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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: blackie
Date: 06-10-2007, 09:13 PM (1 of 24)
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Assignment: Please name one irritation, and one joy, you have as a seamstress (/ seamster). Sewing Irritation: I don't sew as much as I'd like to, but most days my children are wearing at least one item I've sewn. Lately in our new community people have complimenting my children's home-sewn items. I say, "Thank you," but don't often reveal that I sewed it unless they ask (which happens about half the time). But if my husband is around, he will proudly crow that I sewed it! The last few times he has also pointed out the responses from women are usually to immediately start talking about why they DON'T sew. In other words, they take no time to ask me how I did it or where I learned to sew or further compliment or inspect the workmanship. They immediately (and with an oddly dismissive manner) talk about how they couldn't possibly take the time to sew, or they could never do it, or what-not. I have my theories on why ladies do this, but it hurts my feelings and slightly chaps my hide all the same. Sewing Joy: I sew with and around my kids. My husband is always astonished that they (5 and 3) seem to respect my bobbins and needles and pins and machines, even though my "studio" is our living room. He is also amazed when I'm working on a project and the kids are in and out I am actually OK with them "helping" me (most times). I think the reason my little children respect my sewing and sewing tools is they've seen me doing it since they were little. They also are wearing many of the results of my work and know that it's really work (or it can be!). They think everyone sews just like everyone washes dishes and folds laundry. If they see anything they like, they ask me to sew (not buy) a similar item (yes, I'm aware that as they grow they may switch to a consumerist model). It makes me happy to see a love of sewing already ingrained in them, whether they grow up to sew or not. Those are mine! I'd like to hear yours! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Shellymoon
Date: 06-10-2007, 10:27 PM (2 of 24)
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My sewing joy The simple creativity of seeing something take shape that was only in my imagination before. My sewing pet peeve That my world is so full there are many things completing for my time in the sewing room. and Blackie...don't worry about the people who dismiss you because you choose to pursue sewing as a way to express your creative energy. All those old grumps will want to be our friends when the sweatshops all close down and we have to start making our own clothes again! Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: lendube
Date: 06-10-2007, 10:38 PM (3 of 24)
Good answer, Shelly!!!  (to Blackie's dilemma)Sewing Joy: All the incredible possiblities with sewing nowdays and all the incredible machines. Developing my abilities has been awesome for my self-esteem and enjoyment of a longstanding hobby. Sewing Pet Peeve: The knowledge that I'll never have the knowledge or expertise to really develop this hobby into craftsmanship.  To truly be going well past adequate and somewhat creative. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: Bama
Date: 06-10-2007, 11:55 PM (4 of 24)
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Sewing pet peeve: Not having time to sew as often as I would like to and people who are offended when I won't sew or alter something (that will just take a few minutes ) for them any time they ask me to. (and for free! )Sewing joy: It's relaxing. It's like therapy to me. I have to be creative and create things and sewing is one way that I can. Even if I'm not an expert at it. I love making something (when it's my idea ) and giving it to someone who truly appreciates the time, effort, and creativity that went into it. I love having things in my house that I created. Last week my 20 yo niece was here and she looked around at my quilts on the wall among other things that I made and said, "I love your house. It just screams you all around." |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: MaryW
Date: 06-11-2007, 07:39 AM (5 of 24)
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My sewing pet peeve is (like everyone else) not enough time to devote to it. Maybe cutting out the fabric but it has to be done. My sewing joy is the process. I love to dive into something, figure out the steps and techniques needed for that particular fabric. Adding something of myself to it sometimes and of course, the finished product that I can show off. There isn't much that I don't like about sewing. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 06-11-2007, 08:03 AM (6 of 24)
