24 Apr 2012 No Comments
7 Warning Signs that You are Becoming a Lazy Seamstress
Lazy is as lazy does. You fail to sew belt loops into those pants, you’ll never be able to wear them with a belt. You skip locking your seams – they will start unraveling after a few washes. You skip trying on your blouse while you’re making it – you will end up with a fabulous blouse – or one you can’t wear and are too lazy to unpick and stash forever into the “mending” box.
I have to admit, I sometimes am lazy like that. But I am trying to improve, as I get more interested in couture sewing and pattern making. What about you? Are you a lazy seamstress? Check out my 7 points checklist.
1. In the last year you’ve sewn more than 4 versions of the same pattern, only making fabric and colour changes
It’s easy to “get comfortable” with one pattern that you’ve tried once and fits you well. You can make a second one, just because you start loving the garment and you realize how easy it was to sew it. You want to make more: one in green, one with stripes, one just because. And you end up with a uniform.
What if the next time you’re sewing your favourite fabric you change your pattern a bit? Make it difficult for “the common eye” to notice you’re wearing the same thing you did yesterday? Make some dramatic cuts, add pleats, be wild :)
Tilly’s One Week One Pattern challenge is perfect for noticing good and bad examples of sewing the same pattern again and again.
2. When buying fabric you choose not to buy fabulous fabric because it’s tricky to sew
While it’s a good idea not to buy fabric you’re never going to use, sticking to cottons and fabric that sew easily means you are also sticking to certain types of garments. Learn how to sew silk, Lycra and sheers and make more things.
A tip: start with a simple project and don’t sew straight into that outrageously expensive silk. The first think I sewed in a knit fabric was a t-shirt – the second one I made was already wearable. For silk I made a simple dress. I chose silk with a pattern so you can’t see the mistakes :)
3. You buy sewing patterns and never use them because they’re too complicated
I still didn’t finish a button down shirt I started a loong loong time ago. I think I even lost the missing pieces (the collar, the button placket…
I am the number one guilty gal on this point; I tend to pick projects I can finish the same day.
4. You stick to what you know how to sew
You’d like to sew jackets and dresses, but “you don’t know how to make those”. Which actually means “you never tried making one”, which is why you don’t know and why I get to call you lazy :)
5. You skip sewing pockets and darts and belt hoops because it takes too much time to sew them
There is a kind of temporary insanity that prevents you from adding pockets and belt loops to garment that really need them. Half an hour more for cutting and sewing belt loops? Forget it, who needs belt loops anyway (and you always wear a belt).
When this happens I take a break. I make a cup of tea, get a breath of fresh air and then ask myself: Do I really want to be lazy this time and skip the pockets or will these shorts be much cooler with the darn pockets? Then decide. If you’re still lazy, put the project aside to finish another day.
6. Your beautiful fabric is only used for making tea towels and chair cushions
You buy a ton of fabric and then you only use it after 2 years have passed, for making pillowcases and tea towels, because they’re quick to make and let you feast your eyes on the pretty fabric. I say: lazy!
7. You don’t change bobbin thread when sewing fabric in a different colour
Last, but not least, the ultimate sign you are a lazy seamstress is not changing your thread. You’re sewing with grey thread on green garments because you’re going for a “contrasting look”. Yeah, like I was born yesterday… you’re being plain old lazy. And your garments will show it.
What about you? What are the sewing shortcuts you’re taking and shouldn’t?
