I pose the question because if you're on Social Media (Instagram, Facebook, Blogs) it seems as if garment after garment passes our screens (phone, iPad, Computer) with different sewists turning out these amazing pieces in the blink of an eye!
Now I'm a pretty quick sewist but I do go through my dry spells. Times when my mind thinks about sewing but I'm just not motivated to go through the act of actually constructing a garment. I also think I'm a pretty productive sewist but even I sometimes wonder how the other sewists get all of that sewing done. I'm sure that I'm not alone with these thoughts. Especially since sewing is no longer a solitary thing. You make a garment now and you can discuss all the ins and outs of the pattern/fabric in a Facebook Group or ask a question on Instagram and get instanteous reactions. So the Question of the Day is, "Do you ever feel like you don't sew enough?" This can be compared to other sewists, your fabric collection, the new pattern collection releases, etc. Talk back to me because this is the Question of the Day! ...as always more later!
Yes. Sometimes I’m busy with other stuff, but sometimes it’s that I don’t feel competent about something, or haven’t assimilated a skill to my satisfaction. So my machine will be quiet for a while. I just can’t get motivated to pull out fabric or a pattern. Nothing looks at all interesting, or far beyond my abilities, or both.
I’ve recently realized that my fallow periods are exactly that: fallow. My brain is indexing the knowledge gained and rebuilding my reserves of patience and curiosity. It’s figuring out how to do a thing that I didn’t think I could do. And the next time I pick something up, I’m astounded at how much I do indeed know, and how much easier the challenges are.
I wish sewing came with level up/achievement unlocked badges. I know that’s what’s happening, but I don’t realize it until after it passes.
Oh, my goodness, all the time. And it's not really because I see everyone else churning out lovely things, although I'm sure that has some influence.
It's because I have wonderful fabric waiting to be turned into nice things to wear and I just can't do it fast enough. Or at all, at times (I still haven't managed to make ONE garment so far in 2018).
I feel pressure...I bought all that nice fabric; I should be sewing it.
I really get discouraged when I pull out a piece that has faded or gotten moth damage. I shoulda sewed that one faster.
Next weekend's a holiday. Maybe I can get something sewn up before the month is over...
Not really. I sew for my own enjoyment, so if I’m not feeling it then I don’t sew and don’t worry if my IG or blog is a bit quiet for a while. The only time I think I should sew more is when I’m trying to squeeze more fabric in to the stash!
Oh absolutely! It's almost like the over-consumerism of home decor and lifestyle blogs. The latest pattern releases and the newest fabric are all over the internet no matter what corner of the fiber arts community you participate in.
I always try to remember why I sewed and knitted before the internet; why this would still be my hobby if "online" disappeared tomorrow.
I love the process, the planning, the searching for just the right fabric, yarn, or notions. The step by step process of making the garment that for the most part requires calm, attention, patience and mindfulness; things missing so much from other parts of my day.
I also get to enjoy the pride or failure of the finished item. Yes, I enjoy the failure too because success or fail, I have learned something. Finally, if I am successful I have a good piece of clothing that I can maintain and repair for many years in my wardrobe.
In the end, I have to tune out the "fast" producers and remain true to myself. I sew for myself and my wardrobe and if the latest and greatest don't fit with my vision of myself and my clothes I have to leave it alone and return to the process of making.
The online fiber community photos have become for me another form of window shopping. It's lovely to see all the creativity, colors, shapes and ideas, but like window shopping it ends and going home to a cuppa tea and my favorite 10year old knitted wool crazy socks is more comforting than "buying" something I don't really need.
This is why my blog remains idle for weeks or months and I stay away from other social media platforms other than a tightly edited list of blogs on my reader. I make about 10 items a year and that is enough for me because the development from idea to finished product is the key to my enjoyment.
Yes, Instagram can be a real time suck. And I find it hard to go back to the things I like and want to check out. But I do find I love the photos on Instagram. I am very visual and I find lots of new things to make on Instagram.
I feel pretty fortunate in that I have gotten folks to hire me to sew stuff. Right now it's choir dress work (girls grew since the batch last fall), but there's always some cosplay and costume sewing in the spring. A commission or two (one is going to be a set of pieces for a family) and the usual "you promised me a prom dress". I like the challenges, I love seeing what other people come up with when I say "If you can show me a picture or make me a sketch (and it doesn't have to be a good one), I can make one for you" and the light turns on for them.
Constantly 😐 I get the urge and batch sew or go months where getting into my sewing space is an achievement - makes me glad I don't have much of a social media presence I'd be constantly feeling like a failure 🤔
Sometimes I wonder if my hobby is purchasing sewing-related items and reading sewing blogs, rather than sewing itself. But I keep trying and eventually produce something
I feel this way all of the time. If I am honest, I really don't sew half as much as in times past. Sometimes I am just plain physically tired, unmotivated and have just lost that mojo. I often wish I could take what is swirling in my mind, put it on paper and the translate it to fabric. My wardrobe would then be exactly what I need.
Always, I always have more I want to do and never enough time to sew it all in!!! My sewing block comes when I allow myself to daydream surrounded by 'my stash' and imagine what I'd like to make all the bits of fabric up in to....now this should really inspire me but in the end I can never make my mind up on what to do next. I am much better when I focus on one item at a time....and would be much better off without s stash!!!
Yes!!! I never fee like I sew enough. I have a full time job and an almost 3 year old and husband. You would think that with a husband, you would have more time to sew, wrong!! No, I feel like I have another kid to take care of, lol. I only get to sew on weekends during his nap. That gives me 4 hours a weekend sometimes less. I try to do what I can on lunch, hand sew, PDF pattern taping, etc, but it seems to take so long to get anything done. I have my sewing room decorated for my little one, so sometimes I can get 20 min in here and there before he gets bored. There just never seems to be enough time!!!
There are times when I feel I don't sew enough. Especially when I see all the eye candy others are making. But, I remind myself that I am a slower sewer and spend a lot of time planning and paying attention to detail. I enjoy that and focus on what I am doing rather than how little I may produce. The only time I find it frustrating is when everything is packed up for some reason (renovating, moving) and I want to sew.
Yes!!! Those days when I have “sew jo” seems to be the days when I have millions of other things to do. Then when I do get to my machines the decision is WHAT do I sew. Sometimes looking at instagram is so discouraging, I wonder what am I doing wrong that I don’t sew a garment/week. Plus I am a slow sewer. I have friend who sews the same thing in half the time. I try to remind myself that even if it takes me 6 weeks to actually sew up the shirt that took a month to fit, I will have a great shirt that fits my 6” body!
I've never been focused on quantity. I work one project at a time, putting in all the time I am blessed to have. That means working around a full time job and family for now. I am not a particularly slow sewist but speed has never been a goal for me and as a goal it amazes me that it even exists for some. What does it matter how much we put out if it looks like low end fast fashion? To me that would be a total waste of my sewing time and skill. I like forward to retiring soon and sewing, gardening and jewelry making lots more. I will never be concerned that I don't sew enough. I would be concerned not sewing well enough.
Very well said. If I sew a piece, I have the whole creative and production process in my hands. To me, that means making it in some way better than I could buy it.
I feel a bit envious when I see how productive certain other bloggers are, but I also know I sew every chance I get and the problem is that there are not enough hours in my day to take care of my kid, go to work, and make a garment a week. So I sew the right amount for me.
Absolutely! Especially over the last two years it’s been a “thorn in my side”! The reason, when I retired in 2015 I said that was exactly what I was going to do… sew more (if not every day). Needless to say, that didn’t happen and life once again is taking over and I’m busy with things around the house or home related! However, I don’t complain because there are other things I’ve done that I wasn’t able to do when I was still working, like start my YouTube channel. While it’s a lot of work, it is related to my Sewing and I felt it would push me to sew more…that was not the case either! One of my goals for this year is to work on that!
For sure I feel this way--probably because I don't sew enough! I have many plans and supplies but work has been crazy lately and my weight is fluctuating so I don't want to put time into a garment that probably won't fit me in June. Hopefully things will settle down in a couple of months, but I do feel that the longer my "non-sewing" period goes on the harder it is to get motivated to do it.
Always! I never have enough time - Ooh the bother of not magically being independently wealthy. :) For me, it's not even all of the great things I see sewn up by others. It's all of the things I have on my miles long list that I'd like to make.
What a great questions and the answers have been amazing to read! I love what CZEdwards said - thank you whoever you are :) I feel like that for sure - like right now! I have a pattern sitting on my table that must be traced and it's a job I absolutely dislike (it's because the pattern was printed on both sides of the paper it came in and because it's a pattern co I've never worked with before I have no experience with her sizing etc) so it's taken me days to just get that done. So I find all sorts of ways to avoid it - read, watch TV, write, chat on the phone with a friend, go out shopping around with my husband :)Today is the day I'm getting it done! But yes I manage to make typically 1 garment a month which is fine but when I see others online pumping out garments like a little factory I wonder if I'm either unskilled, unfocused, or just plain old lazy!
