The last time I have sewed more than a few centimetres by hand was maybe when I was a teenager, before I bought my first sewing machine. I remember I made myself a dark green heavy-duty canvas backpack with leather piping. It must have taken me weeks, but I remember it was summer and the process was enjoyable. I wore that backpack for years and years after that.
After buying my sewing machine any larger surface was sewn with the machine.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about slow making and slow stitching and I have been experimenting with some sashiko-style embroidery. I love the portability of hand sewing and the quiet.
So I’ve started sewing a turtleneck by hand.
I had this fabric in my stash for a while now. I think I had originally purchased it to make it into a turtleneck dress. Since then, I have come to terms with the fact that I prefer pants.
The pattern I cut is a Neenah turtleneck by Seamwork patterns. I had this pattern since it launched, more than 4 years ago, I think, but I haven’t made another turtleneck in years.
Slowly but steady I am seaming close the pieces of fabric, finishing seams with blanket stitch and enjoying the morning sun and the song of birds while occasionally pricking myself in the finger with the very sharp needle.
