5 Things I Dislike about Sewing

1. Fitting my own garments take FOREVER!

I took a break from sewing for others around this time last year and during that time I began making more things for myself and getting better at my craft. Along the way, I realized it is so incredibly hard to fit my own garments. Like OMG! I work a lot with patterns, but those are just a guide with general numbers and sizes. Although we live in a “Small, Medium, Large/8, 10, 12” society, our human bodies are not confined to those metrics. After sewing the patterned garment, I still have to go in and FIT it to MY body. For example, you ever try something on and you really like it but its just a little off? You take it to alterations and they make it fit perfectly. Well, I am the customer and alterations lol Its way easier fitting for someone else, but fitting for myself by myself, whew! Let’s just say I get a good workout on those days! Also, I have stabbed myself many times with straight pins, so there’s that…

2. Constantly moving my projects

In my bedroom, there is a beautiful vintage sewing desk and I sew many small things there like masks, simple tops, belts and other easy things. For the large projects, I use the dining room table because there is more space. Its usually for dresses, jumpsuits, any thick material and cutting patterns(they take up so much room). The problem comes when I have to pick up that HEAVY sewing machine and lug it to the dining room! In addition to the machine, I have to take the thread, the bobbins, the patterns, the fabric, the sketches, the straight pins, the pattern weights, my electric blanket because it gets cold in there lol AND sometimes my laptop and the charger if I’m doing a Mimi G Sew-Along. It can be a lot, especially compared to sewing in my bedroom where everything is already in/on the desk. And don’t forget, when the project is done I have to take everything back (upside down smiley face lol)

3. Not finding the EXACT pattern that I want

Ever had a great idea, but couldn’t figure out how to bring it to life? Well, I’m right there with ya! Honestly, I depend way too much on patterns, because like I said previously, they are just a guide. When I have an idea for a garment, I sketch it first to see if it even makes sense, then I try my hardest to find a pattern that is similar so my “figure it out” time won’t be long. Last month I wanted to make an asymmetrical top and I searched HIGH & LOW but couldn’t find anything close to the pattern I wanted. So, I had to use a plain pattern (only had front, back and sleeves) and literally figure out how to make the neckline & hem asymmetrical and how I was going to get it on and off. I did it and it came out perfectly, but it would’ve taken a lot LESS time if I had the exact pattern lol

4. Finishing the inside

I’ll get straight to the point, I absolutely, 100% can NOT stand finishing the insides of garments. Never have and I doubt I ever will. It takes too much time and for my own things it seems unnecessary to me. Also, unfinished insides do not bother me. If there is a loose string, I’ll pull and keep going. Its like, WHY? The outside is done and I don’t want to spend another HOUR finishing the inside. No one will know expect me and I don’t care lol Now sometimes, I do it if its just a little something here and there but THE WHOLE THING??? No ma’am! When I made garments for customers and had to finish them, I would literally cry 😂 I don’t like it ya’ll, so I only do it when I have to.

5. It requires so much patience

Sewing 70% PREPARATION and 30% ACTUAL SEWING. A single idea to the finished product, depending on skill level, can take anywhere from a few days to a few months! No, SERIOUSLY! MONTHS!!! As for me, I allow myself 1-2 weeks to complete a project, but I also have sooooooo many ideas and sketches of things I want to sew. The idea phase doesn’t last long over here lol After that comes the real work! There is finding/creating a pattern, finding the right fabric AND color, testing a swatch, waiting for a sale/coupon, doing the math to buy the correct amount (I always need extra for these legs), purchasing the buttons, zippers, and thread, cutting out the pattern, reading and understanding ALL the instructions, making the mockup (sewing the garment with cheaper fabric before using the real $$$ fabric), cutting out the fabric, marking the fabric, pinning the fabric and FINALLY sewing 😊 THEN fitting it to the body, finishing the insides, the hem and the final pressing! Like I said, sewing is A LOT, but somehow I always have a mustard seed of patience to keep going.

Well, that’s all for now folks! Thanks again for spending bit of your day with me!