Journal Prompts

Certainly! Journal prompts can be a fantastic way to spark creativity and explore new ideas. Here are a variety of prompts that you can use to get your creative juices flowing: 1. **Dream Diary**: Write about a dream you had recently, no matter how strange or unclear. Then, expand on it, creating a story or concept that could be turned into a creative project. 2. **Letter to Your Future Self**: Write a letter to yourself ten years from now. What do you hope to have achieved? How do you imagine your life? This can help you clarify your long-term goals and aspirations. 3. **Reimagined Endings**: Think of a book, movie, or story that didn't end the way you wanted. Rewrite the ending in a way that satisfies you or takes the narrative in a completely different direction. 4. **Sensory Exploration**: Choose an object in your room. Spend five minutes writing about it using all five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. This exercise can deepen your descriptive abilities and attention to detail. 5. **Unlikely Conversations**: Imagine a conversation between two historical figures who would never have met in real life. What would they discuss? How would their perspectives clash or complement each other? 6. **Creative Constraints**: Write a short story or poem that includes three specific elements (e.g., a key, a phone call, and a farewell). Constraints can often fuel creativity by forcing you to think outside the box. 7. **Artistic Reflection**: Choose a piece of art that resonates with you (it can be a painting, sculpture, song, etc.). Write about how it makes you feel, what you think the artist was trying to convey, and what personal or historical context you believe adds depth to the work. 8. **In Another's Shoes**: Write from the perspective of someone radically different from you. This could be someone from another era, a fictional character, or even an inanimate object. What would their daily life look like? What concerns and joys would they have? 9. **The Road Not Taken**: Think about a significant decision you made in your life. Write about the path you didn't take. How would your life be different? 10. **Mind Map Madness**: Start with a single word or concept in the center of a page. Branch out with any and all words, ideas, or doodles that come to mind, creating a sprawling mind map. Then, write a journal entry inspired by this map. 11. **Escapist Fantasy**: Create a detailed description of your ideal fantasy world. What rules govern this universe? What creatures or characters inhabit it? How does it differ from the real world? 12. **Invent a Holiday**: Invent a new holiday, including how it's celebrated, its traditions, and its origins. This can be a fun way to explore cultural values and societal norms. 13. **The Unsent Letter**: Write a letter to someone you've lost touch with or someone you never got the chance to say something important to. You don't have to send it, but it can be a cathartic way to express unresolved feelings. 14. **A Day in Reverse**: Write about your day, but start from the moment before you go to bed and work your way back to the moment you woke up. 15. **Alternative Lives**: Imagine you had chosen a completely different career path. What would your daily routine look like? What new challenges and joys would you encounter? These prompts can be adapted and expanded in countless ways to suit your personal interests and creative goals. Happy journaling!

Valentine-Themed Quilt Block Swap

Join Our Valentine-themed quilt Block Swap

Dear Fellow Sewists,

I am thrilled to invite you to participate in a special Valentine-themed Quilt Block Swap! This is a wonderful opportunity to share your creativity, enjoy the spirit of quilting, and celebrate the season of love with fellow enthusiasts.

Swap Details:

Quilt Block Size: Each block should be 18" x 20".

Pattern: We will be using the 'Checkered Brick Quilt' pattern.

Color Scheme: Valentine's Day theme (Think of reds, pinks, whites, and any colors that speak of love and affection).

Number of Blocks: Each participant will exchange four (4) blocks of the specified size.

Variety: Please ensure no more than two blocks are of the same design. Aim for at least three different prints, or they can all be distinct.

Fabric Quality: We all must use materials we'd be happy to receive ourselves. The quality of the fabric ensures beautiful, durable quilt blocks for everyone.

Important Dates:

Sign-Up Deadline: Please confirm your participation by 1/31/24.

Block Exchange Deadline: 2/29/24. All quilt blocks must be received by 3/10/24.

(Let me know if you have obstacles preventing you from getting your squares out and I will let the other members know.)

