What is it that you love about sewing? |
In it, I listed four things that I didn't much care for, with most of them
centered around the fact that — for me — starting a sewing project is
extremely time-consuming before I even get to the sewing part.
Almost eight years later, it's finally occurred to me to ask the opposite question.
While some sewers may express a love of selecting the perfect materials from an extensive fabric stash, or of sewing up row upon row of patchwork squares, many more of us are likely to gloss over the specific aspects of the craft.
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When I drill down like that, maybe the answer is that what I love most about sewing is the
sewing. You know, the vroom vroom of pedal to the floor and seeing pieces being
joined together to become more than the sum of their parts.
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All that aside, my final response is probably in line with those who say the sense of accomplishment in the final result is the thing they love most about sewing. Another person on Quora was quite explicit in saying that she doesn't find sewing relaxing or particularly enjoyable, but does appreciate finishing a unique project.
That I can take fabrics and produce something one of a kind and useful out
of them is something that never fails to make me happy. (Like this vase of tulips that greets me every morning.) And one of the
primary byproducts of a hobby should be happiness.
Almost eight years later, it's finally occurred to me to ask the opposite question.
As usual, I did a quick check online for what others have already covered on
this topic. It was illuminating to see that perhaps the most common response
had nothing to do with the actual activity of sewing.
Perhaps not surprisingly, most people says it's the sense of satisfaction,
pride, or accomplishment in the finished product that they love
most about sewing.
While some sewers may express a love of selecting the perfect materials from an extensive fabric stash, or of sewing up row upon row of patchwork squares, many more of us are likely to gloss over the specific aspects of the craft.
One person's response on Quora was particularly noteworthy in that
she declared that she didn't know what she liked best, considering that
there were many steps in the process of sewing that she really
didn't like, period. (Cutting fabric was her first dislike, which is
also my number one.)
Do you love selecting fabrics for a sewing project? |
It made me think that if I were asked to pick something about sewing that I
particularly liked to do, I probably wouldn't know, either. Quite
honestly, none of the required steps from start to finish qualify as
something that I love doing.
For example, do I like the process of selecting fabric for a project? Not
really. Unless I have a fabric in mind for something (like
this), this step can be a mind-bending exercise for me, sometimes taking longer
than the actual sewing part. And I don't even have a large fabric stash to
weigh in on the decision.
Do you love laying out and cutting fabric for a sewing project? |
Do I like the painstaking process of laying out templates onto fabric? (You
already know I don't like the cutting part that comes next) I suppose I
could say that it can be very a mindful exercise that focuses the brain and
chases away other problems, but liking it? Can't say that I do; no.
Do I like applying interfacing? No, it's a finicky process that requires a
certain level of precision... not exactly relaxing.
Do I like prepping the sewing machine?
Pfft, just having to re-thread it is a pain in the butt sometimes.
Do I like pinning pieces together before sewing? Not particularly, and I avoid it when I can get away with it. How
about pressing open seams after sewing? It's usually a necessary
evil, but oftentimes, it's disruptive to the whole sewing process to have to divert to the ironing station.
Might you love pinning? |
As soon as two pieces are sewn together, I feel like I'm making progress.
It's as though the project doesn't officially begin for me until thread is
dropped into fabric. It's probably why I felt a bit of a high when — after
hours of cutting and fusing and prepping — I
finally sewed the straps
of the Professional Tote back in October of 2012.
While I know that "sewing" covers a lot of ground — simple straight line
sewing, curvy sewing, sewing through thick layers, sewing pieces that start
flat but turn awkwardly 3D — I do enjoy tackling the variety and usually end up
liking any unexpected challenges. Although, admittedly, they're sometimes
hard to appreciate in the moment. Conquering them is always
satisfying, even if the seam ripper has to make an appearance.
Actually, having just typed that last sentence, I think I might have an
answer to this question: maybe what I love most about sewing is that it is
so easy to fix! I may have shared this before, but in a response to someone who kept asking for advice on how to proceed with a section of my Crafty Cosmetics Caddy, I finally had to tell her just to go ahead and sew... because sewing is not like laying concrete.
I mean, if you think about other hobbies which aim to "create something" —
from carving to painting to woodworking — many don't have the equivalent of
a seam ripper tool to make mistakes go away.
All that aside, my final response is probably in line with those who say the sense of accomplishment in the final result is the thing they love most about sewing. Another person on Quora was quite explicit in saying that she doesn't find sewing relaxing or particularly enjoyable, but does appreciate finishing a unique project.
Do you love learning from failures? |
Of course, I mustn't forget these other benefits that I've mentioned in the
past: I do like that sewing engages and stimulates me on several levels.
Physical dexterity is tested in measuring and cutting and working with small
things like needles, pins, snaps, and fasteners. On the mental side of things, the use of math and spacial
thinking that's required to dream up new designs (or customize existing ones) keeps the brain sharp.
What do you think? Having gotten to the end of this rambling stream of
consciousness blog post (which it totally was; I admit it), what do
you love most about sewing?
This was quite eye-opening...when you break it down like that, I don't like ANY of the steps of sewing!!😲😲 I will have to rethink why I have a room full of fabric an notions and patterns and STUFF!!😂 But put it all together, and it comes to: I LOVE sewing and quilting and crochet and painting ....Remind me not to overthink my hobbies!😵💫... 😁🌷💕
ReplyDeleteHeh, heh... I like to encourage my readers to think, but yes, like everything else in life: don't overdo it!
DeleteWhat I really enjoy most about sewing is problem solving. (So I have to ask myself why I sew if it causes me problems!) Every new task is...new. I never worried about new challenges when I was younger - so I remind myself of that and relish the new!
ReplyDeleteWell, you corrected yourself and called it a "challenge". I totally get it. Unless you're sewing the exact same thing all the time, each project does invariably present a new challenge to solve. And getting past those points is rewarding!
Delete