As it Seams: 2016

2017: Into the Light...(or; how sewing saves me..)

By Victoria As-it-Seams - 09:03

Leaving the path of 2016, I'm hoping that it's going to be a path into the light. 2016 has been a year of turbulence. The delicate ship of our little family was rocked by waves and we've struggled to find our even keel for most of this year. In the spring Mr As it Seams lost his job, having worked in the same...

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Sewing for Sara's Baby... a little gift for a new baby

By Victoria As-it-Seams - 06:00

There aren't many people for whom I will cut up the last remnant of my precious Nani Iro fabric. But Sara, of Made by Sara is one of them. Or rather, for Sara's beautiful baby boy. He's baby number four in Sara's lovely little family in Portugal. Isn't that so special? My little family is just a dinky twosome of children - so...

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Japanese pattern tour - the London Sew Social team showcase Tuttle

By Victoria As-it-Seams - 02:54

Ah, Japanese sewing books - they've been a recent, and happy, discovery on my sewing journey. So I was thrilled when Tuttle, who publish translations of some of the loveliest Japanese pattern books, agreed to sponsor the London Sew Social gathering this year. We all generously received a pattern book, and this week, the London Sew Socialists are sharing creations from Tuttle's books, showcasing...

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Experimental Summer Sewing #1 - When a tablecloth becomes a blouse

By Victoria As-it-Seams - 15:51

It's been a rough old year, so our holiday in the south of France was really, really needed. Of course the landscape is wonderful, the sunshine endless. But what was really special was having those little moments of time together. Like watching my son teaching my daughter card tricks. Or seeing them both explore mediaeval streets of tiny villages by lantern light. And...

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Next steps... Running away to the circus?

By Victoria As-it-Seams - 15:29

Oh this summer. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster. We're off on holiday tomorrow (yes tomorrow .- so why am I writing a blog post when I should be sleeping/packing?!... ummm) We're heading for a little adventure in the south of France, and that's the perfect reason to start sewing, n'est pas? So I whipped up a few summer dresses. This is...

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"What's it like being an adult?"... answer #1

By Victoria As-it-Seams - 02:36

So mostly this blog is about sewing, but it's headed 'stitches and stories' so occasionally I stray off into other territory.

And it was a little question, that crystalised so many thoughts.

I was driving home in the gorgeous June evening with my beautiful boy. It's the best time for chatting with him, for letting go and connecting.

"I've been wondering Mummy, what's it like being an adult?" he asked.

It was a question that made me pause and think...

Well, my beautiful boy. This was the answer I might have given...

"Right now, my love, it's a bit tough being this particular adult.

"I know that for you, my lovely boy, your dad and I are your anchor. But just now I'm not feeling too solid.

"Everything has gone a bit crazy. And that's because daddy is losing his job, the work that he has done for 20 years. He's been sharing his creativity and teaching the young people from very different backgrounds, who need him most. He's been helping them to play and create music for so long.

"And now all that is ending. And we're just not sure what the future holds. It's all been so solid for so long, and now it's all a little fluid and shaky.
"Sweetheart, you know that I've been working more and more hours just to have a little bit more money, and that means I'm just so tired, and more grumpy. And I never get enough time for you, or Missy, or to sew.

"And you know, it's funny because I'm all mixed up inside. Sad, fearful and also a tiny little bit excited underneath the tiredness. Sometimes it all feels like a mountain to climb...
"So you know, maybe....being an adult is not so different from being a little boy."

Of course that's not what I said....I was lost in thought trying to answer....and driving.

It's been the hardest few months. I feel like I am 'holding' so much, my children, Mr As it Seams, my work, my unsewn sewing ideas, my teeny shabby house which never, ever has all the laundry put away.

But it's also a time to focus on the joy of my little family, to connect and support.

And we escaped to the seaside for a few days staying with dear friends who live near our favourite English secret beach.

Missy spent every minute that she could in the sea, splashing in her wetsuit. I don't think there is any purer joy than her delight at playing in the waves beneath the cliffs, where this rocky corner of England crashes into the Atlantic.