Sew What’s Up Presents
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: Helen Weiss
Date: 03-19-2006, 01:11 AM (1 of 67)
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I had an interesting chat with a wonderful fabric store owner in a town 2 hours away from my home today. She has been in business for many years, and has been trying to sell her business for 2 years now. She feels that there are not enough young sewers to sustain small fabric stores. The bulk of Canada's sewers, according to her, are over 50 years of age. Our generation started sewing to save money, but by the time our children grew up, fabric prices have risen enough that sewing is no longer an economical thing to do. Young people would rather buy RTW, so they can be sure of fit etc. I was quite shocked and surprised by what she told me, I had no idea that this was a trend. She added that this is the reason most of our independent fabric stores have gone, and leave only WalMart and Fabricland to serve our needs. Indeed, the fabrics that I saw in this store today were amongst the most beautiful I have ever seen, but truthfully, I could not afford most of it - the least expensive I saw, and purchased was $21.00/m. I'm thinking all of this information helps me to understand why my alterations business continues to grow - no one else is sewing!! Not to mention that people do not own sewing machines that allow them to do the smallest repairs and sewing jobs. So, I guess what I'm getting around to, is that there is a real opportunity out there for our services!
sewhappy
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User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
From: Karebear
Date: 03-19-2006, 09:00 AM (2 of 67)
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I LOVE fabric because of the way it feels and makes me feel.. I will do the BIG department "fabric" stores to purchase the "sale items" for the get it done quick type project I could be working on. BUT.. my stores that I value the fabric because the fabric HOLDS value is my home away from home. I have 7 favourite "little shops" around 50 miles radius of my home. They are the "little" store with heart for fabric!!! I feel so very sad to hear that the "little" store cannot pull their threads up to gather support for the art. I can see and fully understand the cost of fabric at $21.00 meter and shudder to think of just how much this will cost me as I go to have some fabric cut. We have become a "throw away" society. Without getting into name calling towards the mega distributor who starting this "thought" I would like to thank them all for making realize that I am a country girl with a lust for "creating" rather than follow the rest of the crowds into wearing the same thing with the same fabric that will only last a season!!! The art of sewing should never die unless we allow it.  Thank you Karen getting ready to sew some "peddle pushers" for me self!!! Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338 
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 03-19-2006, 12:09 PM (3 of 67)
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In my humble opinion, sewing is not exactly going away. People, though, are sewing quilts instead of fashions. Quilts are lovely accents, keep people warm and are a wonderful creative outlet. BUT, just exactly how many quilts does a person need, anyway? What is going away is the idea of sewing fashions -- good old fashioned (or new fashioned) clothing that actually fits the first time. Alterations are wonderful, and necessary. Most of my business is doing alteratins, so I can't knock it. But my heart prefers sewing from scratch, getting the fit, the colors, the fabrics, the trims just right. Unfortunatley, most people these days would rather go to some discount house, buy somelthing that is cheap (and cheaply made), then bring it to me to try to get it so it looks right on their body. Why not start with something made to order in the first place? Most peoole these days seem to prefer spending less money to have something not quite as nice as custom made. I don't mean to sound bitter -- actually, I'm not, just trying to be pragmatic. I get my fill of sewing from scratch by sewing for myself and my granddaughters. How do we overcome this lack of sewing? By sewing for ourselves and our families. By purchasing those fabrics from the smaller shops, even at $21.00 per meter. By encouraging younger people to sew, and how creative they can be with it, how fulfilling it can be and how much fun it can be. Easy to do? No, but for every person who learns to sew and grown to love it we generate another generation of sewists. There's lots more I could say about this subject, but I'm getting off my soapbox now to allow someone else to share their thoughts. |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 03-19-2006, 01:07 PM (4 of 67)
| I think some of the problem is several things that come into play. Most schools have cut out sewing classes, Classes elsewhere are expensive ( at least in my area ), the machines that most want are expensive, patterns have to be reworked for a good fit anymore. I seldom sew garments for myself for that reason. Good fabric is expensive. Im not complaining at all but can see why some don't sew or can't afford to. I love to sew & feel it's better made than a lot of store bought. I do quilts, wall hangings & love to do home dec. I do sew some for the grands but not as much as I used to as they are getting older. I do a lot of machine embroidery & love that too. Believe me I support the fabric shops as much as I can. They are going by the wayside just like the mom & pop stores did though & what a shame. I have 3 dd & not a one got into sewing. I get all their repair & to do jobs. When I pass on I want to take all my machines with me. LOL. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: Dustbunny01
Date: 03-19-2006, 03:13 PM (5 of 67)
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I on the other hand have seen a up swing in fabrics, garments, and quilts, for the longest time, I would be the only one in the fabric dept at Wal-Mart ( here Wal-mart is king, and long ago ran out the fabric stores in the mid 80s) BUT with more and more people quilting this has put fabrics at an all time high, and has kept the fabric Dept becoming busier, Now with fleece, the fabrics are flying off the shelves. This Halloween, I saw the Fabric Dept packed, with Young mothers and there young, buying patterns and fabrics, this has given them a new outlet, low end sewing machines are selling, They are finding out they can make garments cheaper then they can buy then in the stores. I myself, find that fabric is on the up swing after years of decline. DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
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From: Jeke
Date: 03-19-2006, 06:30 PM (6 of 67)
I grew up with my mom sewing my clothes and teaching me along the way. I know that with the trend of girls wearing jeans that I did not sew much for my daughter. Jeans are not something I wanted to try to do and she is picky about the fit. I think this is also part of the reason why many do not sew much either. Doesn't stop me from having my fabric stash  I am glad to have a granddaughter for whom I can still sew little dresses. Jeke Jay
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User: Jeke
Member since: 11-10-2004 Total posts: 232 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 03-19-2006, 10:55 PM (7 of 67)
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At the sewing show in Vancouver every class teacher noted two things 1 - 95% of the sewers were grey haired or over 50 2 - there were almost no men sewers We discussed it in one class and came to the conclusion that todays women are too busy to spend the time sewing. It's really too bad, sewing is a wonderful art and hobby. I love creating beautiful things. I hope that eventually my daughters will get the bug like my sister and I got from my mom. I'm hoping as their children get into school, they will try it out. But today, it seems that most parents are both working, and there are so many single parents out there that it's too hard to find the time. Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: shebear
Date: 03-20-2006, 01:03 AM (8 of 67)
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You know I keep seeing this message for people that are supposed to be in the know but I'm seeing just the opposite in the stores. I won't even go in the fabric stores on the weekends. They're just too busy. I don't know if it was the knitting trend started by that lady in NY or if young people just wised-up to the fact that being different wasn't going to happen if you shopped "off the rack". All I can say is Yippee! I'm all for answering questions and promoting creativity. And we don't even want to address the home design market. I think most of the women here can make drapes and slipcovers. I would never have dreamed that there was so much home made acessorizing going on around me. Guess I should have "come up for air" from work a few years earlier. Not the expected from an upscale city of mostly professionals. So don't give up.....times are going to get tougher and all that comsumerism is just going to slow down. And don't give up on the small shops. Attitudes are changing......just ask Bill Gates! |
User: shebear
Member since: 01-30-2006 Total posts: 7 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 03-20-2006, 10:44 AM (9 of 67)
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When I first started back to sewing in 2004, I began to wonder if sewing was becoming a lost art. Every time I tried to find some beginner books or information online or in stores, all I could find was stuff about quilting. There was very little about garment construction, which became a little frustrating. I have since been able to find some great books, and a few really good websites that I've saved that have "how-to" instructions on many elements of making garments. It's a shame that todays' educational system, for the most part, has eliminated the Home Economics curriculum from their schools. So many kids leave school not knowing how to boil water or sew on missing button, much less anything else. There are a few schools here in the Buffalo NY area that do teach sewing, but as to how many of those students keep doing it after they leave school is unknown to me. My own daughter never had one of those classes, and being a single mom of a toddler, doesn't really the have the time and patience to be able to learn right now. I'm anxious to teach her and have a machine ready to give to her. There's just so much emphasis on physical activities (sports, dance, hiking, biking, etc) here that many people just forget about being creative with their hands. I think the tide is slowing turning and I agree with shebear about the stores being jammed on the weekends. I wish there was a way to get the younger generation interested in keeping the hand crafts alive and growing-not just sewing, but knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and quilting. Maybe some of us "over-50" guys and gals should look in to volunteering to teach something that we're good at in the near future. Just my 2 cents worth...  Cookie Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-20-2006, 11:07 AM (10 of 67)
