Amber Eden's editorial in the March 2008 issue of Threads discusses "Slow Sewing". She argues in favor of taking your time while sewing. I agree with her totally, in spite of the fact that I finished my last project, a simple dress, in one day; start to finish, including going to JoAnn to buy buttons. True, it's not the way I prefer to sew, but I had no choice. These pants (BWOF Plus Fall 06 #409) are truly turning out to be a perfect example of "slow sewing". I can explain the delay in one word: welts.
Last summer, I put myself through a little self-taught welt workshop. The pants I used were throw-away; I never intended to wear them out of the house. So, I felt free enough to experiment with welts. The pants I'm currently working on are intended to become part of my winter work wardrobe, so I want them to be right. In spite of my welt workshop, I felt I needed to practice at least once before putting welts in these pants. I stopped sewing after my practice welt and basked in self-satisfaction. That took up time. Basking can't be rushed. After I finished the actual welts, I didn't want to push my luck and thought it best to stop sewing for that day. That added more time. And consider this: the instructions called for "blind welts". I can't imagine putting all that time and concentration into an unusable "blind welt". So, I made welt pockets (using the directions in Pants for Real People) which made this project take even longer. Patience turned out to be a virtue and the resulting welt pockets weren't too shabby. In addition to the time already spent on these pants, I'll probably spend even more time lining them. I used tropical wool and I will literally freeze my a$$ off if I wear them in January or February, as intended. (Well, DUH! Why did I think they called it "tropical wool"? ) I don't think this is what Amber Eden had in mind when she wrote about "slow sewing". But I do feel the satisfaction and pride to which she referred in her editorial.
Last summer, I put myself through a little self-taught welt workshop. The pants I used were throw-away; I never intended to wear them out of the house. So, I felt free enough to experiment with welts. The pants I'm currently working on are intended to become part of my winter work wardrobe, so I want them to be right. In spite of my welt workshop, I felt I needed to practice at least once before putting welts in these pants. I stopped sewing after my practice welt and basked in self-satisfaction. That took up time. Basking can't be rushed. After I finished the actual welts, I didn't want to push my luck and thought it best to stop sewing for that day. That added more time. And consider this: the instructions called for "blind welts". I can't imagine putting all that time and concentration into an unusable "blind welt". So, I made welt pockets (using the directions in Pants for Real People) which made this project take even longer. Patience turned out to be a virtue and the resulting welt pockets weren't too shabby. In addition to the time already spent on these pants, I'll probably spend even more time lining them. I used tropical wool and I will literally freeze my a$$ off if I wear them in January or February, as intended. (Well, DUH! Why did I think they called it "tropical wool"? ) I don't think this is what Amber Eden had in mind when she wrote about "slow sewing". But I do feel the satisfaction and pride to which she referred in her editorial.
i haven't bought the new threads but I understand the concept of slow slowing, it only works when you are making something that you don't have to use in a hurry though, lol
ReplyDeleteyour welts looks great, I can see the time you put into it
That pocket rocks!
ReplyDeleteYour pocket(s) are perfect! So professional looking. You will wear these pants proudly for many seasons to come. What about wearing them with warm tights underneath? Of course, I live in the warm part of the country, but when I want to be warm I use the layers theory!
ReplyDeleteGreat Job!
Lyn
Fantastic pocket! All your work definitely paid off.
ReplyDeleteThe pocket looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI'm a slow sewer too and I also know exactly what you mean about "basking in the self-satisfaction" of what you're just sewn. I will admire something done with perfection or just simply the accomplishment of a well-sewn zipper or dart and then stop sewing for the day - as if I fear ruining the moment with a mistake.
Funny post! And your pocket looks perfect-o!!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great looking pocket!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully done!
ReplyDeleteI like your fabric. Sewing slow paid off....your pocket looks great...Very professional :)
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job on the welt pockets. I need to practice and practice some more on welt pockets. I tend to avoid them like a plague.
ReplyDeleteNot only can I appreciate your beautiful work, I can savor your great insight into a sewist's mind! Keep up the fabulous work. One stitch at a time.
ReplyDeleteThe pocket is fantastic and all your hard work has paid off! You are ahead of me girl 'cause I haven't made welt pockets in YEARS!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great accomplishment. That welt pocket is perfect!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea about slow sewing taking your time means coming out with a great finish like your pockets.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Well worth the wait.Coming out of lurkdom to let you know I really enjoy your blog. I'm still waiting for my sewing mojo to kick in.
ReplyDeleteDina
actually, I do think it is what she meant - especially the basking part! Now, I am slow, but is probably because I spend so much time ripping out.
ReplyDeleteBtw, you have a great writing style and I love reading your blog.
Very professional! Thank you for the teaching tips. :-)
ReplyDeleteslow sewing is worth the time and patience. I bought thread magazine last week. I will slowly read it over the weekend. The welt pocket looks perfect to me
ReplyDelete