Is it really a matter of not sewing enough, or is it a matter of taking time to let things "gel" before continuing with a project? Some projects just take time to come together. Trying to measure one's output against what others do can be terribly depressing.
The thing that makes me feel better is when the sewing idols I follow on social media show photos of THEIR fabric stash. Yes, they seem to be churning out more than me but my goodness they have some STASH so they better be! LOL.
I'm a slow sewer and I wish I was quicker because I have so many projects I'd love to do. I don't really feel a need to keep up with the quicker, more productive sewers. It's nice to savor the process at my own speed. But man, do those other patterns and fabric call out to hurry up and do them.
Yes at times . Because I’m partiating in the RTW fast I at times feel I should be sewing more . So many are posting their many makes . Some have made 20 items since the first of the year. I was getting a bit panicked, but my common sense for ME kicked in. I need to concentrate on what works for my lifestyle . I’m also trying to work on fitting & techniques. Long answer but yes I always want to sew more !!
I am ok with how much I sew and wear my makes for my family and I. What gets me is the details that I love and adore, I don't tend to do this in my own sewing but when I do it makes me so happy! Like the coat couching that Elizabeth Made This just did, and the incredible trousers Eve (the Creative Curator) just blogged about in the Sewcialist blog.
All. The. Darned. Time! I think the issue is that sewing commissioned costumes doesn’t feel like fun for me - it is work. So I feel like I’m “not sewing” even though I objectively am. I feel like I’m missing out on trying new patterns, using up my stash, and learning new techniques. It’s like I get to watch Cinderella at the ball, and I’m someone else’s Fairy Godmother for a different ball.
Totally agree. I have begun to enjoy making clothes for others too. Earlier it was job to be done. Now I show them off to my guests. I used to sew only when I needed new clothes for my self, but lately, I am sewing a design I liked, or for an occasion, or to simply try a new technique. Enjoying sewing so much more these days.
Oh, good question, Carolyn. I go in spurts where I spend ALL my spare time in the sewing room and then have days or weeks where I don't sew at all. I'm most productive when sewing to meet a need, as in, "I need to add two pairs of pants for everyday to the wardrobe or another set of night clothes to replace the sleep shirt that bit the dust" kind of sewing. But I do sometimes feel pressure to sew more and to sew down the stash. This spring I'm doing some unselfish sewing for DH and DS who both need trousers but life is busy and you do what you can.
I feel this way about all my hobbies so I set goals each month for what I want to sew, knit, read, needlepoint, and a home project. I write them in my planner at the first of each month so I can stay FOCUSED when I see other people 's projects. Before, I would jump on the bandwagon of every post and picture! It took me awhile to realize some of these folks sew and blog for their living so they have hours to devote to it. Mine are hobbies that I squeeze in around real life. I do still enjoy Pinterest and instagram but I just pin my likes and keep going. By the way, Carolyn, I thought of a book you would like to read "A Stash of One's Own" by Cait Flanders. It is stories of knitter's stashes but it relates to sewers, too. It is available for free on Hoopla digital. I am enjoying every story and seeing my craft stashes in a new light.
At the beginning of the school year I felt this way, because after sewing all summer it was hard to get used to school and homework again and budget time for sewing. Now, though, I’m helping sew costumes for our musical, so that gives me an obligation to sew, and I can never resist making a new dress for special occasions that come up! My problem now is that I feel like I should blog more...
Sometimes. I don't buy rtw so I need to sew enough to have a complete wardrobe. I see a lot of not very well fit or sewn garments online as well as beautifully sewn and fitted clothing, and that's what I expect from my sewing. Fitting is my big thing, so new patterns take time. I also like to sew my coats and jackets and that really takes more time, so reduces output. But that's ok since I could never afford the quality I demand of myself. I try to remember that we see a lot of fantasy on the internet, and remind ourselves that life is never that perfect all of the time. I would like to sew more, but not at the expense of quality.
Always! I am slow and methodical and feel like I take ages over a garment. I am completely unable to speed up and see so many other sewists producing lots , that it can be a bit overwhelming. I tell myself that I am a plodder and that is Ok. Instead of making lots I try to finish everything nicely and take joy in the making process. I will never be able to enter a competition but I don’t mind, it is me and how I roll!
YES, compared to every single thing you listed. I think I make it such a "to-do" in my brain that I feel like I need hours of free time to sit down and finish something. So because I don't feel like I have ample time, I just don't finish where I left off and things sit around.. for months smh Same for when it comes to new pattern releases. I overthink the fitting and then end up feeling like I don't have time to figure it out.. or cut out the pattern. It's really weird because logically, I know that these things aren't true. But my body hasn't caught up to my brain
Agreed. I am overthinking things mainly because I am not proficient in pattern adjustment. I need to jump and go for it. As others say, "it's only fabric".
So true - I don't sew enough for my wishes. Life loves to get in the way and slow me up. The good news is that anything being sewn is better than RTW for me. And while I look at the blogs where they show new items several times a week, my first thought is always - where do you store the clothes? So I'll stick to my plodding and not worry about it.
Is there ever enough time? No! I watch Project Runway and I'm fascinated with conception, fabric shopping, pattern drafting, cutting, sewing, etc... all in less than a 24 hour period. I'm such a slow sewer. I stop, run errands, do things around the house, scroll social media... I have the attention span of a 2 year old. I got up this morning with big plan to start something. I ended up cleaning my studio. One of my neighbors passed away, so I had to be nosey watching the activity across the street.
But if I could actually get someone to cut out for me, I could get a lot more done!
Often, but I also realize that I actually churn out a LOT of garments each month. So much of my sewing these days is what I think of as utility sewing - I basically don't buy my boys shirts or PJs anymore and while I love making them, it's a ton of garments that I make that are almost assembly line style. So, while my monthly numbers are high, I don't do as many of those projects where I really have to think and get creative anymore. My stash also says that I don't sew nearly as much as I'd like ;)
I sew fast and I have the time to spend sewing when I want to. Luckily, the goings-ons of the sewing community has rarely fueled my sewing much. I can ogle every beautifully tailored and sewn Chanel-inspired jacket out there and have ZERO desire to make one for example.
I do get caught up in my own head sometimes of wanting to make THIS because of the fabric or THAT because I want to sew THAT pattern...but I'm getting better about that!
I love to sew and want to sew but I procrastinate quite a bit as well. I get so caught up in the pattern/fabric decision making process and waste a lot of time there. Then there's the pattern adjustment and alteration stage, and second guessing those things that affect fit. I guess I could just make a list of all the things I do instead of sewing like web surfing and attending to cell phone notifications. All in all I never feel as though I sew enough.
I feel I can't sew enough- can't instead of don't. With a full time job, sitting on 2 boards, a family- its tough to find sewing time. I would love for all that to evaporate so I could sew more. But something has to pay for all that fabric! I am a fairly quick sewer and I am making a lot of knits lately which are speedy sewing. I only sew on weekends or vacation days. There are too many other things to get done on week nights. Those nights are when I shop online for fabric and patterns. I look at those productive sewers on Instagram and blogs and often wonder- when do they sleep? But I don't feel any pressure to meet their output.
Most certainly! I got off to *such* a good start in January, then lost a week to sickness but still finished my first ever button-up shirt! And... I cannot get the buttonholer to work on my machine through the luscious flannel I used! So now the shirt is in timeout, and I finished a quilt for a friend's baby. But then I've spent this week sick, too, and I'm mad because I had so much I wanted to sew, but when you're sick with a job and 2 little kids, you've got to pick up your life when you can. I miss sewing already, but it's definitely going to be a few more days before I'm back in my sewing space. And I dread the mess of it, to be honest. Not knowing how I'm going to finish that shirt has made me sulky!
I have too many clothes and not enough time to sew. I have a handicapped child who can keep me busy and too nervous to sew. I would love to have time in my sewing room without distractions but then I might not be able to cope with it. But I do get solace from just cleaning and rearranging my sewing room which is the prettiest thing you will ever see!!!!
Great question! I really don't. I am a slow sewer and I have finally accepted that. I don't put pressure on myself to sew more as long as I am continually learning and growing. I understand the pull of social media, and personally keep it in balance because it can get overwhelming for me. But I am human and have also had moments where I wish I was a Super Sewing Mama, lol!!
I definitely don't sew as much as I'd love to. I, too, have stopped comparing myself to others. I've to fit sewing into my busy schedule and I've accepted that.
Oh gosh yes, although there’s only so many clothes I need, or more realistically, have space for so I am actually OK with my output. I definitely do feel I should be blogging and instagramming more.
