The little things that make me happy here on Bliss Road~~Emily Keaton

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Thanks Sew Much

Have I mentioned before that I like love to sew? It's absolutely true: I do, I do. I've been hand sewing since I was a child and machine sewing since seventh grade when I took my first home ec. class. I ran a successful home-based business making and selling handmade fabric bags (handbags, purses, tote bags, drawstring backpacks, eyeglasses cases, wristlets, coin purses, and such) for six years before I realized that I had hit the wall. Yup, I overdosed on my first crafting love. By then the economy had hit the skids, so that decline, coupled with my burnout, made my decision to fold up shop a relatively easy one. I don't sew nearly as often these days (aside from the sewing that I love to do on my papercrafting projects), but rather than viewing it as a breakup with my first love, I prefer to consider the current state of affairs as just "being on a break."

I know I'll delve head-first into my love affair with fabric and thread again sometime, but in the meantime I am so enjoying the wonderful sewing notions papercrafting trend we are seeing right now. I love spotting retro-chic sewing machines, pins and needles, dress forms, pincushions, spools of thread, thimbles, sewing scissors, patterns, tape measures, button cards, zippers, and more just about everywhere! And plus, you just can't beat the puns in the world of the seamstress--sew funny, right?

So (or perhaps I should say "Sew"), it was with great interest that I read about the I'm Sew Excited! Challenge in the Moxie Fab World. I knew I could have a lot of fun with this one!! But because of my great love of sewing, I also knew that this couldn't be just a casual fling of a card. It had to be something really amazing, if only I could pull it off. So I put a lot of thought into my creation. And when I was done, I had something that I really, truly loved. Loved! Loved so much, in fact, that I was feeling a little overprotective--at first, I wasn't sure that I wanted to share it! Is that so weird?? My much-more-rational hubby talked me down, though, convincing me that I have nothing to lose by linking this up. So, here goes:

There! I did it!

Did you catch the vintage straight pins? The hand stitching and machine stitching? How about that retro sewing machine and the vintage buttons? Yup, I've fallen in love with sewing all over again. This one makes my heart so happy.

Thanks for dropping in today. May your day be filled with bliss!
Emily

Card Recipe:
Stamps: Thankful Mums and Pumpkins (Thanks sentiment) by Mark’s Finest Papers; Taglines (Much sentiment) by Flourishes; Total Cuteness (frame) by Unity Stamp Co.
Paper: Kraft CS from Papertrey Ink, Natural CS from Neenah, Gertie Papers from Stella and Rose Collection by My Mind’s Eye
Ink: Old Olive dye ink by Stampin’ Up!
Accessories: vintage straight pins, vintage buttons, SU Sweet Stitches rub on, flower stickers by Sandylion Essentials, foam tape, sewing machine, thread, CK Monogram font (www.creatingkeepsakes.com)
Techniques: hand stitching, machine stitching

18 comments:

Bonnie said...

This is amazing Emily! I think these images will be used again and again. I look forward to seeing them along with your fantastic stitching!

Pam said...

Love your card 'sew' much! Fabulous stitching! Like you, I began sewing before paper crafts. I went from a room filled with fabric, patterns, notions, and machines, to paper, dies, adhesive, and more ribbon! I still enjoy sewing, but has def taken a back seat!!
Pam

Emily (stampingout on SCS) said...

OMGosh, Em! This is absolutely fabulous! Love everything about this card! :)

Glenda J said...

Absolutely brilliant! Love everything about it!

Glenda J said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Marisa said...

I can feel your grin and warm fuzzie feelings about this card all the way out here :) Totally adorable card and so glad to hear you are in love with sewing again :)

Colleen Dietrich said...

Okay, I'm going to resist any sewing puns here. ;) I think this is the cutest, sweetest card, and it looks like you really *did* put lots of thought and attention to detail into it. You should be sew proud! (oops, I didn't mean to do that pun! can't resist)

Stacy Morgan said...

This is too cute and very fun with the pun on sewing. And I had no idea you had a home business with sewing very cool even if it is closed. It is a love you will come back to see, just in a different form. :0)

Anonymous said...

This card is absolutely fantastic -- my favorite of all the ones linked. (Well, I am kind of fond of my own, too -- ha, ha)

Kelly said...

this is a beautiful card. i hope you win!

Benzi said...

Glad your hubby talked you into uploading. It is just fabulous and I can see you truly love your sewing. Wonderful card, Emily, and fabulous embellies. Love the vintage items.

Emily Leiphart said...

Wow, Emily, this is a winner if I ever saw one! It's absolutely magnificent. I love each and every detail. You should totally frame it and keep it for yourself to enjoy!!

~amy~ said...

This lovely creation is my all new Emily Fav:)

Anita said...

Wow, what a fun card! You did a fabulous job and I love it.

Jessi Fogan said...

Love, love, LOVE it! The pins, the perfect little dance of buttons & flowers, the off-the-edge mat, the lovely sewn accents :) It's perfect! I can totally understand feeling protective of it - but we all love it too, so, see, sharing was a good idea!

Alanna Harris said...

great use of all those wonderful sewing elements...the pins are great!!

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking Editor said...

Hey Emily! Thanks for linking this up to the I'm Sew Excited! challenge in the Moxie Fab World! I'm "sew" glad you joined in on all the fun! :)

nise said...

Every once in awhile I go wandering about in blog land and discover gold, platinum and diamonds. This card is one of the most adorable I have ever seen. Amazing layout, colors and vintage pins. It is sew special and I am sew glad you shared. I am totally impressed with your style and will be tucking you into my favorites.