Hi everyone!
I don't sew much for myself, but when it happens I don't wear my creation. Yet I found/designed a pattern matching my idea, researched and selected the fabric, took time on nice finishing...
I think that I spent so much time and energy in each project, that I cannot stand it in the end. I only see the mistakes
How do you manage to wear your creations?
Many thanks,
Nolwenn
Hi Nolwenn,
Oh no this is really tough, but I can guarantee you - you’re not alone in this one. There have been so many projects that I’ve made that have ended up unworn.
This has largely improved the more I have sewn and the more I understand what I like to wear and what works for me. (That’s not to say it never happens, it just doesn’t happen as much!)
For me, I think the biggest thing was learning there is a difference between fabrics I love and fabrics I love to wear.
I can love and be drawn to a fabric the same way you would be art, or textiles you might have in your home, but they are very different to the ones I actually want to wear.
Same goes for patterns, I’ve learnt a lot over the years about what I enjoy wearing and it certainly isn’t the latest trending pattern.
If you’re a beginner or don’t sew much a lot of people want to sew beautiful dresses or tops in beautiful fabrics and then find they don’t have an occasion to wear It.
I would suggest looking at what you do wear, if you wear a lot of T-shirts or sweatshirts - make one of those - staple pieces that you’ll wear loads. And then build from there.
I hope that helps, I might be on completely the wrong track
I can relate to this too. It's quite common that I will be very excited and sew up a new garment but then when it's finished I don't like it and it goes in the wardrobe. Usually after a few months I'll pull it out again and start to like it. I have a vision in my head of the end result when making it and when it doesn't look or fit how I imagined in my head then I don't like it.
I've gotten a little better in choosing patterns that are more my style. I've only been sewing a few years so anything I've made and not worn has been donated and skills learnt for next time.
This happens a lot - I for instance, might make a special meal for friends, then I don't want to eat it! I think when you are so close to something you have made, you see all the faults and can't see the whole.
I agree with Hayley that it is important to think about what patterns and fabrics suit you, start simple, and nothing too fitted to begin with.
I would also say (see previous discussions) that this is where a dress form is useful. Whilst in an investment you might not want to make, a cheap one that you pad yourself still gives you a good idea. I cut patterns in swedish tracing paper and place them on the form, and I drape fabric over it. Even using a coat hanger to do this helps to see what works best.
Yes, out it away - or hang it where you can see it, let it settle a bit. Wear it around the house, give it a wash. See how it feels then.
Good luck (and maybe send us a photo - which is my downfall, I am always forgetting to take them!)
Thank you for your replies and thoughts!
My therapist just told me that I should have fun in my sewing process and not put my life in line for each project :D So, I guess it is something that I can work on! Less challenge for more satisfying results!
Hi Nolwenn,
It took me years to begin sewing because I thought you had to wear what you sew or not sew at all. I'd wanted to learn dressmaking my entire life, not to create my own wardrobe, but because I've always been irresistibly drawn to needle and thread! Anyway, it took me until I was 34 years old to realise that I didn't need the sewing community's permission to learn how to sew simply for the love of the craft. My sister gifted me a steampunk pattern to dip my toe and from there I discovered historic and vintage patterns and haven't looked back! Nor have I worn a single thing that I've made! My point is, if you love the process of sewing, I don't think you should feel obligated to wear what you create. Art - and I see all creative endeavours as art - can be hung up and displayed, sold, given as gifts or donated to charity.
Noticing the mistakes you've made is a sign of a true creative! But if you feel like spending too much time on a project makes you hate it, I'd recommend having more than one project on the go. That way when one gets annoying you can switch to another. I hope this helps.
Thanks for your help! I really like the thought about the non-obligation of wearing it. I have no problem for others to wear my creations, and yes, I love the process. I guess it is OK to let go a garment, even I took time and energy on it. I think it might be an extra mental load to push myself into wearing something I don't like any more.
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