Yes I do feel like I am a slacker! When I see what others get done, and then I remember. When my children were young, I sewed all school clothes with the exception of jeans. Shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, dresses, undershirts, boxers, panties and bras, for my hubby, myself, and kids. Ok, they are grown, and I don't have to do that. I still sew boxers and undershirts for hubby and panties and bras for me. I still sew boxers for 1 son because he likes mine better than RTW. I still make my tops and now leggings. Church dresses and blazers, and dress shirts for husband, and ties. I just don't have to make as much because we don't wear them out. I make lounge pants for the grandchildren and their wife's, and have made silk kimono wraps for my daughter in laws. Hold on! I am still sewing a lot, there is just not the pressure of having a deadline! Thanks, I was really feeling bad about myself, but writing it out made me realize, I am still sewing a lot. There are just more cute patterns that I want to make. Ok, back to the sewing machine. I have a Bouche' skirt and blazer to finish hemming, the blouse is ready to go for church on Sunday!
I'm embarrassed to say that I don't get enough time to sew because my husband won't leave me alone. We're both 56. Our kids are grown and 2 out of 3 are out of the house. Problem #1: hubby has no friends of his own and no hobbies other than maintaining our home and gardening. I love gardening, too. Problem #2: he needs an audience for EVERYTHING! Even when he goes out to mow the lawn, it's only a few minutes before he's calling for one of us to come out and help with something. That's how he sucks you in. On the occasions I've put my foot down and told him I'm sewing no matter what, he keeps coming into the room to bug me about whatever's just popped into his mind. When I don't take the bait, he'll start walking by the room every few minutes to get a book, pee, find his phone, whatever the excuse. We've started having monumental fights as he gets worse about the way he's acting. "If you didn't want to be with me, why did you marry me?" is his new mantra along with, "Don't you have enough stuff already?" I respond by saying I didn't know I was signing up to be his full-time companion with no wants or needs of my own.
He's gotten worse over time and wasn't like this when we got married 28 years ago. I'm finding ways to get out of the house with friends just so I can sew - retreats, monthly sewing group, etc. I take handwork to work with me to do at lunch, but I can't take my sewing machine. I'm beginning to think I'll have to start going out every week to get my "me time." I used to stay up late to sew, but now he stays up, too. I started getting up early to sew, and, you guessed it, he gets up earlier now, too. I also used to be able to sew during football season, but his team isn't always broadcast here, so that's been reduced to a handful of afternoons or evenings. Not enough! Do I have to be content with one or two evenings a month?
I know I need to stand up to him, but it's not worth days of fighting. I've actually considered leaving him because he won't give me my space, but he is, basically, a good man. He's a great dad. He doesn't drink or do drugs. He comes straight home from work every day. He's a good provider. But I'm afraid of what's going to happen when we retire. I don't think I can take it 24/7. I have a good life, but my creative side is unfulfilled.
I hope I don't sound too pathetic. Thanks for letting me vent.
Oh wow! That's so interesting! My husband of 42 years ignores me completely. I've always thought if only once he'd want to see what I was doing, or want to talk to me? I guess I'm a teeny bit jealous, would he want to sew with you? I'm not criticising you at all. And maybe I'd go crazy if my husband was like yours. You and I need a happy medium with our men! :o)
Ramona, that has got to be SO frustrating!! It would drive me nuts. I need my alone time, listening to my music, and doing what I want. Maybe you could sign him up for a play group? Like when the kids were little? Kindof joking, - he really needs his own friends and activities.
I think you're going to have to bite the bullet and go through the difficult part of making him understand your sewing time Is important to you. Eventually, the temper tantrums will die down. And of course try to encourage him to find a hobby!!!
Sounds like my other half used to be. One day I had him collect his pants and I taught him how to hem on my machine. He liked the feel of the machine and finally realized my obsession. Then he realized it was "my thing" and understands now. I don't have to worry about him anymore. Although, when get that random visit to my sewing room I start talking fabrics and flowers and he's gone!
Yes, I feel like I'm not sewing enough many times but I have a life other than sewing. I have to admit that I look forward to winter when I feel like I can focus a little more on sewing and 'just being' inside and take a break from all the other things that draw me away when the weather is nice. I maintain a yard (mowing, weed trimming etc), flower beds, and a vegetable garden in the spring and summer and also can and freeze my produce. Before I retired I had a 2+ hour commute daily with erratic hours and often had no energy left to sew. Now, I have a lot of other hobbies and sometimes I just like to do nothing! I'm also involved in assisting my less fortunate neighbors and community service. I do not want to make sewing a job...it is my relaxation and pleasure.
Yes I do. I took a 2 week sewing break in January, but I just finished the project I was working on. And when I am sewing I feel that I'm not taking care of my home enough, so I know it doesn't really matter.
Yes and no. I don't sew enough to keep up with my fabric collecting. OTOH, I believe firmly in supporting stores that provide quality fabrics. As long as I keep within my budget and allocated space, I feel at peace about that.
I don't compete w/ the other sewists in the universe. Everyone has different lives and time constraints. I have many other things that demand my time and things that I want to do in addition to sewing. A hobby should bring joy, not guilt.
I feel like I don't sew as much as I'd like, but not because of other's production. I am plus sized and over 6 ft tall, so if I am going to wear clothes that come close to fitting, I need to be making them. Mostly the only social media type sewing I do is quiltalongs because I like the project.
I feel like I don't sew enough all. the. time. Mostly because I hardly ever sew. I joined the RTW Fast to motivate me to sew clothes this year. I don't have any problem with the not buying RTW, I just don't sew the clothes either. The voices say "don't waste that fabric on something you'll only wear this year." (I'm trying hard -successfully- to lose weight). My new mantra is 'they're making more cool fabric right now, you'll get more!'
The RTW FAst this year is a real downer. People are extremely rule-oriented and rude. As in 'if you buy any RTW you should just get out of this group!' Someone bought a pair of pants because hers split at work. Some people were nice, but too many were jerks about it. Same with someone buying a t-shirt to help a cancer survivor raise money. So much for motivation. You'd think it was the Inquisition and not sewing. I'll have to go elsewhere for some Sewjo.
I've read and reread your comment and every time just shake my head because I have no words. My only question is - does someone monitor the group chats?
I've done the fast before too, and people really had fun. I had fun. This year, not sure what happened. Perhaps the general social angst has overwhelmed even sewing. Sarah Gunn is supposed to be monitoring, but when people leave saying it's just too negative, she just says 'bye'. It's a mystery, and best not a part of what I'm doing. I've got work stress, political/social/news stress and I sure don't need any sewing stress in my studio.
On a fun note, I have a sewing project planned for Saturday! Woot!
I have actually felt the RTW Fast has been very motivating . I know there was negativity but from my perspective folks were wanting to change the rules -ie - I can make this but my skills & time won’t work for me to make that. I felt that some had to make some personal choices about buying something but wanted to engage the group in why that was ok . It is all personal choice . I’m sticking to it but this is my second time & I went into it thinking how I could learn & improve my skills . Sorry not trying to open a can of worms - I felt Sarah has been very gracious & gently reminding of rules .
That's good that you're enjoying it. I just got fed up with all the negativity. I have PLENTY of that at work, on the news etc etc, I don't need to spend facebook time seeing arguing about whether someone can support a friend's daughter who's got cancer by buying a tshirt, or or watching people bash on someone who split her pants at work. I was mostly just there to enjoy what others were making and get some sewjo going. And practice being really thoughtful about my wardrobe and how to incorporate new things. I'm getting that elsewhere now, so to each their own. You know, it really is just sewing. As far as I know, none of this is signed in blood. The only prize is enjoyment.
Most definitely all the time! I think mostly because of social media pressure though. I'm a slow sewer by nature. In isolation it doesn't bother me...except maybe regret that I might not get around to use up all of my stash. But seeing all of everyone else's makes & enthusiasm for sewing sometimes make me feel like a fraud writing a sewing blog. Just need to remind myself it's not a competition & to live vicariously through more productive members of the sewing community!
I sew enough for the sewing time available but I would like to have more time to sew. I sew too much for my wardrobe needs but not enough for my stash although it is slowly getting smaller and more manageable in my headspace. I would probably be in the low to middle centile for sewing productivity compared to others on sewing social media but I definitely do not compare myself in terms of output, skills, ownership of fabrics, machines etc . I am basically content with what I have and do.
No, not really. I sew when I feel like it or when I need something new/replaced, otherwise I am crocheting or making jewelry or more recently, learning to use a knitting loom.
Yes, on all counts - not enough for the fabric I have, not enough in terms of keeping up with the Sewing social media, not enough to keep up with my wardrobe needs - and my grandkids and the crafty stuff for the Boutique for Quilt Guild - ...yet here I sit on the computer .