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My greatest irritation is the office where I have to work on the other side of my sewing room. If I didn't have to work I could use that space more productively for an embroidery machine, more fabric stash, a big fat body double or something like that. And I would have more time to sew. My greatest joys are all the ideas of things I could make that float through my brain and the pure relaxation of having a day -- or even an hour or two -- to sew and make those ideas work. Kelly -- I think the women that say "I don't have time to sew" feel about sewing the way men feel about cars, technology or talking about sports. They feel it is something they should just know by virtue of their gender and your knowledge makes you more of a woman or something so they dismiss it as not worth their time. Then there are the women that think there is something unfeminist about doing something that is traditionally woman's work. Personally I think not respecting an art just because it was traditionally done by women is unfeminist. Either way they are dismissing it because it is not their passion but it is funny how the attitude usually comes right on the heals of a complement for something you made. Funny how it was a fine thing when they thought you went into a store and bought it. Everyone has (or should have) a passion. Sewing and other forms of textile work is ours. Maybe it's not a big deal -- but it is our deal. Now I shall slide this soap box onto the next person. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 06-11-2007, 10:39 AM (7 of 24)
My office is on the side of my sewing room as well. One day I will  outta my big bright bay windows. Until then we are lucky we have this hobby/passion to keep us out of trouble and sane.I agree with Dorothy that some look down on this art we let consume us. For whatever reasons they may have, it is their loss and our gain. About the time issue. If we had all the time we ever wanted to sew, I don't think we would love it as much as we do. After a while it would be like too much chocolate or money. It is the idea of a few stolen minutes that keep us going back. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: MTjumpnJX
Date: 06-11-2007, 12:02 PM (8 of 24)
| Blackie, I wonder how those same women would gush if your husband claimed that he had sewn the kids' clothes??? Just a though..... |
User: MTjumpnJX
Member since: 05-17-2007 Total posts: 29 |
From: lendube
Date: 06-11-2007, 12:28 PM (9 of 24)
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Funny, Mary. I truly enjoy the cutting out of the pieces of a pattern. I like opening a brand new pattern, seeing which pieces I need, altering them. I like washing the fabric, ironing it, and seeing the huge expanse of fabric laying on my kitchen table just waiting to be turned into something. I've heard many talk on this board about not liking this part of sewing ..........maybe I've found a niche........ or maybe I'm just weird. Lennie |
User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-11-2007, 01:28 PM (10 of 24)
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Lennie, I don't like cutting because it gives me a back ache. It helps having it on a higher table though. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 06-11-2007, 02:05 PM (11 of 24)
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My irritation, like Bama, are people who expect you to sew for them on demand for nothing and women who dismiss my ability and talent as "playtime" and a cute little past time because I have no children or grandchildren. I love the look on someone's face when they are complementing me on what I'm wearing and ask where I bought it and I tell them I made it. I think a lot of women dismiss our sewing abilities and talent because they would like to be able to sew but have a fear it is too much of a commitment or that they wouldn't be good at it. I tell women who express a desire to learn but say they wouldn't be good at it or patient enough to do it, that if they never try they'll never know. My biggest joy with sewing/quilting is seeing the finished product come together and the experience of learning a new technique or realizing I've become proficient at a technique that a was somewhat difficult for me on a previous pattern/garment/quilt. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: material_pakrat
Date: 06-11-2007, 06:32 PM (12 of 24)
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Pet Peeve:- That would be being told "You're so crafty." As if I were born being able to sew. Just because I didn't go to University to learn to sew doesn't mean that I haven't had to work my butt off to learn the few things that I do know. According to a lot of people I was born being able to read a pattern, just because they can't do it. I guess it all boils down to the attitude that sewing is a quaint little thing that I do. Just another one of those things that makes me arty-farty in a lot of people's eyes. I even felt compelled to register as a business in an attempt to prove that my sewing is something more than a "hobby" to me. Sewing Joy:- There is almost too many to list. I love going fabric shopping with my hubby, even though he is colour blind. And I love the fact that he believes in my sewing ability more than I do. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I finish something and it has turned out something like I imagined. Or when my kids get what I made them and they just love it. Or when I give friends a quilt for their new baby, and they love it, and I know that it is something that they wont get from someone else. And especially when my kids show me something and say "can you make that for me", and even better, "Can we make this together". Blackie - I found a sneaky way of claiming ownership of clothing I make, because I am a lot like you when it comes to saying that I made it. Inside all of my clothing I sew a tag with my business name on it. My Mum has a laugh at my daughter telling her that I must shop at The Pickled Pig a lot, as that's where most of her clothes come from. Cheers, Soph.