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I think the people that sew do it because they just love it. It has nothing to do with saving money. It is just our creative outlet and I think there will always be people that sew. Maybe less garment sewing but quilting and home dec are the in thing right now. I think other forms of needlework are also all part of the whole textile art thing. And I agree the whole time thing keeps young women from doing as much sewing as they would like. If you are working and raising a family you just don't have the "me" time it takes. As for the small fabric shops -- it's not that people aren't buying fabrics, it's that our culture is becoming so dependent on the big box stores that many people aren't comfortable in the smaller shops. For one thing the small stores can't match the prices the chains offer. And so many people would rather run to WalMart and pay less so they can by more stuff -- it's a sad reflection of our cultural values. This culture certainly values having more and more cheap stuff than handcrafted art. That's my rant on the subject. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 03-20-2006, 11:29 AM (11 of 67)
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I hear that this group is discovering knitting/crochet! I think that is great. I also think that it is sad that schools don't value "life skills' such as Home Ec or whatever they call it these days (FACS: Family & Consumer Services??) anybody?? Sewing and Cooking skills should be just as important as sports! (which I hate-sports that is!) Yes, the Michaels, Wally Worlds, JoAnn's etc. seem busy to me! Esp on Saturdays! sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-20-2006, 02:03 PM (12 of 67)
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When I look at the amount of information our kids are being asked to absorb it doesn't surprise me that there is no room for music, art, home ec, vo ag or shop in schools. When kids are being put in school at 3 1/2 and 4 without resesses. My kids in kindergarten were doing things that I was taught in 3rd and 4th grade (for real). I think the time will come when we will decide in grade shool the direction our kids' education and vocation will take so that their schooling can be specialized. Then, after being in school all day they come home wired and tired. We turn around and push them into sports and dancing after hours as even as first graders and if we don't they can't compete when they are in the 7th grade. I was shocked to find out that kids that haven't had dancing can't be in show choir and kids who haven't had tumbling can't be in cheerleading. Where are we going with this when the kids have to be pushed so hard? As for the sewing thing? I think a lot of it has to do with the women being taken out of the homes and into the work force. Not only are we not teaching them to sew in the home or at school (or do basic crochet, whatever), their mothers worked and now they are working. Even if they could sew, between work, housework and running kids everywhere, there is no time to relax....that is, until the kids leave home and things start to calm down a bit...then, when they are grey, they can sew. Last year, in a band of 75 kids, we had 4 parents who could thread a needle. Two of us were expert seamstresss, one was moderate, and one was gifted and willing but still a bit of a novice. There just weren't any others. There was a time when anywhere from 70-95 percent of the mothers and many of the fathers could sew. There are a lot of people taking up quilting but they'll tell you they don't know the first thing about "sewing". Home dec is really big too, esp if they don't have to "sew" something. Some of these people are starting to get interested in sewing garments as they go, but it is a slow progression. Many seamstresses will tell you that sewing is no longer a money saving operation and truly, when I was sewing for people, by the time we finished, they could have easily bought cheaper than most of the garments I made....and that was before they paid me. It isn't just the mom and pop operations that are loosing out. In fact, it didn't start there. It started with Sears, Penney's, Wards, and nearly every other major department store out there. It used to be that you could go into any department store, upscale or otherwise and buy fabrics. The upscale department stores handled fine fabics, silks, linens, lovely woolen fabrics...it started at the top stores and dwindled down until nearly no one carried fabrics anymore. The first fabrics I learned to sew were bought at an upscale department store. My first skirt was a linen and silk blend and it felt wonderful...I'll never forget it! It could swing back the other direction but right now Hancocks is bleeding out big time. I don't know about Joanne's...it may not be long until all fabrics are mail order or through Wal Mart. The trend seems to be mostly cotton fabrics. Even play fabrics like poplin, sailcloth and duck are hard to find. I hope that the variety stays out there...but it doesn't look too hopeful to me. Bottom line: I guess that I'll just continue to buy for my fabric stash so that when the upcoming fabric disaster happens, I'll have plenty to tide me over....right now I could probably sew for the next 4 generations of my family (ha ha). 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: LoveSewin
Date: 03-20-2006, 02:29 PM (13 of 67)
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I always find Fabricland to be busy - which is funny because I don't really know anyone who sews! When people find out I sew they are amazed! We have a specialty fabric shop nearby, but they specialize in quilting. And for a small store there prices are usually less than in the city! But when I want to sew garments, it's off to Fabricland. I try to sew something when it will be cheaper (and better) than RTW. I have 2 dd's and am hoping they'll become interested in sewing. My oldest is 8 so I am contemplating on getting a project up and running for her. I figure if I can get at least one of them into sewing the craft may carry on! Plus, I couldn't imagine having to call someone everytime I needed a patch or to hem my dd's pants. It's such a valuable skill! There's my 2 cents! Kim
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User: LoveSewin
Member since: 01-31-2006 Total posts: 103 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-20-2006, 02:37 PM (14 of 67)
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Bottom line: I guess that I'll just continue to buy for my fabric stash so that when the upcoming fabric disaster happens, I'll have plenty to tide me over. Yeah, Pam, that's what I tell my husband too. I have some good news. I just interviewed (for a newspaper feature) the program director and executive director of a youth community center that targets lower income kids. One of their many popular programs is a sewing class. The executive director is a self taught sewer (the program director calls her a sewing fanatic). She said the girls are really interested and much of the equipment and fabric is donated. When I get back from vacation I think I'll donate a couple old sewing machines I have sitting around and a pile of fabric. I'm sure, like everyone else, in their 20s and early 30s they will be to busy to sew much but when these girls get a little older and have a little more spare time, many of them will go back to it. How many of the sewers here, after all, say "I learned to sew in high school and am just getting back to it." Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-20-2006, 02:50 PM (15 of 67)
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That's wonderful! What a wonderful legacy to be able to pass on the craft of sewing!!! We should all probably be doing more of that. It is easy to complain that it is passing away, but to do somthing about it...well, that's just great!!!
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: Jayde877
Date: 03-20-2006, 04:27 PM (16 of 67)
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I took a home ec class in high school. (1993 I think) It was the only class open when I needed to take a new class. I never had much interest in sewing until then. I sewed a few things, but nothing really impressive, and it didn't really strike me as something I enjoyed. After graduating and having two children I was talking to my now husband (who works in the medical field) and he was commenting on how he had difficulty finding inexpensive scrubs that fit him, much less any patterned top that wasn't feminine. I told him I could sew them, no problem. (I hadn't sewn in about 5 years at that point and didn't even own a sewing machine...yeah I was trying to impress him lol) That's pretty much how I got started sewing. The first set of scrubs that I made was a trial. I wasn't very good at reading the pattern instructions and had no clue how to find out how much fabric to get. Then the only pattern for scrubs I could find had a very feminine neckline that I said "Oh I can change that" That is when I discovered my V-Neck technique, which I couldn't explain if I wanted to. I could show you though lol. The first top had a point that tilted to the right I believe, but I've perfected it now. Now I sew for my children, mostly for my daughter, because it's easier to find patterns for girls. Both my son and daughter have shown mild interest in learning to sew. I usually buy fabric at Wal-Mart, there aren't any fabric stores around here for one, and also because I am on a limited income. After reading this post I feel bad that I'm not supporting the stores that sell quality fabrics, but until I start making a LOT more money, it's just not feasible. I hope that my children will continue to show interest in sewing, especially when they start to get older and can actually retain some of the things they need to sew. My husband can sew as well, not to the extent I can, so he usually just tells me what he needs/wants done and I do it. As for not knowing many people who sew, I find that true. Out of my small group of friends I have one that knows how to do more than sew a button on that falls off, and quite a few that can't even do that. I guess my favorite part of sewing is when my husband or kids are wearing something I made and someone asks where I bought it. Anyway, I think I have gone on long enough. Charity |
User: Jayde877
Member since: 07-27-2005 Total posts: 106 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-21-2006, 11:34 PM (17 of 67)
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I live in a very small town in nwFL....(pop. 14,500) my local fabric/machine shop is actually in the owners first house. (the house she lives in is next door, as is the 'repair' shop, between the two houses). She does such a business from all over AL, GA and FL, she has a staff of 8. (not counting her and her daughter). Her classes are always full. (I must say though that I'm usually the youngest in the classes (and I'm over 50 yay! I made it). Except for the 'kids' classes in the summer. She supplies the local HS with machines and repairs...not to mention fabric for costumes, etc. Last week I saw a 3 generation family of women in the store....so maybe in some parts of the U.S. sewing isn't what people do...but in other parts, it's flourishing. Since I've lived all over the U.S. I think it depends on the women, how they were brought up (did their mothers/grandmothers sew) and what life is like now. In MT, I saw no sewers.(thats why my Singer is now a door stop). In CA, NV,FL, NM, OR, they sew and have fabulous shops. In VA, no time (too close to DC). In TX...didn't see much of it, but then I didn't live there that long. (since I KNOW theres a Janome shop doing very well in a suburb of Dallas, I'm guessing someone there sews.) My mother-in-law sewed when my husband was a kid, but she didn't teach her daughter (or the 3 boys). My grandmother taught my mother (her daughter), me and my sister. I taught my Dad. My husband could care less, but likes the compliments on his embroidered t-shirts. (He has as much interest in sewing as I do in cameras....  )So sewing down here in the panhandle is alive and well...and doing better all the time... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: paroper
Date: 03-22-2006, 06:11 AM (18 of 67)
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Chrys, so, you're married to a shutter bug too?
