Sewing En Plein Air

While I adore sitting around the fireside working on my little projects in the winter, it's quite the opposite in fairer weather.  In fact, I usually put all my sewing projects away until late fall or winter set in so that I can devote myself to all the outdoor projects that demand one's attention on a farm, but this year in April, I saw this cute beachy fabric and wanted to have a sundress ready in time for our oceanside vacation.  I let the fabric and pattern sit gathering a fine layer of spring pollen for several weeks, trying to rouse myself get out the sewing machine and get started.

When there's a task to be done that seems more like a grind than a pleasure, sometimes the very best things you can do is change the scenery a little.  Years ago when my children were little, homeschooling indoors when the sun was shining and the birds were singing just felt like a punishment and their eyes were forever drifting over to the window and all the things going on outside.  To remedy that, we took our books and a blanket and went outside to finish the day's lessons.  

It was so refreshing just to be outside.  Suddenly it felt less like a chore and more like a reward.  Taking a cue from those school days, I had a sewing task to complete and I was not looking forward to it since my sewing machine has been a constant source of woes for the past year.  In spite of all my efforts to maintain and fix the machine, it just isn't cooperating.  I think I have it working for the moment I felt stressed and rushed trying to complete this dress before the machine broke again.

Sometimes all it takes to have renewed energy and a fresh perspective is a change of location.  I loved this beachy fabric and I was excited to have the dress, but the thought of struggling with this machine again filled me with dread.  It was such a beautiful day outside and sitting in a stuffy room, fighting with pins and papers, and needles just didn't feel like the best way to spend my day.....but this task needed to be done.

As I sat in front of my machine, staring past it out the bright window at the forest and flowers, the solution presented itself.  Why not bring the machine to the outdoors and enjoy a little sewing en plein air.  

This small change worked marvelously!  Maybe the fresh air helped clear my head, or maybe the bright sunshine provided better lighting and I managed to fix one of the issues I've been having with my sewing machine, but whatever the case, I managed to get most of the dress finished in just the few short hours I spent outside.  Plus, I had plenty of company from my favorite feline photo bombers.

I'm not sure why I've never thought of this before now, but I truly enjoyed sewing in the great outdoors and I know my animal friends were glad of the company too.  So, maybe this will be the beginning of a new tradition of summer sewing followed by afternoon tea under the trees.

Shopping Info:  

Cotton + Steel Rifle Paper Co Amalfi Sun Girls Natural from Fabric.com-$10.79/yd, Belle Poque Women Vintage Inspired Tie Neck Blouse Short Sleeve Cropped Top-$21.99, Banned Apparel Shirt from Poshmark, Pink Skirt From ChicWish