I’ve been tagged by the lovely Jade to do the crafty meme. Go check out Jade’s fun answers to this meme, then come back here so I can put you to sleep!
1. When did you start to create and make craft?
I learned how to do most of the things I love to do when I was a little girl. Embroidery was probably first at around age 7 or 8. Then, I probably learned how to sew, knit and crochet when I was between 8 and 11 or 12. MeMum gets all the credit for my sewing skills — she has the patience of a saint!
I remember the first little article of clothing I ever made — it was a little wrap-around dress. Does anybody remember those? It was the perfect project for a beginning sewer — cut out a dress front, dress back, then two side pieces that were really more like 1/3 of a front and 1/3 of a back. Then sew the side-back to the front, the front to the back, then the back to the side-front. It made one long piece with three armholes. Then put bias binding around all the raw edges — that’s it! No set in sleeves, pockets, zippers, or anything complicated. When you put it on, you would put your left arm through the 1st armhole, your right arm through the 2nd armhole, and your left arm through the third armhole. The dress overlapped on the left arm. It’s really hard to explain but it was cute and spelled instant success for an impatient little seamstress. And was I ever impatient! There were many ripped out zippers and seams accompanied by SCA-reaming fits in the early days. Practice makes perfect though, and nowadays, ripping out is a breeze with nary a tear! I dabbled in lots of other crafy things back then too — anyone remember raffia flowers done on the little looms? Or the big tissue paper flowers that Martha has taken to the bank these days?
I also learned several things from my aunt when we would visit her. She taught my cousins and I decopage and gold leafing. And for my 14th birthday, she gave me a cake decorating set that I still use today. She taught me the basics of decorating cakes. Tole painting came when I was in college, smocking was shortly before the birth of TheFirstChild, and quilting while I was on maternity leave with TheSecondChild.
2. Why did you start creating?
I have no idea. Maybe because I was bored? Probably because I had a very talented mother and aunt who were so willing to teach me whatever I wanted to learn. We moved a lot when I was growing up, so I was the loner type of kid. My sewing machine was my friend! It’s not as dismal as it sounds — there were friends here and there, but really, I was happier when I was making something. Making new friends every few years was a lot of work — sewing was much easier! And now, the irony of it all is, that all this crafty stuff has made the best friendships possible! I have non-crafty friends, but it’s not quite the same — I think you all know just what I mean.
3. Why do you create?
I think I’m obsessed. Or maybe that’s possessed (it is that haunting time of year after all.) I really can’t imagine a life without making stuff. Sometimes I wonder what my non-crafty friends who don’t really have any hobbies do all day. And they probably wonder why I can’t stop making “that crap”! But, I really enjoy it and I can’t stop. It drives TheManoftheHouse crazy that I can’t just sit and watch TV without something in my hands. But, after almost 30 years, I think he’s finally giving up.
4. What do you create?
I make mostly clothes and bags and gifts that can be sewn. And I knit here and there and make an occasional quilt or papercraft..
5. Has this changed since you began crafting?
Nope. When I was growing up most of my time was spent sewing. I would knit and crochet and do other things, but not as much. That’s still the way it is today.
The pictures are a few Halloween things around here. I took the first picture this afternoon around 4:00. The sky was so dark and brooding, the picture doesn’t really do it justice.
Hope you’re having a good weekend!
XOXO,
Anna
Edited to add: Oops! I forgot to tag someone for this meme — how ’bout the first three commenters (not counting Nicollette, who has already been tagged) — so that means Lucy, Connie and Sarah! I’m really interested to read their answers!
Hi Leanne, how wonderful to read! I love the 3 armhole dress-story, can’t imagine what it looks like though! I have to do my list as I was tagged by Sarah… I’m still looking for some photos to add to the post. I’t fun to think about the why and how and to remember what you did in the past, don’t you think?
That was a cool list Anna – really interesting. I agree that crafting is definitely a compulsion/possession type thing. I get really antsy if I haven’t made anything for a while! Lucy x
Terrific post – loved reading it. Great photos too. Your obsession is one shared by so many of us quilters & we “get it”.
Actually I think the dark sky makes the trees even more lovely.
I am with you on number 3. Sitting and not doing anything drives me a bit crazy after awhile.
Did you make that banner? Very cool.
Very interesting reading – I always love to know more about what people like to do, and why they feel compelled to do so…
And your Halloweeny goodness? Oh my!
Wonderful post – thank you for sharing your start and why you continue!
So interesting Anna, thank you for sharing some of your history. I do agree with you, I also cannot sit and watch TV without something to do. As for those halloween decs – wow! I love the mantlepiece arrangement – you could do a whole post on that!
Sandra.x.
That’s fun to read about!
Love all the halloween decs!
That was an interesting meme post, Anna! It’s true…my non-crafty friends don’t get it, but they do appreciate it when they get presents from me. I too wonder what they do all day. Possession is definitely a great word to describe it. We craft to live!
I had a feeling that you were possessed!!! Lovely photos and jolly interesting too!!!!!
Kim x
You see now I really want to get back to making crafty things right now – and to decorate for Halloween too! You are a (bad? good?) influence…
Anna, you have such wonderful ideas. Love all of your stuff. Anna also has the patience of a Saint, she has walked, talked and dragged me through making my first pair of socks. Love ya!
I loved reading this meme. It was like you were being interviewed… by the Martha. I do remember those funny wrap around dresses. Do you remember the Lady and the Tramp skirts that were gored? You bought them printed on the fabric, cut them out, and sewed them together. I love your photo of the Haunted House scene. Is that Department 56?
Halloween Hugs,
Joni-the-Witch
I enjoyed reading your post. Yes, I know just what you mean about non crafty friends. They just don’t get it and can’t appreciate the desire to spend time making things. Love your Halloween goodies :)
I enjoyed this post Anna! Loved all your pics, & the wonderful trees with the dark sky look great.
Whew, finally got that meme up! Thanks for the tag.