Friday 27 August 2010

Sew little time!


Oh dear, I have so little to show, sewing wise, for the last few weeks - or month for that matter. I just can't seem to find enough hours in the day. I love reading all the lovely sewing blogs out there and they are all so inspirational...but I just don't know HOW they do it!! So many of you seem to be able to churn out fantastic garment after fantastic garment, while I struggle to find 20 minutes to even pin a pattern piece to some fabric!! I'm afraid I'm just not able to keep up with the vast majority of sewing blogs out there. Initially it was really getting to me and then I took stock one day and realised why am I letting myself get so stressed out about trying to get as many FOs out into the ethernet as possible. That's not why I started sewing. I started sewing to learn a new craft, get a hobby (that I enjoy, not one that stresses me out!) and as a creative outlet. Well because I have been putting deadlines on my sewing I have just ended up rushing, stressing and inevitably creating FOs which are not good enough quality. I need to learn how to sew well, not quickly!

I just haven't been able to fit in as much sewing into my life as I thought, or even perhaps hoped, I would be able to. I don't want to have to compromise on socialising with my friends, boyfriend or family, or cutting down on gym or (can't believe I'm saying this) housework just so that I can get my latest project finished faster. I need to find a way to fit sewing around the rest of my life so that it compliments it, rather than prevents it!

So I'm going to slow down and take my time on each piece I start. I want to feel proud of what I have made rather than making excuses for badly made stuff. So unfortunately there won't be tonnes and tonnes of new FOs on this blog. But I will definitely continue to post on this blog, but I guess not as frequently!

And speaking of improving my sewing skills, I have enrolled in a "Dressmaking and Tailoring" course in the local college. 2 hours every Monday evening starting in September for 10 weeks! I'm really excited and looking forward to it!! If nothing else, I'm looking forward to meeting other people in Belfast who are interested in sewing as it's not a hobby I share with my current friends. There was a beginners class and an intermediate and after some chat with the college enrollment staff (who weren't quite sure to be honest) I have enrolled on the intermediate course - eep! Hope it's not too difficult. I'll keep you posted on how it all goes and what I'm learning and making.

And just to keep you updated on the latest project I am currently working on this:

I mentioned this as a project in the pipeline in a previous post. I'm making a straight skirt from the 07/2010 Burda Magaine from blue and white linen. On closer inspection of the instructions I have discovered that this pattern actually has a double pleat at the back, I'm hoping that will turn out ok and not make my bum look massive! It also has welt-look pockets but I cannot for the life of me understand how you are meant to put these in! I am currently deciding if I should get mum to decipher, put in-seam pockets in or just go ahead without pockets. Currently it's sitting with the pattern pieces pinned on fabric but uncut. It's Bank Holiday Monday next week so I'm hoping I get some time to cut and start sewing then!!!!

5 comments:

  1. I totally feel the same! I wasn't able to finish for the wardrobe contest. I just have too many other things going on in life. And like you said, I want my things to turn out well, not rushed.
    Oooh! A class is just what I've been looking for too. Enjoy that! Please report on what you learn.

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  2. I can totally relate to this. I try to find 10-15 min here or there when I can and sometimes I am lucky enough to find more time. While I like to blog I like to sew more so I always have things I haven't blogged about. When the time is right I'll sit down and catch up. I have quite a few UFO as well. Such is life.

    Great for you in enrolling in a class. I should see if there are any local classes that I can take.

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  3. Thanks guys - I'm so glad I'm not the only one out there who can't find time in their days to get a wee bit of sewing done!

    Kristie - shame you didn't manage to get the wardrobe contest finished in time. Do you think you will still finish it? I can image it would be a really useful set of clothes to have anyway? And I'll definately post about my classes - getting excited now!

    Taki J - thanks so much for commenting, I haven't seen you here before so it's always so nice to see new ppl commenting. I have a tonne of UFOs too - and lots of material not even touched that I have assigned patterns too....I just need the time!!!

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  4. I'm probably one of those people that makes you mad with all their finished projects :) and even I think I don't finish enough garments! Sewing shouldn't be stressful. Don't be so hard on yourself! Just enjoy it whenever you can squeeze it in, and only sew when you're feeling inspired. Sewing out of guilt or obligation is never going to be fun!
    The class sounds awesome! I've been wanting to learn more about tailoring as well. I hope you meet some cool people too!

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  5. Tasia, you are definately one of those people who produce so many gorgeous FOs - I don't know how you do it!! But I guess you have been sewing for a lot longer than me, so things that I find confusing you have already done 100 times over. I'll get there in time - hopefully!!!

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Thank you so much for your comments - they really do make my day!

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