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Gratitude
Gratitude is underrated. Did you know that there are many studies linking feelings of gratitude to overall happiness and well-being?
Today is Thanksgiving in the US, so I thought I would take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone who reads this blog, sews with our patterns, posts pictures, leaves positive comments, emails sweet thoughts, or otherwise takes the time to show their friendship and support. It might not seem like much, but I don’t think I could do it without all of your encouragement.
Last night, I was totally exhausted, lying on the couch and bemoaning all the work I have piling up. In a fit of self-pity, I asked Kenn, “Why am I doing all of this?”
He replied, “Because you want to contribute something to the craft of sewing.” And you know what? He is totally right. I don’t do this because I hope to get rich (ha!) or famous like Martha (double ha!). I know that that is not what will make me happy. Actually, I think striving for those things would make me much less happy.
But I do want a sense of accomplishment, and I do want to feel like I am helping people in some way. I want to feel connected to a craft that I love, and have some part in it. It is only through you guys that I achieve that. So thank you.
I am so grateful to be running this company that I love. I’m grateful to work with good friends, including my husband (the world’s most supportive partner) and Caitlin. I’m grateful that my job entails things like fabric shopping in the middle of the day. That I can take breaks with Caitlin to collect wildflowers outside (see above) or pet kittens at The Pixie Project. That I have a lovely studio to work in. That my family is proud of me. That I was able to write a book.
Thank you for giving me all of this, my sewing friends.
Comments
dibs
November 24, 2011 #
And thank you too, for doing all that you are doing, and giving us an opportunity to learn, and be part of something beautiful.
Ronniie
November 24, 2011 #
Sarai, thank you for a very touching post.
Everyday I am grateful for all that I have and feel that is what keeps me grounded/sane in this world.
I just wanted to say thankyou for the wonderful book you have written – fantastic for a beginner sewer like myself. I look forward to making everything in your book.
Kat
November 24, 2011 #
You totally have contributed to the sewing world! For myself, you quenched a little of my rage at pattern companies because you make your super-cute patterns up to my size, and the bust *nearly* fits already, so there’s only a small adjustment needed ( which is less daunting to me as a newbie than a 5″ addition!)
You also showed me what instructions could be like — and made me feel like some of my early stumbles with sewing had less to do with me and more to do with a failure of usability among the big pattern co’s.
Thank YOU!
Simone
November 24, 2011 #
Thank YOU, for your work and those lovely patterns. Without them, I think I would have to be almost naked every day – or feeling not half so comfortable, cute, self-confident and feminine as I do when wearing a dress made from your patterns.
Clare
November 24, 2011 #
Thank you too – I really appreciate that it would probably be far simpler for you to make money working for someone else but the fact you’ve invested such a huge amount of time and energy into your own business means that we’ve all had the enjoyment and satisfaction of sewing with your patterns. Not to mention the website etc..!
Beverly
November 24, 2011 #
We give what we get from you – gorgeous patterns, a partner with a love of the craft of sewing, fabrics, etc., etc. We share a love for sewing together and we wouldn’t trade it for the world. Thank you!
Kerry
November 24, 2011 #
I really do feel that karma exists in some extent – you contribute a lot to the world of sewing so you deserve to feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in return. I’m pleased to hear that you do!
My sewing skills have certainly benefited from a lot from the great information you have on this site and I am very happy to be able to support you, as an independent business. On a personal level I also try my best to be grateful for all the things I have too – so important to keep everything in life in persepctive!
In general, I think the online sewing community is such a supportive one and it’s so nice to be part of it, getting words of encouragement from people living on the other side of the world who you’ll probably never meet.
coffeeaddict
November 24, 2011 #
There is no secret recipe for happiness. But a helpful tip: happiness can’t be found by constantly observing what others are doing and trying to follow suit.
