Weekend Reading: learning new crafts, travel wardrobes, and a new pattern coming soon!

I’m taking a ceramics class right now. Exploring a new craft is always an adventure.

I love trying new things, but no matter how much I enjoy the experience, they really have to be pretty special to make their way into my list of hobbies. Not because I don’t like them or want to keep at it, but because I can only do so much.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that saying yes to anything means setting something else aside.

But this class has made me wish I had permanent access to a kiln and a wheel.

The parallels to sewing are numerous. There’s the physical similarity of controlling the speed of the wheel with a foot petal while trying to manipulate something with your hands. There’s the need for coordination and a reliance on muscle memory that takes a fair amount of practice.

But mostly, there’s the serene feeling of being completely immersed in the act of making. There’s no room for other thoughts as you concentrate on moving your hand just so.

I’ve needed that serenity this week. And rather than feeling that it’s something I want to do instead of sewing, it’s made me even more excited about the sewing I get to do this rainy weekend.

I hope you all have a lovely one, and enjoy these links I’ve found:

• I love Mimi’s bold striped Hazel!

• This one has been making the rounds. The inimitable Meryl Streep on beauty.

• Find the part of yourself that’s done it a thousand times before.
  

• Here’s how you can use a serger to help out with French seams.

• So in love with Karen Walker’s resort collection. Kitties!

• I’ve started compiling a list of my favorite American-made clothing brands. This women’s denim is new to me and so cute. And I’m loving Solanah’s blog on the topic of American manufactured clothing!

• How to build a versatile travel wardrobe. For your knitcation perhaps? Don’t forget to enter the contest this weekend!

PS: I’m working on some fun ideas for the launch of our next pattern in a couple weeks! I’m planning to set up a pre-order list like we did last time, but this time everyone on the list will be first to get a look at the pattern, before the general public. We’ll see how it goes!