Handmade Inspiration with Gussy Sews!

As you know, I'm excited to be taking a part of the inspiration workshop with Gussy!

This week we are loving everything handmade!

Gussy asked:

"Do you have a favorite blanket that your grandmother knitted for you? Does your child play with a HANDMADE toy? What about that construction paper and macaroni creation on your refrigerator? What do you make or want to make?"

My inspiration:

I remember seeing the movie "Stepmom" for the first time and instantly falling in love with it. And while I can honestly say, I've never had a loving connection with a "stepmother" figure, I certainly am lucky enough to have a wonderful mother.

In the movie, Susan Sarandon's character, Jackie, is diagnosed with terminal cancer and gives her daughter, Anna, a quilt that represents very significant times in her life. Included on Anna's quilt are pieces of fabric from a dress she refused to take off as a child, footprints from when she first walked, fabric from her mother's wedding dress, etc.

(photo from Google)

This is one of my favorite parts in the movie and I remember saying to my mom, "wow that is so special". Unfortunately for me my mom cannot sew, what-so-ever. BUT, she did remember this unique idea and surprised me with a quilt for Christmas that year. Even now, this quilt holds a special place in my heart and I think of her whenever I use it. Thanks mom!

For this workshop, I wanted to focus on handmade quilts. I know that I want to learn how to make one and keep it as a keepsake. Before she passed, my great-grandmother (Nan) told me she would teach me how to make one. Sadly that day never came but I want to uphold the tradition of something we could have done together.

Here are some pictures that are inspirational to me and make me swoon:

(Pottery Barn-where mom bought my quilt)

(a BEAUTIFUL bedroom from shabby chic)

...and by the way, if you haven't signed up for Gussy's workshop, you're really missing out! Join us and inspire us!

Inspiration Workshop with Gussy!!

As many of you know, I have joined the handmade community, particularly etsy. I was given a sewing machine for my birthday from my Mom-Mom and I really needed some inspiration to get this great big project started. I felt lost, overwhelmed. I honestly had no idea where to begin. The wonderful blogging community introduced me to Gussy and I will forever be grateful for that!

I ordered to items from Gussy when she was just starting out as a small business owner (she was able to increase her business so much that she quit her day job to create her beautiful bags full time!). Gussy suggested going to the library and checking out one of her favorite books on sewing called "Bend the Rules Sewing". Thank you Gussy, that made ALL the difference! Not only was I inspired but I was uplifted. I couldn't wait to get started!

I have now practiced, ripped apart, started over and managed to master the art of sewing! Hooray! I sell more product in person than I do online but I intend to increase my online sales as well in the near future. You will see more advertising from me as time goes on! Thank you for all of your support!

Gussy has opened her heart to her fans and fellow bloggers/crafters. She is starting a workshop starting on Thursday, June 2nd. She will send out a prompt on Fridays for you to elaborate on. You will post your responses on your blog and link up so that you can inspire others! What a great idea Gus!

I am really looking forward to this, especially because I believe that two heads are better than one and I love chatting with others who love to sew as much as I do!

Go visit her to sign up!