Our team blog Pattern Patter is offering a new free pattern! Make yourself a pair of fabulous mid-century gloves to match your favorite vintage 1950's or 50's outfit. Follow the link for your free pattern.

Have you ever wondered who invented the paper sewing pattern? I certainly have! Check out this awesome post by Mary Beth from Retro Monkeys Vintage Sewing Patterns on our Team Blog,
Pattern Patter.

The History of Paper Sewing Patterns - part one

The History of Paper Sewing Patterns Part Deux


Happy Stitching!

Many of the lovely writers of sewing blogs I read are claiming their 'word' for the year. At first I didn't really understand why. After thinking about it for a few weeks, I think I understand, and I've decided to join them. Unfortunately I don't know who started the trend, so if someone reading this does, I'd love to know. Anyway, my word for the year is Family.  2014 was incredibly sad and painful, but I have to also say that there was an over abundance of love and at times, joy. In the weeks and months after my husband's death, my family and friends rallied around me, showing me what true love really is. They have and still are supporting me on this journey of grief and discovery of my new reality. I have good days and bad days, and there is always someone near to help.  I'll be forever grateful to my children, my family and my dear friends, including the wonderful women on my Pattern Patter team, for being there for me through it all. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all.
In the coming weeks I hope to get myself on track again, with my sewing and my pattern shop. I've been doing some of each but not really applying myself wholeheartedly. I just haven't had the desire to do my best, and have lost the drive to do anything almost as soon as I start. But for my own sanity I have to force myself to return to the things I've always loved to do. I'll be taking baby steps, but that is better than none at all.
I'll leave you with a photo of my greatest joy, my granddaughter Mackensie,

I don’t know how to write this post. I don’t want to write it. But, I am told that writing it out will help me feel better in some way, as if the simple act of putting words to paper will take my pain away. I know it won’t. The pain is too deep and all consuming. Three weeks ago on May 19, my husband passed away. It was not expected. It was a total, utter shock, that has not stopped. Three weeks ago tonight, he simply went to sleep and drifted away from me. He felt no pain, he had no idea what was happening. His heart simply stopped. He was only 59 years old. I still don’t believe it, it is too unreal. But deep inside I know it is real. I know it happened and he is gone from my life forever. I didn’t think I could endure this much pain and continue to survive, to function. But, I am, because I have no other choice. I thank God all of my grown children are here with me, because I don’t want to be alone. But I am alone, in a house full of people, for the first time in twenty years.

The last thing we did together was laugh. I am grateful for that. I take comfort in knowing that our last moments together were joyous. I don’t remember if I told him I loved him that night, or even that day. I hope I did. But I know that he knew I did, just as I know how much he loved me.  That is one of the things I am grateful for. I have always felt secure in his love for me. I never had any cause to doubt it. 

My mind is in turmoil, jumbled with memories and questions. So many questions. Why didn’t I see any signs? Why didn’t I wake up? Could I have done something to save him? Why on that night of all nights had he slept in another room? (he had back trouble and didn’t want to disturb my sleep with his tossing and turning) I’ll never have any answers.

I want so desperately to talk to him. To just be with him.

All I can do is to write here the same thing I said most nights when we went to bed.

Good night honey. I love you.