I’d like to introduce you to Anne. She and her daughter Jess have a sewing story about their trip to fairyland.

Anne: I once made a little fabric house for my daughter Jess. The house was made in shades of pink and purple. On the outside it had little windows and doors. The house opened out and on inside were little pieces of fabric furniture. A family of fabric rabbits lived in the house.

I did like making things for my children. As the children were small I could only work on the little house every now and then. It took maybe a couple of months at least. The house was cute, fairy land and I loved the way it opened up. Jess found it intriguing. She enjoyed carrying it around with its little carry handle. Making this is one of my best sewing memories because it helped me play in a little cute world of make believe.

Jess: Mum made the little house for me. Let me tell you what I remember. It was a surprise present, I think for my birthday. I remember it had a rabbit and a little bed and little pictures on the wall. The house was special because it was so personalised for me. It had everything I liked in it. Particularly the pictures on the walls were things I was interested in. There was one of a black labrador and another of a brown horse. It had flap that was sealed with velcro so that it could open and shut. The little house was soft to touch and it had cardboard in it that made it stand up. It had two material (like the fabric at the side of zips) handles that turned it into a carry bag. Eventually when we stopped playing with it Mum gave it to a little girl we know. I was OK with that, I loved it but I was happy to give it to someone else to play with.

If you are interested in finding old patterns like this one, try Lanetz Living Sewing Patterns. This online shop is run by Janet, a grandmother from Kansas. She sells all sorts of interesting retro patterns. Have fun.

I just finished reading Cormac McCarthy’s book The Road. Let me tell you this is not a stroll across an open field. This is a look at a post civilisation world. You might be surprised when I tell you that I found the story more helpful than depressing. Let me tell you why.

If I strip away the mountain of false information it becomes clear that I need very little. Survival depends on water, food, a place to sleep out of the rain and someone to love and keep striving for. That is it. Water, food, shelter, someone to live for. I look around at what I have. I consider how complicated and unhappy life can become managing what I have and what I want.

I want a renovation and some more room. Some days my desire for it can feel desperate. If you have teenagers you will understand. If it were not the renovation it might be a new computer or a new car. The eternal longing for more, bigger, better can be so strong. I can convince myself that everything will be OK when I get the next thing. Familiar?

McCormack’s story helped me to remember that real happiness is not in the getting. Happiness is in the appreciation of what is and in connection with my people. On this blog action day I would offer a prayer that I may live more with less. That is what really offers more comfort and security for me and my planet.

Imagine you come upon the most amazing market place. Colourful stalls are overflowing with wild fabrics, rare books, unusual buttons, software and patterns. The place is abuzz with the chattter of people passionate about sewing. You feel inspired and excited by all these wonderul ideas. You are moved by the generousity of people wanting to help you.

You stroll around taking in the incredible diversity of offerings. Gradually you notice that this market seems to include things for all sorts of people. You see patterns for elderly folk, tiny prem babies and people who are disabled. You see things for celebrations, hobbies, problem solving and silly stuff just for fun. There is no shop on earth like this one. This is a true community market place and everyone is welcome here.

This is no fantasy – this is a real website. It has taken Lily Abello ten years to assemble this Sewing Resource Guide. It is the most amazing list of nearly 1000 very special sewing web sites. It is the first entry in The Sewing Circle directory and I think you’ll agree Lily’s is a remarkable achievement. So go and have a look – you are in for a real treat.