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: Helen Weiss
Date: 03-22-2006, 11:10 PM (19 of 67)
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Thank you all for this great discussion. You've all given me alot to think about!
sewhappy
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User: Helen Weiss
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 69 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 03-22-2006, 11:24 PM (20 of 67)
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Shutterbug isnt the correct term for my 'geek'...more like obsessed. Not only does the carry -a- camera wherever he goes, (last time he flew they -lost- it...good thing we got it back), he collects the stupid things too. (how many 'Brownies' do you REALLY need). His WHOLE family is nuts with cameras. (we have pictures of people taking pictures of people, taking pictures of people). He bought me a camera once....in a freak accident, ( I really don't like to touch cameras much..my fingers always end up in the shots) my camera was drowned on my dinningroom table....yep we were living in a two story apt. Came home one day to hear running water, saw the water all over. Seems the owner had new plumbing put in, in the upstairs before we moved in and the plumber didn't tighten the shower drain and it flooded the ceiling, made a mess of the carpet and killed my one and only camera. ( I wasn't sorry.....) I now have a cheap digital my husband INSISTED I use...and it's like my cell phone. I can't remember to keep it charged or to use it....(and I'm not sorry about the cell phone either... )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: paroper
Date: 03-23-2006, 04:24 AM (21 of 67)
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My family probably didn't take 20 picture of me before I was school age..and then we just bought the school pics. My husband's mom always had a camera in her hand. I was always forgetting the camera for the important moments in our kids lives. Now my husband is crazy for photography too. He decided to do some professional photography hoping to build a reputation before he retires. He takes pictures by the millions and then spends hours playing with them in the computer. Our husbands probably talk in a forum some place...isn't that a funny picture. I, on the other hand, push the camera down as I take a shot so everything is blurred. I can't forcus because I can't see well out of my glasses...so my pics are really terrible. Fortunately, my family is quite artistic so they take wonderful shots! 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: Lynnie
Date: 03-23-2006, 08:27 AM (22 of 67)
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I think it comes and goes in phases. I started knitting a few years ago in my late 20's. There were only a handful of books on the subject at my local Barnes & Nobel. I was often teased for being the "little old lady" with my knitting projects. Knitting and crocheting were considered a dying art. Now everyone seems to be knitting. There are litterly dozens of new books on learning to knit. I know of several magazines that publish trendy and "quick" kits. (The down side is that it can be harder to find more classic or inticate designs.) I've learned to design my own sweaters and suddenly I'm no longer a "granny" but an "artist." I think the same will probably happen with sewing. Quilting is already wildly popular. When looking for a good basic "How to Sew" book I waded through shelves of books on quilting. The only small independent store in my area is dedicated to quilting. People will come back to garment sewing when they start looking for a new creative outlet. |
User: Lynnie
Member since: 02-23-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: MaryW
Date: 03-23-2006, 08:42 AM (23 of 67)
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According to this, it is not dying at all. http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/living/14167768.htm MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-23-2006, 08:57 AM (24 of 67)
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I agree, the trend comes and goes. People now sew for different reasons. It is more of a creative outlet, wanting somthing different than what is available in the stores and catalogues. I sewed constantly when the kids were small. Now, I sew for myself and grandson. He's big on jammies at the moment but that will pass. There are so many gorgeous fabrics now and threads. Silk thread, variegated threads for embellishing, it's all for that special piece you want to make. Even if it isn't a special piece, we want it to be our own with the choice of fabric and finishing. Embroidery machines are stitching up that awesome design we just have to have on something. We certainly don't save a whole lot of money by sewing. Everyone has told me embroidery is an expensive hobby. No one in my family sews, my mom didn't either. My grandmother did a couple of quilts but her and my mom loved to knit more. Mending is a chore to most. I love it all because I can't wait to turn my machine on and I enjoy handsewing as well. At the moment both my daughters know how to sew but prefer not to. They work, busy with home and kids. They would rather spend their extra time doing other things. Maybe that is another reason there aren't as many sewing. Most women are out to work, not many stay at home anymore. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: karen v
Date: 03-23-2006, 09:28 AM (25 of 67)
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Hi Mary and all, Thank you for hosting this forum. I am new here, live in Maryland USA. I can think of 2 reasons why folks don't sew as much anymore. Think of the investment in time and money it is and compare it with just running over to Walmart and paying 13.99 for a definitely wearable knit top or skirt. If the woven tops fit, you are in luck there too. It's hard to make it from scratch for that price. The other reason in my opinion, is that the large American pattern companies have not kept pace with the needs of contemporary sewers. They have not facilitated in any way the ability for a new sewer to actually get a good fit without absolute paroxysms. All they would have to do is provide a little more information to the customer regarding the measurements of their basic block so the sewer can compare them to their own. They seem to regard this information as some kind of "trade secret". This is one of my pet peeves, but I don't worry too much for myself since I got patternmaking software. It's just hard...I teach beginning sewing and my students are SO intimidated by the concept of fit. Karen V all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-23-2006, 10:09 AM (26 of 67)
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Well, I don't know. We tend to not take time to read (all the) instructions and take advantage of all the information they supply us, The pattern companies do put the body measurments on the patterns envelopes and they publish the measurments and how to measure in the books. They have even started putting FINISHED measurments on the patten envelopes in some cases. In the past 12-15 years they've started putting the finished measurments ON the PATTERN where they are measured to make sure we don't overlook them (sure beats trying to measure those yourself)...still, people make the patterns in the wrong sizes. Also in the last fifteen years or so they started publishing 3 sizes on their patterns (sometimes more) which makes it MUCH easier to alter the pattern for typical fitting problems. It is also not the pattern companies that deviated the sizes. In the 60's RTW sizes AND pattern sizes came together to be the same....and patterns enlarged to accomidate that. (Prior to that the patterns were much smaller and differently proportioned). It is the RTW market that moved the sizing mark. If you think about it, even if you wear a size 14 RTW in one brand, you wear a size 12, perhaps a 10 in another and you probably don't buy the brand where size 16 fits (very often), at least that is typical of the way we think. They have pattern online sites with extra information on them for the customer to access. If you sign up they will send you information on regular basis. Outside of posting a rep at the pattern catalog sections of the local store, I don't know what else they could do to help. If we could come up with suggestions, and maybe we could, I'm sure that they'd like to hear them because it would be great for business. As far as designs, I must admit that the pattern companies do not always have the latest designs. They are like any other part of the fashion industry, they have to have time to get it published and sometimes they just miss the mark all together. I also think that with the Vogue/McCalls/Butterick line they are trying to cater to a different group of people in each catalog. If you look you'll notice there is just a different type of fashion trend in each book. I admit, we don't necessarily come together on the pattern issues, but it isn't that the companies aren't trying. They've made great strides to try and accomidate us. The place that I see them missing out right now is in the (simple) directions department and that is because they have removed so many illustrations. 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: karen v
Date: 03-23-2006, 10:41 AM (27 of 67)
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Pam, I have no complaints whatsoever about the styling of the patterns. I simply do not believe that anyone can get a good fit based only on bust, waist, hip, and BWL measurements.(unless you were born the shape of the wolf dress form) Proportional measurements are at least as important as circumference measurements One needs the front waist length, bust to neck/shoulder, and sleeve length, at the very least. (don't forget bicep circumference, neck circ. and shoulder length) Case in point--Burda. They provide many more body measurements as a reference point. Consequently it is easier to fit oneself with their patterns. Maybe I am sensitive because of my own bizarre fit issues (never seen in ANY book)--but those measurements help me a lot. I don't care what they base their "block" on, but it sure would be helpful if they would let the sewer know where they are coming from. You could look at a chart and know right away, "This pattern sizing is not for me", or conversely, "Wow, their measurements are right on for my body type". Also, back to my earlier post, there are not a lot of people teaching fitting--it's very hard to learn and even harder to learn on your own. ( I got SO FRUSTRATED! I got the patternmaking software and when I "saw" my body I had a real AHA moment. If I hadn't gone there, I probably would have quit garment sewing altogether.) So, if sewing is a dying art, then teaching sewing/fitting must be too. I wish I had more time to teach. I would really like to teach fitting and sewing together--I would like to save my students from all the frustration that I had. Nice chatting with you. (I have to go to work NOW!!!) regards, Karen V all art is lies that help us see the truth
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User: karen v
Member since: 03-12-2006 Total posts: 31 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-23-2006, 10:51 AM (28 of 67)
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The pattern companies used to sell their patterns by body type...there isn't as much of that now but I don't think we purchased for our body types as much they had expected...that and you know how the best patterns are always in a different size..... RTW sold that way too. Petites, Women's, Misses, Teens, Juniors. Those used to be all viable body types and RTW AND pattern catalogs catered to those. When I was in school we had to study those and determine which body type fit us best. I agree that the custom fitting of patterns is something that is not done well and it is something that I think is best taught in person. It would be nice if several of the larger fabric chains would have fitting classes. It is an area of concern for everyone, esp the beginning seamstress.
