I'm beyond excited to be stop number four on Bari J.'s blog tour for her new book, Inspired to Sew published by Stash Books! I was so excited when Bari asked me to partcipate, because she's an artist that I have long admired and I totally want to be like her when I grow up! ^_^
For the tour, Bari has asked the lucky group of bloggers to share what inspires us to sew. It didn't take me long to come up with an answer, as I'm inspired by oh so many things! There are just a few things that I just couldn't get out of my head as I went down the list.
One of the first reason would be my Grandpa. I found it quite ironic that Bari dedicated her book to her dear Grandfather, because I've dedicated a recent project of mine to my Grandfather as well. He was my absolute everything and meant the world to me! If it weren't for him, I don't think I would have continued to sew as much as I have. Gosh....I'm even getting a little choked up while I write this.
He was a tailor back in the Caribbean. He used to make his own clothes and would fashion them after Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. He said he would go the the movies to see what they were wearing. I remember that I would show him things that I made and he would inspect every single stitch and seam making sure that it was up to his standards. He liked to see all of my sewing 'perfect' and would make me get the seam ripper if something didn't look right to him. I'd secretly be really upset and I'm sure I grumbled to myself every now and then, but I'm grateful for his instruction as he has inspired me more than you know. I wish he were here to see all of the things that I've been up to lately. I know he'd say something funny like, "Why are you sewing with all those old kitchen towels?!". Kitchen towels meaning linen! :P
The other reason I'm inspired to sew is my children. I know that may sound a little cliche, but it goes much deeper for me than just 'I sew for my children'. I had a hard time growing up deciding what I wanted to do with myself after high school. Fashion Design? Nah. Fashion Illustration? Nah. Graphic Design? Nah. Human Resources? Heck Nah! ^_^
I've been so blessed to be able to do what I do now and I love for my children to see that the world is one's oyster! I never thought it was possible to have a career doing what I love and I want my children to know that. God has given us each a special talent and when we figure out what it is, it's our job to take that talent and do good with it, share it with the world, and inspire others in some way. I love knowing that my children will learn that they don't have to make a career sitting behind someone's desk pushing papers all day. Whether their talent be art, music, sports, writing.......embrace it, love it, enjoy it, and inspire others to do the same. That's why I'm inspired to sew. ^_^
We're all so lucky that Bari has chosen to share her talent and love of sewing with us through her new book. The images, projects are all so beautiful and amazing with a burst of color at every page turn! As you can see I've shared a few of my most favorite projects from the book. Leave a comment here (and even share what inspires you to sew if you like! ^_^) for a chance to win a copy of Bari's new book, Inspired to Sew!
Be sure to follow the rest of the tour as well!
January 31
Mary Abreu: Confessions of a Craft Addict
February 1
Jennifer Paganelli: Sis Boom!
February 2
Jona Giammalava: Stop Staring and Start Sewing
February 3
Rashida Coleman Hale: I Heart Linen
February 4
Sarah Fielke: The Last Piece
February 5
Jenny Doh: Crescendoh
February 6
Cara Wilson: Cara Quilts
February 7
Deborah Moebes: Whipstitch Fabrics
February 8
Monica Solorio-Snow: The Happy Zombie
February 9
Susanne Woods: Stash Books (giving away a stack of Bari’s Full Bloom fabric!)
