I love three things - sewing, reading and Barbies. I've been sewing for 52 years and my love to sew has been well documented here. During that time I've sewn everything...coats, lingerie, wedding & prom gowns, tops, pants, tees, jackets, clothing for my children, grandchildren & ex-husband, and loads and loads of dresses.
While I can sew well, I do not tailor. Nor do I care much about patternmaking/design, draping or quilting. I just like to sew clothing.My First Love is Fabric...
The thing I absolutely love the most about sewing is fabric. I'm sure my grandmother, who sewed herself and taught me to sew imbued her love of fabric in me. My first sewing projects were Barbie clothes. The fabric I used was one of her recycled Church dresses. I still remember that fabric 52 years later because it was so amazing. It was one of those early 60s dresses. A basic sheath dress made from a beautiful navy blue silk. The overskirt was a beaded and embroidered navy silk overlay.
I knew she'd outgrown the dress but didn't know why it was in her recycle bin. Her recycle bin was full of everything in the house that no one wore anymore. All of that was cut up and incorporated into the quilts and throws she made for the household. Everything was reused. Nothing was thrown out.
Every summer until I was 12 was spent with my grandparents on their 5 acre farm in South Carolina. When I came home from that particular summer my Barbies had an amazing wardrobe that I'd hand stitched using the remarkable blue dress as my fabric. Barbie's wardrobe had dresses, pantsuits, a jumpsuit and an amazing duster from the embroidered overlay piece. My love of sewing, fabric and collection sewing was born.
Seriously, fabric is everything to me as evidenced by my collection. I understand that to some it could be overwhelming to own this much. But to me, it's my comfort zone...my creative outlet...the place where I begin my sewing journeys and what I continually add to. My fabric buying did decrease some in the last couple of years. Moving, packing and unpacking, will do that to you. However, I still love my collection and now I add special pieces to it, trying to buy more discriminately.
The Resource Center houses not only my fabric collection but also my notions, button & trim collection, as well as, my pattern collection. Honestly, I have a hard time giving away patterns. It's like I'm giving away hopes & dreams and creative possibilities. Now this doesn't apply to fabric or trims. Those I willingly share. I just tend to hold onto patterns...so my collection is DEEP!
Also, I use to sew ALOT. Turning out 50-60 pieces a year. I don't sew that much anymore. Some of it is circumstance. Some is I no longer need to fill my life with sewing to dispel the things I didn't like in other areas of my life. Some is that the pandemic has reduced the amount of time I spend outside my home. As we're moving forward now, I'm living a hybrid life. Time at work and time at home so my clothing needs have changed.
Books are my Second Love...
I love a good sewing book! I've collected quite a few of them and still reference them when I need to solve a sewing challenge. There are multiple ways to learn to sew now but books are my touchstone. It's the way I learned and what I still reach for when I need something.
Next...
I'm on vacation until March 1st. I'm really tired since I'm finishing up two large projects at work. Also spending a lot of time commuting to NYC is draining. I've definitely lost my commuting chops.
I also have two shirts that need to be photographed and blogged. I was so busy and tired that I was vegging on the weekends instead of spending quality time with my sewing machine.
Finally, is it just me, but the desire to sew lovely spring dresses is strong with me. The days are are starting to get longer and it's not pitch dark at 5pm anymore. This year we seem to be having more warmer days interspersed with cold ones. So my thoughts are turning to spring sewing. How about you? If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, are you still sewing winter or are you thinking about putting the heavy fabric pieces away and delving into those frothy, light fabrics for spring?
...as always more later!
Relish your staycation! I hope you return refreshed.
ReplyDeleteI have a massive fabric and pattern collection. Several banker's boxes full of patterns, plus much, much fabric. At one time I worked part time at a fabric store and bought lots of fabric at a discount, telling myself I'd sew it all up when I retired. Didn't realize I would no longer need many clothes after retirement, and clothes I do need are very casual. I've been sewing things for my home -- new Roman shade, pillows, slipcovers. Bit by bit I'm losing weight so don't want to sew new clothing right now.
Carol - you can always make some clothing with a looser fit and then alter it when you've lost weight. Or make a garment that's easier to alter for later. I personally don't think I could wait until I was finished losing weight to sew but that's me!
DeleteThanks for sharing who you are at this stage of life. I know the feeling!! I used to have a very long commute, but now it's shorter. I need to pick up a sewing book. My latest project keeps getting stuck in the sewing plate. My prewound bobbin keeps jamming. I can't tell if its a tension problem...not knowing how to set the tension gauge.... or if I need a new needle. Im sure I'll figure it out.