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: LillianTXSewer
Date: 03-28-2006, 01:37 PM (29 of 67)
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I have sewn for years for my daughters. Made most all of their clothing until they reached high school and the styles they wanted such as jeans were not really practical to make. (and of course did not have that "necessary" Designer label. ) They are in their late 20s and early 30s now. They never had the desire to learn to sew, even though they each took a course in 7th grade and in 4H. I encouraged them to sew, but never forced the issue. I don't believe they own a needle/thread to this day. The latest I have seen now is that the younger group is beginning to sew/learn to sew. They seem to want to learn so they can do home decor and quilting. (straight seams ARE a lot easier than some of the complex situations you can get into while garment sewing). So, I guess it is not dying, just changing a bit. |
User: LillianTXSewer
Member since: 03-28-2006 Total posts: 2 
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From: MaryW
Date: 03-28-2006, 02:01 PM (30 of 67)
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Hi and welcome to Sew Whats New. I think you are right, they are sewing different things for different reasons.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: plrlegal
Date: 03-29-2006, 11:35 AM (31 of 67)
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When it comes to garment sewing I've noticed that a lot of women don't want to admit to their actual measurements versus their rtw size. For example, I'm making a skirt for my youngest sister. When I asked her what size she wears, she told me a 12-14, however, when I made her give me her waist and hip measurements, guess what!!!, she wears a 16-18. She stammered, sputtered and refused to admit what her actual measurements say. I finally told her to get get over it that it's only a number. Quite a few women refuse to admit that their rtw size and their actual pattern size greatly differ on the plus side for patterns. Some of them really get hung up on this issue and keep trying to make garments out of patterns they try to get to match their vanity rtw size and end up with unhappy results and then blame the pattern companies. For myself, I have to slice, dice and splice most patterns, especially a dress pattern because I tended to be top heavy until last July and now I have an issue with the middle of my body from under the bust area to the thigh area. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-29-2006, 01:42 PM (32 of 67)
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Until the day she died, my sister swore she was a size 7. She'd bring garments to me and want them altered (sure). She was a whole lot closer to a size 20. I think that when we look in the mirror our sizes somehow seem to freeze in our eyes. I know that most people think that it is for people who are growing larger but believe it or not, it is also for people who are getting smaller. When someone looses a lot of weight, they can tell in their clothes that they have lost but it is hard for them to percieve themselves as considerably smaller, even if they loose more than a hundred pounds. 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: Sew-Enchanting
Date: 03-30-2006, 07:59 PM (33 of 67)
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Wow, I missed a whole lot of talking while I was finishing grades up for 3rd quarter! I just wanted to drop a quick comment about the schools. I remember taking Home Ec in middle school (required for 8th graders) and then taking electives in high school. I took private sewing lessons for years before that, but it was really nice to get another teachers' opinions. Nowadays, though, things have changed a lot. I teach in a high school (not F/CE--FCS--FACE--Home Ec--or whatever the name is now), and all we do is guided by budget constraints and standardized testing. If our tests aren't at a certain level, we face loss of money. If our tests don't improve, we face loss of money. NCLB has left us with a society obsessed with tests, and a lot of elective classes have been dropped by the wayside because of it. I teach personal finance in Economics classes, and we face the same issue. Since none of the questions on the standardized tests have anything to do with money, school districts around the country stop teaching personal finance. So - not only do we get kids who can't sew (or use a hammer, another 8th grade requirement as Shop class), we get kids who can't balance a checkbook or explain the difference between a debit and a credit card. On top of that, I have many students who just don't want to learn how to sew. It's not cool. Oh, they think it's neat that I make wedding dresses, but it's not cool to think of *them* doing something like that! I think that falls back on the trend thing. And the cost, too, I'm sure. I had a young lady who graduated last year and decided to go into Fashion Design. I asked her if she sewed, and her answer was "God, no! That's someone else's job!" It does make me interested in giving lessons, though. Kris
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User: Sew-Enchanting
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 53
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From: paroper
Date: 03-30-2006, 08:38 PM (34 of 67)
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Home ec has gravitated away from sewing anyway. I don't know if she is still but one of the teachers who came in after mine spent a lot of time teaching kids how to microwave food and clothing care, not construction. Most of what used to be home ec now is geared toward family relations and birth control (which we also managed to study, along with home nursing, home and interior design, cooking, child care, tailoring, basic clothing construction, first aid, balancing the budget/checkbook, etc.) By the time I was out of high school I could read a blue print, design a house, move bed-fast patients, cook and plan meals and parties, make an intellegent decision about finances and birth control, clean a house, babysit a child of any age, we were taught how to conduct ourselves in job interviews and fill out job applications, basically, take care of a household and myself for the rest of my life...through the changes of my life. The kids now are not getting nearly that much out of home ec and because most moms are working, they aren't getting it at home either. 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: Sancin
Date: 03-30-2006, 10:19 PM (35 of 67)
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Careful, Pam - You are giving your age away!! I am dumbfounded to find our how little college students know about history as well, and about their own country, Canada (do know US through TV). It is interesting but not surprising young people are not learning useful life skills in school. For a number of years I was on a community advisory committee regarding pre and post natal health with representatives from a number of agencies that dealt with disadvantaged and ignorant women and mothers. The one thing that kept coming up time and time again in our discussions was that these individuals could probably manage if they had a few life skills, like learning how to count money, spread money out over a period of time, how to do laundry and any number of other skills which should be learned in the home or in school. One wonders if the 'powers that be' recognize their use of false economy - cutting back in education means more spending in social and health programming - probably more expensive than schooling. At least birth control being taught is a good thing, but practice is another thing. Research shows that most teenagers still don't believe pregnancy will happen to them and it is unromantic to practice any form of control. I hear school teachers and programers talking all the time about money constraints, but I also hear how they can't teach things because they are constantly playing social workers. I have 3 immediate neighbours who are employed in employment businesses helping people to find jobs (and often read) and training them for interviews yet admit that many clients are unemployable. And they work for agencies that are government financed! My favourite charity is a woman's transition house (for women leaving difficult relationships) and when I retired I donated my professional clothes to a program that dresses university and college students for job interviews. And today I had to visit a professional office and discovered that once the individuals get the job they don't necessarily dress consistently well on a day to day business. I realize that there is a lot of information in the world to learn and for schools to teach, but wonder if the focus in public schools is wrong. If a young woman can set up an IPod (which I am trying to do with great difficulty) or copy an DVD but cannot make change or sew on a button, or read instructions something is wrong! Grumpy old lady - don't even get me started on testing in schools!!  How did number pushers get so much control anyway! *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: MrsSnuggly
Date: 05-25-2006, 01:38 PM (36 of 67)
