In the face of being told my blog is just angry snarking at people who don’t agree with me (see the remarks by Some Lady on the AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! entry), I did the only possible rational thing. I had a nice dinner and then went to the fabric store.
Y’all, I love the fabric store so much. There is so much to touch and so many possibilities.
And I know I have said it before but I will say it again: learning to sew is an incredibly empowering thing.
There is definitely a learning curve and you want to start with projects that will be a success less you get frustrated and give up in agonized hatred of all things seamed, but there is joy in making even a simple garment.
The other night, I went to the fabric store. I found this amazing brown and peacock blue and ivory fabric. It’s this huge sort of paisley swirling all over a rayon/spandex blend (just a touch of spandex). It’s so totally a man-made fiber but it bundles up into a tiny bunch and then springs back with no wrinkling which makes it perfect for travel or, honestly, slouching in my cubicle all day.
And so I made a dress. The world’s simplest sheath dress with a satin ribbon hem. And it fits me and it fits me just how I want it to fit me. I don’t have to think about the hips being too tight or the bust being cut too low or anything. Because it was made for me.
Did I mention how empowering sewing is?
I bought more fabric tonight. Tomorrow’s sewing adventure? Long-sleeved t-shirt. I want to keep things simple to show off the awesome brown and olive green leaf pattern.
9 Comments
Ahh, I’m jealous. No matter how many times I try – and I’ve tried many, many times over the past 20-something years – I just can’t get the hang of the whole sewing thing. I can do easy alterations on things I buy, which is definitely useful knowledge, but make stuff from scratch? Nuh-uh.
But I do knit and crochet, and while it takes a little longer than sewing, it’s still empowering when you take raw materials and end up with something custom-made, that fits YOU perfectly.
I think everyone should try some form of garment-making, at least once.
Yes! Sewing! Love!
I used to make nearly all my own clothes, even proper corsets and such. I just don’t have the space to actually do some sewing at the moment.
But soon, there will be moving house, and I intend to find a place that has room.
I know you’ve said you don’t sew with patterns usually, but for those who do start out that way, one note: don’t be alarmed by the size charts on the pattern envelope saying you’re a size 28 when you wear size 18 from the store. Most pattern companies still use the charts from the 1940s! And some put ridiculous amounts of “ease” in the pattern, so you make that size 28 and then find you should have made the 22.
Deepika’s Pattern Review and Sewing Knowledgebase site is a pretty good resource.
oh. Sounds fun. Makes Me want To Take Sewing Classes So that i’ll Always have Clothes that are the perfect fit.
Ooh, that’s awesome! I used to sew, but I don’t have room for a sewing machine in this house *sighs* I’m seriously considering sewing my own wedding dress though, I’m pretty excited at that thought!
Yep – sewing IS the way to go. You get something different from the garbage that is shoveled into the stores. If you like vintage, you can find vintage patterns – even in plus sizes (try Lanetzliving.com) – and make your own 1930s and 1940s and 1950s clothing. Woohoo!! Being able to sew has saved my butt more than once (I have daughters just as short and round as I am, so prom time is my time to shine). Find sewing classes and take them. Find a friend and help one another make a duct-tape clone of yourself. Don’t bother getting mad at Old Navy for no longer having their crappy, cheaply made, poorly fitting garbage in their stores. Make stuff that you like and that fits. Own your own fashion!!
I am so there. I’ve been itching to sew a cute dress with just the right cap sleeves and sweetheart neckline….stupid life, making me too busy to sew! Blargh!
It’s funny, I cut my own hair for the same reason I like sewing my own clothes – nobody can get every detail the way I want like I can. DIY – it’s not just thrifty, it’s the ultimate in customization.
P.S. What’s wrong with angry snarking? ;o)
Sewing rocks! I’m 53 and my first sewing lesson was in 3rd grade, from a babysitter who had an old treadle machine. She showed me how to sew blocis together to make a quilt top (can you tell I was destined to become addicted to sewing?). I didn’t get to sew again (mother changed babysitters) until home economics in high school and I learned more. Then my first real, full time job as an adult was in a garment factory, and I learned tons of shortcuts, plus fell in love with sergers. I was in love when they came out with sergers for home seamstresses.
I have been making my own clothes off and on for the last 35 years, mainly because I like to have something that no one else has. I use patterns, but I change details, swap pieces from different patterns, and make patterns from old clothes that I especially like but aren’t in any shape to be worn anymore.
Sewing can be a rewarding thing to do in so many ways and on so many levels.
I need a serger. No, really. I’m both fairly tall and a size 16-18, so of course nothing fits. I can sew fairly well (I taught myself in 7th grade, and have since had instruction from a grandmother and a great-grandmother) and I’m just about tempted to start making my own clothes: the only thing that fits me easily anymore are Old Navy Perfect-Fit Tees, XL.
If I could make my own Ts, I’d never have to go shopping for clothes again.
Still, I could make button-ups tops or slacks, or easy skirts at least. Maybe I’ll pull the ol’ sewing machine out again. ^^ I have some pale lavender linen that’s just itching to be used.
SHOW US THE DRESS!!!!