Monday, July 13, 2009

Sewing Again

Well, I guess I need to say I have finally threaded one of my machines and began sewing a simple shell. I did not pin it needless to say and I had to rip the seams out, so now it has a hole in the knit. I was totally upset, because it is not perfect and my DH had to remind me that I have not really sewn much in the last 4 years.
I feel that I am going in the right direction, but I think that I am so scared of failing to be good at sewing that I am now wondering if I should stick with quilting only? I love fashion sewing, but with three children, I find that it is not relaxing to me because I want to hurry and get finished. I would like to know if anyone one else feels this way?
I need to relax and not worry about one more thing. I love to look at fashion sewing, but I do not want to take my time. I want everything done now. Quilting was much more relaxing because I could see subtle progress each time I worked on a project. Fashion sewing requires more fitting than I am accustomed to at this time. I would like to have as much feedback on this topic as possible. I feel like a new beginning home sewer I know that it will take time for me to get back on track, but if it is not relaxing now, do you think I should give it a rest or when do you think someone should throw in the towel?

5 comments:

Sheila said...

Yes, sewing takes patience and several fittings, but the important thing is not to give up. You will have to find a time which you can spend with your sewing machine, pattern and fabric.

A good way to do that is allot yourself 30 mins to an hour each day. Once you have decided on your pattern and fabric, the next day you may just trace your pattern, the next day cut, the next day mark and so on. As you allow yourself increments of 30 mins to an hour each day, you will slowly see progress.

Believe me there are times when I just want to sew and produce a finished garment that same day, but then know its unrealistic and decided to use the same technique mentioned above. I tend to allot myself 1 or 2 hours each day after work. By the end of the week I will more than likely have a finished garment. I like to call it Producing with Patience....lol

sewingmama said...

Sheila, I appreciate your words of wisdom. For now I will continue to sew in small increments. I want to rush and finish my project. I will keep you posted on my progress and hope that I will continue to make improvements on my sewing.

DawnSSL said...

I feel your pain! I also have a hard time keeping my mojo up. I lurk and occasionally comment on blogs as well but so far I have only posted one pair of paints and some aprons. You hit the nail on the head. I am intimidated by the skill level of others. I do have one dress and several other items in various stages of completion that you have inspired me to post about. God bless you and your family and you never know who you can inspire so lets both jump in!

sewingmama said...

DawnSSL
Thank-you for your comments. I too have realized that fear is keeping me away from the things that I love and need in my life. I am not sure where that fear is coming from, but I know that it is paralyzing me. I do not go out much(I'd prefer to stay in the house in the bed). I am afraid of taking any type of chances and this is the part that keeps me from sewing and other fun things I like. I am so afraid of making a mistake that I cannot take a chance. I think that my job has contributed to this issue on some levels because I had to please a lot of people (children, other teachers, and administration) as a special education teacher in an inclusion setting. I had three teachers that I was suppose to co-teacher with on two different grade levels. I have had a lot of stress and on some level I feel that I lost a little part of me. I am taking control of my life now. I am going to sew up the fabric that I have already purchased and if I make wadders, that will be OK because I am learning more than just gazing at other people's work. I have to keep telling myself that I am just as talented(I am going to have to work harder at my hobby). I also have to give up the defeated attitude. I am working on self-talk to improve my attitude. God is so merciful and because of this I need to try to live the greatest life that I can with what I have.

Unknown said...

Please don't give up. I used to feel the same as you, you want to see the results quickly, but I have learned to slow down and enjoy the process. Even 10 minutes of sewing will provide some results. Yes, fashion sewing requires fitting and it's a lot of baste and try on, before actually committing to that seam, but it really can be fun journey and when you get frustrated -- put it away and come back later (or toss it in the corner -- I've done that before, came back the next day and was unable to figure out why I couldn't get it to work!). Sewing children's clothes is a great way to get some instant gratification since they aren't as curvy as adults. Perhaps makes some simple things for them? My goddaughter has been a test subject many a time while I worked out a technique.

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