Snuggly #2 – The Sequel.
It’s funny to think I used to design and make my own clothes for a living* when
a) I hate sewing (now)
b) I have no interest in clothes (any more)
*Living suggests I made some real money by doing this. Ha.
Being some sort of famous fashion designer was a marvellous dream for a sweet kid. The reality of it was not so pretty; a fickle and TOUGH industry that had little room for a small fish. Actually the whole “fashion” world was so shiny and FAKE it just didn’t sit right with me…. I march to the beat of my own drum, and being someone else’s work horse did not appeal.
It’s a really tough call: a career following your ultimate passion(in an artistic sense)…. working working working….. that passion fading as it becomes WORK not a creative release. Some people are lucky enough to make it work; I found that my “passion” didn’t go as deep as I once thought. You’ve got to give things a try, right? In exploring my idea of working in fashion, I unlocked the creative side of my brain… designing and coming up with new ideas was something that I was good at – fashion just didn’t feel like the right platform for me.
Clothes really hold no appeal for me any more either. I was once that sort of “quirky” girl – wearing the weirdest things just because I could. Lying in bed dreaming up outfits…. sifting through opp shops for hours ….sewing bits and pieces together to make something outrageous. These days my uniform consists of flannelette shirts, tights and denim shorts. If it is summer, remove the tights and swap the shirt for a singlet. Thongs are my year-round foot vehicle. Easy, comfortable, no fuss. Don’t even make me look at a pair of heels…. you’ve got to be kidding, I’d be flat on my arse within two shakes of a lamb’s tail.
The only time I enjoy sewing now is if I’m making something for Misty. Something SIMPLE for Misty which doesn’t require pins, measuring, button holes, zips, pressing, overlocking or fiddling about. I just have no patience. I think that’s why I like cooking – I can bend the rules. Sewing, however is not so forgiving, and no matter how hard I try to be precise, my over powering urge to cut corners/try something new gets me in a horrible mess of un-picking every time. It just makes me angry.
“Snuggly #2″ is in reference to Misty’s first snuggly (history of the snuggly in this very old post) which he actually wore out he used it so much. A snuggly is basically a huge pillow case with velcro at the opening (so you can remove the stuffing and clean it easily). I stuff my snuggly(s) with baby blankets, doonas, sleeping bags, spare pillows – anything that is taking up precious cupboard space, and can be utilised for cosy cushioning.
If you have a sewing machine, and can sew in a (relatively) straight line then you can make a snuggly. Pets like snugglies too – Boosty has one (made in a more heavy duty fabric as Boosty is rough with her bed – ie – rips to shreds when bored). All you need is some groovy fabric and some velcro. Sew a few seams, tack on the velcro = simple snuggly. Misty is obsessed with his… I think that’s why he wore out the first one – the fabric just got too thin from all the snuggling that went on.
Misty is so happy with his new-improved-larger-than-life-mega-snuggly. I have more space in my cupboards, and I managed to sew without having a nervous breakdown/smash something. Success.
10 Responses to “Snuggly #2 – The Sequel.”
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- - November 22, 2012
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Vegan. Stay at home Mum of Misty. Yoga teacher in training. Passionate about REAL food - creating it, eating it, sharing it. I can never stick to a recipe.
I’ve wanted to learn to sew since I was a teenager. I’m determined to get into it before I turn thirty, which is only a few months away!
I reckon I could whip up a snuggly. My mum just gave me a big piece of fleece for Reuby.
He loves his blanky more than anything in the world but it’s wearing thin. Is it right to wean them off a blanky?
I have total confidence in you and your snuggly-making abilities! It’s just a huge pillow case basically, so I’m sure you will be able to make Reubs an awesome one. Just get on the machine and have a play around – a good way to learn simple stuff
Hmmmm blanky-wise I’m not sure – Misty isn’t really “attached” to one thing, but I reckon when Reubs starts going to preschool and is around other (older) kids he will forget about blanky and maybe just let him have it at night when he goes to sleep? MIsty is like that with his dummy – he is allowed it at night, but that is all…. and these days he doesn’t really seem to want it that often.
Good luck!
I know what you mean about jobs killing your passion- I worked temporarily as a photographer, it just killed me- I soon worked out that I am an artist who works with photography not a ‘photographer’. Go with what makes you smile I say
Funny you mention sewing… I had to teach textiles last year- this would have been ok if I knew how to sew! I had to learn quick smart and let me say- it’s not easy! Respect for your skills….although teaching the yr 7 boys was great fun.
I think cooking is a creative process, well the way I (we?) cook is… following a recipe has never been my thing haha
You and I sound like kindred spirits, Claire…. well cooking-wise at least
Ha, teaching Yr7 boys to sew would have been very very entertaining! Sewing is SUCH a skill, I can do the basics, but I am neither quick nor elegant with it…. some ladies I used to work with at a factory would just blow my mind how quick they could sew up a pair of jeans, incredible! I’m just not patient enough.
Cooking is TOTALLY my creative outlet these days – love it.
You are so cute as is this Snuggly
I have always wanted to learn how to sew- I guess now I have to since I want to make one of these lol
Gabby, I’m sure you can make a snuggly – it’s basically about 5 straight lines! Starting simple is key
Sewing and painting (unless we are talking abstract) are two past times I have never been good at. (1) I don’t have the patience, (2) I have a crooked eye apparently and things never wind up straight, (3) I try so hard to make it precise that I usually end up making it worse.
That fabric is super cute! I would like a snuggly in the exact same fabric!
Oh my gosh, Ami me and you are SO SIMILAR. I am SO BAD at painting, it’s actually quite hilarious. What makes it worse is that Viper is a painter (he has a degree in fine arts and is annoyingly talented) PLUS he is also a really good sewer – go figure
I start every project promising myself – I will be precise/accurate/go by the rules – and then I start to cut corners and end up in a horrible mess. Boo.
The fabric is cool, huh? Little retro scooters for the wee man
Oh dear lord, even the idea of trying to design and sew clothing makes my head hurt and my heart feel panicky. Well done to you for having the skills and the drive to make something that fits your needs, not a six 4 mannequin!