Francesca
November 24, 2011 #
You are always so sweet. No wonder your creations are so lovely. I am not American, so Thanksgiving is not a feast for me – but I appreciate what you are saying and am really glad that you get a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from what you do. I myself am continually grateful for your fab designs, am over the moon with your book, and find yours the greatest site for tips and tutorials – as well as having the best free pattern on the web (Sorbetto) – I am constantly passing your site on to people, and praising your patterns – partly because they are so good, and partly out of egotism – I want you to do well so you will continue designing your “Make-me-now” patterns for us!
Rita Hephner
November 24, 2011 #
Thank you. What a lovely blog. It is nice that you have someone to remind you of what you know but sometimes temporarily “forget” as you get wrapped up in the daily routine.
I love your postings.
Vicki Kate
November 24, 2011 #
I second everyone above! Thank you for everything you’ve done, and I’m sure will keep doing. I hope you, Caitlin and the rest of your team and family have a lovely Thanks Giving.
Sally
November 24, 2011 #
Thank you Sarai and Caitlin! You have no idea how much your patterns inspire me, and all your tips/tutorials help me to get out of my “sewers block” when I get stuck on something! I’m so glad I discovered your patterns this year! Happy Thanksgiving!
Robin
November 24, 2011 #
You are making a huge contribution to the craft of sewing! I so admire your entrepreneurial skills. And your new book is lovely. I will buy more copies to give as gifts to my teenaged nieces. Both are starting to sew and they need you and all the others jumping in to lead the way.
Steffie
November 24, 2011 #
Well, then! If contributing to the craft of sewing and helping people is your goal, mission accomplished, Sarai! :) I can’t tell you how much I appreciate Colette Patterns and all the hard work you put in. Your tutorials and wonderful patterns have helped me grow and learn by leaps and bounds. You’re a very gifted teacher, even when it’s not face-to-face or in real time – that is a VERY special skill.
I’ve been meaning to take pics of my finally finished Rooibos. It’s probably the one thing I’ve made of which I’m the most proud. My mother called “dibs” on getting me your book for Xmas (otherwise, I would’ve preordered myself and gotten it ages ago) and auuuuugh, I can’t WAIT to read it! I know it’s going to be one of my most valued sewing books.
Tiphaine
November 24, 2011 #
and thank you just to be truthfull to you and therefore to us.
Lauren
November 24, 2011 #
THANK YOU for your contribution to the sewing community. i don’t think we would have nearly as much enthusiasm for sewing and all the fine finishing work that goes with it, without your patterns & blog & individual input. following this blog & pattern line has really changed the way i sew – from “just making stuff” to “making garments that fit & are beautiful on the inside as well as the outside.” that’s all because of you. as far as the sewing world is concerned, you & colette patterns are #1 in what i’m thankful for :)
Amanda
November 24, 2011 #
I can totally understand those feelings of exhaustion – when you are creative and pour your heart and soul into what you do on a daily basis, it leaves you drained at times.
Please know that you are an inspiration to me, and to many others around you, and that you have made, and continue to make, an amazing contribution to the world of sewing – your philosophy is one that myself, and many others share.
Keep doing what you do – we love you for it :)
Graca
November 24, 2011 #
What a lovely post… and Happy Thanksgiving (here in Canada we celebrated last month). Thank you for such beautiful patterns. I love my Sencha blouse, I just have to lose some weight around my mid-section (no pumpkin pie for me) or alter the pattern so I can have those lovely tucks from the hem. And thank you for the tutorials that have been posted.
Amy
November 24, 2011 #
Happy Thanksgiving, Sarai. You are a revolutionary and deserve an immense amount of gratitude right back at you. Enjoy your holiday today!
Treesah
November 24, 2011 #
I love Thanksgiving, and the observance of a day to simply reflect on all our gifts. You, Sarai and Caitlin, have been a gift to me. I am a sewist of–what I used to think was–a lost generation. As a child of the seventies and the women’s movement suggesting a rejection of all things domestic, I whiled away many years bored at the office and remained a ‘closet’ sewist. Until recently. Thanks to you and the inspiration of many other young, vibrant and prolific sewists, sewing is cool again. Your modern, current spin on classic style are an inspiration to all. I have been blessed with a talent I am proud of and passionate for and am once again eager to shout, “My name is Theresa Webster and I LOVE to sew!”