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This is an interesting thread. I am the oldest of 5 girls and the only one that knows how to sew and I come from a long line of sewers. I am the only one that took home ec as well. It was offered in high school but all my sisters (not all of whom are out of school yet) chose other classes instead. Also, almost all of my much younger sisters figure they can just go buy more clothes or what they want cheaper than making it and aren't really worried about how its made. None of them would know a handstitched quilt vs. machine stitched if their lives depended on it. At the same time, my children's elementary school has no music priogram available(at all, and its small - only 420 kids), and had to take the art program out last year with "hopes" of putting it back in next year. I can't see how we can change what our kids are finding valuable without changing the school's requirements...which people could do but is quite a bit of work. People, in general, these days don't find the time to sit and teach their kids these skills that used to be pretty important. I know my sister's would rather watch tv or go to one of their MANY activites than sit and learn how to sew.Plus the parents are just SUPER busy. Lastly, I'm grateful there are people that are disturbed by this though because my kids all want to learn how to sew,want to play music and that sort of thing - my family thinks I'm nuts because I would rather teach them that than let them play computer games, watch tv at night, or put them into more activities. Boy am I long winded. Sorry. |
User: MrsSnuggly
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 104 |
From: snipper
Date: 06-02-2006, 04:06 PM (37 of 67)
| Hi, I 'm new to this forum, but I read this thread with great interest. I am 38, and pretty much a stay-at home mom. I am one of those gals whose mom was NOT a sewer, but I did my stint in Home ec in 7th grade. Had to make a skirt with a waistband & zipper which came out a disaster and really soured me on sewing. Luckily for me, in high school I had a lovely chemistry teacher (over 50!) who also did the costume crew for our school plays. She convinced me to give it another go and I have puttered with sewing ever since. For several years it was teddy bears and then some little quilts and Home Dec. Now I am enrolled in a dressmaking course because I want to learn to do alterations. It's correpondence however so perhaps when the youngest goes to Kindergarten in a year I can find some where to get some hands-on training. In the meantime I have already become the "seamstress" for my middle DDs dance school because I can at least let things down/ out and take them in/ up. I don't consider myself a "true" seamstress because I have a great deal to learn, but I have fallen in love with the idea that I may have found a new career once I know what I am doing. People would be very willing to pay me to hem things and such and I have a nice new machine my hubby generously encouraged me to purchase even though he is the one with the paying job. He is very supportive of my efforts to embark on this new journey. It is amazingly sad to me how many women my age would rather throw something away than fix it. Equally unbelievable is how few of them can sew on a button. I love beautiful fabric, but to get it I have to travel into NYC which is a 90 minute drive. Otherwise, it's Wal-Mart or JoAnn's...PS. am teaching my 12 year old to use my machine. She and her 9 yr-old sister can do some simple handsewing too.... |
User: snipper
Member since: 04-12-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 06-02-2006, 06:52 PM (38 of 67)
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I hated sewing in school, I had already been sewing for ages at home and we all had to make the same thing, a really dull shoe bag. ugh. I know it's easier for the teacher to have everyone doing the same project but yuck! I much prefered 4-H where all you had to do were your samples (double yuck but taught you all the basic techniques) and a project, wide open as to what you could do. That was the fun part!! The school here is pretty good in Jr High, this year the girls (and a couple of boys) made pj pants, lots of cool fabric going on there and they wear them to school too . I think the working mom has taken a toll on sewing etc. too, it is hard to eak out the time to sew, knit etc. Also the kids can be hard on the end product, You can spend hours on something to have it torn or disappear at school the next day and that can be heartbreaking. This is where an embroidery machine comes in handy my oldest's stuff is well labeled!! That kid leaves a trail wherever he goes.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: Karebear
Date: 06-03-2006, 08:15 AM (39 of 67)
This thread has been very interesting. Since I am from the "old school" we learned right from the start that money was very hard to come by. Therefore, clothes were made at home to wear and pass down to the next generation. During my teen years, I really did not like to "waste" my time sewing, but would rather "waste" my time shopping. Go figure  My dear wonderful mother made sure we knew how to cook and sew I disliked the part of cutting out the pattern (not my favorite even today). But once I got into the pattern - even if I had to rip it out a few times to make it right, I was proud of the end result!!! Within my immediate work place, I am the only one that sews!! There are about 35 of us!! I am the elder of the group but I really do not understand the ratio of 1 out of 35!! Snipper: welcome to the wonderful spot!!! I know what it is to love beautiful fabric. I spend a good deal of my salary on such!! There is NOT one time that I could walk into a fabric store without walking out with at least 3 yards of fabric. I am an fabric-addict!!!! Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338
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From: Patty22
Date: 06-03-2006, 02:04 PM (40 of 67)
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Being a sewer for years, I feel at times as though I am a "dinosaur." There are multiple reasons that prior forum readers have touched on as to the decline of home-sewers and I can fully understand all of them. But, knowing what I do about our sisters of earlier generations, they found the time to sew (and they really had to find time) because they did not have the availability of RTW, or funds to buy tailored clothing for a family that would quickly outgrow them and this was an expectation of their gender. However, not all these women enjoyed the task of sewing; they did so because it was another task incorporated in the multitude of duties associated with caring for a family no matter how big or small. IMHO, we sew because we enjoy the activity, the colors and the personal satisfaction of creating something unique and maybe even making a garment that might actually fit our personal body type. (I do not find many RTW garments that fit me or often flatter my body type as I am long waisted and often find RTW hitting my rib cage rather than my waist.) It is unfortunate that schools no longer teach sewing or even auto repair..hey, schools aren't even providing driver's education; an important skill to learn for the safety of young drivers as well as the public! How many quilts can one person make or need? I feel as though not enough! Compared to the amount of quilts I have made so far, I don't own that many. It is amazing how many quilts I have made as baby/graduation gifts/charity presents and how many have found new homes with my children. I think it is all cyclic and the ebb of increased home sewing is on the upswing! I remember my mother using a quilt that my great-aunt had made as a mattress cover because she didn't want one of those old looking things around. My mother was a Rosie Riviter and the freedom of a job with her own money was something she longed for when I was a kid and she didn't want to be reminded of "being poor" as she associated with quilts. My mother was also known for taking a formal gown and ripping it apart and using it as a pattern to make a new one rather than replacing it with RTW. So, go figure...... maybe the point is she had the knowledge and skills regarding sewing and chose whether or not or how to use them. Our youth today, unless they have a family member or extended family/urban family member that can teach them they might not get a pattern or book and read the instructions to teach themselves. I love to sew, but I am not going to pay a small shop mega bucks in order to keep their doors open; I can't afford that kind of capitalist charity. Being a home sewer means you need to be a wise consumer just as with making any other kind of purchases from your budget. I am very critical of thread count, manufacturer and all the label information on the fabric bolt as well as the price. There is no harm in bargain shopping. Just my 2 cents... Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: LisaMercer
Date: 06-04-2006, 08:41 PM (41 of 67)
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I feel very blessed after reading these posts.We have so many small fabric stores in our area.We probably have at least ten small quilt shops in a two hour radius from Clarksville.There are two or three fabric stores that cater to those who sew clothes and do heirloom and smocking.We also have Walmarts,Hancock Fabrics and a Joanns near Nashville.We also have a large organization called TN Valley Quilt Association that encompasses most of the quilt guilds from Clarksville south to guilds in the border areas of Alabama and Georgia and east to Oak Ridge,Tn.Clarksville Country Quilter are the most northern and western A few of the quilt shops and the machine dealerships offer classes on clothing and heirloom sewing. I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging,I just feel very lucky.
