Stitch-n-Bitch… without the bitching.
I think that most people who know me recognize that I love clothes, shoes, bags and what-not. I am not one of those bimbo-blondes who can not carry on a conversation without references to America’s Next Top Model (which I don’t watch) or exclamations like “WHAT is she wearing?!?” However, I do happen to watch What Not To Wear all the time and I am constantly amazed with the transformations, but usually decide that the new-improved-made-over style of the fashion victims individuals is always classic with a side of preppy and a shot of sparkle. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just I like a little more funk in my closet. I’m not saying that I will wear a fishnet body suit, or acid-neon colors jumbled together haphazardly, or mico-anything (shorts, skirt, top, whatever). I just like something a bit unsual thrown in. Granted, for the last while my unsual/funky choices have mostly centered on my footwear. I have lots and lots of pairs of shoes, and a fantastic pair of heels will make my day and completely change my outfit.
I think I am on the verge of something new; yesterday a girlfriend and I looked at a hundred websites trying to find a great black dress for an upcoming wedding she is attending. There are tons of cute ones, but nothing we saw was just right. Getting a little bit discouraged we went to a fabric store to look at patterns, found a fabulous, slinky-sexy dress with an unusual neckline and went in search of fabric. As I was flipping through the books and books of patterns several things occured to me.
- Most patterns and their resulting apparel are what gives “home-made clothes” a bad wrap. Hello, how hard is it to make something fit? Or cute? Or flattering? There are enough sack-dresses and shapeless shirts on the racks of department stores, aspiring seamstresses do not need to create any more.
- With a little bit of practice, many of these patterns are not terribly difficult. Granted, there are formal dresses and 3-piece suits that will take a little bit of expertise, but most of the skirts and dresses could be made with a little bit of guidance, a little bit of care, and a healthy dose of imagination.
- Vogue has a pattern book. Enough said.
After looking through four or five enormous pattern books, and getting all touchy-feely with the suede and tweed and satin I felt a little bit dizzy and more than a little giddy. I have made the odd throw pillow cover and shower curtain, something with straight seams and four corners. But I think I would be able to make clothes, alter patterns and come up with brand new (absolutely gorgeous) creations to wear while I waltz around my world. I have sketched ideas for dresses, jackets, color and fabric combinations and entire wardrobe’s of outfits for years – but the end result is always just another notebook full of beautiful dreams. I feel that it is time this all changed. I want to make something. I want to love it and wear it and (hopefully) get compliments. I looked at the prices of sewing machines last night, and I am thinking that in the next few weeks I will have a new toy to play with. Of course all my success (and any dismal failures) will be posted for your viewing pleasure. If you have any fantastic websites for ideas, patterns, whatever – please send them my way. I have a new hobby for the winter and I am really excited to get started!
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I think that most people who know me recognize that I love clothes, shoes, bags and what-not. I am not one of those bimbo-blondes who can not carry on a conversation without references to America’s Next Top Model (which I don’t watch) or exclamations like “WHAT is she wearing?!?” However, I do happen to watch What Not To Wear all the time and I am constantly amazed with the transformations, but usually decide that the new-improved-made-over style of the fashion victims individuals is always classic with a side of preppy and a shot of sparkle. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just I like a little more funk in my closet. I’m not saying that I will wear a fishnet body suit, or acid-neon colors jumbled together haphazardly, or mico-anything (shorts, skirt, top, whatever). I just like something a bit unsual thrown in. Granted, for the last while my unsual/funky choices have mostly centered on my footwear. I have lots and lots of pairs of shoes, and a fantastic pair of heels will make my day and completely change my outfit.
I have sewn since I was a kid and made great projects including: a Scarlett O’Hara costume (Halloween, sixth grade), 10th grade formal dress and my junior prom dress. These days, though patterns and fabrics have gotten SO expensive. Making your own clothes used to be the cheap option!
Between the expense and the pain of dragging my sewing machine out of its storage spot in my tiny apartment, I barely sew at all any more. Maybe some day when I’m richer and have more space!!
Comment by L Sass 2007 October 19 @ 9:33 amI think this is such a good idea. I keep meaning to learn how to sew something other than checkerboard quilts. Although fabric is so expensive now that it isn’t always the most economical option.
