Dressmaking Therapy
Dressmaking and indeed most types of sewing I consider a type of therapy. The transformation of a piece of flat fabric into something wearable is something I will never tire of. If you had asked me several years ago that I would be able to create and incredibly, wear something I had made myself I would have laughed at you. Dressmaking and being able to make my own clothes was something on my long list of things that I would one day achieve.
It was my mum who happened to find a retro 1970s sewing machine in a charity shop that got me started in this brilliant world of sewing. At the time I was in my first year of university, so I didn't get too caught up in it at the start. It wasn't until 2014 when I finally handed in my last ever assignment that I was able to really pursue this new hobby. By this time I had managed to upgrade the sewing machine to something a bit more modern. My very first dress was made with a curtain for £2 sourced from a charity shop. I bought a copy of Love Sewing magazine that came free with the dress pattern "The Simple Sew Ruby Dress". The rest, so they say, is history. That dress was the first of many more. YouTube, fellow dressmakers from Instagram, magazines and books have taught me what I know, I am always learning and still consider myself an amateur. I have fallen in love with sewing and dressmaking in particular, it is my therapy and one which I advocate all the time!
The idea of using pre-loved curtain fabric really appealed to me. As a newcomer to sewing I was quite fearful of making mistakes.Purchasing expensive fabric would have been a nail biting experience and I didn't want to be put off before I'd even begun. Using curtains or bedsheets, especially those discovered in a charity shop or car boot sale, can be the perfect start point for a beginner. The curtain fabric I choose was very pretty and had a 'Sanderson' feel to it. It was also the first time I had ever inserted a zip too!!
Many of my first dresses were made using thrifted fabric finds. The shelves in my sewing room are stacked full of vintage and retro bedsheets and curtains. I became quite addicted to finding them, it was like treasure hunting. As soon as I spied a bit of 1960s bright florals or 1980s bold patterns I was beside myself with joy.
I am also very fortunate, in that I have my very own space where I can sew. Before we moved house, I would set up my sewing machine on the dining room table, having to pack everything away again when we had to eat! Bit of an annoyance when you're half way through a project. My family are very kind and have let me use the spare room as a craft/sewing area. It is my sanctuary and I love it. It gets very messy at times, but its my corner of happiness, though I could do with a day organising it all. I hope to blog a bit more about my makes and hopefully inspire others to have a go at sewing. I am proof that you don't need to have had lessons, there are so many avenues to teach yourself.
It was my mum who happened to find a retro 1970s sewing machine in a charity shop that got me started in this brilliant world of sewing. At the time I was in my first year of university, so I didn't get too caught up in it at the start. It wasn't until 2014 when I finally handed in my last ever assignment that I was able to really pursue this new hobby. By this time I had managed to upgrade the sewing machine to something a bit more modern. My very first dress was made with a curtain for £2 sourced from a charity shop. I bought a copy of Love Sewing magazine that came free with the dress pattern "The Simple Sew Ruby Dress". The rest, so they say, is history. That dress was the first of many more. YouTube, fellow dressmakers from Instagram, magazines and books have taught me what I know, I am always learning and still consider myself an amateur. I have fallen in love with sewing and dressmaking in particular, it is my therapy and one which I advocate all the time!
 |
| My first handmade dress 'The Ruby Dress - by Simple Sew' |
The idea of using pre-loved curtain fabric really appealed to me. As a newcomer to sewing I was quite fearful of making mistakes.Purchasing expensive fabric would have been a nail biting experience and I didn't want to be put off before I'd even begun. Using curtains or bedsheets, especially those discovered in a charity shop or car boot sale, can be the perfect start point for a beginner. The curtain fabric I choose was very pretty and had a 'Sanderson' feel to it. It was also the first time I had ever inserted a zip too!!
Many of my first dresses were made using thrifted fabric finds. The shelves in my sewing room are stacked full of vintage and retro bedsheets and curtains. I became quite addicted to finding them, it was like treasure hunting. As soon as I spied a bit of 1960s bright florals or 1980s bold patterns I was beside myself with joy.
I am also very fortunate, in that I have my very own space where I can sew. Before we moved house, I would set up my sewing machine on the dining room table, having to pack everything away again when we had to eat! Bit of an annoyance when you're half way through a project. My family are very kind and have let me use the spare room as a craft/sewing area. It is my sanctuary and I love it. It gets very messy at times, but its my corner of happiness, though I could do with a day organising it all. I hope to blog a bit more about my makes and hopefully inspire others to have a go at sewing. I am proof that you don't need to have had lessons, there are so many avenues to teach yourself.
 |
| My little corner of sewing heaven! |
Comments
Post a Comment