Oh hai. I guess it’s been awhile. Sorry. Really, so sorry. It’s been a busy year. And one reason it’s been busy is because I’ve been learning a new thing: sewing. Yeah, because I needed something else to take up most of my budget and a lot of space. Why are my hobbies never of the inexpensive and compact variety?
I’ve always wanted to learn to sew, specifically clothes. Once upon a time (aka high school), I was going to be a fashion designer. Have my own line of clothes that would look good on regular people, not just rail-thin models. Ah, the dreams of optimistic youth. With that in mind, I tried to sketch outfits, only to realize I lack any drawing skills at all. Then I got a sewing machine, and a few half-hearted attempts to make things which, more or less universally, sucked. I’m not sure I realized at the time what it would take to learn, or I just didn’t have enough desire or patience. So eventually my sister got my sewing machine, and I got on with my life.
Twenty years later, I’m exhausted and angry, trying to find clothing that actually fits my body.This proves to be impossible. In a fit of rage, I declare that I will learn to sew, so help me Hannah, or die in the effort. I got a sewing machine for my birthday and then bought ALL the sewing books. And I read them. I read about patterns, and how to alter them, and seams and fabrics until I thought my head would explode (it didn’t, luckily).
So far, I’ve done mostly simple projects, working on keeping my seams even and learning to cut in a straight line, which is WAY harder than it sounds. A few pillows, table runner, a baby blanket and some sleeping shorts, so mostly square things. But I’m doing the thing I didn’t have the patience for in high school. I am learning. Step by step, and sometimes the hard way (ok, most of the time).
I doubt sincerely that I will ever become the next Zac Posen; but if I need a skirt or a dress for a thing, I will much happier putting in the effort to create what I want, rather than crying in a dressing room under bad fluorescent lighting because nothing looks right.
So long, mainstream clothing manufacturers, I have been too long at your mercy. No more.
