5 Things You Don’t Need to be a Good Sewer
Myth: I can’t be a good sewer if I don’t have…
We sweat the small things. We focus on what we don’t have and blame that on why we can’t be the best we can, when it’s actually the opposite. Our desire to have “everything we need” and then become what we want limits us and our progress. If we don’t make a move until everything is “ready” and we don’t know how long it’ll take to have everything in place, we’ll just sit there, stuck. That’s not where we want to be.
If you haven’t started sewing because you think, “I don’t have _______, so I can’t _______ yet,” then this one’s for you.
5 Things You Don’t Need to Be a Good Sewer
1. Fancy Fabrics
You don't need to use expensive fabrics to be a good sewer Don't get me wrong, I get caught up with the rest of them... Looking at the nice and shiny sequins, the artistic brocades, the luxurious silk charmeuse and ornate laces... They're all so inspirational and gorgeous but you don't need to use them to be considered a good sewer. You can whip up the most ornate gown using a bed sheet. You can create the crispest blazer using denim. You can create the most fire body-con using rib. It's not what you use, it's how you use it.
2. Formal Education
Do you know how many people have learned how to sew without a lick of schooling? I know we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others but you can’t ignore what’s blatantly in front of you.
I’ve experienced both. I started out as self taught and learned more through college as I went for my fashion design degree. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but this isn’t the post where I’ll compare the two. Instead, I’ll say, my self taught journey was pure. It was innocent and joyful, learning only what I needed to know to get this one project done. There was no pressure of execution just the curiosity of experimentation.
While being taught may be nice and convenient, it’s not a necessity for you to learn. There’s tons of resources across YouTube, Pinterest, Google and published books that can teach you what you want to know. Does that take a little bit more intention on your end? Sure, but living with intention get’s you results.
3. Every Single Sewing Tool
Nope, don’t do it. There are just too many sewing tools for this to be an actual thing to wait on. You will NEVER start if you’re waiting to have every type of sewing tool out there. Not to mention, even the most experienced sewer doesn’t use all the tools because there is simply no need for it. Instead, just get your bare sewing essential tools, which I recommend in the video below, and you’ll be fine. If you want to add to your tool box along the way, please do so, but don’t wait around for it.
4. A Lot of Time
This too would be nice…believe me…I know, but again, not necessary for you to be a good sewer.
One of the biggest excuses not to start sewing - or anything for that matter - is because “I don’t have time.” My personal belief is you make time for what you want, and if you wanted to be a good sewer, you’d make time for it.
A lot can come from a little. So instead of doing nothing because you can’t allocate a big chunk of time, just commit to 15-20 minutes a day. More will come from 15 minutes a day, one and a half hours a week, than waiting for an hour and a half to open in your schedule.
5. Sewing Room
Coming from someone who sews at her dining room table, in her shared one bedroom apartment and has a Pinterest board full of interior design inspo for a studio space, you don’t need it. A dope AF to have, but not needed.
My sewing journey started on one of those fold away T.V. dinner trays and progressed into a desk, where I also did homework, when it looked like I was serious about learning this new skill. I’ve never had a designated space to call my own for sewing. It’s a goal but it hasn’t happened yet. It also hasn’t stopped my sewing progression.
Instead of waiting for your ducks to magically align in a row on their own, work with the ducks you already have. Get them aligned first and as you move along, the other ducks will come and you’ll have the confidence to put them in line accordingly.