Sewing has become for me, an entirely different activity than it was 20 years ago.
20 years ago I sewed because I had no money. Because I couldn’t find anything cool. And because I could invent something original and wear it to the club that night.
These days I sew because I don’t have enough money to buy the things that make my heart sing. Because I get sick of the utilitarian every day things that most of us wear. And because I adore the process of exploring drape and fold and layer and subtle (or not so) embellishment that can transform a piece of fabric into something completely unique.
I have a wedding to go to in a few weeks. And I have been turning my head inside out and sideways trying to imagine something to wear. Not because I don’t have anything to cover myself, or because I need to stand out and be special, but just because I can. And I want to make something, and I enjoy the process.
A pattern was bought, which will not be made.
A dress was imagined, which will not be made.
A skirt was bought to embellish. And now I begin the process again of imagining what goes on top, and all the possibilities that involves, and drape and twist and colour.
Of course the imagining is so much more fun than the construction.
And so we begin again…
I’ve been thinking alot about why I sew clothes too- similar and different reasons. Thrift was and is a big factor for me, but also the creative satisfaction. These days I’m alot more selective about what I do make, and there are so many projects that only ever seem to materialise in my mind…