I’ve been inspired by the BBC programme the Great British Sewing Bee, especially as it has combined with the rediscovery of my materials and patterns during our house move. They were packed up 4 years ago and put in the loft to make room for my daughter. Since then the most I’ve done with my sewing machine is make taggy blankets for my children, as well as for gifts.
My dressmaking skills developed in a very haphazard way. I wanted to make clothes from a young age because I wanted unique clothes that fitted, so I would go through my Mum’s patterns and sewing magazines and just start. I usually ended up going to my Mum for help (fortunately she was a good sewer and made many children’s clothes for my sister and me). She would solve my problem, but I didn’t always learn how to prevent the error; maybe it was a child’s attention thing. I remember making a pair of shorts at school when I was eleven and when I started work I attend an adult education class, where you made what you wanted and the teacher provided advice as you needed it. I made a simple but very useful skirt.
Thinking back over the items I’ve made I can think of some successes. This dress is on
- I don’t have a basic understanding of dressmaking
- I usually want to do things more advanced than my ability
- I focus on the end result not the process ( I’m too slap dash and not careful enough)
I’m thinking of a gentle reintroduction, so I don’t take over the whole house with material, and allowing me to gradually develop my skills and confidence. However, I’ve got to work out how to fit this in with digital scrapbooking, working on the house, child care and of course my job. Maybe I’ll start by reviewing my stash and finding what projects I left unfinished four years ago.
What skills would you like to revisit? What are your tips for fitting in crafts and activities around the rest of life? Any suggestions how I implement my gentle reintroduction?
In case you haven’t found them and want some inspiration here are the websites of Tilly and Lauren from the Great British Sewing Bee.