31 August 2012

Weapons of Mass Construction

I thought I'd show you the room where it all happens.  Usually referred to as the Sewing Cave, this is where I work away at my creations.  I have a great view of the back yard, complete with bush, a stream with a taniwha (large long fin eel), ducks and other avian friends and of course two dogs and two cats.



All the fabric and tools I need are here.  It gets pretty messy.  I'm trying hard to tidy as I go but it's hard to break the habits of a lifetime.  I wish it was bigger so I didn't have to do so much work on the ironing board but I really shouldn't complain - in the big scheme of things I am one lucky duck.

 
It's been exciting and scary showing my bags and aprons to people.  I do some volunteer work at Waitakere Adult Literacy and (at their request) I took some items in.  And they loved them and the boss bought a bag!  My first Fancy Nancy sale!  Let's hope it's a sign of things to come.
 
Sometimes though I'm a bit shy about telling people about my work.  It's not that I'm embarrassed of the actual items but I worry that people will judge me as an unintelligent 'housewife' with a silly hobby.
 
I suffer from anxiety that 'craft' work is deemed a bit unimportant or the preserve of those too dumb to do anything more intellectual.
 
I personally know this isn't the case and working with one's hands ("how" knowledge) is not inferior to working with one's brain ("what" knowledge).  But if we use the amount of money people are paid for their skills as an indicator of the worth of those skills then I think sewing is probably seen as fairly insignificant.
 
What do you think?  Should I be worried people will dismiss me as a bit dumb when I tell them about Fancy Nancy?  Should I care even if they do?
 
Next post I'll show you some of the creations that are flying out of the sewing cave.
 

 


29 August 2012

Well Hello there!

Welcome to Fancy Nancy.  This will be a place I can share my sewing adventures and let the world see my sewing creations. 

I've always loved to sew and now my chicks have flown the nest I have the time to indulge myself all day if I choose (and I do).  My wonderful husband works to keep a roof over my head so I can 'play' all day.

Fancy Nancy is the label I've chosen for my bags and aprons that I sew.  Nancy was my Mum and althought she is gone I hope to honour her name while using her sewing machine and button tin to create unique bags and aprons that bring a smile to your face. 

I'll be back with photos of some of the goodies I've been making lately in preparation for my first market day.  I've yet to be accepted (who knew it was hard to get into a market!) but hope to be able to tell you where you can come see me in person soon.