story teller

The windows are open since this morning. It feels so so so fresh and nice just to have the windows open. The apartment just smells so spring today! Although the air feels damp and I need to bring the dehumidifier to the studio and give it a few hours run. It always helps to bring down the extra humidity the fabrics actually need. I have been working on these A sidewalk pouches last few days. It is such a perfect pouch to work with during the oddly schedule week. I was able to pick up and leave stitches as I go.  I love added extra leather pull on them this time! It makes them triple sweet! :)

It is always nice around this time of the year that things are less busy and we are so ready for spring to come. Perhaps this long winter has just been too long for us; living in a small space and trying to stretch out, sometimes it does feel intense.  I've gone through storage room twice and put together few bags for donations and next would be the kitchen. Less is more! Perhaps living in a small space isn't too bad after all. We really have been paying more attentions to what we bring home and how we live with limited storage and space now. Sometimes, I think of the garage that I used to have where boxes lived and roller skates stay.

It's been a long week for me! Maybe it is the daylight saving that effects my sleeping hour. But I am loving that extra one hour daylight before the dark arrives. That extra hour daylight just enough to finish last row of hand quilting before the night kicks in.  Getting back to studio and being productive feels so great! Picking up the routine is probably the most challenge these days. There are interruptions, there are downtimes, and there are endless life events, but these are good to have around, so it makes life run!

This week, I met with my friend in Central Park for a good walk and talk. I shared with her how I have felt that I might have rush through my last 10 years. I have never though about it until I talked about it.  I looked back the last 10 years. It felt so quick and so long at the same time. I was feeling so sick in my mid-30's right after graduate school; it was a sense of lost direction. That soon brought me into depression where life was really hard to face and things were moving slowly. It took some time to gain that energy and optimistic back. I am thankful to the family supports and friendships that I received and brought me back on track again.

I think it is alright to say that I wasn't all that happy and felt accomplished in my 30's. It was a try and fail time for me.  I feel I was running against with the air and trying to catch up the next freshest air if I could! I know that sound so oddly I said that, but I think I was afraid that I miss something! and I was a younger mother, had more energy. I've always prepared and ready to get going! I know, so tiring! 

Look back the graduate school time, there were so little sleep time! I've always curious and adventure about life and always felt lonely because I didn't really know where to ask for advises and take a break.  It was stubborn and challenge!  Friends would  look at me and said that I was so brave and so strong, but I think I was pretending that I was able for all! I had more edges than I though I might! It takes time to let that edges smooth out some and gain some wise strings. Now, I don't really remember how in the world that I made it through the grad school and watched my solo exhibition went up and took down! Packed everything and moved again! 

When I really learn to slow down with myself was probably the end of 2017 where everything was falling into the place and the contentment of settling down in east coast finally arrived. I spend my commute time reading news and books,even listening to some musics that I like. I never really have the time to pick up these readings for myself last 10 years. It feels fulfilling that I am actually knowing the news around and reading books; sometimes, I tear for the stories. how silly is that?

Now I feel comfortable telling myself that it is alright to be in bed at 9 because my body really needs to just be there! It is alright to tell everyone that I am tired, so they can do the dishes and pick up the laundry when it's done. It is right I don't need to be the last one in bed anymore because I am always the first one now. Yes, how nice!  I can't really follow up with my teen these days because she has her little something that she likes to be alone. 

I really love where I am now! I learn more about myself and knowing how to be with myself. I know that I am still not really satisfy with my career, but I know it will take the right placement and time to come. I'll still need to push myself more on that.  I need to balance the rush and slow me all together, so I am not outweigh any of two. The life pattern that I am follow these days is generous and gentle. It allows me to be slow down and really take a step a time.

And maybe without last rush through 10 years, I wouldn't be where I am now! I am thankful to be here! Yes, last fall I turned 40 and really, it feels a sense of calm and mature. I plan to take steady steps for the next 10 years. I might not be here 10 years later, but surely I am here now!

Weekend celebration!

What a week! So much goodness throughout the week and so much to capture! I am just freshly entering the second day of last year in the 30's. All I really wanted was a day hanging out with my little family somewhere that's fun and time together. 

We got off the train 7 then waited for F train to come, so we can get on the Tramway in Roosevelt Island. It is such a beautiful part of the city! I just love seeing the city from a high and above distance and slowly approach to the city and watching all these buildings. All the sudden everything is bigger and taller! If it wasn't a gloomy day, the sun would shine over the buildings and that brings out all the characteristic of each. 

For the first time, we stopped a fancy candy store and I had pick up a milk chocolate pop as the first gift then two streets down I went got my second gift,  a bag of roasted almond nuts. The gentleman said two for five, but I said, oh boy! I really need one today, but thanks!  Quickly I had to have some right away then tucked away the half bag in my backpack (save them for later).  

