Why We Sew....
/We are so excited to get to share a little bit more about ourselves today as we join in the Series 'Why I Sew...' with Sewing Mama Rae Anna. (use #whyisew to join in the fun).
So, I'll kick things off. I'm Suzanne, and many people know that I started sewing again after having kids to save my family money. Yep, I started off almost 100% upcycling clothing for my children over at Winter Wonderings... Going from 0 children to 3 children over the span of 14 months was a huge shock to me emotionally, physically, and financially. I couldn't make the sleepless nights magically end, I couldn't make the physical demands of caring for three babies disappear, but I could try to figure out ways to lighten the load on our overburdened budget. What started as a challenge to myself to create an entire fall wardrobe for my twin boys without spending a dime (Operation Project $0), re-ignited a passion I had almost forgotten about.
PR&P White Sheet Challenge
Operation Project $0, 2012 - 100% upcycled, 100% made by me
Competing in Project Run and Play: 100% Upcycle - I did the whole season for less than $30 in supplies
You see, in college, I was a costume designer. I took courses on figure drawing, patterning, drafting, etc..; and designed the costumes for large scale shows. I also helped pay for my tuition by being a teaching assistant in the Costume shop. When my professors found out I had ambitions towards grad school, they all pushed me to pursue costuming.... but I had other plans and ignored their advice. I sometimes wonder where my life may have gone if I had taken their advice instead.
I'm on the left, this was my first costume shop - oh the stash!!!!
The very first show I ever designed - HAMLET - with an all female cast.... and yes, that is me as Laertes, bet you didn't know that I am dang good with a sword!
So yes, I still sew to save my family money; but I also sew because I love it. Because it has been in my blood since my mother first placed a piece of cross stitching in my pudgy hands at age three. Because if fulfills something inside me that I almost let fade away - the desire to create something new, to find beauty in the ordinary, and to see an idea truly come to life.
Hey all, Robin here :)
You'd probably laugh if you realized how long I have been sitting here trying to write this post. In fact, I wrote for a half hour and just deleted it all. All the text, all the pictures, all of it.
(And now I'm wishing I had it back because here I am, still feeling stuck)
Bottom line- Why I Sew?
I sew because it makes me feel good.
Wow. Life changing, earth shattering revelation there, wasn't it?
My best selling drooler bibs (I don't sell anymore)
I used to sew for sale. I had perfect Etsy feedback. I made a little money. It made me feel good.
Until it didn't anymore, and then I quit.
Spring Lily
I sewed her a dress that made her feel like a princess. It made me feel good.
Otto Pants
I sewed him pants. He picked the fabric. They are his favorite pants ever. It made me feel good.
My handsome firstborn in Butterfly Tree Tie
He requested a tie for dress up day at school. He loved it. It made me feel good.
Baby gift for a friend
Sent off a handmade baby gift to a friend. It made me feel good.
Free Pill box Hat Tutorial from Threadbanger Youtube
I sewed a vintage style pill box hat for a dress up tea party. It made me feel good.
There's not much more to say.
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So there you have it folks, a little glimpse deeper into why Robin and I sew. So why do you sew??? There are as many different reasons to sew as there are people under the sun, and we are just so happy that you are here sewing with us! Tell us why you sew in the comments, or use #whyisew on facebook, instagram, or twitter.
