A Liebster Award!

Exciting news, ya'll! I was nominated for a Liebster Award by C of Oh She Dabbles! The Liebster Award is a way to recognize smaller blogs, and I'm so stoked! Bloglovin' also just notified me that I have 20 blog followers. Exciting things are happening!

In the spirit of the Liebster tradition, here are my answers to C's questions:

1. Why do you sew and when did you start?
I started sewing January 2012. I was fed up with clothing that didn't fit well as well as the overabundance of synthetic fabrics. I would find a lovely dress that seemed simple, only to turn it over and find a design detail that ruined it for me. Sewing started as a way to create a wardrobe of classic basics, but it's morphed into so much more!

2. How do you get yourself out of a sewing rut?
I'm lucky that my job and other obligations allow me time to sew everyday, and I have a room dedicated to it. My sewing space really is where I go to clear my head! I don't find myself in too many ruts, but when I do I just take some time away, usually for a couple days. I usually find that being away from my sewing room for 24 hours is enough to motivate me to go back!

3. What's your favorite make that you made for someone else?
As a general rule I don't sew for others, and I'm not interested in turning my sewing into a business, unless I were to open a studio and offer lessons, fabric, etc. I did give a sewing lesson to a teenager awhile ago and I'm proud of how that garment came out. 

4. Where do you get your inspiration?
Other bloggers definitely inspire me to not only sew certain patterns, but also to improve my sewing practices. I've figured out which styles and colors flatter and those that don't, but I'm always inspired my construction techniques. I took a great deal of inspiration from Me Made May this year. I shared primarily on Instagram and loved seeing everyone's makes!

5. What do you do if you get stuck in your making?
I'm definitely a fan of setting things aside until I can clear my head enough to move forward. I was recently sewing a Moneta on the serger and cut through the bodice - I'm pretty sure I can salvage it but I'm still considering how, so it's in a small box in my sewing room! Sometimes I find flipping through sewing books to be helpful especially if I'm stuck on a technique.

6. Are you a planner or do you just wing it?
My planning is very last minute - I'll buy fabric with a plan, then I'll get it home, washed and ironed and come up with a different plan. When inspiration strikes I try not to overthink it. I've made a lot of separates lately (Netties and Zinnias to be exact) despite buying fabric for Hawthorns. I try not to be too planned in my approach. Part of the fun is the spontaneity that comes with matching a fabric with a pattern.

7. What's your favorite fabric to sew with?
I'm a huge cotton & linen fan. Cotton is very stable, presses well and generally washes well. I'd love to try some Art Gallery fabric, but I have this fear of it being "too quilting weight." I live in a very hot & humid climate so linen is a must, and I don't mind the wrinkles or bagging you sometimes get. It's worth it!

8. What do you do for fun besides making beautiful things?
My hubby is a church music director so I spend a great deal of time at our church and most of that is in the music program. I am a soprano and try to practice regularly in addition to preparing solos and other music. I also lead a Children's Choir at church which I enjoy a great deal. Music & sewing are really my two passions.

9. Why did you start blogging?
Honestly, I started blogging for two reasons. First, I wanted to have an accountability measure with my makes. If I'm going to be photographing finished garments for the sewing world to see, they need to be consistent. Blogging was a way to ensure that I don't skimp on my construction. The second was to connect more fully with the blogging community. Me Made May was a huge amount of daily support, especially since I don't have other seamstresses around me. It's great to be connected to the larger group!

10. If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
Well, we have three cats - they are quite content and happy, so I'm going to go with cat! 

Many thanks to C for nominating me! I am nominating the following:

Laurel of Creative Laurels

Helen of Just Sew Therapeutic

Rachel of Penny Threadful

Here are my questions:
1. Why did you begin sewing? 
2. Describe the process you took of learning to sew? Did you have mentors or go it alone?
3. Where do you stand on the ethical nature of clothing? Does this argument impact your sewing?
4. What are your five most treasured sewing tools?
5. What is the one garment you hope to tackle?
6. Describe your creative process before you complete a garment.
7. How has sewing changed your views about your body?
8. If you could meet anyone from the sewing community in person, who would it be and why?
9. Which garment are you most proud of and why?
10. Other than sewing, what do you enjoy doing for fun?