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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: fuzzy_onetoo
Date: 04-17-2005, 05:12 PM (1 of 17)
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Hello there Well I have just joined hoping to learn something about sewing here. I'm a middle aged man who had it suggested to me to learn to sew. Is it possible? I mean can a guy learn the art of sewing? Please say 'no' then I can go back and tell the lady in my building it is something I can't help her with unfortunatley....... Thanks in advance The Fuzzy One
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User: fuzzy_onetoo
Member since: 04-17-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-17-2005, 05:55 PM (2 of 17)
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Are you kidding? Some of the best tailors in the world are men! Not to mention designers! Of course..and you are never too old to learn. Now, HOW old was Grandma Moses when she first picked up a paint brush?
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-17-2005, 06:09 PM (3 of 17)
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I agree. The best designer/sewist I know is a man. He is absolutely a natural. Go for it and enjoy!
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 04-17-2005, 07:09 PM (4 of 17)
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I taught my Dad to sew when he was about 46-47....(he died at 48 and didn't get a chance to do it much). He LOVED it !!! He'd been a graphic artist, welder, draftsman and mechanic. (his lifelong hobby was cars) I think all men should learn to sew, as well as cook and clean...besides being a great hobby. It can be a good business... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: fuzzy_onetoo
Date: 04-17-2005, 07:20 PM (5 of 17)
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Wow thank you all so much for your replies on what I thought might be a strange post. I'm sure the lady in our building will be pleased when I tell her I'll take a few lessons. She'll have long list of things for me to do in time if I know her. Have a great evening....... The Fuzzy One
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User: fuzzy_onetoo
Member since: 04-17-2005 Total posts: 8 |
From: sable
Date: 04-17-2005, 08:04 PM (6 of 17)
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My brother-in-law is the only one in his family who was interested in learning (he had a sister and a brother). He has recently got his wife interested and she is learning quilting. He does any clothing repairs required for his wife and son. He's a motor mechanic by trade and one of the least fluffy guys I know. I have two little boys, and have every intention of teaching both to sew, that way if their life partners don't know how, it won't matter so much! I say go for it, enjoy it, and enjoy seeing peoples faces when you tell them you made it! |
User: sable
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 76 
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From: suesodyssey
Date: 04-17-2005, 08:59 PM (7 of 17)
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My husband made extra money in the Navy by sewing. He put on all the regular stuff they had to have on uniforms, plus he hemmed, took in and let out waist bands. He hasn't done much sewing since the Navy, but before we got married last year, he put on patches on his club vest and hemmed his own pants when necessary. Just because you are a man, doesn't mean you can't sew, or cook or any other so called "woman's work". I enjoy doing things with my hands; sewing, needle work, wood working and building things, I love to do remodeling...like tearing into old ceramic tile, redoing walls, floors...all that messy "guy thing". If you enjoy it....go for it. Bet you would like to do cross stitch too!! Sue |
User: suesodyssey
Member since: 03-29-2005 Total posts: 86 |
From: mamadus
Date: 04-17-2005, 10:03 PM (8 of 17)
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my ds is a very good sewer.. he took "Life Skills" in hs and had to learn to sew... made himself a pair of cargo shorts that he wears to this day... he did a great job!! there's absolutley no reason why guys can't learn to sew and sew well... MO life is too short, not to explore
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User: mamadus
Member since: 12-31-2004 Total posts: 492 
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From: HAIN_Angel
Date: 04-17-2005, 11:03 PM (9 of 17)
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Hey my hubby sews. He is the one who re-ads my buttons on too. He is not the best but he is 6 foot 6 and was in the army and hey he sews. His mom taught her kids too. Thought it was a good skill to teach her kids. So I tihnk men sewing is a great thing. Mary |
User: HAIN_Angel
Member since: 03-25-2005 Total posts: 7 |
From: paroper
Date: 04-17-2005, 11:36 PM (10 of 17)
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I have a good friend who designed and made his girlfriend's prom dress while in high school. Last I heard he was getting upwards from $4,000-$7,000 for wedding dresses that he designs and makes.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: wp88
Date: 04-18-2005, 06:04 AM (11 of 17)
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I am a middle aged man and bought a machine which is easy enough to use and yes you can learn to sew. It takes a bit of practice like anything but if I can you can, so good luck. Bill |
User: wp88
Member since: 03-28-2005 Total posts: 35 |
From: niko20
Date: 04-18-2005, 12:45 PM (12 of 17)
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I'm a guy and so far I've made 3 shirts - 1 with a collar with stand, 1 with a normal collar with facing (lapels), and a basic t-shirt. All you need to do is follow the pattern instructions. Sometimes the sewing instructions are confusing, but just sit down and think about it for a little while to try and understand what they are doing. It will eventually come to you. Usually men are pretty good at spatial things, like picturing what something is supposed to look like, etc, and that definitely helps in sewing to figure out the instructions sometimes. Here's a quote from my other thread - the first shirt I ever made, pictures of it. Thanks for all the useful tips everyone ! Here's some pictures of my shirt, with the decorative bottom hem as well. http://webpages.charter.net/nikolatesla20/sew/shirt1.jpg http://webpages.charter.net/nikolatesla20/sew/shirt2.jpg The collar fits perfect, but I need to see if I can take a little bit out of the side seams just to have it fit my body a little closer. At this point tho I'm scared to touch it much more lol lest I make a real mess that I can't fix! -niko I'm going to get some pics of the second shirt I'm working on soon, it's coming out even better than the first, and it fits me better because it's a different pattern. -niko |
User: niko20
Member since: 03-23-2005 Total posts: 19 |
From: Sheri
Date: 04-20-2005, 10:53 AM (13 of 17)
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Niko, if the second pattern fits better than the first did, you can use the second as a guide to alter the first, so that will be a better fit as well. Both shirts you posted pics of are nice. You are obviously taking care with your projects. |
User: Sheri
Member since: 12-04-2000 Total posts: 126 
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From: sewingrandma
Date: 04-20-2005, 05:48 PM (14 of 17)
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My Dad taught me how to sew. He use to sell and repair machines when I was still a twinkle in his eye and use to make all the clothes that were on display in the shop he use to work in. I use to work with a doctor who use to sew all his lab coats and jumpsuits he would wear to work. Brockie
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User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003 Total posts: 432 |
From: natred2
Date: 04-21-2005, 08:51 PM (15 of 17)
I know a couple of guys that sew... nothing strange about it!! One of them sews better than his wife. What I find strange is that most of my female friends do not know how to sew, and shamefully... either does my daughter, but my son at least has an inkling...  I know a couple that crochet too, so if your thinking along those lines, remember this, fisherman used to knit/crochet their own sweaters and nets 
Don't be so open minded your brains fall out.
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User: natred2
Member since: 04-09-2005 Total posts: 81 
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From: PhilipG
Date: 04-22-2005, 12:04 PM (16 of 17)
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I am a guy and I sew quite a lot and even sell the things I make. Go to http://www.thecraftshop.ca to see some of the things I make and sell online. Philip. |
User: PhilipG
Member since: 04-22-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-22-2005, 12:13 PM (17 of 17)
Hi PhilipG and welcome to Sew Whats New.   I love the Fan Quilt, it's lovely. You should ask more for your baby quilts. If you would like, post the link to your shop in the Fabrics/Machines For Sale. Advertising is allowed in that forum. Thanks. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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