Reviving the Passion Within

By Laura D. Field of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties – Feb 28, 2017

My new, updated Logo, with many thanks from a dear friend from High School. Thank you Mike!!

It has been awhile since I have really done much posting on Facebook or on my blog, relating to my sewing. It wasn’t that I did not “want” to, but rather I simply was not able to keep up with the demands of running a business and the posts to keep others in the “know” of what was new and exciting for my business. I simply had to retire and shut things down.

Lyme disease has a way of kicking one to the curb, more so within a society where the disease is a very controversial topic. Yet, the lack of energy, brain fog, and pain, among many other symptoms were pulling me quickly away from all that I loved. I’m still fighting this battle, but I’m doing much better. By the time I was diagnosed and obtained appropriate treatment, I wasn’t sure I would ever be sewing again. But, just over two years of treatment, I am finding my way back to the living, and regaining my love for sewing.

For those who follow on Facebook, you have also seen me post some crochet projects. Being a person who simply cannot waste time doing nothing, I was actually going crazy in not being able to sit at the sewing machine or hand stitch delicate stitches. My mind could not focus nor could my body sit at the machine for more than a few minutes. That is when a friend came over and offered to teach me to crochet. I had done it years ago, but I couldn’t get the grasp of it at the time. But, the timing must have been perfect, because I took to it in a way that allowed my hands to keep working, even when I would doze off. Yes, many times my husband would come home from work and see me reclined with crochet hook and yarn in my hands, with my snoozing away.

My hope is that I have progressed enough to carry on and make a difference in the sewing world again. In doing so, I will be making some changes. The major change is that I will not be taking much on for bridal and formal wear, nor suit alterations. When/if I take those projects on, I will be limiting what I take in. In addition, my sewing work will be part-time.

The direction in which I desire to focus my attention will be to provide some limited, non-fitting alteration and mending work. In addition, I will be taking on repair work of home items, such as family quilts and other home goods. But mostly, I will be focusing on custom items created from family clothing, specialty and other textiles, to transform them into heirloom pieces for the family. This will also allow me to continue to work via email/mail with clients who enjoy my work.

I look forward to more Christening outfits made from bridal gowns. These are some of my most treasured pieces to work on, as I get to meet some amazing parents and their sweet infants who they plan to baptize into God’s family. In addition, I can provide quilts from what is left over (from the gowns that still have plenty of fabric and lace remaining) when so desired.

In the coming months, I hope to be sharing some work that incorporates satins, lace, etc. as well as some quilting pieces. These projects are inspired by the romantic side of my personality. I happen to really enjoy historical fibers, linens of old, and the idea of bringing the past into the present.

Already created and highlighted on my Facebook page are some items made from recycle textiles (currently dog toys and catnip toys where so far I have received some great reviews on these products). Some of these items will be donated to a few different shelters/SPCA’s located near where I live while others will be sold to support this venture. As we all know, a business cannot survive on charity alone.

Other recycled textile work will be to incorporate clothing of those who have passed into items of memory for those who so desire. Some of the items I have created: Apron’s from jeans to be worn by children and grandchildren, a quilt from different clothing items, pillows from shirts worn by loved ones, while the list remains endless to what the client requests.

I continue to occasionally get requests for miniature wedding dress replica’s, which I will do. This is an expensive and a long, labor-of-love type project, that I generally prefer to be given plenty of time to work on.

I am keeping my options open, mostly so that my creative side can remain alive. In addition, my time will be spent effectively balancing my love for sewing with my love for writing. I am passionate about health and my reflective, yet creative writing which I incorporate into blogs that I have started and enjoy. Between the sewing, crochet, writing and my family, I have found what brings me joy is that which will help me to continue the healing process.

As much as I would like to do “everything” it is not possible. And although many times I might be able to provide a quick turnaround, I will no longer accept “rush” work nor promise something in an hour. I ask that my military clients plan accordingly for your promotions so that I can continue to provide you with the quality placement of your patches for each step you achieve within our military.

Some very exciting news for my husband and myself, is that we are expecting our first grandchild (a boy), expecting to arrive in late April. We are not pushy in wanting our daughters to have babies before they are ready, but the news when we found out was quite exciting for us. I used to make loads of girl items when our daughters were young, and I am now switching gears a little to think about what unique little boy items I can make. Kind of a sweet little twist of what I was used to, as I focus on something a little more challenging without all the ruffles and bows.

My final goal is to update my web-site, and although this is the most tedious. I am not in the position to hire anyone, so I request that you provide grace and patience as I move forward. I mostly need to do some updating and possibly change the website over to incorporate this blog within it. Sounds simple enough, yet when it is not your passion to do web-design, yet you have this creative vision, it can be quite over-whelming (at least for me).

A recent photo, Feb. 19, 2017 at my daughters baby shower.

Oh, one last note: I rarely answer the phone, although I will return calls from those that leave a message. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to talk with you, but I find that most often I am dealing with telemarketers who I simply do not have time for, and much of what I am being asked by potential clients can be answered more efficiently in an email at a more convenient time. So, please consider sending an email. As in the past, I find that focusing on what is in front of me, versus answering the phone every time it rings, to be most productive. Thank you for understanding.

Looking forward to sharing my creative work with you,

Love, hugs and creative sunshine

~ Laura ~ Putting Thread to Fabric

Laura – Seamstress, blogger, paid Freelance writer

www.reflectivetapestryoflife.com
www.potpourrioflife.com
www.davinadawnsewing.com