“don’t buy any more fabric..”

I did not make a New Year’s resolution this year. Typically it’s something like eat healthy, exercise, write more, sew more, pray more, make good choices. And of course, I’m striving to do those things, and have been every year. But rather than look at the new year as something brand new, this part of the year is more like the end. I’m working to savor my last bits of high school; the 2007 to 2008 shift means little more to me than a number. But this summer will be my time of change, growth, renewal, hope, excitement, and nervous anticipation. So I haven’t vowed to change myself yet, even though I know I’m growing up.

I’m starting to realize that I’m not such a little kid anymore. At work on Saturday at Jo-Ann’s, customers would ask me questions as usual, except they actually trusted me to know the answer. Usually they ask hesitantly, and listen to me with even greater hesitation… there’s some doubt among “grownups” that people younger than 50 will know anything about sewing, and that people younger than 30 will know anything about working in a retail store. But somehow, I received lots of respect. I had one-on-one conversations, real conversations, with people as I cut their fabric. I’ve grown in the sense that I am able to participate in small talk and sustain a conversation, something that has never been a skill of mine. I always assumed it would come with age, and I suppose that it has.

It all scares me quite a bit, but I think I’m ready. So far, I’ve been happy with this newfound maturity. I like being listened to and trusted. And I’m glad I’ve managed to grow up a bit before it’s time to move out. The college transition is already feeling more like a natural occurrence rather than a forceful expulsion from my home. I’m getting more used to the idea, and the worries and anxiousness have an underlayer of excitement and hope for a great future. I’ve always been independent, and I think I will take good care of myself.

Polly Pocket Race to the Mall!And I don’t have to shed my favorite childish things, either. So what if I got a Polly Pocket Race to the Mall for Christmas? (and was ridiculously exicted about it?) I always used to put my Polly Pockets in Ben’s Hot Wheels, but they’d fall out. Now they have seatbelts and their own racetrack! Toy manufacturers have finally figured out that girls like cars too! I’m thrilled. I still like Hello Kitty, and Disney Princesses. I make stuffed whales, name them, write stories about them, and take them to the playground. I’m not planning on stopping any of those things anytime soon.

I do worry though. What if I lose my cuteness? Right now I’m special because I’m just a teenager, but I have my own online business. To all the elderly women who shop at Jo-Ann’s, I am a glimmer of hope for the future: one of the few in my generation who truly values the art of sewing. What happens when I’m no longer so unique, when a business is commonplace for people my age, or when younger people than me become obsessed with the greatness that is sewing?

Huh. Growing up. It’s tricky, I tell you.
And on second thought, I really do hope people younger than me fall in love with sewing. I hope more people everywhere realize how wonderful it is to be able to create things from fabric. I want to teach them.

Well, if I did have a New Year’s Resolution, it would be to Stop Buying Fabric. My mom and I have realized that the basement contains what can only be defined as a plethora of fabric. Last week, exam week, we only had to go to school for each exam and then were permitted to spend the rest of the day at home. Of course, little angelic children that we are, we used all of that time to study.

I sewed.

I made two totes, a clutch, two pairs of pajama pants for friends, a t-shirt recon, a long-sleeved shirt from scratch, and the beginning of a skirt. I feel productive.
And I still studied some, which was a good idea. I got an A on my AP Calculus! I’m so proud of myself!

Bike Tapestry Fabric So I made it through probably 1/2000 of all the fabric I own. I was so proud of myself for reducing my stash. But Saturday at work, I see the signs predicting my downfall: clearance fabric was half price. This means those fabrics are 75% off or more when you consider the regular price. Anything in the section, less than $5 per yard. And my aunt and uncle had given me a giftcard for Christmas. So I showed appreciation for the gift by seeing just how much fabric I could trade for that piece of plastic.

How could I resist when we had what I now refer to as The Most Awesome Fabric Ever? Tapestry fabric with BIKES all over it! I am still in shock.. I think it’s my favorite fabric ever. I’m going to make a tote, as well as whatever else I can think of. It’s really thick, though, so I’m not sure what else I could do with it. I can always save it to reupholster some chair somewhere.. :P And it matches great with a cute heart print cotton I found for $1/yd. I don’t consider $3 a bad price for a tote.. ;)

So, for all my efforts, I managed to restore the chunk of my fabric inventory, in a matter of minutes, that I had worked so hard to deplete. But oh, buying fabric makes me so happy…

6 Responses

  1. Casey says:

    Hi!! I’m still catching up on the nearly 1000 blog posts that greeted me earlier this week… hehe. I feel sooo behind with your blog though! :(

    Isn’t growing up so scary and fun at the same time? You certainly sound much more level-headed and mature about this process than I was. Heck, I still feel like I’m “growing up”–and I’m turning 23 in a few months! I think the thing that scared me the most was feeling like I had to become and “adult”… I couldn’t be weird and cute anymore. I’m certainly much more comfortable with the whole eccentricity of my personality (and that I still like “kid stuff”!). Its good not to feel that you have to conform to a certain idea of what growing up is… the longer you hold on to a certain level of “childness” (I guess “innocence” would be a better word, but it connotes things that I don’t mean!), the better. :)

    Oooh!! Fabric!! Hooray! One can never have too much fabric, imho… and the bicycle material is just *too adorable*! I picked up a corduroy last weekend when it was on sale, and then went back this week and bought a cotton print I neglected to buy (and regretted)… but thankfully was still there (though not on sale… but at least it was in the clearance!). I’m so trying not to go to GStreet and poke around in the remenants; I usually end up finding something especially scrumptious! I need more fabric like a hole in my head… haha!!

    Hope you’re having a lovely weekend, Sam! I have to say, I really miss working with you and our silliness! ;)

  2. Tizzalicious says:

    Nothing wrong with being a kid at heart! :)

  3. Sara says:

    Hey, my name is Sara and I found out about your blog from that starburst wrapper tutorial!
    this is gonna be weird since i’m a total stranger, but anyways… I’m a senior in high school too, and I’ve been thinking about this whole growing up thing as well. It was great to know there’s someone else out there who is in that weird balance of being a kid, but becoming independent too.
    btw i love the whales!!!

  4. I just had to leave you a comment. From one sewing girl to another. Also, because I am totally in awe by your work and your blog….. So I figured if I left you a nice message it would counteract the jealusy I feel… ha ha ha ;)

    You are a star, a great example of some of our finest future leaders, and I applaud you for it! Keep at it girl! More power to you! And I will definately come back to see your future projects!! The whales are awesome!

  5. Katie says:

    Hey,
    A friend recommend your blog… I just wanted to say that I agree with you! I now 21 but worked at Joann Fabric for 2 1/2 years before moving this past fall! I loved it! & your right, no one under 50 thinks you’ll know anything about sewing…I’ve sewing & crafting foe ever,… & my favorite part of working was the customers… chatting with them & helping them …
    Anyway… Blessings & keep up the good work! =)

  1. January 7, 2009

    […] change things drastically just because the calendar looks different is a bit silly. But looking at last year’s new year post, I realize that my one major goal is the same: don’t but any more fabric. Which of course, I […]

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