You don't have to know how
Thu, November 10, 2011 at 02:23PM 
did you know, you can just start?
i cut up squares and rectangles of fabrics
and i sew them together in lines
and i sew them together in odd shapes
and i sew 4 of them together in blocks
and i sew the blocks together
and then i cut some more fabric
This morning as I wound a bobbin I thought about sewing. It all started last summer when I bought a nice machine with the goal of sewing paper onto art journal pages. I didn't know how to use it so I invented little fake projects for myself. I didn't realize it then, but the trick was to see the learning process as a series of impromptu experiments. If I was trying to sew a quilt that lined up just-so, I would have given up quickly, running screaming down the street! Case in point: I made myself an ipod case but the earphones didn't fit inside. OK so I didn't measure or plan ahead. My lines of fabric don't line up perfectly. I don't care. But I made little journals that I loved. And played pretend super-mom turning little kid disney costumes into big kid halloween costumes by tearing up this and attaching to that. I tore out a lotta thread.
Just time + practice.
So hard to see that from the beginning.
You can just start.
You don't have to know how.
When I find a good product, I like to spread the word; my sewing machine is a Janome Magnolia 7330.
Lots of sewing for DAYS No. NINE + TEN of Art Every Day Month at Creative Every Day. I didn't get a chance to photograph last night, so I am sharing both days together.
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Reader Comments (12)
ha! that is EXACTLY how I make quilts. I don't really have a pattern. I just cut out squares and sew them together. i don't care if it's not perfect, i just like the process and the finished product, even if it's a little imperfect.
I took a sewing class in junior high. I had fun. I don't remember much of it though. Thank goodness I have a seeing diva in the house in the form of my mother! But that attitude is awesome for anything really. I didn't know how to paint or draw, I just started. Great post!
Great post! Thanks for the reminder that it's OK to just try it and see. And I love all the colors you are working with. Your quilt is going to be beautiful!
The funny thing is that I'm not even making a quilt. I'm not sure what I am making!
Tammy
I love this kind of practice. It doesn't matter if you don't know what it is yet--just seeing the colors and patterns together is inspiring, don'cha think? Maybe one day it'll tell you what it is ;)
Oh fabric, how I love you so. Too bad I don't sew (much). How great that you just sit and create and let yourself be free to see what happens. Any plans for these little scraps, or are you still waiting to see where they take you?
Great post! "You don't have to know how; did you know, you can just start?" I love that! I'm like that with my sewing machine...no real training, no real talent, but it's just so fun to sew this to that (especially, for me, when there is paper involved!). Sometimes I go a little crazy that I can't sew a straight seam, but then I look at so many other people's work, and they aren't even TRYING to sew it straight...and I love it!
i absolutely love this about you, tammy. you make crafting so accessible. i've always had a block against sewing because it seems so involved and prohibitive. but as you pointed out, it doesn't have to be! xo
great sentiment.......
Lining up seams is waaaaay over-rated I reckon ;-). Loving your patchwork. Keep sewing!
Such a great reminder! Thanks for putting things into perspective for me!
I love that--Just time + practice. I still think of your similar words about drawing--how you were working on improving your hand eye coordination by practicing doodling--it stuck with me. Thanks for the dose of inspiration I always get here!