DeleteI loved this mini autobiography. We actually have a lot in common. Long summers in the South spent with grandmothers that were wonderful, a passion for sewing Barbie clothes. Did you keep them in a shoe box? I had the pink vinyl box she came with but that didn't hold much. I would so enjoy spending and afternoon with you, Carolyn and just talk being little girls, grandmas, Barbies and life in the South, as different as we each had. I know it would be wonderful. I love your picture. It is darling. I am glad you have the hybrid life to at least sprinkle in a bit of "work" clothes that you can stitch up. Lovely post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMy Barbie doll clothes started out in a shoe box. Then for Christmas my Mother gave me the pink case with doll hangers to put my clothes on. I worked a hybrid schedule last spring, summer and fall and loved it. I'm looking forward to spring because this year more people will be vaxxed and hopefully some of the restrictions like timed entrances to the museums will go away.
DeleteAs usual, Carolyn, a great post, sure to prompt a lot of discussion. My own sewing adventure started at the age of seven when my grandmother taught me my first embroidery stitches; stem stitch, daisy stitch and back stitch. She was not an accomplished seamstress but she could rock an embroidered dresser scarf with the crocheted trim. I'm going to enjoy reading the comments generated by this post and hearing what other have to say. I'm glad you are still happy with sewing and willing to talk to us.
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
Barbie had those killer boobs! That's how I learned what a dart was! I got my Barbie when I was 11, one of the first ones, and she came with a little booklet of outfits (with accessories). The most expensive and extravagant was the wedding ensemble, and it was an enormous $5!!! So I learned to sew and fit Barbie's ridiculous figure! Sewing has been a fabulous creative outlet and hobby all my life, so thank you for your autobiography. My fabric collection rivals yours, and I like the way the shelving allows you to stack from top to bottom of each shelf, so you've inspired me to measure my closet, tear out the closet rod and top shelf, and redesign my fabric storage. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is the time of year when I get antsy and tired of dark, heavy clothing as we’re now 4 months into winter with another 4-6 weeks to go so then if I start spring sewing too soon, it bums me out. I have a few WIPs that I’m excited to finish.
ReplyDeleteI loved the share about your background! And I have to say, as a “Kisha”, I am frequently yelling “Kisha, no ‘e’!!” I remember getting my allowance (a roll of quarters-because you could get all manner of things for a quarter in the 80s!), and I would buy fabric pieces at Walgreens. I wondered, recently, if those were fat quarters I was buying. I would hand sew very rudimentary garments for my Barbie. Good times!
I’m always excited to see the outcome of time spent in the cave. Enjoy your sewcation!!
Dear Carolyn, first I must apologize if I have mis-spelt your name: I know that is irritating, you'd be surprised how often I have been called 'Tric'. I love this post, and everything you write, and that you started with doll's clothes. My mother taught me to sew, and we began with a simple doll's hat when I was 4, just a few stitches. By about 12 I remember using a pink satin scrap to design an evening dress for a doll similar to Barbie, and loved making it. What a lovely hobby and addiction we have, and long may it continue. I am 12 years older than you, and still going strong. The desire for Spring dresses never leaves me, year in or year out, pandemic or no pandemic. Just finished a beauty, not worn yet :)
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely love it if you could hunt down those Barbie clothes and post some photos. I, too, learned to sew on Barbie clothes -- including tiny set-in sleeves, lace trimmed collars, tiny zippers and buttons. By the time I got to human-size clothing, I had all the basics covered.
ReplyDeleteThose Barbie doll clothes are long gone...and there were never any pictures of them. My family only took pictures on special occasions and Barbie doll clothes weren't one of them.
DeleteCarolyn, I Always Enjoy your posts. You are Also a Gifted writer. Reading your posts transforms me back to the places and times you write about. God Bless you and your Beautiful family.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dara!
DeleteI'm another grandmother taught sewer and crafter. I still have the small doll she gave me and the silk dress I made for that doll out of her sewing scraps, all work done by hand. I could never repeat those tiny stitches today, but then those were tiny fingers. Unfortunately all three of my sewing machines are now officially on the fritz, so it will be at least a week of strictly hand work for me. This sewing thing we share is special. I told my children I don't care where they put me when the time comes, as long as I can still sew.
