W.H.Y.

So who the heck gets rid of all their clothes so that they can start fresh with clothing of their own making?  In the middle of winter?

Me, apparently.  And hopefully anyone who wants to refresh themselves with one of their main hobbies (not necessarily just sewists.)

Late last year, my husband decided that he wanted to get better at illustration, so he dedicated himself to illustrating at least five days a week.  This was an inspiration for me to pursue my passion as well.  For me, the easiest way to do that was to get rid of all my clothes or I would never be comfortable wearing my own constructions in public.

In general, when I have a full set of factory-made clothes, I wear those more often because the craftsmanship is often better (mostly because they have industrial equipment).  But, it stuck me in a trap.  I don't wear my own clothes because the craftsmanship is not as good, so I don't make clothes as often so my craftsmanship doesn't get any better.  Oooh, check that out for a vicious cycle.

So, in order to improve my craftsmanship, I need to sew!  So I sew so so now.  So soon my sewing will be super.

I like to throw a challenging piece in there every once in a while.  Vogue has some incredible designer pieces that really push skill, technique, and focus to the limit.  Just like weightlifting, if you don't push your limits every once in a while, your muscles will never get any bigger.

I've been trapped in my old clothing.  Most people have never seen me outside of jeans and a t-shirt.  They are good for covering your naughty bits, but they tend to remove personality from the wearer.  So it's great if you want to blend in.  I'm at a point in my life where I need to stop blending in and jump into the fray!

I need to stand out.  I finally have something to say, and it needs to be said to everyone.  I AM awesome.  And dammit, YOU are awesome, too!  Figure out what your passion is and make time for it, even if it is half an hour a day.  Get rid of your distractions and toys and you'll have a renewed sense of joy for those 'hobbies' that you always wanted to pursue.  And by 'hobbies' I mean your true life goals.  DO what you love and the happiness will follow.  DON'T let someone else's ideas of how you should live your life get in the way of your happiness.

There is one sure way to reach your goal: KEEP AT IT!  Don't let it slip away or you will have little but that uncomfortable puddle of regret in your gut.

I believe in you.  Believe in yourself.

Tell me please: what hobby or goal will you pledge to dedicate your time to?