I'm happiest when I am sewing! |
User: material_pakrat
Member since: 12-13-2006 Total posts: 220 |
From: blackie
Date: 06-11-2007, 07:52 PM (13 of 24)
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Kelly -- I think the women that say "I don't have time to sew" feel about sewing the way men feel about cars, technology or talking about sports. They feel it is something they should just know by virtue of their gender and your knowledge makes you more of a woman or something so they dismiss it as not worth their time. Then there are the women that think there is something unfeminist about doing something that is traditionally woman's work. Personally I think not respecting an art just because it was traditionally done by women is unfeminist. Either way they are dismissing it because it is not their passion but it is funny how the attitude usually comes right on the heals of a complement for something you made. Funny how it was a fine thing when they thought you went into a store and bought it. Everyone has (or should have) a passion. Sewing and other forms of textile work is ours. Maybe it's not a big deal -- but it is our deal. Thanks for all of that, really. I had to quote pretty much all you said because I think it's all important. I do feel compassion if my sewing makes the occasional woman feel she "falls short". In that case she's a "victim" of our society's pressure on women, and she's in reaction to this. There are plenty of things I'm not getting done or learning, because I choose to sew! (or take care of my children at home, or wax my kitchen floor, etc). None of us have unlimited time which is why I think we should try to respect whatever others put their creative efforts toward. Blackie, I wonder how those same women would gush if your husband claimed that he had sewn the kids' clothes??? Just a though..... I agree with this. My husband also points out that no one talks about his web design and computer work like this - leading back to Dorothy's "women *should* be able to sew." And yeah... active fathers / men get credit for all sorts of stuff that ladies don't! But don't get me started on THAT...  Blackie - I found a sneaky way of claiming ownership of clothing I make, because I am a lot like you when it comes to saying that I made it. Inside all of my clothing I sew a tag with my business name on it. My Mum has a laugh at my daughter telling her that I must shop at The Pickled Pig a lot, as that's where most of her clothes come from. Brilliant! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 06-12-2007, 04:41 PM (14 of 24)
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My peeve and joy are both in one !! When one of my Grands ask, "Grandmother , will you make this for me ??" and it is something beyond my skill level , I hate it at the same time I'm so thrilled that they think I can do all things.. How can one sentence send so many feelings thru my body all at once ??? I usually skirt the problem by being totally honest with them.. Most of the time I will say I'll try it, but I don't think it will turn out good enough for you to wear in public. (maybe for home only or pj's) Most of their clothing requests , I can do just fine.. But accessories and home decor items are what I have a problem with , sometimes.. GS designed a quilt for his Step-mom for Mother's Day last year and that was almost beyond my skills, but I knew I had to do that for him.. It turned out very well, and he was thrilled. She was shocked at his thoughtfulness and his original design.. (I was not surprised, don't know why she was) I talked the 2 younger ones out of jackets because I knew I could not do them justice.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: EmaCon
Date: 06-13-2007, 10:25 AM (15 of 24)
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Greatest irritation: when I think I'm on the home stretch on a project and I realize that I've sewn something up the front instead of the back or the inside instead of the outside or the left instead of the right and I have to get the seam ripper out. Sometimes I think I have sewing dyslexia. Greatest joy: going from concept to reality and seeing things come together. I also like the feel of the fabric in my fingers. I love to be in the fabric store and touch the fabrics. |
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 06-15-2007, 12:00 AM (16 of 24)
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Greatest irritation: Having to go to work instead of down to my sewing room each day. So much fabric, so little time!! Greatest joy: Sewing period. Like many others this is therapeutic for me most of the time. Sometimes it is a chore, when I've agreed to make something for someone else that I regret once I'm into the project. But I love creating things and feel such a sense of accomplishment when its done, and it fits! Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: toadusew
Date: 06-16-2007, 07:42 AM (17 of 24)
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My greatest irritation is also probably not having enough uninterrupted time to sew. My sewing joy is sewing. It doesn't matter if I'm making a garment, a little blanket or quilt for my grandkids; I just love the sewing process. I love sewing and pressing the fabric and the hum of the sewing machine as I'm sitting sewing. It helps to de-stress me and calm me down. 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: bosco_ette
Date: 06-18-2007, 01:51 AM (18 of 24)
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Joy for me in actually sewing. I am pretty good at thinking up things imagining how it will look and shopping for the necessities, But when I actually get in and start sewing and it works and looks good Its a great joy! the things that irritate me are Most days sewing is no problem but on the days when I am not feeling well thinking I'm doing fine and then do something silly like forgetting its a directional print and I forgetfully cut part of the garment with the flowers or the animals upside down. sort makes me sad and mad at myself..although I think I'm not the only one who has made such mistakes. Just frustrating.. Or if I have to thread a hand sewing needle..aaarg! vision stuff. for the over 40 crowd! 15 mintues a day minimum.. get to your studio and make something!