How to Participate:

1. Confirm Your Participation: sign up here by 1/31/24 to secure your spot.

https://mailchi.mp/d5b3ad51b4a1/valentine-block-swap

2. Create Your Blocks: Start working on your blocks.

3. Share Your Progress: Feel free to share updates, and photos, or ask questions on Instagram. use the hashtag #checkeredbrickblockswap my IG handle is @diva27406

4. Mail Your Blocks: Ensure your blocks are mailed by the deadline to your swap partner. You will be notified of your partner and their address.

This swap is not just about exchanging quilt blocks; it's about building connections, sharing our love for quilting, and inspiring each other. Let's make this an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved!

Looking forward to seeing your beautiful creations and sharing the joy of quilting together.

Happy Quilting!

Cr8tively Chic

The Aurora my first pattern test

 OMG! This was my first time being a tester. I was nervous. For the fit, I just posted one picture and said I sewed this size. I see later that people are posting videos and saying what could be changed. 

The pattern.VERY easy to sew. If you just got your sewing machine today. You could take it out of the box and make this. In true Made for Mermiad fashion There are TONS of views. I made the strapless shorts in my fit and wanted to make the pants for my final but I bought a remnant and there was not enough fabric. But it still turned out super cute!!!

if you would like to try the aurora it is on sale until 8/21 Please use my affiliate link.

https://www.madeformermaids.com/?affiliates=50125\

Happy sewing!

Mrs. Roper Vibes

Since coming across the Black Sewing Network I have made three Kaftans.  I am in love. Here is my latest one. I used the video below as my pattern.  

My fabric is from Hobby Lobby. I hear that they have a sale on their fabric every other week (I think) but this fabric was only $4.19 a yard. SCORE! I used 3 yds and  I did the slouchy neck. I am thinking this will be really cute with dark jeans and sandals. 

Yeah, that will be the next post on different ways to style your kaftan.
 

Cropped Hoodie

Tabitha Sewer (you can find her on Instagram) posted a FIRE cropped hoodie and skirt outfit! Posh by Portia was on Tik Tok live recreating said cropped hoodie. Of course, I had to make one when I got home from work. 

Tabitha made a circle skirt and Portia already had several skirts made up. I haven't made or worn a skirt without an elastic band in a minute so I used my tried and true. 

There are many videos on YouTube on how to make cropped hoodies. But here is what I did right quick. 

1. Cut the pocket off
2. Seam ripped the band off
3. Place pins/clips at the two sides and front and back
4. Mark the two sides front and back on the sweatshirt
5. Place the band on the sweatshirt matching the pins/clips
6. While stretching the band to match sweatshirt 
7. Attach the band

How I would make

 

 Ok this is the Neat Knit Glam Ma Duster. It look pretty simple to remake. I am thinking:

4 yds of 60" (45" may work)

Hamburger fold (the fabric comes selvage edge to selvage edge (hot dog fold) open up and fold in half top down. you should have a fold on top and two yards front and back)

Sew up the side leaving a 9" opening on both sides.

Fold the entire garment in half and cut only the front layer all the way to the top.

Now, this is what I did. This idea just would not go away until I tried it. I went to Walmart got a three-yard fabric bundle and tried it out. Three yards got me a knee-length Glam Ma cardi I m don't think it is a duster because it does not hit the floor, but the next one will. AYYYE!

Back At It

 Left is inspiration right is actual. 

Dress

Two width of fabric by 52" (give or take) sewn together 

Added pockets 12' below my armpit.

Create a 1" casing for the elastic and done. 

Sleeves

 I probably should have interfaced and then they would be puffier. 

I measured my bicep and the part of my forearm where I wanted the sleeve to stop. 

Cut a piece of elastic for each.

Did one-panel width of fabric and the length I wanted I think it might be 18-20" made the same 1 " casing and added elastic. so the sleeves are separate but you can tack them to the dress if you wanted. 

When I say the width of fabric this fabric was 56-58" wide. 

Easy Peasy

A Soror wants one of these dresses. I am thinking I need to know here height and upper bust measurement. We will see.