The Lost Art of Sewing

Hey friends! I’m excited to bring you the first post in our new series—and it’s a guest post too! I asked a friend who is really good at sewing to share some tips. I had to laugh when I read that about the seam-ripper (that is so me! 😉). While I honestly am not skilled in this area (I have a post coming up where I share some of my favorite places to find modest clothes), I do have renewed ambitions to try sewing something simple, maybe a new cushion for my rocking chair. Sewing is a fading art, but there’s a lot of value in it. It’s a great way to use your creativity…but I’ll let Annabelle tell you the rest!

Sewing. It seems people either love it or hate it! Those that hate it have either tried it and found it frustrating, or have have been scared off by horror stories of those awful things called—brace yourself—seam-rippers!

Why sew anyway? Aren’t the stores full of ready-made clothes at reasonable prices? Perhaps, but we who sew have a deeper reason than just the fun of it. One reason for sewing your own clothes is that you can make your clothing both modest and becoming. With practice, you can make things fit you just the way you want them to. Another reason is that the clothes at the store have been designed by worldly people who are not aiming for modesty or separation from the world. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9,10). “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9). What we wear makes a statement of who we are and what we stand for. While you certainly can find some modest clothing at the store, making them yourself puts the fit and modesty back into your own hands.

Sewing your own clothing doesn’t have to be expensive. I can make myself a dress for $16 to $20 dollars, depending on what material I use.

I have been sewing my own clothes for about 5 years now, and I’ve made lots of mistakes! Here are several things I have learned along the way that I would love to pass on to you.

First of all, start small. Don’t think that your first sewing project has to be an article of clothing. If you’ve never used a sewing machine before, start by sewing straight seams on some scrap fabric. You can make tote bags or other small things that you won’t be wearing. Then, once you have a good handle on how to use your machine, you can branch out to bigger projects. You can also try making something for a little girl before making something for yourself since they are easier to fit.

My biggest piece of advice is to start with a good pattern. I made the mistake of trying to make up my own dress pattern by starting with a blouse pattern. Maybe that would work for someone more familiar with sewing, but since I was just starting out, I didn’t know what adjustments to make. I did make several dresses with that pattern, but I was overjoyed to find a good line of dress patterns about 2 years ago. Just like any pattern, it has needed a few minor adjustments, but using a real pattern has made all the difference.

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and sew yourself an article of clothing, try it out on a cheaper fabric to check the fit and make adjustments. It’s always disappointing to ruin nicer fabric with something that doesn’t fit the way you want it to!

Here are a few tips that will help make your finished garment look neat and straight. When you cut out your pattern pieces, try your best to cut straight to the pattern. Jagged edges make it harder to sew accurately. On skirt lines especially, keep your cuts as straight as possible to keep the finished seams from puckering. When you go to sew it you will be glad you did. Another thing that will help keep things lined up properly is pins. Pin, pin, pin—especially if you are new to sewing! Sure, it takes longer, but it will keep everything neater and will eliminate fabric slipping—you don’t want the two pieces sliding apart just as they go under the presser foot. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Lastly, press as you go. This will result in a much neater finished product.

Now, let’s talk about seamrippers. Don’t be scared of them! Your seamripper is your friend! If you make a mistake, taking it out and redoing it will make the end result look so much better—and if you are going to the work of making your own clothes, you want them to look as nice as possible. Expect to make mistakes, and expect to use your seamripper.

Yes, you will make mistakes. You will probably make some clothes that don’t quite fit the way you had hoped (I certainly have!). Don’t give up—keep trying, and you will get the hang of it. Sewing is so rewarding! Even if you don’t love it, you will have learned a skill that is quickly disappearing.

So what are you waiting for? Break out the sewing machine, find a simple pattern, and get started! (And don’t forget to use your seam-ripper!)

~Annabelle

November’s post will be a compilation of my (Naomi’s) favorite websites to find recipes—going beyond just the typical All-Recipes and Taste of Home. I thought it would be fun to have some reader interaction, so at the end of the post, we’ll have a section with cooking/baking tips. Please comment below with your favorite kitchen tip. It can be anything random that helps you enjoy your time in the kitchen more, that streamlines your cooking, that is your special “trick of the trade.” I’ll include it in the post with your first name, or anonymously if you prefer (just be sure to leave your comment anonymously if that’s the case). 😍