I know I don't sew enough. I just haven't had time with moving and other (mainly parental care) life events during the past year and a half. It's really having a negative effect on my mental mental health! Must stop watching the Olympics and get into the sewing room! (No, I don't have a TV in the sewing room. I suppose I could stream it, but then I'd be watching that and not sewing!)
Wow! All these comments and so many of them I identify with. I have sewn one garment since I retired and truly thought I would be sewing up a storm-it has only been one week since retiring. I have been in and out of the sewing room and find I just cannot make a decision on what fabric or pattern. Actually I am feeling overwhelmed by so many patterns and so many fabrics wanting my attention. The other dilemma I am facing is that now that I am retired just what should I sew???? As always a great question of the day!
It took me a good year to figure out what to wear when I changed jobs because the dress code is reflective of what retirement would look like to me. And even then, the things that I made that first year are rarely worn now that I know what I want to look like. My advice would be to take your time and don't make yourself crazy. Also, take a few classes, learn a new technique, explore especially since you're no longer sewing to clothe yourself for work.
Linda, I plan on retiring from teaching and will have my last day in a few months...my sewing room calls to me.There are a great many patterns that are calling to me as well. I feel your pain. I am glad that I have seen this because I think I need to have a plan and maybe begin some of it before the big day comes. I think a lot of people are thinking of what they want to do in retirement but when they get there they are stumped with the changes and lack of schedule.
Yes I certainly feel like to do not sew enough! I look at a new pattern and know that I have to do my pattern adjustments (a chore I dread) so I will put it off, I am starting to get a really nice TNT pattern collection though. I need to schedule time to cut a few things out, that way after work I can come home and sew as I rarely have the energy after work to pattern adjust and cut out. Do you have a particular schedule that works for you? I'd love to know!
I always tell myself that my garments are made one seam at a time. Nancy Zieman took that mentality and made it extremely popular - 10, 20, 30 Minutes to Sew. Even if I only have a few minutes, I can pin a seam or fuse a piece of interfacing, or re-thread my machine for the next project. On days that I have time to sew but am too tired or don't really feel like it, I tell myself, just sew for 15 minutes. If after 15 minutes I'm really not into it, I can quit. Most of the time I end up sewing for at least an hour.
I used to do massive cutting sessions, but then realized that I actually ended up with a stash of unfinished objects, some of which never get finished because I've changed size, lost pieces or just don't want to make that item anymore. I try to plan my sewing for the week out and cut things that require more brain power (such as tailored items or things that need pattern matching, etc.) out on a morning of the weekend when my brain is fully functioning.
I definitely feel that I do not sew enough. I KNOW I do not sew enough. I was just talking to my husband this afternoon and telling him how much I needed to put a stitch in something! For some reason sewing actually makes me feel as though I have accomplished something....more so than just about anything else. There are skills I want to learn, skills I want to improve, styles and fabrics I want to try. I am sure you all know what I mean.
I grew up in a home where there was no fabric stash. We made what we needed at the time. No pressure there! I have sewn all my life to get clothes that fit, and now that I am retired and really old, I really need to sew more than ever, but I just don't have the energy to do much. My advice is to do it now, because later there may be reasons that it is harder! Also, sometimes I think "How many clothes do I need?" This is such a 1st World problem!
Nancy, Yes, having a stash...stressing about where to put more fabric....that is a first world problem. But I sew because it has gone from being something I needed to do for my children or myself so that we could have things to wear to sewing for the enjoyment of it. I truly do like it. And yes, we need to do it while we can. None of us know what may be going on a year from now....enjoy the things you can do the family and friends you have now....
I sew a lot, like almost every day. I wish I could sew more - I guess that's the same as feeling like I'm not sewing enough? Is that a glass half full/glass half empty way of thinking? I have started blogging my makes again, mostly because I feel like my blogging is giving something back to the online sewing community. I thoroughly enjoy reading about other people's makes, especially when I can't sew for whatever reason. But, part of blogging for me is that I wish I could sew more so that I can share more. That and I have an absolutely huge stash, some of which I haven't seen for, ahem... a while, and I want to play with those fabrics too. And people keep publishing more and more patterns that I want to try! But, I guess that feeling like I want to sew more means that I won't be stopping for a while.
Yes to all of your points. I am both amazed and baffled by those in the sewing community that can churn out a garment just about every week or few days, keep up with their blogs and post frequently on Instagram, etc. Where do they find the time? Don't they have jobs, family responsibilities, house chores and errands to run? Doesn't life throw out curve balls to everyone? I guess since I am such a slow sewer, I can't imagine where they find the time but obviously they do. They are probably not as slow a sewer as I am! Oh well, it is what it is! I wish I had more time to sew more but I sew when I can.
Now I don't feel so bad because I thought it was something not happening with Me. I wondered the same thing as to how they got it all done for their projects: fabric shopping, pattern fitting and construction, finding the right setting to take photos, etc. I realize It's great for inspiration (just like magazines) but, sewing should be FUN, relaxing, our own private getaway, not comparison shopping ourselves to the ones we follow or admire. Do you at your own pace and enjoy the journey. Life is too short to miss out on touching and shaping our fabric because we compare ourselves to others. Enjoy Sewing folks!
Great question Carolyn and super interesting to read these comments. My greatest fear is that I will die not having sewn all the projects in my head!!! Sounds kind of funny writing that here, as I'm in good health..... but it is something I've thought about. I've found it is better for me to be careful and guard myself from comparing myself, or my output, or my work, with other sewists as we have some awesomefully creative folks in our sewing community. I want to enjoy the process, learn new skillsets and apply those to my projects and use social media as a way to learn from others (like you! you've helped me so much with questions I've posted on IG!!), be inspired by others and enjoy sweet long-distance friendships through a common love of sewing. :)
Not really, but I find you can be inundated on social media. I don't watch TV and I have ADD, I have lots of down time, If I'm not sewing, I'm reading, doing puzzles or something because I need to work the tactile side of my brain. I work on being consistent and my goal is to have a a new thing every week but sometimes that doesn't work and I'm OK if I don't.
This year I'm making an effort to sew a little bit every day. The little bits add up. I keep a daily journal of what I do that is sewing related. It has helped me realize how very many parts there are to the creative sewing process and is helping shape how I plan and structure the sewing time I have, how I feel about my skill set and making me more thoughtful about the projects I choose to make.
I think I have a big discrepancy between the amount of sewing I envision in my mind and the amount that actually fits into my real life. There's a lot more mental sewing than actual sewing! That said, I do sometimes wonder how people with jobs, children, other things to do manage to sew so many things. I wish I could sew more but I don't feel like I'm letting anyone down when I can't. I fit it in when I can and it's very rewarding.
No, I do NOT sew enough. And, what's worse, it's social media that takes up too much of my time (rolling my eyes). It's ridiculous because I say to myself "I control what I do and do not do) with my time. As one with a sewing venture in the making I often feel obligated to do the social media thing as if it is the only way to get my small cottage venture off the ground.
Then there is my part-time job. I can't purchase fabric to fuel my thing with no money. It's a vicious circle.
"Do you ever feel like you don't sew enough?" My answer would be yes! Sometimes I often wonder how to do people "whip" up a garment on a Saturday night for church that Sunday. They amaze me only because for me, it takes me a few days to cut out the pattern, fit the pattern, make the muslin, asset the fit of the muslin, back to the pattern to make adjustments and only then, once I feel at least 91% confident will I dive into my fashion fabric. In all my time of garment sewing (4+ years), I've never been able to whip up (sew) a garment in less that 24 hours, never! I keep telling myself that I do need to get into the habit of trying to make a new garment at least twice monthly. Nothing to major that requires too much fitting, but just fun simple items like tops and skirts; things that will help me to boost my sewing game and get better at the process all at the same time.
Yes. Sometimes I’m busy with other stuff, but sometimes it’s that I don’t feel competent about something, or haven’t assimilated a skill to my satisfaction. So my machine will be quiet for a while. I just can’t get motivated to pull out fabric or a pattern. Nothing looks at all interesting, or far beyond my abilities, or both.
ReplyDeleteI’ve recently realized that my fallow periods are exactly that: fallow. My brain is indexing the knowledge gained and rebuilding my reserves of patience and curiosity. It’s figuring out how to do a thing that I didn’t think I could do. And the next time I pick something up, I’m astounded at how much I do indeed know, and how much easier the challenges are.
I wish sewing came with level up/achievement unlocked badges. I know that’s what’s happening, but I don’t realize it until after it passes.
Oh, my goodness, all the time. And it's not really because I see everyone else churning out lovely things, although I'm sure that has some influence.
ReplyDeleteIt's because I have wonderful fabric waiting to be turned into nice things to wear and I just can't do it fast enough. Or at all, at times (I still haven't managed to make ONE garment so far in 2018).
