The Value of a Trusted Sewing Friend

This month I met up again with my trusted sewing friend, Tina, for a couple of intense but ultimately fulfilling days spent fitting garment muslins, analyzing various patterns and comparison of our respective ongoing trial and error processes. We met initially at one of Peggy Sagers’ (Silhouette Patterns) fitting workshops back in 2017 and quickly realized we were on the same page where sewing is concerned. Happily we have kept in touch ever since.

For this particular trip, our chosen destination was Santa Cruz, CA which is almost equidistant between our respective homes. An added bonus; as luck would have it, the weather was perfect.

Each of us brought several works in progress to examine and compare. We also brought books and articles to share. One of the many things things I appreciate about Tina is that she is supportive and respectful of my personal taste and inspiration. She is also honest (and kind) about telling me what is working and what isn’t. It isn’t a matter of “her way or the highway”, I trust her judgement. We are both petite in stature, but with different proportions and body shapes. I also feel I can be honest with her as well. These valued components of our relationship are what seem to make our now two sewing get-togethers successful.

When we weren’t fitting, tweaking muslins and patterns, sharing YouTube tutorials etc.. we enjoyed several tasty meals complete with long conversations about what’s going on in the world, our families and what we’re observing about this particular stage in our lives. We also made time to clear our heads by walking out on the pier, along the boardwalk or exploring the little shops in nearby Capitola where our hotel was located.

On our last day we visited Hart’s fabric store in Santa Cruz which was nothing short of WONDERFUL! From the hartsfabric.com website: “Buy fabric from people who actually sew.” This description was immediately obvious not only by the online fabric selection choices found on their website, but also the minute I set foot into the Hart’s “bricks and mortar” premises. It was my first time there and was astounded by how much beautiful fabric there was to see, touch and feel. One side of the store is devoted to upholstery, home dec and notions. The other side is organized for apparel and quilting fabric. I was amazed to discover one wall near the cutting tables featured a large selection of Liberty of London fabrics. A definite “kid in a candy store” moment for me.

Tina and I are already planning our next meet-up, this time in the Bay Area where Britex Fabrics in Union Square, San Francisco will be the main event. More posts on that trip to follow.