ReplyDeleteYou hit it on the nose about giving away hopes and dreams. I didn't have trouble with the patterns I did clear out. They were so not my style (finally grew chops to blow off what "they" say I should wear), or so far off my size (I did keep a few just for interesting details) resizing them would be far too much work. My problem areas are fabric, needlework supplies, books regarding sewing, quilting, needlework, cooking, gardening, crafts, etc. Those type of books hold far more hopes and dreams over fiction for me.
ReplyDeleteIn all honesty, my garment sewing fell off a cliff when I retired. My creative time and energy has turned toward quilts and needlework. Even when I was working, dresses were not something I ever wore - it was jeans, a casual top, and a sweater or sweatshirt since the I was always cold, and I never knew when I'd have to be on the floor behind equipment. That's a long way around to say light, frothy, spring fabrics and dresses are not on my radar.
Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteI started sewing 'Barbie" clothes too. I used old socks and sleeves of sweaters!! Not a lot of fabric in my non-sewing family. I have made my own clothes for almost as long as I can remember-first outfit taught by a beloved Aunt for middle school graduation. Now I collect fabric and patterns. My goal to make something from each piece. Now that I am retired I can realistically say I might just do this.
As ever you hit the nail on the head with your thoughts and always resonate with me. Be well
Love the early iteration of that big sunny smile.. I skipped the dollclothes stage and went right into clothing for myself. For my 11th birthday I got the run if my grandmother's treadle machine and a simple shift dress already cut out to prevent the unfixable mistakes. It was a beautiful turquoise linen, and I wore it to shreds. In retrospect I think my stepmother realized I was shooting right past French rtw and dressing was going to be a problem if I didn't learn to sew quickly. But here we are all these years later and I'm also having my sewing changed by the pandemic and the climate change, but still very much at it.. I hope you enjoy some spring sewing over the next few days, but I hope you also get thoroughly rested
ReplyDeleteI'm with you about your fabric stash and pattern collection. I'm in the middle of re-organizing my sewing studio because all of the clutter was interfering with my creative juices. I finally corralled all of my fabric into two bookcases and I can finally see what I have and no longer feel the need to shop all of the sales, lol. The patterns will be harder to donate, because like you, they represent my future makes. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
ReplyDeleteRubyb - getting your fabric organized is a wonderful thing! I find when I go through mine it causes all kinds of inspiration. Hope your fabric collection is doing the same for you.
DeleteYours was probably the first sewing blog I started following. I've always enjoyed your posts, even the non-sewing related ones.
ReplyDeleteMy mum and my gran (dad's mum) were both seamstresses. I know I sometimes helped my mum marking with taylors tacks and basting pieces together. I sewed my first skirt in school when I was twelve. Never made as much as I had hoped due to ill health, but I am still eager.
I am a garment seamstress. I made my share of doll clothes, but always preferred making clothes for myself.
ReplyDeleteI was taught to sew by my mom more than 50 (gulp!) years ago. (Hadn't realized that I have sewn more than HALF A CENTURY!!!) She could sew beautifully, but hated every stitch. Now I am the grandmother teaching a granddaughter to sew.
It's amazing how time flies when you're looking at it from the far end, isn't it?!
DeleteAh how nice to get to know you more, enjoy your sewcation, I'm very jealous! Im still sewing winter clothes here in the UK, but thats because nothing fits me right now and I'm short of clothes to wesr for now! But will start on spring wear soon
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your post! There are people that collect coins, those that collect stamps, I collect fabric! I did purge my pattern stash prior to a move 7 yrs ago and almost immediately regretted it….I’m older than you and had patterns from the late 60’s and through the 70’s. Would love to have those now to share with my granddaughters! Enjoy your sewcation!
ReplyDeleteReading your post made smile. My grandmother was a wonderful seamstress. I wish I had met her, I know that I would have learned so much from her. I'm a nine year newbie to sewing. I have churned out a few projects, but I want to do so much with the ALL the fabric I have. Keep inspiring!
ReplyDeleteAnother great post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWow, you started with silk! I'm still afraid of it.
ReplyDeleteMy mother taught me and my sisters to sew back when it really was cheaper to make your own clothes. But I never learned fitting or pattern adjusting so when things didn't fit I gave up on garments for me. I became a quilter and sewed for my children but in recent years have been so dissatisfied with ready to wear that I'm cautiously sewing garments again. This time I want to learn to make the adjustments that make the garment fit. I'm also loving all the indie pattern designers.
Right now I'm working on a Blanca flight suit for my daughter. Practicing the alterations on her! Wish me luck.
I love your blog.