I feel pressure...I bought all that nice fabric; I should be sewing it.
I really get discouraged when I pull out a piece that has faded or gotten moth damage. I shoulda sewed that one faster.
Next weekend's a holiday. Maybe I can get something sewn up before the month is over...
Not really. I sew for my own enjoyment, so if I’m not feeling it then I don’t sew and don’t worry if my IG or blog is a bit quiet for a while. The only time I think I should sew more is when I’m trying to squeeze more fabric in to the stash!
ReplyDeleteOh absolutely! It's almost like the over-consumerism of home decor and lifestyle blogs. The latest pattern releases and the newest fabric are all over the internet no matter what corner of the fiber arts community you participate in.
ReplyDeleteI always try to remember why I sewed and knitted before the internet; why this would still be my hobby if "online" disappeared tomorrow.
I love the process, the planning, the searching for just the right fabric, yarn, or notions. The step by step process of making the garment that for the most part requires calm, attention, patience and mindfulness; things missing so much from other parts of my day.
I also get to enjoy the pride or failure of the finished item. Yes, I enjoy the failure too because success or fail, I have learned something. Finally, if I am successful I have a good piece of clothing that I can maintain and repair for many years in my wardrobe.
In the end, I have to tune out the "fast" producers and remain true to myself. I sew for myself and my wardrobe and if the latest and greatest don't fit with my vision of myself and my clothes I have to leave it alone and return to the process of making.
The online fiber community photos have become for me another form of window shopping. It's lovely to see all the creativity, colors, shapes and ideas, but like window shopping it ends and going home to a cuppa tea and my favorite 10year old knitted wool crazy socks is more comforting than "buying" something I don't really need.
This is why my blog remains idle for weeks or months and I stay away from other social media platforms other than a tightly edited list of blogs on my reader. I make about 10 items a year and that is enough for me because the development from idea to finished product is the key to my enjoyment.
This may be a reason I have not succumbed to Instagram yet.
ReplyDeleteYes, Instagram can be a real time suck. And I find it hard to go back to the things I like and want to check out. But I do find I love the photos on Instagram. I am very visual and I find lots of new things to make on Instagram.
DeleteI feel pretty fortunate in that I have gotten folks to hire me to sew stuff. Right now it's choir dress work (girls grew since the batch last fall), but there's always some cosplay and costume sewing in the spring. A commission or two (one is going to be a set of pieces for a family) and the usual "you promised me a prom dress". I like the challenges, I love seeing what other people come up with when I say "If you can show me a picture or make me a sketch (and it doesn't have to be a good one), I can make one for you" and the light turns on for them.
ReplyDeleteConstantly 😐 I get the urge and batch sew or go months where getting into my sewing space is an achievement - makes me glad I don't have much of a social media presence I'd be constantly feeling like a failure 🤔
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder if my hobby is purchasing sewing-related items and reading sewing blogs, rather than sewing itself. But I keep trying and eventually produce something
ReplyDeleteDitto!
Deletewhat she said!
DeleteI feel this way all of the time. If I am honest, I really don't sew half as much as in times past. Sometimes I am just plain physically tired, unmotivated and have just lost that mojo. I often wish I could take what is swirling in my mind, put it on paper and the translate it to fabric. My wardrobe would then be exactly what I need.
Deleteme too :(
DeleteMe too, the buying of the 'stuff' often is much more enjoyable to me than the actual making of things..........my house could be a fully stocked shop.
DeleteOh wow, that fits me to a T. Gaaaaa!
DeleteYikes me too!
DeleteYes. This.
DeleteAlways, I always have more I want to do and never enough time to sew it all in!!!
ReplyDeleteMy sewing block comes when I allow myself to daydream surrounded by 'my stash' and imagine what I'd like to make all the bits of fabric up in to....now this should really inspire me but in the end I can never make my mind up on what to do next. I am much better when I focus on one item at a time....and would be much better off without s stash!!!
Yes!!! I never fee like I sew enough. I have a full time job and an almost 3 year old and husband. You would think that with a husband, you would have more time to sew, wrong!! No, I feel like I have another kid to take care of, lol.
ReplyDeleteI only get to sew on weekends during his nap. That gives me 4 hours a weekend sometimes less. I try to do what I can on lunch, hand sew, PDF pattern taping, etc, but it seems to take so long to get anything done. I have my sewing room decorated for my little one, so sometimes I can get 20 min in here and there before he gets bored. There just never seems to be enough time!!!
There are times when I feel I don't sew enough. Especially when I see all the eye candy others are making. But, I remind myself that I am a slower sewer and spend a lot of time planning and paying attention to detail. I enjoy that and focus on what I am doing rather than how little I may produce. The only time I find it frustrating is when everything is packed up for some reason (renovating, moving) and I want to sew.
ReplyDeleteYes!!! Those days when I have “sew jo” seems to be the days when I have millions of other things to do. Then when I do get to my machines the decision is WHAT do I sew.
ReplyDeleteSometimes looking at instagram is so discouraging, I wonder what am I doing wrong that I don’t sew a garment/week. Plus I am a slow sewer. I have friend who sews the same thing in half the time.
I try to remind myself that even if it takes me 6 weeks to actually sew up the shirt that took a month to fit, I will have a great shirt that fits my 6” body!
I've never been focused on quantity. I work one project at a time, putting in all the time I am blessed to have. That means working around a full time job and family for now. I am not a particularly slow sewist but speed has never been a goal for me and as a goal it amazes me that it even exists for some. What does it matter how much we put out if it looks like low end fast fashion? To me that would be a total waste of my sewing time and skill. I like forward to retiring soon and sewing, gardening and jewelry making lots more. I will never be concerned that I don't sew enough. I would be concerned not sewing well enough.
ReplyDeleteVery well said. If I sew a piece, I have the whole creative and production process in my hands. To me, that means making it in some way better than I could buy it.
DeleteAgree with both of you !
DeleteI'm in your camp Bunny! Karen
DeleteI agree 100%!
DeleteThere's always more I want to sew, a list of projects that I want to accomplish and garments I need.
ReplyDeleteYes, ALL THE TIME, LOL!
ReplyDeleteI feel a bit envious when I see how productive certain other bloggers are, but I also know I sew every chance I get and the problem is that there are not enough hours in my day to take care of my kid, go to work, and make a garment a week. So I sew the right amount for me.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Especially over the last two years it’s been a “thorn in my side”! The reason, when I retired in 2015 I said that was exactly what I was going to do… sew more (if not every day). Needless to say, that didn’t happen and life once again is taking over and I’m busy with things around the house or home related! However, I don’t complain because there are other things I’ve done that I wasn’t able to do when I was still working, like start my YouTube channel. While it’s a lot of work, it is related to my Sewing and I felt it would push me to sew more…that was not the case either! One of my goals for this year is to work on that!
ReplyDeleteFor sure I feel this way--probably because I don't sew enough! I have many plans and supplies but work has been crazy lately and my weight is fluctuating so I don't want to put time into a garment that probably won't fit me in June. Hopefully things will settle down in a couple of months, but I do feel that the longer my "non-sewing" period goes on the harder it is to get motivated to do it.
ReplyDeleteYES!!! Infinity ... I have so many sewing related things calling my name!!! FIESTA ANYHOW :)
ReplyDeleteAlways! I never have enough time - Ooh the bother of not magically being independently wealthy. :) For me, it's not even all of the great things I see sewn up by others. It's all of the things I have on my miles long list that I'd like to make.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great questions and the answers have been amazing to read! I love what CZEdwards said - thank you whoever you are :) I feel like that for sure - like right now! I have a pattern sitting on my table that must be traced and it's a job I absolutely dislike (it's because the pattern was printed on both sides of the paper it came in and because it's a pattern co I've never worked with before I have no experience with her sizing etc) so it's taken me days to just get that done. So I find all sorts of ways to avoid it - read, watch TV, write, chat on the phone with a friend, go out shopping around with my husband :)Today is the day I'm getting it done! But yes I manage to make typically 1 garment a month which is fine but when I see others online pumping out garments like a little factory I wonder if I'm either unskilled, unfocused, or just plain old lazy!
ReplyDeleteIs it really a matter of not sewing enough, or is it a matter of taking time to let things "gel" before continuing with a project? Some projects just take time to come together. Trying to measure one's output against what others do can be terribly depressing.
ReplyDeleteAmen! Comparison can be a real buzzkill.
DeleteThe thing that makes me feel better is when the sewing idols I follow on social media show photos of THEIR fabric stash. Yes, they seem to be churning out more than me but my goodness they have some STASH so they better be! LOL.
ReplyDeleteI'm a slow sewer and I wish I was quicker because I have so many projects I'd love to do. I don't really feel a need to keep up with the quicker, more productive sewers. It's nice to savor the process at my own speed. But man, do those other patterns and fabric call out to hurry up and do them.
