Crash course

I'm still hard at work, proofreading the backpack pattern instructions while my dear friend Brooke is busy making it all look pretty. Brooke has designed many of Martha Stewart's books as well as both of Joelle's (Joelle's new book is publishing next fall--I can't wait!), and she has fantastic taste. I feel very fortunate to know her and work with her on this.


I'll try to post all the information about the pattern, the materials list, the price, and hopefully even start taking orders sometime tomorrow. Sorry it's taking so long. But if you ever need a crash course in Adobe Illustrator, I highly recommend the Liesl method: a completely unaccredited, trial-by-error, by-the-seat-of-your-pants-style course requiring the completion of 45 technical sketches and one complete sewing pattern.

The Liesl method is entirely self-taught during naptimes and in the evenings. A most educational process; I'm far more proficient with it now than I was two weeks ago. It's not exactly relaxing, however. When you throw in several workmen doing apartment repairs, a tantrum-prone toddler, and a couple of sewing classes already in progress, it all adds up to what I like to think of as a character-building experience.


I came across this tote the other day and started using it again. I made it at least three years ago, got tired of it, and now I like it again although it's starting to look a bit worn. (Aren't we all?) My own design, a bit tricky to sew, but the first draft of any new design is often a puzzle to assemble: if I sew this part first, how will I attach that element? ... whoops, I should have sewn that seam earlier, etc.

Ok, must attend to some of the other neglected areas of life, but I really will try to be back tomorrow. And maybe a bit more frequently again now that the crash course has been completed.

I really should make myself a certificate of completion. Or at least reward myself with some ice cream or something.