A Sewing Treasure

Since it's Labor Day, and our weather is definitely turning toward fall, I thought I'd share a couple of photos of a treasured piece of ephemera. Look at that date: Fall & Winter, 1882-'83.

This pattern book is large: It nearly fills the fold-out leaf of my vintage treadle sewing machine.

After looking at the complex designs included in this antique edition, you won't hear me complain about my own detailed patterns for the Thread West handbag line!

Enjoy the rest of your holiday, and these last bits of summer....

Blazing Trails...

That's my new ride. New to me, anyway. A Trailblazer, which--ironically--echoes my intent a year ago this month when my first-ever blog post was titled "Blazing Trails." It's been a year since I set out on this trail--both blog and designer--and to say that I've been blazing trails is an exaggeration. Due to many, many detours, I've been more like a snail on the freeway than a cowgirl with sights set on the western horizon. Yesterday's post declared near-triumph over my injury, and a partial release to get back to work. Two hours later, the water pump in my little work building gave up the ghost. Two hours! Granted, this kind of stuff happens all the time around here. But, that water pump is only six months old. Mr.E. (aka husband) is checking warranty....
Perhaps the Trailblazer will help create some good vibes for my endeavor. I pick her up today after physical therapy.

Never give up the trail.

It's Been a Long Summer...

I'm one of those people who anticipates the turning of the seasons. Always have been (and I don't always like that about myself). But--and in part as an explanation for my absence--it's been a rough summer. A back injury trumped just about everything. Finally, though, that light at the end of the tunnel is not an oncoming train! After back specialist + injections + physical therapy + completely re-working my workstations, I've been given permission to try sewing again. And, to sit at the computer for longer stints. Still in PT for a few more weeks, which should help, sooooo... (or, in this case, sewwww....)

It's time to dust off the business plan, continue developing handbag patterns + constructing prototypes, and produce some beauties from prototypes that have proven successful!

Happy September!