ReplyDeleteYes at times . Because I’m partiating in the RTW fast I at times feel I should be sewing more . So many are posting their many makes . Some have made 20 items since the first of the year. I was getting a bit panicked, but my common sense for ME kicked in. I need to concentrate on what works for my lifestyle . I’m also trying to work on fitting & techniques.
ReplyDeleteLong answer but yes I always want to sew more !!
I am ok with how much I sew and wear my makes for my family and I. What gets me is the details that I love and adore, I don't tend to do this in my own sewing but when I do it makes me so happy! Like the coat couching that Elizabeth Made This just did, and the incredible trousers Eve (the Creative Curator) just blogged about in the Sewcialist blog.
ReplyDeleteAll. The. Darned. Time! I think the issue is that sewing commissioned costumes doesn’t feel like fun for me - it is work. So I feel like I’m “not sewing” even though I objectively am. I feel like I’m missing out on trying new patterns, using up my stash, and learning new techniques. It’s like I get to watch Cinderella at the ball, and I’m someone else’s Fairy Godmother for a different ball.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. I have begun to enjoy making clothes for others too. Earlier it was job to be done. Now I show them off to my guests.
DeleteI used to sew only when I needed new clothes for my self, but lately, I am sewing a design I liked, or for an occasion, or to simply try a new technique.
Enjoying sewing so much more these days.
Absolutely. Often my other fiber and paper art endeavors completely hijack my sewing energy.
ReplyDeleteOh, good question, Carolyn. I go in spurts where I spend ALL my spare time in the sewing room and then have days or weeks where I don't sew at all. I'm most productive when sewing to meet a need, as in, "I need to add two pairs of pants for everyday to the wardrobe or another set of night clothes to replace the sleep shirt that bit the dust" kind of sewing. But I do sometimes feel pressure to sew more and to sew down the stash. This spring I'm doing some unselfish sewing for DH and DS who both need trousers but life is busy and you do what you can.
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
I feel this way about all my hobbies so I set goals each month for what I want to sew, knit, read, needlepoint, and a home project. I write them in my planner at the first of each month so I can stay FOCUSED when I see other people 's projects. Before, I would jump on the bandwagon of every post and picture! It took me awhile to realize some of these folks sew and blog for their living so they have hours to devote to it. Mine are hobbies that I squeeze in around real life. I do still enjoy Pinterest and instagram but I just pin my likes and keep going. By the way, Carolyn, I thought of a book you would like to read "A Stash of One's Own" by Cait Flanders. It is stories of knitter's stashes but it relates to sewers, too. It is available for free on Hoopla digital. I am enjoying every story and seeing my craft stashes in a new light.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the school year I felt this way, because after sewing all summer it was hard to get used to school and homework again and budget time for sewing. Now, though, I’m helping sew costumes for our musical, so that gives me an obligation to sew, and I can never resist making a new dress for special occasions that come up! My problem now is that I feel like I should blog more...
ReplyDeleteSometimes. I don't buy rtw so I need to sew enough to have a complete wardrobe. I see a lot of not very well fit or sewn garments online as well as beautifully sewn and fitted clothing, and that's what I expect from my sewing. Fitting is my big thing, so new patterns take time. I also like to sew my coats and jackets and that really takes more time, so reduces output. But that's ok since I could never afford the quality I demand of myself. I try to remember that we see a lot of fantasy on the internet, and remind ourselves that life is never that perfect all of the time. I would like to sew more, but not at the expense of quality.
ReplyDeleteAlways! I am slow and methodical and feel like I take ages over a garment. I am completely unable to speed up and see so many other sewists producing lots , that it can be a bit overwhelming. I tell myself that I am a plodder and that is Ok. Instead of making lots I try to finish everything nicely and take joy in the making process. I will never be able to enter a competition but I don’t mind, it is me and how I roll!
ReplyDeleteYES, compared to every single thing you listed. I think I make it such a "to-do" in my brain that I feel like I need hours of free time to sit down and finish something. So because I don't feel like I have ample time, I just don't finish where I left off and things sit around.. for months smh
ReplyDeleteSame for when it comes to new pattern releases. I overthink the fitting and then end up feeling like I don't have time to figure it out.. or cut out the pattern. It's really weird because logically, I know that these things aren't true. But my body hasn't caught up to my brain
Agreed. I am overthinking things mainly because I am not proficient in pattern adjustment. I need to jump and go for it. As others say, "it's only fabric".
DeleteSo true - I don't sew enough for my wishes. Life loves to get in the way and slow me up. The good news is that anything being sewn is better than RTW for me. And while I look at the blogs where they show new items several times a week, my first thought is always - where do you store the clothes? So I'll stick to my plodding and not worry about it.
ReplyDeleteNever and I have the stash to prove it!
ReplyDeleteIs there ever enough time? No! I watch Project Runway and I'm fascinated with conception, fabric shopping, pattern drafting, cutting, sewing, etc... all in less than a 24 hour period. I'm such a slow sewer. I stop, run errands, do things around the house, scroll social media... I have the attention span of a 2 year old. I got up this morning with big plan to start something. I ended up cleaning my studio. One of my neighbors passed away, so I had to be nosey watching the activity across the street.
ReplyDeleteBut if I could actually get someone to cut out for me, I could get a lot more done!
Often, but I also realize that I actually churn out a LOT of garments each month. So much of my sewing these days is what I think of as utility sewing - I basically don't buy my boys shirts or PJs anymore and while I love making them, it's a ton of garments that I make that are almost assembly line style. So, while my monthly numbers are high, I don't do as many of those projects where I really have to think and get creative anymore. My stash also says that I don't sew nearly as much as I'd like ;)
ReplyDeletenahhhh. lol!
ReplyDeleteI sew fast and I have the time to spend sewing when I want to. Luckily, the goings-ons of the sewing community has rarely fueled my sewing much. I can ogle every beautifully tailored and sewn Chanel-inspired jacket out there and have ZERO desire to make one for example.
I do get caught up in my own head sometimes of wanting to make THIS because of the fabric or THAT because I want to sew THAT pattern...but I'm getting better about that!
I'm with Ann. My sewing has nothing to do with anybody else. So no.
ReplyDeleteI love to sew and want to sew but I procrastinate quite a bit as well. I get so caught up in the pattern/fabric decision making process and waste a lot of time there. Then there's the pattern adjustment and alteration stage, and second guessing those things that affect fit. I guess I could just make a list of all the things I do instead of sewing like web surfing and attending to cell phone notifications. All in all I never feel as though I sew enough.
ReplyDeleteI feel I can't sew enough- can't instead of don't. With a full time job, sitting on 2 boards, a family- its tough to find sewing time. I would love for all that to evaporate so I could sew more. But something has to pay for all that fabric! I am a fairly quick sewer and I am making a lot of knits lately which are speedy sewing. I only sew on weekends or vacation days. There are too many other things to get done on week nights. Those nights are when I shop online for fabric and patterns. I look at those productive sewers on Instagram and blogs and often wonder- when do they sleep? But I don't feel any pressure to meet their output.
ReplyDeleteMost certainly! I got off to *such* a good start in January, then lost a week to sickness but still finished my first ever button-up shirt! And... I cannot get the buttonholer to work on my machine through the luscious flannel I used! So now the shirt is in timeout, and I finished a quilt for a friend's baby. But then I've spent this week sick, too, and I'm mad because I had so much I wanted to sew, but when you're sick with a job and 2 little kids, you've got to pick up your life when you can.
ReplyDeleteI miss sewing already, but it's definitely going to be a few more days before I'm back in my sewing space. And I dread the mess of it, to be honest. Not knowing how I'm going to finish that shirt has made me sulky!
I have too many clothes and not enough time to sew. I have a handicapped child who can keep me busy and too nervous to sew. I would love to have time in my sewing room without distractions but then I might not be able to cope with it. But I do get solace from just cleaning and rearranging my sewing room which is the prettiest thing you will ever see!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat question! I really don't. I am a slow sewer and I have finally accepted that. I don't put pressure on myself to sew more as long as I am continually learning and growing. I understand the pull of social media, and personally keep it in balance because it can get overwhelming for me. But I am human and have also had moments where I wish I was a Super Sewing Mama, lol!!
ReplyDeleteI definitely don't sew as much as I'd love to. I, too, have stopped comparing myself to others. I've to fit sewing into my busy schedule and I've accepted that.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh yes, although there’s only so many clothes I need, or more realistically, have space for so I am actually OK with my output. I definitely do feel I should be blogging and instagramming more.
