Pancake day was earlier this week. Although it is actually celebrated several times throughout the year in our house. The idea of different fillings is tempting - nutella and bananas or even just jam. But for me it is always lemon and sugar. When the kids were small they would wait patiently while I cooked individual pancakes and would eat them literally straight out of the pan. I stumbled across this video from English Heritage about Victorian Pancakes and I love it.
How to make Victorian Pancakes
What has all this to do with sewing? Well if you think about what Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is all about it really does relate to sewing. For me it kind of sums up two things - using stuff up and a period of reflection. Both of which I think apply to sewing and making. Traditionally all the yummy things like meat, eggs and butter and cream would be cooked up and enjoyed before the serious business of fasting and reflection took part in Lent.
How can we actually use this in our making and sewing?
Well, if you're anything like me, and I am sure lots of you are then I have a STASH of fabric. I must confess mine is not as large as it possibly could be but there is still more than enough fabric to keep me busy for a good while. So why don't I use it up?
I think there are several reasons for this from my own perspective and I wonder if they might resonate with you too?
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To be honest I don't think I can actually remember exactly what I have. It is all boxed up beautifully, but I have no idea of quantities or indeed what the fabric might be suitable for?
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Out of sight is out of mind - if I cannot see it, I am not aware of it or what I could possibly do with it.
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I currently have no space. Either physically or mentally at the moment to deal with the concept of making anything for myself. I did actually cut something out the other day in anticipation - (you may have seen the social media post.) But to consciously spend time planning and making for myself right now is not really a thing.
Maybe this is where the concept of Lent can come in. In the Christian faith it is a period of fasting and of contemplation and preparation. I rather like the idea of applying this to my own practice of sewing and making. Spending time really thinking about what I want to make, the why’s and the how’s as well. This is also how we start the Diploma Course.
So rather than just jumping on a bit of fabric and making it into something that I think might work. I want to take some time to think about what I want to make, prepare a space for me to be able to actually make it and concentrate on what brings me joy about the whole process.
So my plan of action, (because thought is good but action is better), is as follows:
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Do a Fabric Stash Audit - I will go through my stash and record what I have. I will list the fibre content (if I can find it - and I know a good way to determine this, but that is for another day), width, meterage, and what it’s suitable for along with a swatch of the fabrics. You can use my Swatch File download if you want to do the same.
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I will have this on display in my studio/sewing room so I can see it every time I walk into that space. And use it as a reminder of what I already have, rather than just going out and buying yet more fabric/insulation.
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I will book time into my diary for myself to “Sit and Sew”. I have to confess to still wanting to hibernate in the evenings at the moment, preferably under a blanket with a good book. But now the evenings are getting lighter I am feeling more inclined to ‘Do Stuff’, I need to book a meeting with my Sewing Machine and have it in my Google Calendar - because if it’s not in there it won’t actually happen.
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Make a space to sew. When both kids left for Uni I began to make a space to sew at home. Then life got complicated and one of them came home again for a while and that idea was shelved. Fast forward two years and both my babies are well and truly independent. I now have another opportunity to create a little sewing oasis - so watch this space!
Does any of this resonate with you? Maybe we can do this together to help motivate each other.
I really love to see what people are posting about in Me Made May but I am never organised enough to actually take part. However, if I can be a bit more prepared this time around, maybe I could.
I have a little dream of being truly organised and having time for everything I want to do. I know this isn’t actually possible as real life is messy, but a step in the right direction certainly won't hurt.
So if you are up for joining me on this little journal through Lent, let me know.
Jules x
Val Thorne
I love the lent idea Jules. Really relate to that. I do listen to meditative things as I sew.
I told my physio last night that I had a room full of fabric. Not sure she believed me so I showed her, and explained that I no longer believed I could sew it all before I die. I’ve been collecting since I was 16 and 52 years on am very conscious of the fact my fabric collecting hobby is different to my sewing hobby.
I really do need an audit. And to downsize.
Lisa Bolt
I understand what you say about not having the time or energy to make for yourself. Last year, I hardly achieved anything for me. This year I have a plan of things I want to make, for me! (Your cargo trousers being near the top of the list, I bought the pattern and fabric from you at FOQ) Life got in the way last year but this year I’m going to prioritise ME in my sewing – go slower, perfect techniques I sometimes struggle with and enjoy the process!!! I think Jules, you need to take time to sew for yourself and fall back in love with it. The issues you’ve had with sewing as a business and the obviously horrendous time you’ve had recently has most likely tarnished it for you. Make time to put that side in a box for a few hours and just sew for sheer enjoyment and satisfaction of making something for you!
Alison Stewart Smith
I love the idea of making an appointment with the sewing machine and putting it in the diary. For me the precursor to that is to block out time in my diary to sort out the dining so I can get to the table to be able to cut out and sew. It feels like a bit of a hurdle to get over at the moment.
heather r
Hm, an audit of my stash…. good idea – will I ever do it…. don’t hold your breath. What I was actaully going to tell you about – I know how much you and your daughter enjoy baking. I was given “How To Cook The Victorian Way” (as mentioned below the pancake video), for Christmas, a couple of years ago – I think you’d love it.
Jane Mills
Always ready to read your words Jules – honest and real as usual! I did the ‘stash audit’ a few weeks ago and it honestly has helped make sense of the chaos of the heap!! But having a visible list with swatches makes even more sense! I still forget what I have in boxes so will makes a large bit of wall space clear for the real big swatch plus type and quantity list – will also stop me buying more on a whim!