Writing a sewing blog: Why do I write about sewing? In this post, I reveal why sewing and writing mean a great deal of happiness to me.
Who likes being alone with their quirks?
How easy it could be if everyone just sewed quietly to themselves in their own little corner! But honestly: Who would want that?! Who likes being alone with their oddities?
If I've learned one thing about learning to sew, it’s that the enthusiasm you can feel for it is very hard for "outsiders" to understand. I feel the same way about fly fishing (a little apology to all the fly fishers reading this right now!). ;)
And even if you're sitting in a room filled with fabric at strange machines, producing things with questionable utility: You don't want to be alone with that! You want to show what you're doing!
Because you're proud of your work. And rightly so!
"Birds of a feather flock together" isn't just a saying. It’s true that you look for people with whom you share a connection. People who understand why you drag yourself home from the fabric market with three stuffed Ikea bags.
Who understand why you treat Netflix like an audiobook: Because your gaze is glued to the presser foot more often than to the screen.
And who share your joy and celebrate when you've achieved a personal breakthrough in the world of sewing.
Not off the rack
Many blog readers know the problem of not finding clothes that fit. And when you do find them, they pinch here and bulge there. This is a popular phenomenon, especially with large size differences between the upper and lower body.
This topic has felt like a part of my life forever. That was one of the reasons my mother started sewing clothes for me.
And today? By making my own clothes, I am continuing that legacy. And more than that. I make sure that I always feel comfortable and well-dressed in my outfit.
But why write about it?
That's easily answered! If I sew my own creations in my sewing room just for myself, then only one person is happy about it: me.
But if I develop a pattern from my sewing idea that solves clothing problems for many, then we have that phenomenon of multiplied joy again.
And benefit for others. Because honestly: Sewing yourself a great-fitting blouse is already pretty nice.
But enabling others to be just as happy with the same blouse as I am: That is a gift!
The more I show it, the better I get at it
I'm not perfect, and I hope I never will be. But you simply have to make a few sewing mistakes.
When I write about sewing, I keep noticing that my mistakes are actually useful for something. Not a single one happened completely in vain: It can always serve as a bad example for you! ;)
Of course I get annoyed by mistakes! Very much so. The worst thing for me is always the waste of precious material. Cutting into a long-cherished fabric: That is always a cut to my heart as well.
And where to put my frustration? Logically: I write about it.
When writing, I gain perspective, reorganize my thoughts, and press the reset button.
It makes me aware of where I messed up. And how I can avoid it. Then I try a new variation and realize: Yes! That's how it's done from now on.
And that doesn't just help you achieve beautiful results with your hobby.
It also helps me personally to move forward with my sewing skills.
Let's be friends!
In my personal sewing story, I already mentioned it: I learned a basic understanding of sewing processes (and needlework in general) from my mother. Of course, also many techniques, how to handle materials and tools. But also respect for the honesty of sewing itself.
Every botched job comes to light sooner or later.
The many tips & tricks that my mom, my sisters, grandmas, and (great-)aunts shared with me while I was working on my first projects still help me today to make good small and large decisions. And to do things right.
I am aware that not everyone has such a craft-affine family. And that's not at all necessary if you want to start sewing. Sure, it helps.
But starting to sew on your own can be a great experience. With every successful seam, with every finished cosmetic bag, with every stylish piece of clothing, you will be proud as a peacock!
Because you accomplished it all on your own!
And you should know that you have me as an ally by your side, if you like: Because you can always take a quick look at SewSimple to see how something works. And thereby gain the confidence to keep going.
That's what friends do: They help and support each other.
And that moves both forward: The one who accepts help. And the one who gives help.
Creating my own aesthetic
If you click through my Instagram profile, you will encounter many sewing ideas that you also know from the blog. And if you scroll veeeeery far down, you will see my "sewing beginnings." The first photos I shared of things I sewed myself.
And you will notice: They look quite different from what you know from SewSimple!
The secret is: I am developing my own aesthetic!
Trying things out, playing with colors and patterns, testing textures, sorting out failed attempts, and ultimately: Designing things exactly so that my heart smiles when I see them and I simply find them (and myself!) good. This also includes simple things like my self-painted fabric weights.
That's how it has to go, I think.
For that, I have to be on the trail of my own preferences. And realize what I like and what I don't like so much. Well, taste also develops over time. Some things remain. You say goodbye to some things with a tear in your eye. And others accompany you for a long, long time (hello, little bag!).
It's the same on the blog: I decide how something looks. And show it if I really like it. Or if I am of the opinion that it is helpful so that you can move forward on your path to sewing happiness. :)
My own sewing universe
To quote Bismarck: Where I am is the top.
