Guilty Pleasures: I Made It!
This is Eve’s first post for The Sewing Studio. Eve studies costume design in Montreal. Check back, or subscribe to our feed for more of Eve’s witty take on fashion, and her helpful tutorials!
This is Eve!
Since this is my first blog post for The Sewing Studio, actually my first foray into the world of posting altogether, I suppose I should start by introducing myself. A little bit about myself, I’m currently studying fashion design in Montreal (specializing in costume design) and I love it! I first started sewing when I was about ten, so I’ve had about 14 years of sewing experience and experiences (like the time I stepped on a needle but that’s another story for another time), don’t let the big number fool you though it’s only in the past four years that I’ve really started to perfect my craft.
So now, to complete my inauguration into the blogosphere I leave you a little reminder of why we all love to sew so much.
Guilty Pleasures: The “I made it” feeling.
It could happen on a bus, on a plane, in the snow or in the rain, but wherever it happens you can be sure that it will brighten your day. Usually when somebody gives me a compliment on something I’m wearing I politely say “Thank You” and smile shyly until the moment is over. Other times though, when I want to feel extra special (and when it’s true), I can’t help but blurt out “I made it!” This usually results in the person who gave the compliment looking at me in disbelief when they say, “you made that?” which leads to a prideful “yes!” on my part.
Many of you have probably experienced that very same “I made it” feeling, and wholeheartedly agree when I say it’s glorious! Doesn’t it just tickle you when somebody pays you a compliment for something that you’ve put time and effort in to making with your own two hands? Furthermore, isn’t the feeling amplified when the item in question cost less to make than it would have had you purchased it in a store? I love knowing that what I can make myself is thought to be on par, or even better, than what’s being offered in stores. That feeling of accomplishment when someone recognizes a job well done is the fuel that keeps me dreaming, scheming and creating to the very end.
So go ahead, wear your creations with pride, and don’t be ashamed to bask in the glory when someone tells you they really like your skirt, hat, or one of a kind tote bag because after all you’ve made it!
A Sewing Space
Having a good space to sew is important. You need room to work, the right tools, and a good atmosphere. I like to have a lot of light and a big open area. But there are a few things you cannot do without:
Scissors or rotary cutters
Some people are partial to rotary cutters and some like scissors. I keep both on hand. No seamstress can work without scissors, but rotary cutters are indispensable for cutting straight lines, cutting through multiple layers of fabric, and for quilting. Both scissors and rotary cutters work best when they really sharp and used only for fabric. The best way to dull a great pair of scissors is to use them for arts and crafts day. Cutting paper ruins fabric scissors!
Iron and Ironing Board
Iron and ironing boards are very important because pressing and crisp lines help to make your garment look more professional. Now, people will not be able to tell if you have made your garment or bought it.
Cutting table
Have an area or a table dedicated to cutting. You need a space large enough that you can completely lay your pattern out flat, and prep your fabric. Make sure your sewing space is not in a walk way or your little brother’s play area. Large tables and wood floors work best.
Organization
Finally, have an organizer. They sell them at your local fabric store. It is a place to put all of your pins, needles, scissors and measuring tape. Use a good organizer, and you will never be stuck looking for your stitch ripper or marking chalk again! As a bonus, a good organizer can be portable, if necessary, like if you were off to the sewing studio.
What do you keep in your sewing room? Tell us about your space! Post pictures!
Jacalyn
Not Sew Easy!
So I thought I would try and tackle the last steps of making my skirt at home, on my own shiny new sewing machine. I figured I had done enough lessons to go it alone, without supervision or instruction. Boy, was I wrong!
Don’t worry… I didn’t sew the openings together, nor did I put the zipper in the wrong way (only two of many possible unthinkables). I didn’t even get that far! I read the next step in the pattern instructions and could not make head or tails of it. Is it just me, or do the people who write these things deliberately attempt to confuse beginners like me? Let me share with you what it said –
‘With RIGHT sides together, pin yoke facing to upper edge of RIGHT yoke front and back, matching centres and RIGHT side seams, having raw edges even. Baste.’
Um… ok. I scratch my head and re-read the instructions. Still confused, I read them again – slower. Nope… no good. I understand some of it… but not enough to proceed. I don’t get it… I’ve been doing all my class homework, taking notes, listening intently and sitting up straight in class. Why doesn’t this make sense? 
Aaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!!
Frustrated, and with my tail between my legs I accept defeat and give up. Two more sleeps till my next class. Until then, my shiny new sewing machine will have to wait.
-Katie-
Diarize This!
If you’re looking for something to do tomorrow night (April 2nd), why not pop down to the Gladstone Hotel between 8pm and midnight for the SpeakEasy Craft Show. SpeakEasy is a monthly gathering of Toronto’s creative community. It’s an opportunity to network, share ideas, and keep in touch with the pulse of Toronto’s creative professionals. Since 1996 it has grown from a get-together of a few friends to an event that now draws regular crowds of up to 300. Tomorrow nights’ craft show is notorious for bringing together Crafters, Artists and Designers in a unique venue to share their creations with the community. The vendors are chosen for their individual style, quality and originality of design.
Some of the featured artists include Rae Brenne, Cake Fashion, MisFitChic, Brit Boutique, Kuku Caju, and S’up Cuz T-shirts to name a few.
So if you’re not busy sewing up your own creations or taking a Sewing Studio class, you might want to drop in for a beverage or two and have a look at what the creative minds of Toronto are producing. See you there!
The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen West
Second Floor Lobby + Studios Rooms
Cover
Pay What You Can ($4.00 Donation Suggested)
http://www.gladstonehotel.com/abouthotel.html
http://www.blttogo.com/
-Katie-
Sewing for Charity
Ever sew something you can’t use? Didn’t fit or come out how you thought it would? Donate it. There are lots of sewing for charity sites that accept items that can be used for those in need.
This site, www.dotdigital.com hosts a list of what people need, how to make it and where to send them. Some have a main focus such as baby needs (bibs, blankets and booties), cancer patients, the homeless, even animals! There are so many ways to help those in need, especially if you can sew.
One of the most basic needs for people is clothing and there are some that aren’t fortunate enough to have access to clothes. Check it out!
-Tajah-
In English Please …
For people who didn’t go to school for fashion or who are very new to the craft, a huge “?” may appear when reading over patterns or material on the subject of sewing.
There are a lot of fun fancy terms we use to elaborate on the wonder that is sewing. These are a few of them that stumped me in the beginning…
• Bodkin: A blunt needle used to pull something through a narrow area. A sharp needle used to puncture a hole
• Butting: Bringing two edges together so they touch but do not overlap.
• Denier: A measurement unit for fiber filaments. The higher the number – the coarser.
• Jabot: A decoration of ruffles worn down the front of a dress, shirt or blouse. Fastens at the neck.
• Rivet: Another closure item that is inserted into a hole and a tool is used to flatten the back and hold it firm. Often used with grommets.
Those are just a few terms and definitions. Here are some sites that will prove to be really helpful as well…
Sew Much More Info
The Sewing Dictionary
Needle Pointers
Get Studying!
-Tajah-
Not only do we love sewing, we love Steven and Chris!
Guess what sewing fans? The Sewing Studio is going to be on the Steven and Chris show! We’ll be featured in a segment about how to shop for a sewing machine. The crew at Steven and Chris came by the studio Monday to film and we had a blast. We’ll post the clip online as soon as we can. In the meantime, set your digital recorder to catch us on CBC Tuesday, February 10th at 2pm EST.
Here’s a shot of Barbara, the talented producer, working hard. And a sneak peek from the camera’s perspective.
