I just read Carolyn's post about no sewing in the month of March and I realized, I haven't sewn anything this month either. I have altered patterns and I have 2 pieces cut out for the Mini Swap. I'd like to finish it but who knows at this rate? I came back from Roanoke with the worst cold, as did Seth. Apparently the baby had a slight cold and gave it to all of us. By, the way, cutest baby ever, to quote my son. He is just so delicious!
Sometimes I feel pressured to sew so that I can have something to post. Or I feel pressured to come up with some interesting topic that is sewing related, but then I find at least 3 other people have written posts about it already. I see people posting their monthly totals, or their yearly tallies and I don't sew anywhere near that much. It is spring, which means more work and lots of gardening so there goes sewing time. I am also trying to exercise which also cuts into sewing time.
Part of my lack of sewing is how much time I put in on altering patterns. I make a lot of changes to a pattern to make it fit well. I need to take a page from Carolyn's book and make more tnt patterns or simple pieces that I can use as slopers.
So, how much sewing do you do? How many garments do you make a month? In a year? Do you make so many alterations to a pattern that you feel like all you do is alter patterns instead of sewing? Sometimes I certainly feel that way. I also think that altering a pattern is safe. There is no disappointment in altering a pattern. When I get to the end if I don't love it, I can throw it in the trash without any real investment. But when I get to the end of a garment and I don't love it, then there is a big letdown.
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I don't sew as much as I'd like either, and I used to feel bad about it. Then I decided that it's OK, sometimes you need to spend times on other aspects of your life.
ReplyDeleteI also think it's a little hard to sew during this transitional time of year--we're all tired of cold weather things, yet it's not yet warm enough to feel like sewing warm weather things.
Enjoy your garden! While I'm no gardener, I admire those who have skills in this area. It would be nice to hear about your garden activities.
It's not a contest, that's what a hobby is doing what makes you feel good when you want to do it and if you're ever looking for something to post the cutest baby ever would always be welcome.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Tanya and Nancy. I post when I've made something or I have something to say...sometimes a week can go by with no post...sometimes I post everyday. My blog is part of my creative outlet so I won't allow it to stress me out. It's my relief from the stresses of my job and personal life...but on the other hand I do sew alot. Not as much as some but definitely ALOT! *LOL*
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you're sick...that happens to me now too! Those little precious ones are germ carriers! *LOL*
Sewing is supposed to be fun, so my mom always said, don't make your fun into a job. I spend lots of time altering, so I try to make an altered pattern into more than one thing, if it works for me. But I would hate it if I had to report on everything I did.
ReplyDeleteDitto all the other posters. I had a good month of sewing 4 suits for my singing quartet but I had a deadline for that. Usually I just sew to relax and enjoy my hobby sewing 1-2 garments a month. I work full-time (still at 62!) I, too, need to make numerous alterations on my garments but have my TNT patterns thanks to Carolyn. Please remember that your readers are interested in your thoughts even if you haven't actually sewn anything for awhile.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Don't feel pressured to post. Post when you want to and feel like it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't sewn as much in the past year as compared to the year before, and initially didn't feel good about it. Right now I try to have a more relaxed attitude about it. Even bought some clothes!
And how lovely you got to see your grandson again. Get over your cold soon.
I'm lucky to finish one thing a month lately and I do have TNTs. But it's not a race. I'm not going naked. And I sew and blog when I want to, well not as *much* as I want to sometimes, but it manages to mostly even out so I'm pretty happy with the balance.
ReplyDeleteWith a gorgeous new grandson, it makes sense that you are busy doing other things! At the moment, I am trying to sew a lot because I lost about 25 lbs over the last 6 months and suddenly, I literally have nothing to wear. In the long run, I'd rather take my time to make something special for myself at a gentle pace every now and then.
ReplyDeleteI think posting frequently is only an issue for people who are trying to make their blogs commercial. If you just want to be part of a "virtual sewing circle" then it doesn't matter. There are some blogs that I enjoy where posts come up only once a month or less. That's OK with me. Now that have I figured out how to make a blog roll that updates itself based on the most recent updates, I can wake up every morning and find a handful of new posts to inspire me.
March was a busy month for me, but somehow I managed to finish 5 garments. That's an unusually high number for me. They were TNTs and/or easy. I just sewed when I had time without worrying about "finishing" or "blogging". I also treasured my sewing time. I also take a lot of time with pattern altering. I'm getting faster and would get bored only sewing the same thing. Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteI don't sew nearly as much as I want to or used to. I spend lot's of time altering patterns too (my least favorite part of sewing) but so necessary for me. I really sew & blog for my own enjoyment so I don't feel pressured by anyone other than my own desires. I would like to get to the point that I make 80-90% of what I wear. I'll get there at some point but I'm just trying to enjoy the process and learn as I go.
ReplyDeleteI have only finished one very basic skirt since new year - but I have made 5 muslins and made tests and samples. I rather enjoy the muslin process, but I am longing to get some new clothes now and, as you say, it makes it harder to blog.
ReplyDeleteGood things are worth waiting for. You make lovely interesting stuff, and it's a pleasure when you decide to share it with us. But the pleasure should be two-sided, shouldn't it? So, no pressure. Here's to all aspects of life!
ReplyDeleteI find I average two garments per month. However, these garments aren't necessarily for me. They could be for my grandchildren, a bag for myself, something I am enjoying sewing for a close friend. It doesn't really matter to me either way. I am not counting and if anybody else is, well, they have problems bigger than mine.
ReplyDeleteI love to garden and my sewing usually cuts back at that time. I also love to visit my grandchildren 3 states away and that takes time too. Then, add in all the other personal stuff, sewing isn't always possible, and guess what, that's OK.
When I visit blogs, I am not counting or measuring. I am there to share in their passion and knowledge. I really don't care if they post every day or every month. It is more for me the quality of the garment and the details shown. That is what I enjoy and if it happens just every now and then, that's fine. Before the internet and blogs, I had none of this. So this continues to be a wonder.
Whenever you want to post is fine with me, Nancy. I know it will be garment well fitted, and with great cache. Keep it coming, whenever you can and whenever you want.
I am proud of myself when I sew back on a button instead of bringing it to the dry cleaners to do it for me....
ReplyDeleteYOU ROCK. Just post about your fabulous COOKING and GARDENING if you feel like you aren't sewing enough silly. By the way, my suit looks HOT. When wearing it my students said: Miss Karpen you have very good fashion!
To make you feel better, I haven't posted or sewn for a year! Any post by you is good. Love what you do.
ReplyDeleteI don't count. I just sew what I want to and don't when I don't.
ReplyDeleteI agree that pattern alterations can feel safer than actual sewing. With alterations, you still have hopeful expectation and confidence that it's going to turn out fabulous.
ReplyDeleteCertainly, having some TNT patterns can help in getting more sewing done. So far I have a TNT knit top, basic skirt, and basic button-down shirt. I know that if I change the styling on any of those three, the garment will still fit. What a joy. Now I just need the other basics.
I enjoy your posts. Blogging should be fun, not a pressure-filled activity. Post when you want to, not when you think you should.