Lisa
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User: LisaMercer
Member since: 01-13-2003 Total posts: 2 |
From: lizardhippie
Date: 07-31-2006, 01:01 PM (42 of 67)
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I myself am 26, and have been sewing since I was about 10 years old. However, I have noticed a severe shortage of other young sewers. Actually, when I was a kid, I was embarrassed when my mom made my clothes and wouldn't tell anybody. Now I love to sew for my daughter & get lots of compliments on her handmade dresses. Hopefully I can get better and better at sewing, so if she feels embarrassed as she grows, at least the clothes will look like RTW. As far as local fabric stores go, they are not only expensive, but also not very customer-friendly. There is a wonderful fabric store in a small town near my home, but they won't let strollers in the store. They don't have shopping carts - how am I supposed to shop for fabric with my 3 kids without a stroller?? Actually, they seem to discourage kids at all. My daughter isn't yet 3, but she knows how to be careful with fabric and not touch each bolt. She's always been around fabrics and in fabric stores, so she knows how to behave. I've also noticed that no one really makes clothing anymore, if they do sew. People tell me "oh I sew too!!", and then I ask what they sew and they say pillows. Pillows... An entire hobby built around sewing one thing...? I can't believe people are willing to pay the prices they do for manufactured comforters and baby quilts and slipcovers. These things are relatively easy to make, and so much fun to watch come to fruition. Oh well, I guess not everyone prefers quality and love to exorbant prices and cheap craftmanship. Just a few thoughts from a younger sewer :o) |
User: lizardhippie
Member since: 07-13-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: blackie
Date: 08-08-2006, 03:04 PM (43 of 67)
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Like lizardhippie, I'm a "young" sewer (is 29 young?). I have to echo her thoughts on the occasional unfriendliness of many of the boutique or high-quality shops. I'm a SAHM who does sew and I have to bring my 4- and 2-year old into the store. I like it when the salesladies and customers help me by providing a place for my kids to play, talking with my kids, helping me through my purchase, or just making eye contact, smiling, and being understanding when my kids throw the occasional tantrum as I try to finish up my purchase! I hate to say it, but the infusion of "over-50" sometimes leaves these stores feeling very snooty / quilter's-only without room for the Mamas who are sewing for their young families. If you are a childless sewer and see a Mama like me in the store, please smile or offer to open the door or squat down and make pleasant eye contact with my children! It will mean the world to me. [ / tangent ] Anyway, as to the larger issue of sewing being a "dying art" I hardly know where to start. I haven't heard it voiced here but has it occurred to anyone that fabric isn't "expensive", but rather we are used to underpriced goods made by slave-wage conditions? How can fabric and homesewing compete economically with a four-dollar top from Old Navy? I mean, shouldn't we (in theory) pay fair wages for what we want? I'm not going to get all political here but I often think, "Who made this? Under what conditions? Were they paid fairly?" when I buy something. Perhaps these "expensive" fabrics are indeed the prices we should pay for high-quality goods produced in equitable work conditions. But let's just say, *in relation to cheaply made garments*, that fabrics are expensive. Well first off, you can find cheap ones too (Walmart etc). I more often as not support the local shops and often buy higher-quality fabric because of global and local economic issues. I also find it helps prevent me from being "sales-greedy" and constantly obsessing on increasing my stash! I am a much more intentional sewer when I am buying limited amounts of high-quality stuff. But you know, I can also frugal sew as well - the last thing I made was a t-shirt recon from old t-shirts (I'm wearing it now!). Before that my mom and I worked on a pair of overalls made from her sister's old duck pants. And the last fabric I bought was a few yards of beautiful linen from the Goodwill for $4. On to the issue of "there are no more young sewers!" I must respectfully say that some people posting here just don't know where the young sewers are because they don't hang out in the same arenas! Young children and teens actually do sew, whether they learn it in Home Ec or not (and you will be surpised how much interest even a few meager Home Ec lessons will spark - that's how it was for both my husband and I). There are tons of livejournal communities all about sewing, crafting, knitting, crotcheting, and clothing recon (taking stuff from thrift and altering it). In fact, I'll bet many of the teens and young people doing recons are saving more money than granny ever did (a t-shirt at $2 turning into a dress!). Like LadySloPokes said, "Maybe some of us 'over-50' guys and gals should look in to volunteering to teach something that we're good at in the near future." I heartily agree! Heh heh, from what I can tell the youngsters don't know how to, say, sew on t-shirt knits - older sewers don't know how to register on livejournal.com! I'm joking of course. But I'm also pointing out that just because the older sewing gals and gents don't see young people sewing doesn't mean they're not sewing. They are! Young people are creative, they enjoy fashion, they enjoy learning a craft, and they have a lot of energy - they find their way into sewing. Sewing is still popular with lower-income youths and families as well as those of us who can afford to (or at least, choose to!) buy nicer fabrics. Like DorothyL said regarding the lower-income school program: "She said the girls are really interested and much of the equipment and fabric is donated. I'm sure, like everyone else, in their 20s and early 30s they will be to busy to sew much but when these girls get a little older and have a little more spare time, many of them will go back to it. How many of the sewers here, after all, say "I' learned to sew in high school and am just getting back to it.'" And finally, I liked what Linda in Colorado said: "How do we overcome this lack of sewing? By sewing for ourselves and our families. By purchasing those fabrics from the smaller shops, even at $21.00 per meter. By encouraging younger people to sew, and how creative they can be with it, how fulfilling it can be and how much fun it can be. Easy to do? No, but for every person who learns to sew and grown to love it we generate another generation of sewists." Well-put. I'd like to think the young people in my home are going to be sewers, sewing-friendly, or sew-supportive at least! Not to mention my Mama friends who I help out any time they ask! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Sew-Enchanting
Date: 08-08-2006, 08:08 PM (44 of 67)
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Great post, blackie! I am sooooo into recons right now...it's so fascinating to see what you can do with something that you've had sitting around! Summer is usually my "slow time"...so I've had some time to sew for me and I've been doing a few recons...loads of fun! re: fabric stores...our JoAnn's has become a quilter's haven, which is annoying to me only because I don't use quilter's fabrics. I'll go through their five or so aisles of garment-worthy fabric and then kind of look longingly at the rest of the space in the store...full of crafts, scrapbooking and quilters stuff. I know - they have to stock where the money is. But I miss huge fabric stores with enormous aisles of garment worthy fabric! lol I've posted before on why I think we're losing home ec classes, but I've considered giving classes around here - just haven't looked into it enough yet. I know there was a girl in my school that was so excited when she found out I sewed, and asked if I'd give her lessons. She immediately said, "No pajama bottoms or pillow cases, though. I want to know how to make REAL CLOTHES!" lol Kris
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User: Sew-Enchanting
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 53
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From: weezyrider
Date: 08-09-2006, 01:28 PM (45 of 67)
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I hated Home Ec - They picked out stuff I wouldn't wear to clean an outhouse, and cooked stuff that I wouldn't eat, either. (I considered my mother to be a better cook.) As to the sewing stores being full - all you see is FLEECE. and not very good fleece at that. I think it's popular because you don't have to sew it. You can't seem to make a decent garment out of it. This makes it very hard to find sweatshirt fleece. We like sweatshirts, but the purchased ones wind halfway up your back after 10 or so washings. I've got some I made 10 years ago that the applique might be raggy, but the shirt isn't. I like sloppy shirts and T's that you can't find in RTW at times. Lately it's been Victorian dress shirts. I guess there's a market for these as I always get a lot of inquiries about where I bought the shirt! Also try to find sheeting locally. I wanted to make a sheet set for a gift, and had to use muslin. Couldn't find it online, either. The stuff they sell doesn't fit the new beds anyway, unless you pay an arm and a leg for it. So, some new sewers might just be unhappy with quality and are starting to sew to get what they want - their way, and NOT what some idiot designer says they have to wear. Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218 
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From: beachgirl
Date: 08-09-2006, 03:09 PM (46 of 67)
| In our area we have Jo-Ann's & Hancock. Neither has a great selection of clothing yardage. We also have some quilt shops plus nice upholstery & drape places. Also have 4 or 5 Walmarts. I've also been to several small towns out of state that have nothing but a Walmart. As you stated, they are going for what they feel is where the money is. I seldom sew clothes for myself. I do remake or should say redesign some ready to wear as I don't care for some of the styles that are out now. Other than that I love to do home dec & do some quilting. Maybe everyone should start talking to the managers of these stores or go to the top even with letters & e-mails. The squeeky wheel gets the grease. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: plrlegal
Date: 08-10-2006, 12:10 AM (47 of 67)