The city was busy as always! The central park is just gorgeous around this time of the year! Endless tourists, visitors, city people and us! For the first time, I stopped by these poster vendors off the street. I really didn't think I want anything, but then all these small reprinted posters caught my eyes. I gave it a careful look, then I thought I'd better pick up third gift. The vendor told me, today is 4 for five! Oh! That is fantastic! I was so lucky found a little quilt and pillow store poster! Then the little ice cream truck was just behind the quilt poster. I have to have that, too! 

This year, I didn't really want to buy or make a full cake, after the walk, we stopped by the Plaza, just around the corner of Central Park. I ordered two slices of cake! It was delicious and really tasty! All I want just slices of cake then by the end of the day when we got home, I totally forgot about the candles (whoops!) 

As we walked down the fifth avenue, we ran into five gorgeous weddings and watched the bride walked down the aisle in the church where I like to stopped by. As I walked out the church, there was another bride on the street and another one cross the street by the public library. It must be a special Fall day for these Fall weddings! 

Our last stop is Muji store, have you been? I just love that store! I pick out my fourth gift, a black fine pen. I love how the pen writes. I would like to bring the whole place home, but I think that would be too greedy and I probably don't really need all that much.  

Then we had to walked around the Bryan Park; another my favorite spot in the city. There are many constructions up now to get ready for the upcoming holidays. Oh, I love how all the lights up during the holiday season.  That was a lot of walk for me and I had wrong shoes on; glad  the train come quicker than usual, best of that were some seating to rest the feet (oh boy!) 

My dear friends have sent me goodness over the week. New yarns, fabrics, new knitting toys, cards, and sweet treats! I am quiet spoiled by these and smitten by all the texts and calls yesterday! So much that I wanted to remember and write down before all the moment memories fade away. 

Oh boy, 39! I am officially towards the end of my 30's! I didn't really think of this year would come so soon! That means a lot of reflections and journey have taken on! I didn't really like being in my 30's. The first few years in the 30's was vulnerable, but I think I managed survived!  Then the mid 30's was the most challenging time ( I say terrible)! I had letting the depression taken away myself. That was the time, I push away good friendships and hid myself in a hole, so no one can see me. I've tried to get better, but it was hard and I had no idea how to be positive again! Life suddenly went into a dark hole and that had affected the personality and the way how to associate and connect with people and I was very lonely!  It did take a good 3 years to gain that confidence back and endless efforts to walk up to people again! Be open and be excited about life ventures again! 

There are handful of people out here and there have encouraged and supported this long dark emotional journey! It wasn't all that easy, but it is slowly turning me back to a better soul again! and boy! I didn't even like myself, so that was most terrible thing ever! 

Now, 39! I might like it a bit more than last 8 years! I seemed to find that rhythm in life and learning more about myself! I see why I was sad and discouraged from the lessons that I ran into and challenges life gave me. It is not easy, but it does only take a step a day! And it is alright to tear up some and that doesn't mean weak! 

It would be my goal to live honestly daily now! Honest the day with good and bad, honest the friendships from beginning to the end, honest the time being a mama, honest of being who I am!

It would be the one to keep on going now! 

And now, it would be hard to say life is perfect because it is not! I am looking into life in a way that how could I give in before others take their parts. I'd be try harder and not easy to give up! That will help me go on and keep things up and running! I learned that if I keep trying and daring on not fear to fail, then things will eventually fall into their place.   

Oh, so much to say when being older! 

p.s. My first sock failed as I tried to pick up the side stitches! I'll give it a try again! It was a bit crazy working with 5 needles at the time and who knows that would be such a fun project. 

p.s.. The basket wave cowl is off needles! I love how all the waves come together! I just am excited about this cowl; so soft and the color is just lovely! This is ready to post, but have to wait till December! 

p.s... Another honey cowl is on needles! It went quicker this time because I've remember the pattern by now! I'll be knitting up another honey cowl after this one, so good excuse for some new yarn ordering! 

p.s.... The fifth gift was two new indoor plants, so I can run a green house here (yup!) Once I have a fully set up green house, you are so welcome to come to sit and have tea ( smile)! 

p.s..... Thank you for checking out all the patterns this week! I truly hope you love these patterns! I've enjoy writing them this year and will keep them coming! 

more later... 

A Sidewalk Pouch Sewing Pattern+ Sewing Kits

Hello! Today I am excited to introduce my newest pattern {A Sidewalk Pouch} and limited sewing kits. Also share the story of the pattern and ideas with you.  

Many moons back as a new sewer. I first learned to sew by two hands; a single needle and a spool of thread. I wasn't sure if it was just a fun sewing course for me to passing time or something I'd felt in love with, and you all know that I felt big LOVE with patchwork many moons later.  I vivid remember the patchwork course I took was offered in four lessons (one month) and it was during hot summer month; one day a week and I could pick any day of the week and time, afternoon only.  