Hana – Marmota
November 24, 2011 #
From me: Thank you for running this blog, and featuring so many wonderful tutorials. For spreading your beautiful retro aesthetics.
Dentelline
November 24, 2011 #
Happy Thanksgiving!
Very good work Sarai!
You’re formidable and keep on creating beautiful things!
Have a great evening!
Tracy McElfresh
November 24, 2011 #
Totally Awesome!!! Love it~Tracy
Jeanne
November 24, 2011 #
Here, here! I wish I could express myself so eloquently… we’re all lucky to have someone as generous and committed as you are – Thank YOU!
Shelley
November 24, 2011 #
Thankyou Sarai for sharing your passion for craft, fashion and all things handmade. I love that you strive for and appreciate the little details that make handmade things so special. I read your blog and refer to your tutorials constantly, as they help me in my role as a high school sewing teacher here in Australia. I am constantly learning and striving to develop my own sewing techniques to equip myself better when my students need help with their work. Although we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving here in Oz, everyday brings things to be grateful for! So, thankyou for all that you share with us.
Leah
November 25, 2011 #
Thank YOU, Sarai and Caitlin. You are both constant inspirations. You, along with the rest of this amazing online sewing community, have opened up a whole new world for me. Two years ago I didn’t know how to use a sewing machine. Now I dream in fabrics, I make most of my clothing, I buy vintage patterns, I am in love with my Brother machine and I can’t remember what it was like to not be thinking about grainlines and hems and seam finishes and zippers. It’s totally changed the way I think about clothing, my body, the fashion industry and my own creative abilities. Your patterns and your blog have become a hub of creativity and sharing, and I’m very grateful for that. Thank you.
emily rose
November 25, 2011 #
You are awesome, Sarai and Caitlin! I’m thankful that you are making a difference in the sewing world with your beautiful patterns. You’ve inspired me to want to take my own creations to the next level. Your patterns make me want to sew every day!
I feel like a nerd that I practically CRIED when meeting you at the party last thursday, but seeing you in your beautiful dress with your books at your party made me very emotional. I love that you love what you do. Please do it for a long time!
Angelina
November 25, 2011 #
You’re so sweet. I think you are definitely contributing the the craft of sewing in a big way. Thanks for giving me so much inspiration and encouragement. Because of you and a couple of other bloggers and pattern makers out there I really feel like I can make clothes that I want to wear! I don’t know if I would have gotten the nerve to try anything other than quilting if not for y’all. I always felt like if I made a wonky seam in a quilt it would add character, but if I made a wonky seam in a bodice it would be a disaster! Now I know I just need to take my time and not to sweat the small stuff too much!
Jenny
November 27, 2011 #
Sarai, your passion shines through and I think that’s what’s amazing about your patterns, your blog and other things you give us. I’m always inspired by something when I stop by this place, so THANK YOU!
Kristen
November 29, 2011 #
Hi,
Your book is wonderful!!! I spent one day this Thanksgiving weekend (carefully planned between social obligations, work deadlines and getting all those leaves raked for the last pickup of the season) making the Meringue skirt – lovely, easy, beautiful pattern. I see several in my future. I am an advanced sewer, and your book has tips for all levels (heck, it is worth it just for the patterns…)..Thank you for your work on behalf of seamstressess everywhere!!!
Kristen
Melissa
November 29, 2011 #
Thanks for this post. I think it really shows who you are and what you are going for, which is very admirable. I am a fairly new sewer and have only commented on here a couple of times and even have yet to sew one of your patterns, but your whole approach to your craft has really inspired me and helped me believe I can create beautiful things I can feel good in and good about. I hope to be able to contribute some good photos of finished projects soon! I have ordered some patterns and have been reading your book and it has been filling in some holes for me and connecting some dots about why I feel so strongly about sewing and creating clothing, something which can seem unimportant or a waste of time. So, thank you for all you do and for taking a risk that has enriched and will continue to enrich a lot of lives.