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This is just my opinion but if you have had an opportunity to visit several different Joann or Hancock Fabric stores, you will see that each one is a little different, if you are really observant and the reason is the manager or buyer for each store. The store here in Midwest City that is literally 5 minutes from my house seems to have cut back on wedding apparel fabrics but they are stocking a pretty good variety of quilting fabrics from $2.99 calicos to $8 and $9 a yard quilting cottons. However, I have yet to go in there looking for a piece of fabric for a garment and not find something suitable for a garment that I have in mind. If you go in there looking for something you saw in one of the other stores that they don't have, they will make a note to put it on their next order. And, last Christmas they went out of their way to accommodate me in finding fabrics I needed for all the costumes I had to make for our church choir and they even took some of the fabric back that I didn't use and refunded me the money. So, don't make up your mind that all Hancock Fabric stores or Joann stores are the same, because they aren't. I shopped in Joann stores from Florida to Colorado Springs and from Oklahoma City to Huntington, West Virginia and back and they've all pretty much been different; some better than others, but different. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: weezyrider
Date: 08-10-2006, 09:59 AM (48 of 67)
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I agree they are all different - but the chains seem to be consolodating into one superstore. I usually don't go to Wallyworld as the stores are too crowded and dirty. The problem with both Joanne's and Hancock is that they do crafts. When pot pourri was popular, the stores just plain stank. Scented candles have the same effect. 1 scent is OK, but 2 or 3 competing - whew! Clothing fabric isn't a problem as I won't use anything I can't just toss in the washer with no special care. I use a lot of broadcloth, batiste, cotton, and perma-pressed muslin. And sweatshirt fleece and t-knits. Weezy |
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218
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From: Carol in ME
Date: 08-10-2006, 10:31 AM (49 of 67)
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[QUOTE=Karebear] Therefore, clothes were made at home to wear and pass down to the next generation./QUOTE] A comedian of some years ago, Sam Levenson, wrote of his sister's gym bloomers being made into something, (underwear, maybe?) for himself. The garment was something else, to be sure, before it had became bloomers, too. "In One Era and Out the Other" was the book of his I read. Likely out of print, now. It was an eye-opening story about what life was like for the average American, not so very long ago. |
User: Carol in ME
Member since: 01-27-2003 Total posts: 105 |
From: Patty22
Date: 08-12-2006, 06:29 PM (50 of 67)
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Carol, My mother always told the story of her white Easter coat (and a matching one for her sister that was 18 mo younger) made from a KKK cloak. This would have been in the 1920's. My great-grandmother found the cloak in her house and was horrified. But, with her Methodist background did not want to waste the fabric throwing it away; it was reborn (so to speak). Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: paroper
Date: 08-12-2006, 09:59 PM (51 of 67)
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There was the time that someone in our local area found a parachute. He took it to the school and the entire freshman class made matching skirts out of it.
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: Linda in Colorado
Date: 08-27-2006, 05:49 PM (52 of 67)
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Many of you are so right! Too many people these days don't have the time to devote to sewing and they don't have the money to invest in really good fabrics. So they by RTW and cry because the clothing doesn't fit them the way it should. Personally, one of the reasons I sew for myself is that I am hard to fit (and I mean REALLY hard to fit!) So I sew for myself. I will get a pattern to fit me then use it in many ways to make more than one garment from that paper pattern. I can change the neckline, or the length of the sleeves or the width of the skirt, or add (or not) pockets to the pants. I do the same for my grandkids because they are also hard to fit, although for different reasons than my fitting problems. I also like the idea of not "seeing yourself coming down the street" the way you might if you buy RTW exclusively. On those rare occasions when I do buy RTW (usually because the price is so cheap I can't afford to buy the fabric at that price), I have to come home and practically take the entire garment apart and re-sew it. (sigh) But that's my problem and one that not everyone has. For those of us who are hard to fit, sewing is the means to the end. Sewing is letting your creativity come out in a fanciful way that is also very practical. It's not for everyone, but for this sewist, it's a passion! 
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User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: MaryW
Date: 08-28-2006, 07:16 AM (53 of 67)
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Linda, nice to see you. Where have you been???
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Linda in Colorado
Date: 08-28-2006, 10:08 AM (54 of 67)
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"Hi" right back at ya, Mary! Where have I been, you ask. Busy sewing, waht else! VERY BIG GRIN Glad to be back, though! Linda |
User: Linda in Colorado
Member since: 03-27-2000 Total posts: 102 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 08-28-2006, 05:35 PM (55 of 67)
Its great to hear from you, Linda.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-05-2006, 05:45 PM (56 of 67)
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Just had to share this.. While in line at the cutting table yesterday, a lady in line across the table from me said, "And they say sewing is a dying art form or craft.. Ha!!" we all laughed along with her.. The clerks laughed loudest of all and said they were worn out from the crowds yesterday.. I know part of it was for the bargains, but most people were buying lots of fabrics, and not so many notions atthe sale price..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: dianasiah
Date: 10-22-2006, 09:35 PM (57 of 67)
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Oh hi everyone!!! I am from Singapore!! Currently am a SAHM, residing in France with my hubby and baby of 9months!! Noticed that you gals mentioned that sewing is no longer appreciated by the younger generation.. Hmm.. I am 23years old now.. And I have seen many young people taking up fashion design and dressmaking courses!! They are more into fashion designing then sewing.. But, at least they know how to sew!! And if they do not sew now, they will sew again one day. Sewing will never die! That i believe!! *I last sewn back in 1998. Just picked it up again in June 2006. There are so many things to relearn!! For the sake of churning out good quality items for my baby, I will learn as I go along!! Happy sewing!! And, thanks for having this forum! Its really information loaded!! I browse through the threads almost every week!! Feel free to browse...
http://dianasiah.etsy.com http://dianasiah.blogspot.com http://sosantiquesafe.com |
User: dianasiah
Member since: 10-20-2006 Total posts: 24 |
From: JustSewCrafty
Date: 10-26-2006, 09:53 PM (58 of 67)
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IMO Sewing isn't a dying art at all! In fact I see more and more young sewers & crafters every day! Sewing, Fashion Design, quilting- there are young people getting more interested everyday!! Have you not been to craftster.org? OMG it's amazing......talk about a crafty group of people, it's awesome! I sew, quilt, embroider, knit, crochet, and any other kind of crafting that I can get my hands on. That being said, I am 24 years old. My 6 year old niece LOVES sewing with me creating odds and ends for her little first grade friends. She thinks it's awesome, and she's right, it is! I never sew because it's cheaper than retail, because honestly, it usually isn't. I sew because I enjoy it, I am good at it, and I love seeing the finished result of something that I created from start to finish. I live in a college town and everytime I go into the local fabric store, there are more and more "kids" in there everytime snatchin up the newest stylish prints. It's great! But.... This is the deal. When I go into the local fabric store there are always those ladies in there that give me that "you shouldn't be in here" look...Some of them are good as gold..but there are always those select few that go out of thier way to make you feel unwelcome. What is up with that?? It never fails, I'll be there at the cutting table and you get the look...like it's not okay for me to be in there just because I'm not a million years old (you know what I mean..).I've talked to several people that don't even bother going back because of how they are treated by the older ladies that think that we don't belong. That my friends, is a shame. I took a knitting class last year at the local fabric shop. The ladies (who were also taking the class) there were so rude to me...One or two comments about my age, no biggie, but when they can't even teach the class because they can't understand WHY I would be interested in knitting to begin with..that's rediculous. It went on and on and on.....there were so many other things "young kids like myself" should be doing. WHAT?? It wasnt any of thier business for them to understand anything.....I was paying money to take that class..WHY would I do that and bother to learn the craft if I wasn't truly interested in it?? I wouldn't. Needless to say, I stopped going to class and taught myself.....it was just too much... Ive been to different places and talked to a lot of younger crafters...it seems like it goes on everywhere. I've even had ladies talk to each other about me right there......infront of me. "Wonder why she's buying fabric, surely she can't sew.." I held my head high and informed them they I was a seamstress and own and operate my own busineess....and when I was finished,I simply handed them a business card and told them if they ever needed any help ...to let me know... I probably shouldn't have but couldn't help it....it gets old when these ladies try to make you feel stupid and out of place...and I bet they think twice before they insult a young seamstress again. ha!! Anyway, Ill hop off my soap box... I just wanted to show you what goes on on this end of the rainbow.... May your bobbin always be full-
Stephanie www.chasingthreads.blogspot.com "Sewing is the new black" |
User: JustSewCrafty
Member since: 10-04-2006 Total posts: 168 |
From: lsoutherla
Date: 10-27-2006, 12:31 PM (59 of 67)
