Monday December 22, 2013

Guilt Free Sewing:

Clothing and all things tied to fashion and function have been readily available to me during my entire lifetime. So where did this desire to do things myself, to make my own bras, sew my own curtains, even knit my own socks, come from? Ah, I have pondered on that question for years.

Sewing is an art, a way to save money, a way to do things the way you want. Right? Why then do I feel guilty sitting at my machine knowing I could get on the internet and purchase what I need and have it here tomorrow? Why indeed?

So it must be about the art. It must be about understanding sewing as a skill and about the knowledge one gets from sewing for thier own bodies and homes.  But there is more.

I have found that as much as I have dieted and worked out, in and out of the gym, I can't fit into a size 4, 6, 8, 10 0r a 12. Mabye a 14, you say. Well then I could always take out the extra ease and use my measurments to scale the pattern to fit right? Oh if only that would work. If only. But truly if it works for you I would say you don't need to be reading this blog.

They say if you can't find what you seek from the world then you must create it. I truly believe this motto. My quest to design and sew for myself is me following this motto. I will never be a size 6 without alterations. Why then do I have to use patterns that require alterations? Truth is I don't. And I will need to get past the frustration over my guilt at passing on cute clothing that just doesn't fit or will shrink with the first wash and then not fit. I must forge on and stake my claim that I am worth it.

This past year I sewed two bras, and six pair of panties for myself and I taught and helped three students learn to sew their own bras. I designed and sewed three new swimsuits, and helped a student design and sew her own swimsuit. She also learned how to restyle and fit her own bra pattern. It is my greatest pleasure to see a beautifully finished product that one can actually wear and enjoy wearing.

This was not all though, I also designed and sewed two bikinis for my daughter, a beautiful summer dress, and a yoga top with a shelf bra.

Why do you question your worth? Why do you feel guilty? I would love to hear what motivates you and what stops you.

I have never regretted creating and sewing anything I have put my mind to doing. Never. So I resolve to sew and design more. I welcome you to join me in the new year. You will find me at my sewing machine. Happy Holidays. 2013.

See you all next year.  For information regarding my next bra making class please check my bra making website Jnettistitches.com