Sewing is More Than a Hobby, Art or Craft

Sewing is more than a hobby. It is more than an art, a craft or even an economical way to produce items. I have been sewing by hand and machine for more years than I care to remember. My first introduction to sewing was learning to make doll clothes with my grandmother. She made a pattern out of a paper bag using the doll's measurements to draw the correct sized pattern pieces onto the brown paper. The pieces were cut out and pinned onto material. After the cloth pieces were cut the pieces to be joined were carefully pinned together and sewn by hand. Oftentimes a rubber band would be sewn into the folded waistband for elastic. I was allowed to be involved in this process at a very early age and loved it. When the clothing item was finished and put on the doll it was a proud moment.

Years later I learned more hand sewing techniques from my mother, other grandmother and then 4-H. Home economics was a required course during my junior high years and again I learned more about sewing. We made personal items, gifts first and then worked into more and more advance machine sewing techniques. We learned a lot about fabrics, choosing the correct fabric for our project, caring for the fabric and of course pattern selection, placement, cutting, fitting and sewing the garment.

Sewing did become a hobby for me and I created quite a few gifts, personal items and clothing while I was in school. After school my sewing machine traveled to college with me. I made some of my clothing while I was in college. I remember making a dress to wear to a wedding the night before the wedding. Ha, ha. There is no way I would attempt that now. I made my wedding dress, clothing for my husband, maternity clothes, baby clothes, and most of my daughter's clothes. I made coats, dresses, jackets, slacks, pajamas, robes and so much more. Of course I made home décor items like curtains, shower curtains, sink skirts, tablecloths and napkins. Crafts were made on the sewing machine too. I made purses, quilts, pillows, tote bags and lots of gifts.

All of these projects were satisfying and fun. My mother and I used to accept the challenge of new patterns and usually accomplished a more satisfying project by ignoring the instructions, maybe changing or altering the pattern and completing the items by using techniques that we knew well. I learned that attending sewing workshops and classes were extremely beneficial. I took tailoring classes, pattern making workshops, and classes on new sewing techniques over the years. In every workshop or class something new and beneficial was added to my sewing knowledge base.

Learning to sew by hand and using a sewing machine are skills that will serve you well. You will be able to mend items, create new items and produce quality, well made items. It does take time to learn techniques, practice and patience. The finished items may give you that feeling of pride that I first felt with my first clothing item for my doll. I still feel that same pride when I make clothing, crafts or gifts that I am happy with.

There are many ways to learn to sew. Many schools offer sewing and clothing construction. Community colleges, community centers and most fabric stores offer classes. Some sewing centers offer classes and workshops. Some state and county agencies offer sewing classes. Online there are many organizations and groups which offer tips, advice and encouragement for people interested in sewing of all kinds.