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I love sewing and I love talking to women who love sewing. When I meet someone I feel like I want to grab some of my favorite patterns and fabric from across the years and sit cross-legged on the floor like a child and say, oh, wow, can you believe how hard this was, or wouldn't this make a pretty.... or something like that. I live in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia and have a Hancock and a Joann's locally, as well as several of them spread out across the city. There are also quite a few discount/ seconds shops, specialty shops (mostly quilting), etc. I love going over to Huff Rd. which houses several home decor fabric stores. It's like being in hog heaven when I'm in a fabric store. Fabric at Walmart is hit or miss, mostly miss (and besides you have to get dressed up to go to Walmat's), tho I did just find a poly that looks like tooled leather and hopefully a nice jacket should come out of it. I do find that Joann's/ Hancock's do not stock a good quality of fashion knit (my kick right now), but overall I'm happy with what I find in my local shop. In D'ville we don't have any dealers (just one) who also carry fabric. I've also found some good fabric at some of the thrift stores around when I'm out looking for chairs, etc (as well as buttons). I just finished a pirate costume for my DIL and both she and her friend were enthused about sewing, as well as the camaraderie. It was neat to see their eyes light up as they talked about how to change things on the pattern, etc. |
User: lsoutherla
Member since: 05-04-2006 Total posts: 72 |
From: Patty22
Date: 10-27-2006, 01:03 PM (60 of 67)
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"This is the deal. When I go into the local fabric store there are always those ladies in there that give me that "you shouldn't be in here" look...Some of them are good as gold..but there are always those select few that go out of thier way to make you feel unwelcome. What is up with that?? It never fails, I'll be there at the cutting table and you get the look...like it's not okay for me to be in there just because I'm not a million years old (you know what I mean..).I've talked to several people that don't even bother going back because of how they are treated by the older ladies that think that we don't belong. That my friends, is a shame." JustSoCrafty, The young and energetic sewers/quilters/crafters are what keep the art of sewing alive. Please don't let the dinosaurs keep you away! You are the generation that will pass it on to your little ones too. However, I would make a call to the store and ask to speak to the owner. I think she would like to hear the impression her workers are making on the customers. If she doesn't want to address the issue (meaning she is one of them) don't hesitate to take your business elsewhere. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 10-27-2006, 03:49 PM (61 of 67)
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JustSewCrafty maybe some of the older women in your local fabric shop behave the way they do to younger women because some of the younger women may have the attitude that there is nothing the older women can teach them that they don't already know. Being somewhat older myself, but still encountering women who are somewhat older than I am, I have found that those somewhat older/elderly women have a lot of knowledge and practical experience they are more than willing to share with me. In fact, I'm taking needle turn applique classes and I'm signed up to take a hand quilting class from a lovely lady who is in her late 70s. I admire her a whole lot because she has a lot of knowledge and expertise in those areas (and in garment sewing) that I would like to acquire from her before she is no longer able to teach those skills and impart her knowledge. I know that a lot of things in the sewing/quilting industry have changed and evolved over the years, but a lot of things relating to "fine" sewing remain the same and can only be acquired from someone of that generation that has the knowledge and expertise. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: blackie
Date: 10-27-2006, 03:56 PM (62 of 67)
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Rudeness is rudeness and there's no excuse - if that's really what's happening. But perhaps you are imagining some of it? I picked up sewing and knitting at a "young" age (25) and mostly the "one million years old" ladies, or the ladies who are old enough to be my mother or grandma, have been a huge source of inspiration. The next time you're in a group of "older" gals and they start with the "young people today" stuff just smile and hope it passes. If it goes on for very long say, "Well I'm only 24 and I love sewing with my 6 year old niece and I have other young friends that like it too." and hope they take the hint. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: JustSewCrafty
Date: 10-27-2006, 05:43 PM (63 of 67)
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I appreciate your comments Patty. It's not the ladies that work there, theyare super sweet- & generally set the rude ladies straight as they see it going on. It's the other ladies that SHOP there that are stuffy and rude. I guess I should have made that clear. JustSewCrafty maybe some of the older women in your local fabric shop behave the way they do to younger women because some of the younger women may have the attitude that there is nothing the older women can teach them that they don't already know. You can have experience and be good at what you do with out assuming that someone younger doesn't belong in the same store as you because of their age, and that's how it is. I personally havent seen it, but If there are young women that do have the attitude that you were talking about, well....that's a shame. There is so much that could be learned. I know that a lot of things in the sewing/quilting industry have changed and evolved over the years, but a lot of things relating to "fine" sewing remain the same and can only be acquired from someone of that generation that has the knowledge and expertise.. I have no doubt that these ladies have talent, amazing talent, but young people can have talent too and shouldn't be turned away from the craft just because they haven't been doing it for 50 years. I've seen people old and young sew, craft, do tatting among other things that would knock your socks off. Rudeness is rudeness and there's no excuse - if that's really what's happening. But perhaps you are imagining some of it? I picked up sewing and knitting at a "young" age (25) and mostly the "one million years old" ladies, or the ladies who are old enough to be my mother or grandma, have been a huge source of inspiration. Imagining? I guess until you go into a fabric store and it happens to you over and over and over again and then to your friends someone may not realize it happens. I have a very dear friend about 60 miles away and she has the same thing happens to her. It's definatly not imagined. It's not everyone that is like that either, there are ladies so glad to see younger people in there too and even offer advise and tips (which is awesome may I add...) Just the few bad apples everywhere I guess.. When I took up quilting I went to a dear friend of the family for suggestions and tips..as she has been doing it for over 60 years.....I have respect for her and she does an amazing job. I just wanted to throw that out....so it's not assumed that I dont respect my elders.... May your bobbin always be full-
Stephanie www.chasingthreads.blogspot.com "Sewing is the new black" |
User: JustSewCrafty
Member since: 10-04-2006 Total posts: 168 |
From: weezyrider
Date: 10-28-2006, 07:13 AM (64 of 67)
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I've seen a couple of rude clerks, actually it's more disdain than rude. A lot of these people learned to sew when sewing was more demanding. Today we have computerized machines and have to jump through different hoops. (literally). Patterns have changed, quality control isn't what it used to be, and this is a world that some of these people are trying to avoid. I think they miss the era of wearing white gloves and a hat to go downtown. Today it seems to be all instant gratification. That's why there's so much of the cheaper fleece around. You don't have to sew to use it. Some crafty people don't have too much time, either. A FT job, kids, house can take up most of the free time you have. It just seems like the more automated we get, the less time we have. I can make allowances for these people - if they are really being a pain, then I will wait for another clerk. The only time I really blew up is when a clerk didn't wait on my 8 year old. The kid knew how much fabric she wanted and waited for her turn. The clerk could have asked if daughter was waiting for an adult or did she want fabric. Making assumptions bugs me more than rudeness. Weezy 
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User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 218
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From: Patty22
Date: 10-28-2006, 01:00 PM (65 of 67)
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so it's not assumed that I dont respect my elders........ I remember as a kid my mother would always say "respect your elders." I like to treat all people with respect, but there are some individuals who don't deserve anyone's respect. The phrase makes me want to grind my teeth. And, on that happy note, I would like to say that I find younger quilters more daring, creative and not bound to the rules of the "quilt police." I wish I could unlearn some of those rules (I got mine from judge's critiques at quilt shows) and just be set free. One time I took all the blocks I had made and rotary cut them up into string pieces and reset the blocks. That was a moment that set me free! So, bravo to the young ones for ignorning the croanies and persuing your sewing/craft artistic endeavors. Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Sancin
Date: 10-28-2006, 07:02 PM (66 of 67)
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I have always found that distainful people are actually very insecure and they build themselves up by behaving that way. I feel a little sorry for 'stuck up' people. Ignore them and then you will not intimidate them or or better yet ask them something they are sure to know so they can prove themselves and be thankful to you. I can't recall the exact phrase but Elinor Roosevelt said something to the effect that people cannot intimidate you unless you let them. As you young people get older you will also feel a prejudice as an older person just as much as you feel a prejudice as a young person. When in a situation such as you describe I tell myself to remember "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." Carl Jung How that for a pep talk 
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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From: Patty22
Date: 10-29-2006, 11:14 AM (67 of 67)
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Nancy, a pep talk of great pathos and humility.
Patty
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User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
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