Sewing basic, daily-wear garments is a top priority on my list of sewing goals for 2013. Yet, three-quarters of the way through the year, I haven't worked very diligently towards achieving that priority. 
It's very easy to fall in love with the envelop art on vintage dress patterns, regardless of their practicality. I have a hard time trying to convince myself against sewing them exclusively. However, my daily uniform is much more consistent with the list I made here than it is with tulle petticoats and frilly dresses. 
So, why is it a complete chore for me to regroup my focus towards more versatile and practical garments? In addition to their overwhelming function, garments like this Scout Tee or the Datura Blouses I sewed earlier this summer are MUCH simpler and far less time consuming than say... the 40's dress I sewed for Rochelle's Sew for Victory SAL. 
As a person with limited sewing time, isn't that time better spent working on garments that will see repeated use and wear? While making 'staples' doesn't excite me quite the way it does to hand stitch a hem on a full skirted party dress, I do adore them when they're finished. I've already worn my scout tee a handful of times since I finished it. 
Or, should a crafter with limited hours to devote to her craft work exclusively on projects that make her heart flutter? 
How do you choose your projects? Are you the type to sew/knit only those things that you know you'll wear, or do you throw practicality to the wayside? Have you discovered the secret to achieving balance and harmony between these two worlds? Do tell! 
Pattern: Scout Tee by Grainline Studios
Fabric: Poly Crepe- Estate sale find. Notes: I didn't make any modifications to the pattern. This top went together very easily! However, because my fabric has a high propensity for fraying, I used French seams throughout (sides, shoulders, sleeves).
26 Comments
9/4/2013 04:23:46 am
When we lived in Wisconsin, I knew what to expect with the weather. I knew that if I knit a bulky, heavy sweater, I would wear it in the winter. I wouldn't even need a coat! I knew that I would wear hats, mittens, scarves, and socks. So, I made them. I've gotten better recently with knitting projects that I want to wear. The sweaters I knit when I first started knitting don't see have the action that my Oolong or Grace cardigans do. Knitting practical projects was definitely an evolutionary process, so maybe sewing will be similar??? However, I REALLY need to knit more hats/mittens/cowls- I have almost none. And, I'm always upset about it when winter gets here.... Maybe I still have some work to do in knitting functional pieces first... :-D 9/4/2013 06:04:19 am
I knit what I'm inspired to knit. While I admire beautiful shawls, I do not for the most part have the desire to knit them myself....and when I have been inspired, I find an excuse to wear it (the Jeanie). So, I might make party dresses and then start throwing parties just to show them off.
katie metzroth
9/4/2013 06:05:12 am
such a great discussion topic that I neglected to comment on how charming I find your new top. Lovely work as per your usual!
I mostly sew things I know I will wear but that's not too hard for me because I'm not terribly shy about wearing something a little bit crazy or "too frilly". Of course I do have my limits and I try to stay within them when I sew. (How boring, right?) 9/4/2013 10:15:35 am
Sewing wearable basics that mix and match has also been a big goal of mine this year, and they need to be comfy to boot! This blouse looks like it fits perfectly into that department! I love the polka dots :) Based on your posts, you have been INCREDIBLY successful in this department! You have sewn so many lovely garments! You also seems to have a really good handle on your personal sense of style, which is something I could improve on. I drooled over your Me-Mades all MAY! So cute! I love the scout tee! I definitely lean towards the practical side of things - I really only sew clothes that I know I will wear, and like! If I'm not going to wear it, no matter how frilly and wonderful, I usually don't bother sewing it - there just aren't enough hours in the day! Lol - that said, I did just buy some ridiculous butterfly print cotton to make a dress that I have no idea where I'm going to wear it - but it will be made and worn! Lol :) I wear the vintage-y stuff during the week at work. My biggest stumbling block is most of my items need ironing after they've been washed and one cat or another is constantly asleep on the ironing board : ) On the weekends I tend to wear the same 2 t-shirts and pair of men's boxer shorts. Your shirt is adorable, have to check that pattern out! And I'm still trying to figure out how to justify a sweater with bear ears and buttons into my wardrobe! 9/5/2013 04:26:35 am
You already know that I love that Scout Tee so much, because polka dots are fabulous on you :) I usually sew for work. Totally lame, I know, but it's so much more likely to be worn if I can wear it during the work week or even on Fridays when we get to wear jeans. Otherwise, it goes into that special place in the closet reserved for the "special and certain occasion" clothes and it's never seen again. I probably need to make more staples as well but sewing is my relaxation and hobby so I just sew whatever makes my heart flutter or whatever I need in the moment. I tried planning my projects but with schoolwork and social commitments I have limited time to sew so I just make whatever excites me the most! Leave a Reply. |
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