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User: bosco_ette
Member since: 06-14-2007 Total posts: 16 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 06-20-2007, 07:57 PM (19 of 24)
I have many peeves about sewing not enough time, space, children (actually they're not that bad ) etc...I love to sew! If I didn't I wouldn't. plain and simple, my work often shows no progress so something so creative and tangible feels good. onto other things, I think when people make negative comments it is their own insecurities they are trying to bolster up, people who I have been in awe of b/c they seem to have it all together have some deep insecurities, just a thought. But I HATE telling people (who don't sew) I made something b/c of all the reactions, recently at work I let it slip I made the dress I had on (I've been there since nov and no one knew...) oops, but I think most people still don't realize that I usually wear something almost every day that I made not as prolific as Dorothy but I try!Keep sewing.... Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: sable
Date: 06-22-2007, 04:08 AM (20 of 24)
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Sewing Joy: That what I or my kids/husband are wearing is totally different to what everyone else is wearing; that it'll last and that I know how much love has gone into it. Sewing Peeve: That the machine I want is out of my price range because I keep buying more fabric and wool! |
User: sable
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 76 
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From: jrobich
Date: 07-30-2007, 09:12 AM (21 of 24)
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Sewing Joy: Learning something new -- especially when you realize "Hey, I can do that!" Sewing Pet Peeve: Hmmm ... there's a lot on this list -- I'd have to say it's either the bobbin thread running out two inches from the end of the project ... or ... any sort of bobbin mischief. Bird's nests, rats nests, big knots, little knots, etc. Joey
http://www.using-sewing-machines.com Love Vikings! |
User: jrobich
Member since: 01-30-2007 Total posts: 2 |
From: MartySews2
Date: 07-30-2007, 10:20 AM (22 of 24)
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Pet peeve: not having a dedicated sewing room where everything is together instead scattered over the house and attic. Joy: planning and designing a wardrobe and selecting fabric and patterns for it. I'm always dreaming of making beautiful suits, perfect fitting pants, and cute skirts with tops to coordinate. Also, I love to collect sewing books. Recently, I bought 9 different sewing books from the 1940's & 50's to add to my abundant collection. They are more fun to read than a novel. Marty
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User: MartySews2
Member since: 05-03-2007 Total posts: 293 
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From: Gouesnoux
Date: 07-30-2007, 12:23 PM (23 of 24)
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Sewing joy like Shellymoon, Starting from scratch a project (a lot of time disguise costume for my kids for which no pattern exists) that will look at the end exactly what was in my mind. Sewing Pet Peeve Technical problem with machine adjustment of tension (or other) that makes me unsew pieces...  or like EmaCon, having some sewing dislexia.... Lise |
User: Gouesnoux
Member since: 07-25-2007 Total posts: 4 |
From: SandyGirl
Date: 08-01-2007, 07:22 AM (24 of 24)
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I find that a lot of gals my age are impressed that anyone still sews!! Those who poo poo it,never learned. Most comments I get are positive tho. I don't make clothes anymore, just totes and quilts,etc. but the response is always positive and supportive. Joining sewing and quilting guilds also keeps you in front of others who share your passion. Hey, at least you are HOME with your kids and sharing time together vs. running here and there trying to keep up with the soccer moms! Your kids will always treasure the time spent at home, with mom and dad! I guess I am weird too! I love to lay out the fabric and cut, cut cut!! I do have to be in the mood but once I get going, marathon time! Yes, the correct height in your cutting table makes all of the difference. A kitchen counter (use a rotary mat) or an adjustable height folding table (found mine at Sam's) works great. After we added cabinets, I moved my rolling kitchen island from the kitchen to my sewing sanctuary, which is great! The right height, shallow drawer for rulers and rotaries. Shelving behind doors for project boxes and fabric storage. The wheels are great for moving this from one part of the room to another as need. A drop leaf side gives the perfect area for the large rotary mat, drop it down when not using..which is never!! Sewing is good, clean fun!! sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
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