Blabber and a second take

1. Knitting and crocheting gives me zen whereas I need to achieve a certain level of zen (lots of deep breathing) before I could start sewing.

2. Strange thing is, I can spend months working on a knitting project and feel perfectly fine with that but if I can't finish a sewing project in an afternoon or two, I feel really frustrated. (I guess I found out the reason/cause - sewing implies 'instant gratification' to me, so if the instantaneity doesn't happen, like I've programmed my mind to believe so, it makes me very uneasy.)

3. Buying fabric is kind of like buying skincare to me: I'm buying 'hope'. Sooner or later, I would realize that the lifting cream is doing nothing to defy the pull of gravity on my face or the whitening essence just won't give me the flawless skin like that model on the TV advert. While buying fabric, I dream of the beautiful garments that they will become and how nice I would look in them and blah, blah, blah. After one sewing session and I'm brought down to earth with the homemade look that I produce. Anyway, I continue to come back with more 'hope' from Shamshuipo.

4. The Machine - For sewing, I have to control a machine and then I always have tension problem. I've thought of getting a new and better machine but realize that my sewing machine, a Janome, although basic, is not that bad. So I took it apart the other day to oil it, clean off the threads and tiny clumps of fabrics inside, change the needles, took out the manual to have a good look and it's working okay again. Guess, I have to come to terms with it and understand it.

5. For knitting or crocheting, I can do it at a variety of times and almost anywhere, mostly on the commute to and from work, doing homework with the girls, waiting for them to have their music lessons, etc. With sewing, I have to sit down with lots of concentration, meaning, I can't get involve with my children's activities while sewing at the same time. I kind of find a way out by getting them lots of craft kits for the summer holidays like making magnets for the white board, beads, new paints for colouring, clay, etc and we can all embark on our own crafty pursuits.

So much for the blabber. I made another top using the same Nani Iro pattern from this book. Remember the purple floral tunic?

I used the same pattern but in a totally different fabric. Linen this time with rosette embellishment chanced upon while shopping for beads for the girls in SSP. They go just right with the linen. The sales lady taught me to use the zipper foot so that I could sew close to the rosettes.

And linen is perfect for the hot weather although it creases so easily. The linen is also bought in SSP. I have another in a blue and I so feel like going back for more colours. Plus they are on clearance.

This time round, I actually approve of my own sewing. I think I took a few baby steps forward. Practice seems to be doing me some good.

Comments

[grumperina]

I think that lived up to the expectation! It looks totally professional, like something you would buy in a department store :).

[Christa Koenig]

.. it looks fantastic and don't worry about the creasing.. its very stylish.. greetings from Switzerland Christa

[Miriam]

I love it. The top is beautiful perfect for the summer heat. You have me wishing that I could sew.

[Rebecca]

I think that top looks great!

[erin]

You look great in your new linen top! Very simple chic, like Japanese clothes ala Muji. Love it, especially with the shades you wore in the last photo!

[Megan]

I adore the rosettes!

[sulovessew]

Hi Siow Chin, lovely top. So simple yet adorable. Btw, thanks again for your suggestion to check out Tailor and Alteration in Causeway Bay for Japanese fabrics. Thought I didn't buy anything (coz the price is the same as the US), I had a blast checking out the crazy crammed shop with awesome inventory. thanks again

[Cheryl]

Those rosettes are gorgeous! Lovely top too :)

[Louise]

It's very pretty & very gentle - as some of your other items/colors have been (soft greys, pinks). I recommend "Green Apples" as a really interesting sewing blog. She's from Ohio. She used to knit exclusively, I think, on her blog, then after a moth infestation, got discouraged and very exciting by sewing. Interesting, crafty pursuits! Good luck!

[Karen]

You sewing and taste in clothes are wonderful!

[Ingrid]

The top looks fabulous - not remotely home made, but very boutiquey.

I know how you feel about sewing - I find mylsef swearing a lot more than usual as I do it.

[Marcia]

Very pretty!!! I totally am with you on the sewing versus yarn hobbies...My sewing motto is if I'm not swearing (under my breath of course) I'm not sewing...Keep up the good work!!!

[tanya broadbent]

This is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! It looks like something from Anthropologie but you know, wearable! It's been awhile since i've been to your site (stupid work gets in the way of EVERYTHING) so i haven't answered your email or commented. HAVE to comment about the Green Sweater below! And what a great touch to add the red thread in the green buttons! You're so creative and clever.
The girls are growing so fast!
Tanya

[Chelsea]

The top is beautiful and looks perfect for summer!

[chloe]

Very professional top. And very impressive design skills. I love linen. Nice sewing tip about the zipper foot for the flowers.

[Lisa]

Your sewing projects always look great! You have very good taste in styles of clothing after seeing the pic of you in the Simplicity top that you made, I went out and bought that pattern for myself. Also, you have a great eye for wonderful fabrics! :)

[tina]

you look so cool and stylish!

[PY]

Embellished this top with those rosettes is such a good idea. You looked so sweet with this pretty top .

[Teresa]

WOW! the linen top with the rosettes is sooooo beautiful! Very Nice Job!

[Gina]

The tunic is beautiful! And I want to thank you for putting words to my own issues around sewing vs. knitting - very well said!