Artsy Crafty Library: Sewing with bravery

I rediscovered my love of sewing this year. Bravery was required when I ventured into drafting patterns and sewing clothing for my kids, myself, and even my husband. I was wary of spending time and energy creating a shirt, dress or pants without knowing for sure if my family would like or wear it.

Sewing clothing has extra risks, like fit, that you can't solve until you've actually sewn it. In the past I stuck to quilt tops, blankets, bags and purses where fit didn't matter. I knew I had a lot to learn about sewing clothing and fitting patterns to different bodies. 

Sewing station – Fill 'er up!

I'm a visual learner so the video tutorials on Creativebug were a great place to start. I watched Pattern Drafting by Cal Patch, Sew the Wanderlust Tee by Fancy Tiger, and Sewing with Simplicity: Pro Garment Sewing Techniques. I watched, not just to see if I wanted to make what they were sewing, but to see how they used their tools, to learn the terminology and to learn how they solved fit problems. 

In addition to Creativebug, the sewing resources at the library include books and videos ranging from alterations on existing garments to sewing from scratch and drafting your own patterns. It also includes both formal techniques and fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants methods. I'm more of a flyer! 

Put the sewing pedal to the metal

I have a pile of clothing I don't wear anymore that sits in my craft room as potential fabric. I decided to upcycle an extra long, not the right size, fun fabric skirt into a top. Yep, I need more tops I will actually wear.

Sewing and upcycling can help me reduce clothing purchases, which is always a goal for me. This approach also pushes my creativity and slows me down to think about what I actually need. It isn't always about the dollar amount as much as the idea of just adding more things to my home that already has too much stuff. Using what I have with upcycling in addition to recycling and donating helps me fight back the consumerism that is so easy to succumb to.

With three basic pattern pieces – front, back and sleeve – my maxi skirt became a shirt in less than a day. I'm still debating on the sleeve and neckline hems, maybe I will do something surprising there instead of boring because I am the creator of this top and I do love to experiment. 

A year ago I never would have sewn a shirt for myself. Now I do it all the time! It is freeing to be able to make these basics for myself and my family.