tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post896905036573060994..comments2024-03-27T22:07:57.614-04:00Comments on Diary of a Sewing Fanatic: Sewing while black, plus size and over 50Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-67049601601440445132019-02-21T22:28:58.506-05:002019-02-21T22:28:58.506-05:00Carolyn, I follow your blog as well as several oth...Carolyn, I follow your blog as well as several others and a straight fashion blog. As an over 60, plus size, white woman I look at the clothes pictured and patterns with an eye to how it would look on me and the difficulty of the pattern. The model is not the main factor. It is comforting to immediately recognize the blogger, as with yours, because I know that you know what you are talking about. Hopefully, as you express your thoughts about how few POC sewist have blogs, others will be encouraged to begin. We all can use all the tips and encouragement to sew as fewer younger women seem interested. Hopefully, through blogs like yours, young women will learn the joy and practical knowledge that comes with sewing. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18083306300540213934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-26753304493938311852019-02-21T12:32:14.618-05:002019-02-21T12:32:14.618-05:00I'm late to commenting, because thoughts about...I'm late to commenting, because thoughts about this topic have been rolling around in my head since you originally posted. I match two of the three categories you brought up: plus size and over 50. As I look through patterns, the group that is the least represented by pattern makers is the over 50 age group. Simplicity has recently published two patterns with an over 50 model - and I mean "model." It was clearly someone that was a professional model who happened to have grey hair. Inclusiveness is more than just using models on the cover. Our bodies change a lot when we age. I used to have a bottom - where did it go? All sideways, apparently. I definitely applaud Jenny at Cashmerette for her pattern line, and I've bought at least 5 of her patterns. And yet, I still haven't sewn them, because it truly looks like she caters only to the young. Skin-tight clothes drafted to younger bodies don't necessarily work in your 60s.The cover models of young girls twirling around don't help, either. Her newest pattern is a skin-tight denim skirt. Great in your 20s and so on, ridiculous for me. So I guess I've supported her efforts by buying patterns, but that was money poorly spent. I don't have the extra cash to support a plus-size company that ignores my demographic (age-wise). Honestly, the pattern company that has worked best for me is Pamela's Patterns, who has drafted patterns with built-in alterations that are typically needed for the over 50 crowd. Her sizes may not seem inclusive, but I wear a solid 20 in RTW, and use Large in her patterns. So I imagine her XL size range is fairly generous. Marcy Tilton appeals to the art-crowd over 50 group, but when you see the actual clothes on older women, it doesn't usually work. Just making clothes bigger isn't always the answer. As we move into retirement, our demographic has more time for sewing, yet we're ignored.Mountain Womanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13928260982025523084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-62641401823930314552019-02-19T23:32:37.347-05:002019-02-19T23:32:37.347-05:00I love your sewing - inspired! Do wish we could c...I love your sewing - inspired! Do wish we could concentrated on body shape and leave the other attributes on the by way. We all want to make the most of what we have; do skin color or age have anything to offer? Let's celebrate our strong points. For some reason this seems to be coming from my husband, Charlie - don't imagine he'd be thrilled! jan bohnjantastichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15670937588519031104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-255633418921184532019-02-17T21:09:10.419-05:002019-02-17T21:09:10.419-05:00i want to say thanks for empowering the over fifty...i want to say thanks for empowering the over fifty.....POC have something to offer...THANKS FOR STEPPING OUT..good to see ya showing'em what ya working with...cant wait to pass along to my friends and familyAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01635728563672295354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88236001484045879832019-02-10T23:03:31.768-05:002019-02-10T23:03:31.768-05:00Mary - I don't go to my local ASG neighborhood...Mary - I don't go to my local ASG neighborhood group because it's "too clubby." So if you want to attract POC and younger sewists to your group, you will have to go out of your way to find them. Once they arrive you have to bond with them over their sewing and not make them feel other than. Talk to them. See what they like to sew. Ask them to come again and keep trying, if the first ones that come don't gel. Inclusivity isn't easy. It's challenging to everyone...you just have to keep trying.Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-38640480865261353922019-02-10T22:58:52.025-05:002019-02-10T22:58:52.025-05:00Mary - I would agree that as a teenager the sewing...Mary - I would agree that as a teenager the sewing community does a poor job of reaching out to you too. When I first learned to sew, there were loads of teenagers pictured in the pattern catalogues probably because we were taught to sew in school so there was a dedicated audience. Thank you for reading and enjoying my blog post. I hope you continue to read along and leave a comment! Oh and just keep sewing, you will gain the knowledge too!Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-57444100893860978042019-02-10T22:54:25.192-05:002019-02-10T22:54:25.192-05:00Yeah for Sew Camp! And yes, hope to meet you there...Yeah for Sew Camp! And yes, hope to meet you there soon!Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-1983098587138391172019-02-10T22:53:36.585-05:002019-02-10T22:53:36.585-05:00Vickie - it matters because you've always seen...Vickie - it matters because you've always seen yourself on TV, in print magazines, commercials, TV shows, movies even sewing shows. There have always been white/caucasian people everywhere. At 60 years old, I was 15 before I saw a black model on a magazine cover. It matters because I've been invisible in all commerical forums and my skill as a sewist has NOTHING to do with that. <br /><br />When I'm on the street I'm not viewed as an amazing sewist. I'm viewed as a fat, older black woman. You see me as other than that because you read my blog but that's not how I'm viewed in the world or even the sewing community. I'm invisible. Representation matters when you're NOT represented. That's the shortest and most concise answer I can give without writing another blog post about it. And if you don't have to deal with it on a daily basis, yes even a sewing basis, it's a concept that's a little more difficult to grasp.<br /><br />One final thing, a piece of advice not meant to offend, but stating your best friend, a family member, or someone close to you is biracial, a POC or any other minority group offends/annoys more than it helps in the situation.<br /><br />I know you to be a faithful reader and commenter on my blog so I'm being respectful and answering your question. Not so sure I would have for someone else!Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-59909654035266445662019-02-10T22:15:48.135-05:002019-02-10T22:15:48.135-05:00I have a sincere question and hope it won't of...I have a sincere question and hope it won't offend. I love your blog and read it faithfully and have been inspired to make pieces by you. My question: as relates to being Sewist (not relating to social ills, etc) what difference does your color make? I am over 70, short, plus sized, white haired since 40, caucasian. I have never even considered when looking at a model or sketch or magazine what the color of the model is relative to the style, etc, of an outfit or pattern. Height, weight, age appropriateness, etc, yes definitely. Color of model or sewist, no. I truly don't understand how skin color causes problems to a talented sewist such as yourself. I hope you aren't offended, this is a sincere question. NB: my sister in law is half a POC and half native American and I don't look at her any differently either. She's just Susan. She is shortish, extremely busty, larger end of regular sizing, and dresses beautifully. <br />Jessicathecathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18221820532693683349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-72533899728327721232019-02-10T19:21:52.046-05:002019-02-10T19:21:52.046-05:00As a 17 year-old skinny white girl who loves to se...As a 17 year-old skinny white girl who loves to sew, this was so enjoyable to read! It made me laugh. Because the truth of the matter is, I don't think there are actually all that many young people (such as myself) who are passionate about sewing. Most of the sewing communities seem to be made up of older, plus size, women (I don't know about POC); so why they don't use such women for modeling is beyond me! I only just found your blog, but you come off as a very sweet, intelligent woman with a vast knowledge of sewing that I can only dream of someday obtaining. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter!Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01769609493739919009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-73467938264827330542019-02-10T13:49:50.691-05:002019-02-10T13:49:50.691-05:00As a 58 year old white recent widow who lost 30+ p...As a 58 year old white recent widow who lost 30+ pounds through stress last year, I fit only one of your criteria. We all have to find patterns that fit our own shapes, and I admire your effort to give credit to Cashmerette and others who work for you. I always admire your creations; your color choices are wonderful! I'm with you on disliking PDF patterns; I have a couple, but really don't enjoy them. I hope I'll meet you at a sew camp soon!Marjiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14950085029835332900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-47903033653526518752019-02-08T18:32:20.499-05:002019-02-08T18:32:20.499-05:00Carolyn, I’ve been silently appreciating your blog...Carolyn, I’ve been silently appreciating your blog for ages. Thank you for bringing honesty and humor to this conversation (and all your posts). I gave a loud, “Ha!” when you summed up discrimination in the sewing world. Then read it out loud to my husband and sVanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01022844170094194227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-12771825238082616972019-02-08T11:05:29.268-05:002019-02-08T11:05:29.268-05:00I am an old, plus size white woman and I 100% agre...I am an old, plus size white woman and I 100% agree with you...those who produce products & services DO discriminate routinely & they don't care. You would think that those of us who are older (and have LOTS more $$ than the young group) would be represented and courted for our business, but not so. I'm glad you're speaking your mind on your site AND with your dollars -- its the only avenue we have as consumers. In the meantime, thank you for a WONDERFUL blog. I learn SO much from you each time I read it. I'm primarily a quilter but make things for myself sometimes as well as for grandchildren, and of course sewed for my children a lot when they were young. I enjoy your blog, and how you tailor your projects, using color, fabric and style to the best advantage -- you look wonderful in your creations! Someday I pray we will ALL be celebrated for our various shapes, beautiful range of skin colors, age, and other differences (disabilities, etc...) as those features make each of us truly special....and that's EXACTLY how products and services SHOULD be presented to consumers in advertising. Deb E Deb Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10378407890740558509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-7427445012298891362019-02-08T10:48:13.573-05:002019-02-08T10:48:13.573-05:00Susan - I agree that the pdf pattern companies are...Susan - I agree that the pdf pattern companies are miles ahead of the companies that predominately offer paper patterns. However, personally I like the sewing and designing part of sewing over the altering patterns part and 99% of the time I need to make an alteration to a pattern. So if I have to tape it together, trace it out and then make alterations I've lost a day or two of sewing to a pattern. Maybe if I had unlimited sewing time this would appeal (though probably not) so that's my first challenge. <br /><br />My second challenge is probably purely an American thing. I can buy a pattern online or in-store relatively inexpensively. So why would I waste my paper & ink (adding costs to a pattern) or send to someone else to print (yet again adding more costs to a pattern) for this process. It just doesn't add up to me. <br /><br />Not to say I haven't used a few pdf patterns but you can count on both hands how many those are. Oh and I won't use a pattern when the plus sizes are pdf only but the smaller sizes are available in paper!!! WTH! Yeah I'm choosy! *LOL*Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-68354430095207474372019-02-08T10:27:34.806-05:002019-02-08T10:27:34.806-05:00I think I trashed my reply, so will try again! Peo...I think I trashed my reply, so will try again! People of any colour, or size, need patterns that are easy to adjust. As we really age we still want clothes that fit and are attractive. I find myself wishing for simple sewing that spares the eyes. Living in a place where there are no fabric shops, except online, sewing has to be an act of will! I have enjoyed your site since I first discovered it and was amazed! Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00117060967455371839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-19078660353044008332019-02-08T09:23:43.163-05:002019-02-08T09:23:43.163-05:00I see you and have huge admiration for your talent...I see you and have huge admiration for your talents, and big smile - as well as being able to be direct! There's also been some talk about inclusivity in "physical" sewing groups such as various ASG chapters being comprised of mainly older white ladies. I fall into that category. It's sad to hear some of those stories being shared. When I was president of our chapter, I was happy to be able to bring in a local designer to speak to us who also held summer sewing camps for children. She is black, and was a total inspiration. We contributed both as a chapter and as individuals to that effort. We have attracted some women of color along the way, and same as younger peopele who have visited who are not of color, most have not returned, even though we tried our best to be inclusive. I am concerned about where we have failed, or if there's even anything more we could do. One lady has stuck with us, comes on retreats with us, and has become a good friend. She is working on attracting a more diverse crowd, as she works at Joann's and meets so many people there who sew. I hope there is success in the future, because I know our chapter would grow not just in numbers, but in all ways as people if we were more diverse. Thanks for bringing this up!! Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04604631866319007098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-81735643324199888872019-02-07T14:21:38.728-05:002019-02-07T14:21:38.728-05:00I love this post, and your honest reflections on a...I love this post, and your honest reflections on a pressing issue. You are a gorgeous 60 year old woman, and it is good to see you participating in this challenge! Vanessahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02426270867775857048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-83954352582034263532019-02-07T14:20:12.087-05:002019-02-07T14:20:12.087-05:00I barely hit one of your marks (plus sized) but I ...I barely hit one of your marks (plus sized) but I LOVE you blog. Sewists like you keep it real and inspire the rest of us to embrace who we are and what our bodies look like. The powers that be in the sewing industry may ignore "people like you" but the rest of us are motivated by many like you - our favorite bloggers and Instagrammers who are plus-sized, come in variety of skin colors, look like grandparents, and live in countries all over the world. Keep up your great work! GreenDoorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15848797644312200862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-8848732984607669322019-02-07T13:29:30.374-05:002019-02-07T13:29:30.374-05:00Yes, PLEASE!Yes, PLEASE!Heidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07202128199245171287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-7989148818766849402019-02-07T10:42:14.149-05:002019-02-07T10:42:14.149-05:00Carolyn, your comment about male sewists totally s...Carolyn, your comment about male sewists totally slayed me! I just had to laugh out loud. A recent " new release" from one of the big four featured costumes for its men's selections. Costumes....that's what we get. Yet, we all keep moving forward! I love following you on Instagram and your blog. Mainelydadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05718855427399616514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-58220083649831645232019-02-07T09:15:04.701-05:002019-02-07T09:15:04.701-05:00This is a wonderful post as well as some very thou...This is a wonderful post as well as some very thought provoking responses . As a sewer closer to 70 than 60 I’m happy for the honesty of your thoughts Carolyn . We can be a powerful force by expressing our voices as well as our financial clout . <br />Also I totally second Ruth’s observation !! MaryEllenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14375211955400489942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-73622345200512770652019-02-07T08:15:26.106-05:002019-02-07T08:15:26.106-05:00Great post Carolyn! I love that you are never afra...Great post Carolyn! I love that you are never afraid to speak your mind, and in a manner that respects everyone, while still being true to yourself. Debbie Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-73168491924871732112019-02-07T07:59:36.856-05:002019-02-07T07:59:36.856-05:00Carolyn - it’s great to hear from you! So glad you...Carolyn - it’s great to hear from you! So glad you’re still reading the blog. Appreciate it and thanks for leaving a note!Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-16821497492086602932019-02-07T07:11:00.641-05:002019-02-07T07:11:00.641-05:00What? Your black, plus size and over 50? I alwa...What? Your black, plus size and over 50? I always thought you were as a talented sewer, blogger with a great sense of humor and a terrific color coordinator! I guess its the way I look at life! Keep up with your god given talents!Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15716636015582966847noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-78975020558807985732019-02-07T02:03:04.209-05:002019-02-07T02:03:04.209-05:00I have read your blog for years, and I agree that ...I have read your blog for years, and I agree that male sewists are hardly represented at all, especially those of us over 50. Men have yet to discover that if you want unique fashion you’ve got to make it yourself (or hire it done). The only clothes I wear that people notice are the ones I’ve made myself. Keep up the great sewing and blogging!<br />MtMichaelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01697246183217584497noreply@blogger.com