Admittedly, that doesn't apply to every aspect of my life. But it certainly does to my sewing life! Because there I decide what happens. And I do it all by myself.
I have already mentioned it elsewhere. I work in a social profession.
That there are professional highs and lows, that sometimes you don't even know which way is up because of all the work, and that the daily work routine is often determined by others: Who am I telling this to?
My sewing life is completely different: I decide on every single sewing idea that appears on the blog. I write every single word myself. I get the materials that I like. And I just do what I enjoy.
As soon as it doesn't bring joy anymore, I stop. Or I don't even start with it in the first place.
Sometimes I turn night into day because an idea just won't let me sleep and I HAVE to get started. Because I simply have to know if a project works. If a pattern fits. What a fabric looks like sewn up. Or how a tool works. Okay, and then there's an extra-long nap on the weekend.
What makes me happy about that?
In "real" life, I am often Annika.
In my sewing world, I am allowed to be Pippi Longstocking! :)
And this enormous feeling of freedom, self-determination, and personal happiness more than makes up for short nights and occasional lack of sleep.
Self-care: Why sewing is healthy for me
In my personal sewing story, I told you how I got into sewing. That I had to go through a deep valley in my professional life. And how sewing helped me through it. That has remained the case to this day.
Writing about sewing is even more: It means becoming aware of myself and my actions again and again. That might sound strange. Especially when it comes to sewing.
But from my experience, I can tell you: What applies to sewing also applies to everything else.
When I write about sewing, I follow an internal logic. Why did I develop this pattern? What is it used for? What do you need to implement it? And how does the entire process work?
This helps me to orient myself in the work process. To slow down.
When sewing (and preferably in general!), I don't want any "higher, faster, further."
I don't want to sprint through instructions as if the sewing devil were after me. I want to enjoy what I do. Celebrate sewing. In peace, with time, and a cup of steaming chai next to me on the windowsill.
I want to feel fabrics, choose thread colors in peace, and enjoy every cut, every beautiful seam.
Writing about it helps me keep my orientation.
Only then can I guide you well through instructions and to the desired result. Whether it's a successful little bag or a well-fitting piece of clothing.
But it's more. While I write, I become aware of myself and my thoughts. Where could stumbling blocks lurk? How would I understand a work step myself if I were a beginner? Would I feel in good hands with myself? Does this sentence really hit the mark? And what do I actually want to say?
Sewing let me and still lets me: Arrive at myself. It lets me experience freedoms and overcome boundaries.
And where, if not in personal experience, in personal happiness, can we grow and unfold. For some, it's sports. For others, it's cooking. The next person is musical and plays a dozen instruments off the cuff (hello, Maxim!).
For me, it's sewing that always grips me, grounds me, and moves me forward. That carries me through cloudy days. And of which I dream day and night. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Double the joy & multiple sewing happiness
Okay, but why can't I just sew quietly in my little corner? I'll let you in on a secret now: I can. And I do it, too. I enjoy the feeling of just being for myself. And doing something that makes me happy all around. That's a little colorful gemstone in the middle of the day.
When I then wear or gift my sewn piece, that happiness doubles in one fell swoop.
Which is very nice. And feels like a second gemstone has joined my first one.
But writing about it and supporting others in feeling that same happiness, celebrating the exact same successes: That multiplies my own sense of happiness like in a kaleidoscope.
And this feeling, I must honestly confess, is addictive.
Creating connections: Giving something back & being real
What I am always aware of: That I am damn lucky to be able to do what I do. That awakens in me the desire to give something back...even if it is sewing knowledge.
Mostly, however, it is much more than just a quick tip on a sewing technique or advice on where to find a certain fabric or accessory.
It is connection. And quite a bit of it. Anyone who takes a look around the blog will notice: I always write back. Sometimes a longer comment, occasionally a quick link to a helpful tutorial, often just a smile from me to you.
I answer emails, messages, and comments because it is important to me to make a connection with you. To let you know in the vastness of the internet: I am here. And I am real.
I honestly admit: Nothing would be worse than being a blogger persona. Creating an internet identity. And being completely different in reality.
That's why I include you in my sewing life. And that touches on some points of my "Sabine-is-offline" life. Because I sew for my children and grandchildren. Because I have friends who express wishes. From which the next set of instructions arises. And because I want to show you: What I can do, you can do even better!
Because only when I am real can you be real. And you can honestly approach me with your wishes, questions, and concerns. And you feel in good hands with me because you realize that I understand you.
What moves you when you read this post?
If you like, tell me in the comments!
Happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
Comments
Comments are loading …