Liebster Blog Award!

I'm a little late posting this but I had a lovely surprise the other day! Kristin of Sew Classic has nominated me for the Liebster Blog Award. I actually was nominated for the award last year by Elizabeth of Sew 18^th Century (you can read my post here) but I am honor to be nominated for again. As I told Kristin, I often wonder how many people do read my blog. I love getting feed back from my readers, trading ideas and inspiration, etc. I try to leave comments on many of the blogs I follow and really appreciate it when others do them same. It’s wonderful to be connecting with people who enjoy many of the same things I do. I think that’s been the most rewarding part of blogging for me.

The Liebster Award was created to reward and promote excellent and interesting blogs with less than 200 followers. The criteria has changed a little bit since last year. In addition to nominating 11 other small blogs each winner gets to ask 11 questions about there sewing, favorite things, etc.

Here are my answers to Kristin’s questions
1. How old were you when you started sewing? - I’m not really sure 7 maybe? My mom is a quilter and made a lot of clothing for us kids growing up. I learned to sew from her. I learned some sewing through 4-H, Girl Scouts, etc. I always loved playing dress up as a kid and started to get interested in sewing historic clothing when I was in high school.

2. What compels you to create something? - Mood and general interest at a given time. I don’t know if that’s a good answer or not. Lol! Often times I create something because of an up coming event. Other times I’m inspired because of what I see other bloggers creating.

3. What is your favorite medium to create? (e.g. sewing, knitting, painting, writing, etc) - My favorite medium by far is fabric. There’s just something about fabric, about being able to take a piece of cloth that is flat and lifeless and turn it into something 3D and wearable. I really love draping fabric on a dress form and seeing it take shape. Plus with so many colors, textures, and designs the creative possibilities are really endless.

4. What is your best memory of sewing? - That’s hard one. For as long as I can remember there has been a sewing room at my parent’s house filled with my mom’s colorful quilting fabrics. 

5. Is there a time period or style that you create? - Mainly the 1750s to 1770s but I’m getting more into the 1930s and 1940s. I think because clothing from that period of time is so classic, easy to make, and can be worked into a person’s wardrobe today. A nice pencil skirt or shirtwaist dress looks less out of place in the office then a hoop skirt and layers of petticoats!

6. Is there a time period or style you're drawn to but never work within? - The 1870s. I love the bustle time period and have always wanted to make a dress but have yet to do so.

7. Do you have any insecurities regarding sewing/crafting/etc? - I’ve had a few unpleasant experiences with individuals in the living history world who know everything. Before I really knew what was period correct I didn’t really worry about what I was wearing. Once I became more interested in authenticity and felt the need to get things right, I was a little self conscious of wearing something I knew wasn’t totally period appropriate. There will always be people in the living history hobby that know, even if they don’t, and are more than happy to tell you what’s what. I just remind myself that I’ve done my research and double checked it and that helps me wear my creations with confidence.

8. If you make vintage inspired or period clothing, how often do you wear it? - During summer months when I was in college I basically lived in my 18^th century clothes full time between my job at a living history museum and weekend reenactments. Now it’s at least one weekend a month from May to October. I rarely get the chance to wear any of my 19^th century clothing. As for vintage clothing or clothing I’ve made from vintage patterns, it’s hard to say. I wear a few things here and there to work but don’t often dress in full vintage. I'm trying to make more excuses to do so. :)

9. What's your favorite thing you've made? (Not exclusive to sewing.) - I make a pretty good homemade raspberry liqueur, if I do say so myself. I also make a really good cheese and onion bread. At least I assume it’s good because it disappears quickly and I’ve never heard any complaints!

10. If you could give any piece of advice to someone that you've learned about anything, what would it be? - Have fun and learn to enjoy life. Wear what you want to and do the things that make you happy. In the end its about doing what you enjoy and having fun.

11. What's your favorite dessert to bake? – Oooh this is an easy one, anything with chocolate! Or apple pie with a chuck of sharp cheddar cheese served on the side. Yeah, that’s a New England thing.

Here is my list of blogs, in no particular order, that I would like to nominate for the Liebster Blog Award. All of these blogs are ones I really enjoy and find inspirational for many different reasons.

1. 1940s Style for You
2 .1940's Vintage Wardrobe Challenge
3. A Dedicated Follower of Fashion
4. A Vintage Ramble
5. Before the Automobile
6. Flashback Summer
7. Hey Doll Vintage Magazine
8. Young, Broke, and Fabulous

9. Disaster In A Dress
10. Buttons and bobbins
11. Retro Reporter

And here is my list of questions.
1. What is your favorite movie to watch or music to listen to when your are sewing?
2. What compels you to create something and where do you get your inspiration for projects?
3. What is your favorite medium to create with? (e.g. sewing, knitting, painting, writing, etc)
4. What is your favorite finished project or favorite kind of project to work on?
5. Is there a time period or style that you enjoy more than any other?
6. What do you find most satisfying about sewing/crafting?
7. Do you have any insecurities regarding sewing/crafting/etc?
8. If you make vintage inspired or period clothing, how often do you wear it?
9. What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
10.What is your favorite food?
11. If you could give any piece of advice to someone that you've learned about anything, what would it be?