Back in the Spring of 2004 when I was a fledgling seamstress I began taking sewing lessons at my local Hancock Fabrics for a short period of time to jumpstart my learning. I was privileged to have a wonderful sewing teacher named Mrs. Helen who at the time had 25+ years of sewing experience under her belt. She was a marvelous teacher and although I was only with her for only 6 months I learned alot! And her personal stories and project details were particularly inspiring.
I vividly recall how Mrs. Helen would recount incidences where she and a girlfriend would need clothes for a special weekend event and they would talk on the phone about it all day and pull out their patterns and fabric on Friday night and have an outfit ready by the next day. I would listen intensely with admiration and longing----longing for the day when I would be able to churn out sewn clothing as fast. At the times I was just learning how to sew and hadn't even really explored the element of fit. At that point I had a long way to go before that would be my reality. Then it would take me forever to sew and the results weren't always stellar. But with perseverance and hard work things began to change. Fast forward 8 years and things are definitely much different.
I have to say that "Microwave Sewing", sewing with a quick turnaround, is a concept that I've become familiar with in recent years. My recent Gala dress is an example of such an occurrence. That was an extremely quick turnaround---hey I shocked myself. After all of these years I am beginning to feel really comfortable with my sewing & fitting abilities. And with that comfort, provided I don't have any crazy logistics issues, I'm able to sew and complete garments alot quicker. And honestly speaking, I get great gratification out of know that with increased experience comes increased skill and speed. Now I like my more complicated projects like coats & jackets---things requiring tailoring and more time. But I like the thought of being able to work quicker than I ever have. I look forward to becoming a better and faster seamstress with ever project:)
Well this weekend's a bit busy for me. REALLY BUSY Actually!!!! I've got a few meetings & lots of client alterations. Despite that I'm going to try and sneak a couple of projects in. Here's a few things in my queue.
How about you? Do you often feel like a "Microwave Sewer"? Do you feel you complete projects alot quicker than in the past? What helped you get to this point? Where do you see your sewing in the future?
Sometimes I think I am the slowest sewer in the world. It seems to me that it takes me FOREVER to complete a project. My skills have definitely in the last 5 years, but I do wish I could sew faster.
ReplyDeleteIs there a phrase for the exact opposite of what you are describing? Ok, I'm exaggerating, but I'm not a particularly fast sewist. Mostly because I'm easily distracted - I'll be sewing something, then I'll stop to look something up online, and then, 45 minutes of blog-browsing later, I'll continue on the sewing, etc...
ReplyDeleteI do sew quickly but I know it's because of the styles I use and I'm used to my adjustments. Recently I've chosen to slow down and add more detailing so the finish is flattering and impressive. But I still throw in some faster projects to get my sewing mojo back.
ReplyDeleteI think confidence in your own abilities is the thing that speeds your sewing up. Every zipper gets easier, every notched collar is quicker. I remember when the thought of making a simple pencil skirt filled me with dread and last Sunday I whipped out a fully lined pencil skirt in the time between waking up and leaving the house at 11am to drive to a lunch out of town.
ReplyDeleteI'm not even close! I'd love to be quick, but my skills aren't up to it, and I have a lot of interruptions too! But then, don't we all?
ReplyDeleteI am not a quick sewer, but I am quicker than I used to be. My problem is that I have a short attention span. I can sew for about an hour and a half and then I have to stop for awhile and go back to it. I don't understand how people can sew a garment from start to finish in one day with no break, but I wish I was that way.
ReplyDeleteI take far MORE time to finish garments now than I used to take. I am more persnickety about fit and finish and neat sewing.
ReplyDeleteI am more of a crock pot sewer. Its not actually the construction that takes me forever, but finding time to dedicate to sewing is still my main stumbling block. I can start something on a day when I have no kids or chores and move along with it quite nicely, but the halterneck dress I am thinking about as I type is still hanging on the back of the door begging to be hemmed and finished off.
ReplyDeleteI like that phrase "microwave sewing". Most things for me will take at least 2 days (that is, without mistakes).
ReplyDeleteI am a slow sewer, and I like it! I like taking my time and enjoying the process. However, when I get stuck in a rut, I like to resort to something quick and easy so that it seems like I'm a microwave sewer These are usually knit tops.
ReplyDeleteI'm still at the beginning of that journey, and since I have so little time I would LOVE to be able to finish things quicker! But seeing everyone else's awesome quick garments gives me hope that I'll get there someday...
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