FAQ Friday

Thanks everyone for the feedback on Miss Ginger's peasant blouse.  I wasn't surprised that so many of you were as happy as I was to find that pattern.   I should have added that Miriam's booklet was easy to follow and perfect (as she states) for the beginner seamstress.  I keep going back to her site and admiring the Mexican dress she made.  I told her I have some lovely white linen sitting here all ready and waiting to make another blouse (for me this time).  I've been saving it, waiting for the right project, and this is it.  Ginger wants to design another yoke too, so I've given her some paper with the pattern traced onto it to experiment with.  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Well, here it is Friday already and we're about to head off into a busy weekend.  Before I skip happily into the sunset, here's the latest FAQ from my laptop to yours.  Just some of the things inquiring minds want to know. . .

      Q.  You mentioned the cute Japanese craft books that you get a lot of ideas from? Two questions: 1) where do you buy/order the books? and 2) how do you figure out the patterns and instructions if you don't read Japanese? ~Teresa A.  Lots of people still wonder about this I hear.  Obtaining Japanese craft books and magazines is somewhat of a challenge.  They're usually not readily available in bookstores and shops outside of larger, more ethnically mixed cities, so shopping online is usually how I find them.  Check out this site and another here.  Both have English versions, but you will have to do your own currency conversion to figure out how much things cost.  If you aren't up to that challenge, check out Super Buzzy and this auction site for the best selling titles.    Aside:  Crafting Japanese is an excellent site for finding books and getting a peak at what's inside them.  It's mainly a collective forum for sharing book information with a corresponding handmade project.  The site is currently in flux and in need of a little revisional TLC and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it continues to live on in any form, because it's been a valuable resource.   Very much appreciated by me anyway and I assume by many crafters.As far as "reading Japanese", no one I know does!  But fortunately, most of the craft books have detailed drawings of each step.  Some even include printed pattern sheets.   With others you have to guess at the size specs, but for most things it's not that difficult if you have a little sewing knowledge.    Even if you can't figure it out, sometimes they're just nice to have around to inspire creativity.  Photos shown are from one of my favorite books from 2006,  and contains an excellent variety of tote bags:  ISBN4-07-246480-5.  (It's the book in the lower right corner of the top photo.)

Q.  How do you stay motivated to finish all the things you start?  I have so many half-finished projects and can't seem to stay focused on any of them.   Any advice you can give me?  ~Liz

A.  Well, keeping it real, I don't always finish everything I start.  For example,  I've been pulling this quilt out and putting a few stitches on it for eight years now.  It's been a WIP way too long and I really should finish it, but I never seem to get around to it.  This is a problem I think we all struggle with and for various reasons.  I blogged about it last year when I got fed up with all my UFO's (unfinished objects) and called for a month of Finish What You Have.   That in itself was very motivating, especially because a lot of crafter's were also on board with the idea and we kind of inspired each other to push on.  A flickr group formed and the finished projects started materializing. I find that if I have too many things started, I get overwhelmed, lose all ambition, and get depressed from inactivity.  I also find that when I finish things and/or just clean-up my workspace, I feel rejuvinated and inspiration has a place to grow.    Maybe it's time to re-visit that idea again.  Anyone else ready to meet the challenge?

Comments

[Wendy]

Wow, these two answers were so helpful. I've always wondered how people figured out Amazon Japan and didn't know you could see it in English. And I will be joining that Flickr group... I have a few bigger projects that I started and just stuck in the closet. It'd be great if you started a new challenge round!

[joyce]

I too love Japanese craft book and find the patterns easy to follow. Very clear pictures. I am very luck that my DIL is Japanese so I can get help if needed. I got mine on a visit to Japan several years ago but am still using them.

[Junie Moon]

Oh yes, indeed, I feel like I need another dose of Finish What You Have. I get so carried away with new ideas that I immediately start them and another idea slaps me in the head and I'm off on that one. It's making me crazy as generally I'm a person who finishes what they start. So, I would welcome this opportunity to get focused again and finish this pile of UFOs.

[little jenny wren]

Vicki, thanks so much for the link to the Mexican dress lady. I think my Kate who is 10 would love one and as we are just moving towards summer it is perfect timing. I've been working on finishing off projects and counting to ten before I plunge into something new. Like you I feel unsettled when I have too many things on the go and look any sense of creativity.

[Bettsi]

I think a "finish your projects" month is a great idea! Also, Amanda at http://zhinkadinkadoo.typepad.com just posted about having a friend who will translate for a small fee. This might be helpful.

P.S. I love your blog so much!

[Vicki]

your work on the blouse is lovely!

[star]

i would LOVE to take part in the Finish What You Have. i posted on my blog recently about my unfortunate case of "crafting ADD". i really need some motivation to get those things done!

[Sarah]

oh please, I could use a dose of "finish projects up" month before I'm back to school in October. Though, a handful of my projects aren't started yet - like all those sewing projects that I *bought* fabric for, but haven't *used* yet. eek!

[Mika]

Those Japanese books are so awesome! And I'll hop on the challenge if you decide to reinstate it. I've been handquilting my 3 month old sons quilt for about 6 months now lol.

[Willow]

YesAsia sells in US dollars and you can get all your communication from them in English; the California-based Fujisan.com also has an English "half" of their website; they have a hobby section but can special order any in-print book or current magazine issue for you. My orders with them have taken about 2 weeks from ordering to arriving (as opposed to about 5 weeks from Yesasia) and the prices are nearly the same -- maybe a dollar more. They will send all emails in Japanese AND English, and the prices are in dollars (usually 100 yen conversion per dollar, plus $5.95 s&h for the first book, and a discounted rate for each additional).

A great website for sharing information about our craft libraries is librarything.com which allows users to create a free account for up to 200 books. It's really a neat site.

I love the idea of making an effort to finish projects. Thank you for discussing this -- it's an excellent goal.

[Wendy]

You're on - again! Your last challenge really helped me clear up a few messes in my sewing space. I could use another kick in the pants.

[bethgem]

I'd be up for that challenge. My sewing room shelves have been fully stocked with WIP's for awhile now.

[suze]

I wonder if anyone would be interested in swapping UFOs. Sometimes I don't go back to a project because I just can't stand looking at it anymore or am no longer interested in it. (I'm not that harsh in noncrafting life)
For the past several days, I have been cleaning out and reorganizing my sewing room (new curtains! reclaimed drawer space! space!)and have a stack of UFOs and a stack of scraps, and when I read your post, got this idea.
If you like this idea, maybe you could pass it on.
I don't have a blog yet, but will soon, or in the next few weeks, whichever comes first.

[kate]

"I find that if I have too many things started, I get overwhelmed, lose all ambition, and get depressed from inactivity. I also find that when I finish things and/or just clean-up my workspace, I feel rejuvinated and inspiration has a place to grow. Maybe it's time to re-visit that idea again. Anyone else ready to meet the challenge?"
Are you serious? I swear you just defined my life for me! Thanks for the reminder... I am going to clean up, organize and rejuvenate tonight!!

[carol]

What beautiful photos. Thank you so much!