Happy Valentine's Day

For this was sent on Seynt Valentyne's day

What every foul cometh there to choose his mate

~English poet Geoffrey Chaucer~

Oh yes, that commercial holiday of Love that makes merchants giddy with glee. Many believe that we  have Chaucer to thank for the romantic festivities associated with this day. The association between romance and St. Valentine's feast day did not exist until Chaucer's work "Parliament of Foules" was penned in the 14th century. Prior to this invention, St. Valentine was known as the patron saint of beekeeping, epilepsy, travel, the plague and fainting. How St. Valentine's holy duties moved from these to overlook the woes of love struck folks is stranger than fiction.  None-the-less, I do love honey so I'm happy we have a patron saint of bee keeping.  

Olive Rose Dolls:  Honey Bee
{Source}

I also love sewing. Let me count the ways...

1.  There is no greater sense of happiness than seeing a smile on Mama R's face when she's thrilled with a new garment.  As a general rule, I don't sew for others, but Mama R is an exception to the rule. Sewing for Mama R is an absolute pleasure.  

2.  With a piece of fabric, a sewing pattern, some thread, embellishments and a sewing machine I can create designer looks that no way would make it into the clothing budget.  Some of my favourite designer pattern to sew have been Lynn Mizono, Marcy Tilton, kAtheRine Tilton, Donna Karan, Sybil Connolly, and Issey Mikaye creations.  

3.  Forget jig-saw puzzles, if I want a real mental challenge I would take a flat piece of fabric and shape it into a 3-D object.  Issey Miyake, Marcy Tilton, and the Centre for Pattern Design offer up some creative mental workouts when I feel like being challenged.    

4.  Is there a greater feeling than knowing one can make something better than is found at the store? When I sew, I'm in control of how many buttons I want to add to a garment rather than picking up something that has been made as cost-effectively as possible. And I can finish my seams the way I like, couture techniques anyone?

5.  I love that I get to participate with a vibrant online sewing community that is supportive, generous with their ideas and talents and they get it when it comes to this hobby.  From the RTW Fasters to meeting people in person who I initially met on line, all-in-all I've met good people.  

  

6.  I can end up with a one-of-a-kind item or I can copy a style trend seen from a retailer. But really, why would I copy a style when I can end up with a one-of-a-kind item?  

7.  I get to share this hobby with eager students who want to express their creativity.  It is so sweet to watch kids get excited about sewing.  

8.  I love that when I'm stuck on sewing technique that help is just a keypad away.  Whether it is a posted tutorial, a response to a question, or a tip shared on Pattern Review, help is close by.  

9.  That moment when you unexpectedly trip head over heals in love with the perfect piece of cloth and your creative juices start racing a million miles a minute.  Yes, I believe in love at first sight when it comes to that perfect find at the fabric store. 

10.  I love that sewing is a source of laughter and joy. Whether it is sewing bloopers and having a good chuckle over it, gifts for friends and family, or if it's waking up to the latest weekly Wearable Wednesday posts, I am thankful for the laughs and joy that sewing has brought in my life.  

Well, wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Sewing!