ReplyDeleteYes I do feel like I am a slacker! When I see what others get done, and then I remember. When my children were young, I sewed all school clothes with the exception of jeans. Shirts, blouses, pants, skirts, dresses, undershirts, boxers, panties and bras, for my hubby, myself, and kids. Ok, they are grown, and I don't have to do that. I still sew boxers and undershirts for hubby and panties and bras for me. I still sew boxers for 1 son because he likes mine better than RTW. I still make my tops and now leggings. Church dresses and blazers, and dress shirts for husband, and ties. I just don't have to make as much because we don't wear them out. I make lounge pants for the grandchildren and their wife's, and have made silk kimono wraps for my daughter in laws. Hold on! I am still sewing a lot, there is just not the pressure of having a deadline! Thanks, I was really feeling bad about myself, but writing it out made me realize, I am still sewing a lot. There are just more cute patterns that I want to make. Ok, back to the sewing machine. I have a Bouche' skirt and blazer to finish hemming, the blouse is ready to go for church on Sunday!
ReplyDeleteI've read through all the comments and have now forgotten the question!
ReplyDeleteI could have had a skirt hemmed by now - LOL
I'm embarrassed to say that I don't get enough time to sew because my husband won't leave me alone. We're both 56. Our kids are grown and 2 out of 3 are out of the house. Problem #1: hubby has no friends of his own and no hobbies other than maintaining our home and gardening. I love gardening, too. Problem #2: he needs an audience for EVERYTHING! Even when he goes out to mow the lawn, it's only a few minutes before he's calling for one of us to come out and help with something. That's how he sucks you in. On the occasions I've put my foot down and told him I'm sewing no matter what, he keeps coming into the room to bug me about whatever's just popped into his mind. When I don't take the bait, he'll start walking by the room every few minutes to get a book, pee, find his phone, whatever the excuse. We've started having monumental fights as he gets worse about the way he's acting. "If you didn't want to be with me, why did you marry me?" is his new mantra along with, "Don't you have enough stuff already?" I respond by saying I didn't know I was signing up to be his full-time companion with no wants or needs of my own.
ReplyDeleteHe's gotten worse over time and wasn't like this when we got married 28 years ago. I'm finding ways to get out of the house with friends just so I can sew - retreats, monthly sewing group, etc. I take handwork to work with me to do at lunch, but I can't take my sewing machine. I'm beginning to think I'll have to start going out every week to get my "me time." I used to stay up late to sew, but now he stays up, too. I started getting up early to sew, and, you guessed it, he gets up earlier now, too. I also used to be able to sew during football season, but his team isn't always broadcast here, so that's been reduced to a handful of afternoons or evenings. Not enough! Do I have to be content with one or two evenings a month?
I know I need to stand up to him, but it's not worth days of fighting. I've actually considered leaving him because he won't give me my space, but he is, basically, a good man. He's a great dad. He doesn't drink or do drugs. He comes straight home from work every day. He's a good provider. But I'm afraid of what's going to happen when we retire. I don't think I can take it 24/7. I have a good life, but my creative side is unfulfilled.
I hope I don't sound too pathetic. Thanks for letting me vent.
Oh wow! That's so interesting! My husband of 42 years ignores me completely. I've always thought if only once he'd want to see what I was doing, or want to talk to me? I guess I'm a teeny bit jealous, would he want to sew with you? I'm not criticising you at all. And maybe I'd go crazy if my husband was like yours. You and I need a happy medium with our men! :o)
DeleteRamona, that has got to be SO frustrating!! It would drive me nuts. I need my alone time, listening to my music, and doing what I want. Maybe you could sign him up for a play group? Like when the kids were little? Kindof joking, - he really needs his own friends and activities.
DeleteI think you're going to have to bite the bullet and go through the difficult part of making him understand your sewing time Is important to you. Eventually, the temper tantrums will die down. And of course try to encourage him to find a hobby!!!
DeleteSounds like my other half used to be. One day I had him collect his pants and I taught him how to hem on my machine. He liked the feel of the machine and finally realized my obsession. Then he realized it was "my thing" and understands now. I don't have to worry about him anymore. Although, when get that random visit to my sewing room I start talking fabrics and flowers and he's gone!
DeleteYes, I feel like I'm not sewing enough many times but I have a life other than sewing. I have to admit that I look forward to winter when I feel like I can focus a little more on sewing and 'just being' inside and take a break from all the other things that draw me away when the weather is nice. I maintain a yard (mowing, weed trimming etc), flower beds, and a vegetable garden in the spring and summer and also can and freeze my produce. Before I retired I had a 2+ hour commute daily with erratic hours and often had no energy left to sew. Now, I have a lot of other hobbies and sometimes I just like to do nothing! I'm also involved in assisting my less fortunate neighbors and community service. I do not want to make sewing a job...it is my relaxation and pleasure.
ReplyDeleteYes I do. I took a 2 week sewing break in January, but I just finished the project I was working on. And when I am sewing I feel that I'm not taking care of my home enough, so I know it doesn't really matter.
ReplyDeleteYes and no. I don't sew enough to keep up with my fabric collecting. OTOH, I believe firmly in supporting stores that provide quality fabrics. As long as I keep within my budget and allocated space, I feel at peace about that.
ReplyDeleteI don't compete w/ the other sewists in the universe. Everyone has different lives and time constraints. I have many other things that demand my time and things that I want to do in addition to sewing. A hobby should bring joy, not guilt.
I feel like I don't sew as much as I'd like, but not because of other's production. I am plus sized and over 6 ft tall, so if I am going to wear clothes that come close to fitting, I need to be making them. Mostly the only social media type sewing I do is quiltalongs because I like the project.
ReplyDeleteI feel like I don't sew enough all. the. time. Mostly because I hardly ever sew. I joined the RTW Fast to motivate me to sew clothes this year. I don't have any problem with the not buying RTW, I just don't sew the clothes either. The voices say "don't waste that fabric on something you'll only wear this year." (I'm trying hard -successfully- to lose weight). My new mantra is 'they're making more cool fabric right now, you'll get more!'
ReplyDeleteThe RTW FAst this year is a real downer. People are extremely rule-oriented and rude. As in 'if you buy any RTW you should just get out of this group!' Someone bought a pair of pants because hers split at work. Some people were nice, but too many were jerks about it. Same with someone buying a t-shirt to help a cancer survivor raise money. So much for motivation. You'd think it was the Inquisition and not sewing. I'll have to go elsewhere for some Sewjo.
WOW!
DeleteI've read and reread your comment and every time just shake my head because I have no words. My only question is - does someone monitor the group chats?
DeleteYikes! it was soooo fun when I did it!
DeleteI've done the fast before too, and people really had fun. I had fun. This year, not sure what happened. Perhaps the general social angst has overwhelmed even sewing. Sarah Gunn is supposed to be monitoring, but when people leave saying it's just too negative, she just says 'bye'. It's a mystery, and best not a part of what I'm doing. I've got work stress, political/social/news stress and I sure don't need any sewing stress in my studio.
DeleteOn a fun note, I have a sewing project planned for Saturday! Woot!
I have actually felt the RTW Fast has been very motivating . I know there was negativity but from my perspective folks were wanting to change the rules -ie - I can make this but my skills & time won’t work for me to make that.
DeleteI felt that some had to make some personal choices about buying something but wanted to engage the group in why that was ok . It is all personal choice . I’m sticking to it but this is my second time & I went into it thinking how I could learn & improve my skills . Sorry not trying to open a can of worms - I felt Sarah has been very gracious & gently reminding of rules .
That's good that you're enjoying it. I just got fed up with all the negativity. I have PLENTY of that at work, on the news etc etc, I don't need to spend facebook time seeing arguing about whether someone can support a friend's daughter who's got cancer by buying a tshirt, or or watching people bash on someone who split her pants at work. I was mostly just there to enjoy what others were making and get some sewjo going. And practice being really thoughtful about my wardrobe and how to incorporate new things. I'm getting that elsewhere now, so to each their own. You know, it really is just sewing. As far as I know, none of this is signed in blood. The only prize is enjoyment.
DeleteMost definitely all the time! I think mostly because of social media pressure though. I'm a slow sewer by nature. In isolation it doesn't bother me...except maybe regret that I might not get around to use up all of my stash. But seeing all of everyone else's makes & enthusiasm for sewing sometimes make me feel like a fraud writing a sewing blog. Just need to remind myself it's not a competition & to live vicariously through more productive members of the sewing community!
ReplyDeleteI sew enough for the sewing time available but I would like to have more time to sew. I sew too much for my wardrobe needs but not enough for my stash although it is slowly getting smaller and more manageable in my headspace. I would probably be in the low to middle centile for sewing productivity compared to others on sewing social media but I definitely do not compare myself in terms of output, skills, ownership of fabrics, machines etc . I am basically content with what I have and do.
ReplyDeleteNo, not really. I sew when I feel like it or when I need something new/replaced, otherwise I am crocheting or making jewelry or more recently, learning to use a knitting loom.
