It’s actually crazy!
To think two years ago I barely had the skills I possess today. I knew nothing of pattern drafting and basically taught myself everything from books.
I’m definitely not as far along as I want to be but that doesn’t mean I should discount the progress I’ve made so far. Sometimes you can get so blinded by where you want to be that you lose focus of what’s already in front of you, so I want to use this blog post to look back and marvel at my achievements.
If you’re just starting out with sewing/pattern drafting and find that you’re struggling and not really making much progress, I urge you to look at the techniques that you once struggled with, be it sewing in a straight line or inserting a zip, and reflect on how much you’ve been able to overcome, because that in itself is growth.
My biggest struggles
What I’ve struggled with: As a pattern drafter, getting things to fit you properly is always a task. I’d say that it really took me a while to get to grips with double checking my patterns before cutting into my fabric. I’ve had garments that I’ve completely messed up because they’re either too small from lack of wearing ease or just too big.
What I’ve learnt: Something I’m trying to proactively do is measure waist, bust and hip areas on patterns, making sure they’re not too big or small, and if they are, to adjust accordingly.
This jumpsuit was made with my measurements but because I hadn’t added enough wearing ease, it was very difficult to move in it, hence why my tiny sister modeled it instead.
What I’ve struggled with: Gaping!
What I’ve learnt: Contouring!
This V-neckline sat really well on my chest with no sign of gaping. It’s probably the best neckline I’ve ever achieved.
What I’ve struggled with: Finishing. When I first started sewing, undoubtedly, I was a messy sewer. My garments weren’t that well finished and it all looked like a big mess.
What I’ve learnt: It takes time. The more I sew, the neater my garments have become. To the point that I actually surprise myself on how clean and well made a garment is.
This hem on my little red dress features an array of ripped stitches caused mostly by using the wrong technique to hem a stretchy fabric.
My favourite project so far
The day and night dresses that I made for the Day and Night Dress Challenge will forever be my most cherished project. The drama surrounding the completion of the project is enough to secure its position in my hall of fame! The dresses didn’t require a complex sewing pattern or a convoluted construction but the impromptu-ness of it all and the outcome still just wows me!
My favourite Tutorial
I never expected my YouTube Channel to grow as much as it has. I’m approaching 10,000 subscribers and I’m literally so excited for where things could go!
Although I am a sporadic poster, there are some gems amidst my 30-something video uploads. My most favoured being the sleeves draft.
Sleeves are something that I really tried avoiding in my earlier projects because I just couldn’t do them! But this tutorial has everything I would need from a tutorial as beginner pattern drafter. Now I sew sleeves all the time!
Lastly to all my supporters
Thank you! I have had so many people really have my back, it’s been amazing. I appreciate all the love you’ve shown me, and I hope we can all continue to grow together in this crazy sewing world because there’s much to still learn!
I am, and have been, an avid subscriber of yours! You remind me if myself at your age: problem solver, creator, teacher.
Your presentations provide clarity in your thinking process. Questions are answered within the body of the lessons. Two years? Amazing!
Dorothy! Thanks so much! It’s nice that you see me like that – to myself, I’m just a regular everyday girl. It’s so comforting that you’re able to relate to me. Glad you’ve been enjoying my videos 🙂
Congratulations from Montreal, Québec! 🙂 Your ‘favorite project so far’ is stunning!
Thanks so much Diane!
Doja, congratulations on all your accomplishments! You are a shining example of what you can achieve by applying yourself, whereas I have in the last 2 years+ have read extensively about sewing instead of actually doing it… I keep telling myself just do it but somewhere procrastination is always there. I will try and change that and see what I can accomplish in the next 2 years. I look forward to seeing what you do next 🙂
Thank you Juls! The first step is always the hardest but you really don’t have anything to lose. You can even start with something simple and functional like a pillow case – then push yourself a step further by adding pleats to the next case you make, then even further by trying new and random shapes and even harder by installing an invisible zipper into one. It’s all about the baby steps, that’s how we grow and progress.
Hey Doja, we are sailing in the same boat, i started my blog 2 years back but i have been sewing since my childhood as my granny and my mom, both are professional sewers. so its a kind of a family business, i should have brought this business many years back but could not. I would love to know what would be your next step.
xoxo
Hannah
Hi Hannah!! It’s amazing that sewing is continuing through the generations of your family. I’m the first in my family to pick it up, but hopefully won’t be the last in future generations to come. It’s an amazing talent and wouldn’t want it to stop with me.
I’m still thinking about my next steps. I’m not entirely sure but I’m just going to go with the flow and see where I end up. Fashion design is definitely an option that I’m serious about considering. Making clothes for people is a no-no though.