During sewing lessons, I learned to draft my own patterns and edited as I made mock ups and designs.  While the teacher was available at the time, I was able to ask questions and make improvements. {A Sidewalk Pouch} was the first few patterns that I learned to draft and sew. It didn't have a name at the time, it was a {pouch}.  

Over the years, I have used this pattern over and over and love the patchwork edition the most and have made many, many. This is a tiny pouch, just about a hand palm size and it fits just perfect on the side of any totes. So, {A Sidewalk Pouch} is just a perfect name for it. 

{A Sidewalk Pouch} was originally designed for fully hand sewing only, but over the time I have 

modified the pattern with partly hand sewing and partly machine stitching. This pouch making is for someone with zero sewing skills, just like how I started it. I'd say this pattern is a skill builder pouch that allows the maker to do simple patchworking, learn how to attach bias binding and learn to hand installing the zipper. 

It seemed and sounded scary installing zipper by hands, but it is not! Within this pattern, there are step by step photos to walk you through each sewing step. There are clear illustrations to guild you through the how to make the pouch and tips along.  

{A Sidewalk Pouch Pattern} is one of a kind sewing pattern that allows more hands on sewing experiences and learn to sew in a traditional method. This pouch is perfect for sewing for swaps, gifts, and I have use it for store my USB drives, sewing foots, small spool of threads, and perfect for small storage pouch. You'll LOVE it!! 

{A Sidewalk Pouch Sewing Pattern} 

- The pattern comes with 23 pages in PDF formate. 

- The pattern supported with colored photos and hand drawn illustration to guild through the process. 

- It is perfect for small scraps project. 

- There are two patchwork sizes for the patchwork panels. 

  a. Penny Patchwork, finished 1" square

  b. Tiny   Patchwork , finished 0.75" square 

- The pouch finished at 4"x5"x1", on fold. 

If you love to make this pouch, you can find the pattern via my {Etsy Shop} and {Craftsy Store}. 

I have also prepared limited {sewing kits} to purchase. I have curated prints for each kits to be one of a kind. These are versatile prints that have been collected over the time and are truly special. Once the sewing kits are sold out will not be restock as I like to keep them limited and special. 

Oakland Gardens-
Curated varies pinks, corals, burgundy for this kit. The yellow added nice contrast within this warm color palette.  To finish the pouch, selected the brown and white gingham as binding print and gives a elegant touch.

Sewing Kits are available {here}    Sold Out

Poppy Seeds- 

Curated varies yellows, mustard yellows, daffodil yellows, lemon yellows, etc for this kit. The floral brown print give a nice contrast within this cheerful color palette.  To finish the pouch, selected the floral brown gingham as binding print that added fresh and classic look. 

Sewing Kits are available {here}

Ocean Wave- 

Curated varies blues, aqua, small floral prints, whimsical prints, and Robin egg blue, etc for this kit.  To finish the pouch, selected the fine charcoal gingham as binding print that gives a delight finish. 

Sewing Kits are available {here}

Coney Island-

Curated with versatile prints that reminded me so much of cotton candy. This mixed and matched print pouch is so playful. To finish the pouch, selected fine linen cloth for the binding to finish up the sweet look. 

Sewing Kits are available {here}  Sold Out

Bear M.  (In Tiny patchwork style). This patchwork panel square finished 0.75" square.

Selected a wide range of yellows, browns, tans for this kit. I have only prepared one Bear M. sewing kit as it is unlike my patchwork with versatile prints selection and using varies colors/ prints for patchwork making. I love how simple and elegant this pouch turn out in using varies color range.

Sewing Kits are available {here}  Sold Out

Green Hopper  (In Tiny patchwork style). This patchwork panel square finished 0.75" square.

Selected a wide range of greens, yellows, and pink for this kit. I have only prepared one Green Hopper sewing kit as it is unlike my patchwork with versatile prints selection and using varies colors/ prints for patchwork making. I love how simple, fresh, and almost pixel like of this pouch turn out in using varies color range.

Sewing Kits are available {here} Sold out

{More Sewing Kits talk...}

{A Sidewalk Pouch Sewing Kit} comes with everything you will need to make one pouch.
It comes with...

-  40 assorted square prints for making Penny Patchwork panel/ 84 assorted square prints for making Tiny patchwork panel
- a zakka style zipper
- 35" length long bias binding
- 5"x12" Pellon 987F Fusible Fleec
- one fat sixteenth (9"x11") fabric (lining)


Thank you again for reading through {A Sidewalk Pouch Sewing Pattern} review post.

Enjoy,

xxc

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