Defiantly thinking spring at this point. I'm a slow sewer so anything I made at this point would not be used in the cold months. Looking at linens and rayons. Love learning more about you. Enjoy your sewing and time in NYC.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us get to know you better, Carolyn. My grandmothers knit, but no one sewed (my mom taught me how to play baseball & gin rummy). I started sewing troll clothes at a friend's house whose mother was a sewer and I've been hooked ever since. I just finished a phase of re-fashioning and now am learning more about pattern alterations. Love the idea of your resource center. I hope you'll talk about some of your favorite sewing books soon.
ReplyDeleteSew Sew Heidi - it's funny that you ask about my favorite sewing books because I do have a post started about them. Will definitely share it soon!
DeleteHi Carolyn, I so enjoyed your write up. I am 80, how did that happen? Not much of a clothing maker anymore but do have a cotton fitted skirt on my closet door, unfinished of course. Mostly I try my hand at quilting. My sewing mojo is evasive at best, so give it a boost reading blogs, etc. Warm regards and appreciation for your sharing. Judy in Newport News, Virginia
ReplyDeleteWe are the same age, sometimes the same size and we love the same things - sewing and books. I too have a "Resource Center". We differ sharply on political views and in the past I have recoiled at your political comments. My focus is on sewing and not politics or cultural views. It is why I follow and enjoy your blog. Yet, your true and good heart is ALWAYS on display and fully respected by ME and I thought I should say, "you go girl"! PS: I would NEVER call you Caroline! :)
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed reading this post Carolyn, long may you sew. I shall lust over your fabric collection although now from buying fabric, thread and pattern when I started around 14, I now have a reasonable stash with oodles of thread and various machines. When it comes to learning, the internet is a wonderful tool for how to do it. I'm really glad that I didn't miss the rise of the internet. I've got my fabrics listed with amount, type and washing instructions and then fabric I've used over the year. Bit anal but when you get to a certain age your memory is not so good.
ReplyDeleteDon't ever stop blogging.
I enjoyed this post; I always like to see all your fabrics neatly stacked and nicely arranged. Your resource and sewing rooms are laid out so well. Like you, my grandmother was the one who got me interested in sewing and I still have some of the garments she made for me. I can't wear them, but they were special garments she made for me and I love the memories.
ReplyDeleteMy sister was also Carolyn. She would often lament that Mom hadn't given her a more exotic spelling. When I got old enough, my usual reply would be "at least you got a name, not a nickname."
ReplyDeleteI'm currently in the midst of *yet another* sewing center organization. My space could easily feature on an episode of hoarders, although I haven't seen any spiders, mice or garbage up there, just stuff. I love the clean lines you've come up with in your sewing studio. I'm hoping to be able to emulate at least some of the open spaces you have.
I've had the pleasure of meeting you in person, and am always in awe of your process. Someone recently cleaned out her late mother's sewing closet, and filled the trunk of my Mothership with quilting fabrics. Some are quilt tops that need backs, some are nice quilting cotton, and some I just couldn't abide, so donated. But now I need to figure out how to put them away. I also sewed with my grandmother when I was young, but got away from it while my kids were really young. I taught my daughter in law to sew, and my other son's girlfriend wants me to come spend time with them and teach her to sew. It is nice that she thinks enough of my skills to want to learn from me.
ReplyDeleteAnd count me as another who would love to hear about your sewing books. And I know from seeing various pictures of yours that we share a love of similar novels, too!
Carolyn, love your posts. Your comment about your patters "It's like I'm giving away hopes & dreams and creative possibilities" struck a cord with me. I haven't garment sewed in years, but I cannot, for the life of me, part with my patterns - hopes and dreams, possibilities ... Your posts do inspire me, and for the first time in years, I too am thinking of digging through my pattern stash, and looking for spring/summer dress patterns.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for sharing abit of your story. I love hearing about your grandmother and the wonderful blue fabric. I have my grandmother to thank for my love of buttons and my collection. Enjoy the beginning of Spring.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteMissed you. Hope you are feeling well. I sorta lost my mojo as my wardrobe needs were few. But the warmer weather and a purchase of gorgeous(yes buying more even tho, not sewing much) a piece of knit batik to turn into a dress for spring/summer. I also have a very hard time disposing of patterns. I have actually rebought some that I had given away and then found a hack of an older version and went OH no, gave mine away. So now I keep and hope. Blessings and show us some pics. I have used your ideas for inspiration esp. your dresses and border print shirts.
Thanks for taking time to write and letting us all know how you are. Shalom