the light inside
on stoking the inner light source
Last time I wrote about taking things slowly this summer. That was the intention. I feel like I took the pace of life more slowly than I usually do, but even I wouldn't call it slow.
While the summer may not have qualified as a slow summer, it was filled to the very edges with intention and connection. Sitting in this studio space of mine, sewing for my clients and working on pattern projects while my 14 year old makes clothes for herself has been a bit of a dream come true.
We did try to go on vacation overnight but the boat didn't want to go anywhere, so instead we hiked Mt. Rainier again. My oldest hasn't been there for 18 years, so it was a beautiful family event to reconnect with the mountain and each other.
Since the sailing project has been mostly learning how to safely dock the boat in a very tricky spot, we have been learning to interact as kindly as possible, even though we are definitely all coming from different backgrounds and natural spatial abilities. We are not always successful, but we're learning to be patient with one another. Learning something new in community is a way I really feel lit up inside. It stokes my own inner light source in a way little else does.
I am the STAR PUPIL in online courses in a way I never was in school, and I find myself taking more and more of them. Yes, I want to learn everything, always. But also yes, maybe I've been avoiding actually teaching online? Every excuse from
“I don't have the perfect tech set up” (who does?)
to
“I don't connect as well online" (that's a lie I tell myself because I'm afraid of the camera)
to
“wait until things go back to normal” (but normal sucked and we don't want to go back there)
So, since I have a tripod and a camera and a lot to share, my classes, panel discussions, workshops, and mending labs have been pure joy to create and participate in, I'm ready to create a new normal. The new normal for me is going to be showing up and sharing what I know and still learning everything I don't.
As part of one of these classes, I asked my husband what he thinks I'm good at. He gave me three things:
1. Demystifying complex ideas and processes, using multiple angles to give a full, straightforward picture of a concept.
2. Teaching myself or learning outside of traditional methods and forums.
3. The ability to listen and my seemingly infinite patience for others.
Of course I cried. it's so unusual for me to feel so seen and understood. I see these things as gifts of mine, too, but I never would have articulated them that way. seeing those things written out gave me a burst of confidence to finally bring to life a course I've had in mind for decades.
Starting September 20, I will be teaching Sewing is Magic. It's a self-paced course for learning to sew FROM THE BEGINNING. I am putting this together after hearing so many people say they wish they could sew, or they never really learned, or it was too intimidating to be in a classroom with experienced sewists, to well, there just aren't classes geared toward beginners that don't already have a giant learning curve just to get started. I designed this course so that there is a successful project starting in the very first week.
I am so excited that people have already signed up to join. If you want more information, you can sign up for the newsletter here or if you know you want to be in class, you can simply go to the website and sign up now.
I've also had so many of you ask if you can take the course if you already know how to sew. Obviously, anyone can sign up, but I put this together for the true beginner (or returning beginner). If you know what a seam allowance is, this probably isn't the course for you. I crafted this course so our non-sewing friends can join us in future classes that will require some experience with a sewing machine. It's going to be so much fun!
Getting the kid ready for back to school (in person, cross your fingers) has me feeling all the New Year vibes I get from my very favorite season. I'm ready for sweater weather and cold mornings. I might now have slowed down this summer, but I did expand my vision of what's possible and connected with my family, and fueled myself with inspiration and a new kind of confidence that comes from practicing showing up for myself, and for you.