Comment by Jess 2007 October 19 @ 10:39 amDo you watch Project Runway? Because those folks are insanely talented. It might be inspirational! I can’t wait for it to come back in November.
Make it work!
Comment by RA 2007 October 19 @ 10:51 amHey now… who’s calling blondes who watch ANTM bimbos? We all have our guilty pleasures.
Good luck with the sewing. That’s a skill I would love to have, but lack both the time and the patience. Can’t wait to see what you create!
Comment by Lou 2007 October 19 @ 11:15 amOh exciting! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. I love to sew, but unfortunately I haven’t done it in a long long time.
Comment by Janssen 2007 October 19 @ 11:42 amOh I love What Not To Wear too! I kind of tend to look at people and think what a pity they haven’t done the most of what they have, haircut, clothes, colours. One doesn’t have to be a skinny fashion victim, but I really think one ought to try and dress in a way that compliment the personalities and shapes one has. We all have our bad hair and clothes-days, but really it’s not all that difficult to see what’s completely unflattering or not…
I used to make a lot of my own clothes when in highschool, it was pretty trendy with sewing, knitting etc in Sweden then. I often used stretchy materials (think Alaïa) and old fabrics from the closet, liked to have my own style back then too – some things were really a *bit too much* others quite nice.
But all in all, I’m not all that friendly or patient with the sewing machine, I prefer knitting and crocheting.
I think it’s great that you’re thinking about making your own clothes! Thumbs up! Looking forward to see fashion from the House of Heidikins:)
Comment by Pia K 2007 October 19 @ 12:34 pmOooh, I am excited for your new hobby too! I am not very skilled when it comes to sewing, but I LOVE seeing other people’s creations. I bet you will make some awesomely stylish stuff, and I can’t wait to see it!
Comment by audrey 2007 October 19 @ 2:09 pmMy mom is an expert seamstress and for so much of my growning-up-hood, I resisted all things sewing. I detested it. But after visiting my parents recently and making several trips to fabric stores (did you see the vintage patterns in Simplicity!), I have begun to feel the desire to ask for a sewing maching for Christmas. Gasp! I’m not feeling nearly as adventurous as you, but sometimes feel the desire just to MAKE something for the home, for me, for ??? So I say, go for it!
Comment by Mona 2007 October 19 @ 2:44 pmVogue has a pattern book? Hmmm, suddenly clothes making isn’t frumpy and maternal. Oh – and I watch America’s Next Top Model. Have you seen it? You should see it. Not the drama – the pictures.
Comment by Andrea Jolene 2007 October 19 @ 3:25 pmAhh yes! Your new purchase will just give more reason to start our sewing guild/club! I can’t wait for the many stylish things we will be making. Although, i’ve never done well with patterns, because I can never find one I love 100%, it’s usually all in my head and I make it work. Beside, who needs a pattern when I have the idea or look that I want that no one has yet? Who knew I was a fashion designer?
Comment by UZI 2007 October 19 @ 4:44 pmLook out Vogue, here we come!
“There are enough sack-dresses and shapeless shirts on the racks of department stores, aspiring seamstresses do not need to create any more.” – I’ll say. I am getting so depressed going round shops and looking for a dress that is NOT going to make me look pregnant. What do designers think, that every girl in the world has no tummy and no hips?!
Anyway – congrats on your upcoming hobby. On moving to Oz I decided I needed a new hobby and I’ve taken up knitting. A few disasters, yes, but as long as you’re prepared to make a few mistakes and get over them, you can end up with some really spiffy accessories and clothing. And there is something so satisfying about wearing something that you’ve made yourself, when you know it looks great.
Comment by ellesappelle 2007 October 20 @ 6:44 amI took a sewing class at a local fabric store. It was great! (I had a young, fun teacher.) I have to admit I can’t think of any good online sites, but I will think about it for sure.
Comment by janet 2007 October 21 @ 8:47 pmI love What Not to Wear. Unfortunately, I rarely get to see it since we don’t have cable (and it’s not worth getting). I also love Top Model, for probably the same reasons I love American Idol: I love to be a critic.
Comment by Sra 2008 February 27 @ 12:35 pm