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Friday, February 3

Sewing Clothing Isn't As Scary As It Seems

Tilly Pattern
I remember a time in the past where I was completely in awe of anyone who could make their own clothing.  I was a novice, at best, and would practice my skills by tailoring friends' t-shirts (very poorly).  I discounted EVER being able to sew my own clothing because it seemed impossible. *Way to believe in yourself, past Katie*  Oh, yeah.  And don't even get me started with how intimidating I found the fabric store to be...

Well, I was wrong.  It's not that hard to sew your own clothing.  Honestly!  If you're rolling your eyes at me right now, hear me out.  We all progress in steps, right?  Starting out sewing straight lines turns into sewing napkins or buntings or pillow covers.  Learning to sew on a curve leads to more detailed projects.

Practicing your skills without fear of failure is key.  You are going to fail.  Let's just get that out of the way.  We all do it.  There have been times where I ruined really pretty fabric because I just wasn't paying close enough attention.  Or, I spent hours on something and it just ended up getting scrapped.  It was a bummer, but also a learning experience.  Every messed-up project is a learning experience.  Oh, and let's just put that "F" word away.  I never did like it much, anyway.

Tilly Pattern
I'm super high and braggy on my friend, Tilly, and her patterns because they are simple to follow and they have photos to help you grasp the "stitch language" a little better.  I just stitched up the Cleo Dungaree Dress (in my free time, HA HA) and I think it came out adorably.  Oh, yeah.  Remember when I said I was intimidated by fabric stores?  Tilly is actually selling KITS with everything you need to sew the dress already included now.  It's great for newbies... and lazies like me.  ;)

Tilly Pattern Tilly Pattern Tilly Pattern Tilly and the Buttons sewing pattern
There she is in all her glory.  This was a just-for-fun sewing project, and honestly, I've been needing more of these with all of the noise happening in the world right now.  Sewing can be so therapeutic.  Right, fellow stitchers?  This is just a little post to *hopefully* either help boost your confidence in sewing clothing, or inspire you to stitch up something fun this weekend!  I already have fabric picked out for my next dress!  Happy stitching, friends!

13 comments:

  1. This seems like a great time to thank you for getting me into sewing! A couple of years ago you mentioned Tilly's book, Love at First Stitch, and I was so impressed by the cute dress you'd made. So I got the book and decided to give it a go. It stuck, and a year ago I also started taking patternmaking classes so that I can draft my own sewing patterns. I quit my software engineering job last fall and am planning to start a new career in the fashion industry, hopefully with my own little business. So, thank you for inspiring me to start that life-changing process!!

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    1. Thank you so much for this comment! I honestly spent years terrified of sewing "real" projects and I love the opportunity to encourage others! Congrats on your new career. What a wonderful story! <3

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  2. Sewing can be so therapeutic indeed! I love sewing but I've never actually done something as "big" as this one -- from scratch I mean. I can't wait to get my own sewing machine and sew my heart out! Of course I have to practice too. Thanks for sharing your story katie! :)

    xoxo, rae
    http://www.raellarina.net

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  3. Love this post! I couldn't agree more, it's all about practicing, giving yourself a break and just enjoying the process (and if it turns out great, the finished piece too!).

    Tilly and the Buttons is such a fabulous company, friendly AF and produce some glorious patterns that certainly take the pressure off for newbies : )

    Gemma
    Faded Windmills

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    1. Absolutely! Tilly and the Buttons is one of my favorite resources for simple patterns!

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  4. OMG that's SO cute! Love love love.

    http://shannoninthecity.com

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  5. Hi there, Im always checkin ABM and also your blog and stuff =) Love your pictures and lovely family! Im from Chile and i was looking at your 'Skunky Closet Sale' and i was madly in love with the Free People Sweater Dress. Im really interested on buy it (i checked that it ships worldwide with cost and its ok) But i was wondering if you have a picture WITH the dress on it in order to see how it fits :) I didnt know exactly how to write you on the page...so i did it here.
    Hope you can help me with this crush i had with your lovely dress :)

    Lots of greeting from Chile.

    Javiera.

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  6. I'm so excited to check out these new kits! & I actually really appreciate hearing about your process and progress. It makes it less scary :) My sewing skills are improving the more I practice and work, and I've realized that what I need to learn is to not be afraid of fear. There's always that discomfort every time I push my skills or ask more from myself. But really good things happen after that!

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    1. Yes! Simple patterns with lots of pictures are what helped give me the confidence to move onto the next skill. You can totally do this!

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  7. I got this book for Christmas and am so excited! :)

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  8. Aw, I love to sew! Those overalls are adorable ♡

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  9. I loved Tilly's book, and now I have the Cleo pattern coming in the mail thanks to this post :)

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