Slow down

22.2.15

Ever since I started sewing for myself I noticed a big change in my sewing rhythm. When it comes to kids (especially toddlers), let´s face it, everything fits well. I mean everything. I remember one of the first things I made for Joana was a pair of self drafted pants and I used the same pattern piece for front and back. Enough said.

 

Although she could still pull it off (look at that yummy tummy), I see myself looking backwards and reviewing what I´ve evolved since Aladdin-self-drafted-pants phase.
First of all, the pattern. Nothing beats a good lined, tested pattern with instructions to sew along.
Then, the fabric. I am still a complete rookie here but I have become more aware of what kind of fabric I should use for a specific project. And good patterns always include fabric recommendations.
Afterwards, the cut. I was never afraid of cutting fabric, but I am much more cautious now about the grainline, pattern matching in seams, motives placement in certain parts of the body or fur orientation.

Finally, we come to the actual sewing. So, by now, I must have spent two or three days doing all of the above as opposed to the dress-totally-made-in-two-hour-nap-time. Just look at that paisley orientation on the bodice and the skirt, just look at it! But again, nobody wore it better, for sure.


The sewing part is my favourite part. It´s all that matters and the final test to our ability to screw it up. Because we ALL SCREW IT UP AT SOME POINT. But then we put ourselves together, pray that the kids haven´t heard the F word and start the unpicking. My all time favourite is when I´ve been sewing the most perfect of perfects in perfectland topstitches and realise the bobbin thread ended 143 stitches ago. Let´s just call it a night and drink all the gin.

Starting to sew for myself definitely changed the view I had on sewing in general. It´s a slow and multistage process as opposed to the quickness I was aiming for when I started (but quick sews are the best!), with much love involved in time consuming special finishings, and that gets us closer to our goal, which is of course being able to say: "In your face, Inditex!".

8 comentários

  1. Eu comecei ao contrário, a costurar para mim primeiro e anos depois quando fui mãe e comecei a fazer roupa para a minha G. não quis mais nada, é tão mais fácil e rápido que agora custa-me imenso começar algo para mim.

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    1. Como eu Magda, tenho imensos projectos para mim na pilha do um-dia-acabo-isto. Se quiser fazer um projecto rápido e que corra bem de certeza faço qualquer coisa para os miúdos. Ou almofadas, se tiver desesperada. ;)

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  2. Ahahah Adorei a parte da bobine!! Também me acontece e fico furiosa!!
    Estou a gostar do blog e curiosa para ver mais ;-)

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    1. Obrigada Maria! Adoro o que fazes para as tuas miúdas!

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  3. Gostei muito de ler. Também tenho esse tecido dos flamingos e também pensei precisamente o mesmo quando o comprei. Metemos a Zara no chinelo :-)

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  4. Espectacular o texto!!! Entre a de acabar a linha da bobine e coser direito com avesso... nao sei o que me acontece mais vezes! LOL

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    1. Obrigada! E quando temos a certeza que pusemos direito com direito, cosemos, e no fim está ao contrário? ;)

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