I love Amy Butler.

If you can get past the whole 'you don't know me that well' thing, I'd guess we'd make great geese.

Shop Girl* said...

I don't really sew, and I live in Canada (WOO!) so I guess I'm out.

I really just wanted to comment on how much I love--not like, LOVE--that you have coined the term sewing geese.

I heart it. :)

Ellen said...

I would totally be your goose if I hadn't just moved to Portland. I even own Amy's "In Stitches" already and have had my eye on those pants for awhile now. Oh well... fly on, friend. fly on.

Anonymous said...

I don't sew, and I'm really not crafty. That in addition to the small detail that I too live in Canada make me a poor candidate for the vacancy. I wanted to let you know that I gave it thought though.

Sarah Heder said...

I've never met you, but if I lived near you, I would LOVE to be your sewing partner. I've started myself and I really love doing it, but it's always nice to have someone by your side to help each other out. But alas, I live in LA. I pretty much envy your art and skill in every creative endeavor I read about on your and Mike's blogs. Was that the correct grammar for that last sentence?

Jordan said...

Is it heresy that I claim to be an excellent seamstress but not to have heard of Amy Butler? The sewing goose position sounds fun, but my schedule isn't the most available. If you are interested, though, I can see how my schedule works out.

Natalie Gordon said...

I don't sew, because my mom was negligent in her duties. I keep thinking that I should learn. I have never heard of Amy Butler, but I think I want to get to know her better. I am concerned, however, that this skirt has a hidden crotch-box-flap. So, please make user you give us a front view of the finished product.

Natalie Gordon said...

that word should be SURE, not USER. Apologies.