Sunday, January 20, 2008

Slow Sewing

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.

18 comments:

  1. 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
    your welts looks great, I can see the time you put into it

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  2. Your 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!

    Great Job!

    Lyn

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  3. Fantastic pocket! All your work definitely paid off.

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  4. The pocket looks fabulous!

    I'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.

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  5. Funny post! And your pocket looks perfect-o!!

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  6. That's a great looking pocket!

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  7. I like your fabric. Sewing slow paid off....your pocket looks great...Very professional :)

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  8. You 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.

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  9. Not 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.

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  10. The 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!

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  11. What a great accomplishment. That welt pocket is perfect!

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  12. I think it's a great idea about slow sewing taking your time means coming out with a great finish like your pockets.

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  13. Great 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.

    Dina

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  14. 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.
    Btw, you have a great writing style and I love reading your blog.

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  15. Very professional! Thank you for the teaching tips. :-)

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  16. slow 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

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