guest blogger: happiness comes in stitches

I'm thrilled to be doing a guest post here on Belly's Button. Thank you Chedva!

Chedva asked me to post about something sewing related and so I thought I would write what I know best and that is why I love sewing. I love sewing, I really really do and I'm always surprised by it! I don't actually have a really long history in the art of stitching, but it seems that the women in my family have always done something extraordinary with their hands. Whenever I think about sewing, my grandmother always comes to mind. She's a master quilter and also dabbles in dressmaking here and there. She's always been such a stylish woman and I distinctly remember when I was younger, always admiring the way she looked and wore her clothes. I remember asking her about a skirt she was wearing once, and she remarked with her usual disquieted energy that she had made the skirt and that it would never have fit otherwise, nor would she have been able to afford it, at least not at the high quality standard she always set for herself.

My grandparents - a photo taken last year

I'm always reminded of her when I think about when I picked up a needle and thread again. I started sewing when I was young and took a few classes in high school. After college, I was very poor and feeling the pinch of those precious pennies while still yearning for a beautiful frock every now and then. My parents gave me a sewing machine for Christmas one year and I was completely inspired to start a handmade wardrobe. My first few garments were definitely nothing to rave about and as I was a little disappointed in my sewing skill, I took my quest for how to improve it to the internet. I was blown away by how much information, inspiration and incredible seamstresses there were online. I dabbled in crafting and home stitching, but my real love has come through garment construction. I love the energy I feel when an idea for a some type of clothing item dawns on me. From there its nothing but excitement as I gather the supplies, test the muslin, cut the fabric and sew up a garment. Interestingly enough the thrill doesn't lessen with the wearing of the garment either, as I can't help from blurting out that I made it and I get the oohs! and ahhs from fellow passersby!

A purple dress I finished last year and it still continues to be one of my favorite outfits to wear

I'm surprised by how much one can learn about themselves and their personal tastes from sewing and by how vast the art of sewing really is. I haven't always known what I liked and disliked when it came to clothes and sewing them. I've learned the hard way that sometimes crazy prints only create a chaotic and "homemade" look and that it's OK if I need something basic, like a navy blue pencil skirt which is on my docket next. I've learned that real beauty in a garment shows itself through the construction and finishing details rather than just by the fabric choice. And there are so many techniques out there that can really give life to a garment and that mastering them comes only with time, patience and more patience.

Triangular Bound Buttonholes - from a dress I stitched earlier this year

Being the vain and facetious, although rather good at sharing, person that I am, I love hearing about others and their sewing adventures, the reasons they sew and what they like to sew. What are some of the reasons you sew and what area of sewing really strikes your fancy? What have you discovered along your sewing journey? What have you discovered about yourself?

xoxo,

Sunni

Thanks for the great post, Sunni. Readers, you have to check out Sunni's lovely blog, The Cupcake Goddess, for more of her awesomeness.

Comments

[Belly]

Sunni, thanks so much for sharing! I find the various ways that draw sewists to sewing so fascinating and touching.