I mentioned in my previous post about having this obsession with Frank Lloyd Wright and all things MCM (mid-century modern) and that there was a connection to another passion of mine. Well, that passion is sewing! My Mom taught me to sew as a young girl and I started with Barbie clothes and progressed to sewing my own clothes and even sewed my yellow Grecian-style prom gown. I haven’t sewn much since then save some valences or roman shades but have happily reunited with my long lost love. Why? Because I enter the flow state when I do and great things always happen when I’m in FLOW!

My new found interest in sewing started last year when I was down the Coco Channel rabbit hole. I read several books on her and yes, started buzzing everytime I did (the physical sign I’m in flow). Then, a book caught my eye in the library called The Paris Seamstress by Natasha Lester. I wasn’t looking for a novel to read but knew it was meant for me. I absolutely loved it. Both the main character and Coco were seamstresses during WWII in Paris. I haven’t figured out if that means anything yet other than I LOVE PARIS!!!

As I was having lunch with my sister and aunt recently, they both mentiond how sewing for them is a means to an end but that it had been therapeutic for my mom. I’m like my mother. I know I leave my chatty left brain when I sew and that’s always a good thang! I asked the CoCreative Universe once what I should be sewing and the answer came back, “It doesn’t really matter. It’s just easier to send you messages when you do.”

The fact that I’ve resonated so much with Coco and other designers seems to be leading me down that path. I’m in the process of designing some unique styles of high quality natural fibers that will last. They’ll be geared toward women who work at home and don’t want to:

natural fibers carry energy and can help to enhance your environment

Be in yoga pants all day
Be in their robe when someeone knocks on the door or
Only finish their top half for video conferences or creating videos (you know who you are)

Of course, I told Kathleen about my design plans and she sent me this beautiful book on the history of the Kimono. I delved in and could tell that I was instantly in flow. The Japanese Kimono was not just a common type of dress for women in Japan but was also popular in the “wearable art” movement and some are highly valuable collectibles. My buddy, Frank, was heavily influenced by the Japanese in his architecture and landscape designs but actually even designed women’s clothing - who knew? He is mentioned in the book since he traveled to Japan and bought several kimonos. Whaaaaat?

Does anyone else flash to Gus in My Big Fat Greek Wedding when you hear the word “Keemono?” “Gimme a word, any word, and I tell you how the root word is Gdeek!” I had to include it :) From one of my all time fave movies that gets me into flow since it makes me laugh my dupa off . . .

Anyhoo, I’m doing whatever calls to me these days and so some of that time I’m sewing. What feeds your soul and gets you into flow? I’d love to hear from you!

Love,

Kim

Design, Sewing, Organic Cottton & Gus