ReplyDeleteI try to give all my hobbies some time in turn.
Yes, on all counts - not enough for the fabric I have, not enough in terms of keeping up with the Sewing social media, not enough to keep up with my wardrobe needs - and my grandkids and the crafty stuff for the Boutique for Quilt Guild - ...yet here I sit on the computer .
ReplyDeleteI know I don't sew enough. I just haven't had time with moving and other (mainly parental care) life events during the past year and a half. It's really having a negative effect on my mental mental health! Must stop watching the Olympics and get into the sewing room! (No, I don't have a TV in the sewing room. I suppose I could stream it, but then I'd be watching that and not sewing!)
ReplyDeleteWow! All these comments and so many of them I identify with. I have sewn one garment since I retired and truly thought I would be sewing up a storm-it has only been one week since retiring. I have been in and out of the sewing room and find I just cannot make a decision on what fabric or pattern. Actually I am feeling overwhelmed by so many patterns and so many fabrics wanting my attention. The other dilemma I am facing is that now that I am retired just what should I sew???? As always a great question of the day!
ReplyDeleteIt took me a good year to figure out what to wear when I changed jobs because the dress code is reflective of what retirement would look like to me. And even then, the things that I made that first year are rarely worn now that I know what I want to look like. My advice would be to take your time and don't make yourself crazy. Also, take a few classes, learn a new technique, explore especially since you're no longer sewing to clothe yourself for work.
DeleteLinda,
DeleteI plan on retiring from teaching and will have my last day in a few months...my sewing room calls to me.There are a great many patterns that are calling to me as well. I feel your pain. I am glad that I have seen this because I think I need to have a plan and maybe begin some of it before the big day comes. I think a lot of people are thinking of what they want to do in retirement but when they get there they are stumped with the changes and lack of schedule.
Jessica
Yes I certainly feel like to do not sew enough! I look at a new pattern and know that I have to do my pattern adjustments (a chore I dread) so I will put it off, I am starting to get a really nice TNT pattern collection though. I need to schedule time to cut a few things out, that way after work I can come home and sew as I rarely have the energy after work to pattern adjust and cut out. Do you have a particular schedule that works for you? I'd love to know!
ReplyDeleteI always tell myself that my garments are made one seam at a time. Nancy Zieman took that mentality and made it extremely popular - 10, 20, 30 Minutes to Sew. Even if I only have a few minutes, I can pin a seam or fuse a piece of interfacing, or re-thread my machine for the next project. On days that I have time to sew but am too tired or don't really feel like it, I tell myself, just sew for 15 minutes. If after 15 minutes I'm really not into it, I can quit. Most of the time I end up sewing for at least an hour.
DeleteI used to do massive cutting sessions, but then realized that I actually ended up with a stash of unfinished objects, some of which never get finished because I've changed size, lost pieces or just don't want to make that item anymore. I try to plan my sewing for the week out and cut things that require more brain power (such as tailored items or things that need pattern matching, etc.) out on a morning of the weekend when my brain is fully functioning.
Joen - I mostly sew on weekends and since my kids are grown and I'm single, I do what I want! What I want is to sew...so I do!
DeleteI definitely feel that I do not sew enough. I KNOW I do not sew enough. I was just talking to my husband this afternoon and telling him how much I needed to put a stitch in something! For some reason sewing actually makes me feel as though I have accomplished something....more so than just about anything else. There are skills I want to learn, skills I want to improve, styles and fabrics I want to try. I am sure you all know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a home where there was no fabric stash. We made what we needed at the time. No pressure there! I have sewn all my life to get clothes that fit, and now that I am retired and really old, I really need to sew more than ever, but I just don't have the energy to do much. My advice is to do it now, because later there may be reasons that it is harder! Also, sometimes I think "How many clothes do I need?" This is such a 1st World problem!
ReplyDeleteNancy,
DeleteYes, having a stash...stressing about where to put more fabric....that is a first world problem. But I sew because it has gone from being something I needed to do for my children or myself so that we could have things to wear to sewing for the enjoyment of it. I truly do like it. And yes, we need to do it while we can. None of us know what may be going on a year from now....enjoy the things you can do the family and friends you have now....
I sew a lot, like almost every day. I wish I could sew more - I guess that's the same as feeling like I'm not sewing enough? Is that a glass half full/glass half empty way of thinking? I have started blogging my makes again, mostly because I feel like my blogging is giving something back to the online sewing community. I thoroughly enjoy reading about other people's makes, especially when I can't sew for whatever reason. But, part of blogging for me is that I wish I could sew more so that I can share more. That and I have an absolutely huge stash, some of which I haven't seen for, ahem... a while, and I want to play with those fabrics too. And people keep publishing more and more patterns that I want to try! But, I guess that feeling like I want to sew more means that I won't be stopping for a while.
ReplyDeleteYes to all of your points. I am both amazed and baffled by those in the sewing community that can churn out a garment just about every week or few days, keep up with their blogs and post frequently on Instagram, etc. Where do they find the time? Don't they have jobs, family responsibilities, house chores and errands to run? Doesn't life throw out curve balls to everyone? I guess since I am such a slow sewer, I can't imagine where they find the time but obviously they do. They are probably not as slow a sewer as I am! Oh well, it is what it is! I wish I had more time to sew more but I sew when I can.
ReplyDeleteI don't get it either. I HOPE they don't have day jobs! :)
DeleteNow I don't feel so bad because I thought it was something not happening with Me. I wondered the same thing as to how they got it all done for their projects: fabric shopping, pattern fitting and construction, finding the right setting to take photos, etc. I realize It's great for inspiration (just like magazines) but, sewing should be FUN, relaxing, our own private getaway, not comparison shopping ourselves to the ones we follow or admire. Do you at your own pace and enjoy the journey. Life is too short to miss out on touching and shaping our fabric because we compare ourselves to others. Enjoy Sewing folks!
ReplyDeleteLately I have felt that I don't sew enough and have lost some skill. I am trying to change that and have been sewing more.
ReplyDeleteGreat question Carolyn and super interesting to read these comments. My greatest fear is that I will die not having sewn all the projects in my head!!! Sounds kind of funny writing that here, as I'm in good health..... but it is something I've thought about. I've found it is better for me to be careful and guard myself from comparing myself, or my output, or my work, with other sewists as we have some awesomefully creative folks in our sewing community. I want to enjoy the process, learn new skillsets and apply those to my projects and use social media as a way to learn from others (like you! you've helped me so much with questions I've posted on IG!!), be inspired by others and enjoy sweet long-distance friendships through a common love of sewing. :)
ReplyDeleteNot really, but I find you can be inundated on social media. I don't watch TV and I have ADD, I have lots of down time, If I'm not sewing, I'm reading, doing puzzles or something because I need to work the tactile side of my brain. I work on being consistent and my goal is to have a a new thing every week but sometimes that doesn't work and I'm OK if I don't.
ReplyDeleteThe fact of the matter is I do not sew enough.
ReplyDeleteThis year I'm making an effort to sew a little bit every day. The little bits add up. I keep a daily journal of what I do that is sewing related. It has helped me realize how very many parts there are to the creative sewing process and is helping shape how I plan and structure the sewing time I have, how I feel about my skill set and making me more thoughtful about the projects I choose to make.
ReplyDeleteI think I have a big discrepancy between the amount of sewing I envision in my mind and the amount that actually fits into my real life. There's a lot more mental sewing than actual sewing! That said, I do sometimes wonder how people with jobs, children, other things to do manage to sew so many things. I wish I could sew more but I don't feel like I'm letting anyone down when I can't. I fit it in when I can and it's very rewarding.
ReplyDeleteNo, I do NOT sew enough. And, what's worse, it's social media that takes up too much of my time (rolling my eyes). It's ridiculous because I say to myself "I control what I do and do not do) with my time. As one with a sewing venture in the making I often feel obligated to do the social media thing as if it is the only way to get my small cottage venture off the ground.
ReplyDeleteThen there is my part-time job. I can't purchase fabric to fuel my thing with no money. It's a vicious circle.
"Do you ever feel like you don't sew enough?" My answer would be yes! Sometimes I often wonder how to do people "whip" up a garment on a Saturday night for church that Sunday. They amaze me only because for me, it takes me a few days to cut out the pattern, fit the pattern, make the muslin, asset the fit of the muslin, back to the pattern to make adjustments and only then, once I feel at least 91% confident will I dive into my fashion fabric. In all my time of garment sewing (4+ years), I've never been able to whip up (sew) a garment in less that 24 hours, never! I keep telling myself that I do need to get into the habit of trying to make a new garment at least twice monthly. Nothing to major that requires too much fitting, but just fun simple items like tops and skirts; things that will help me to boost my sewing game and get better at the process all at the same time.
ReplyDelete