photo courtesy teepublic.com, great stuff
Rant:
What is up with the speed demons of the Sewing World? A recent discussion on the Pattern Review forum had the original poster ask how long it took to make a pair of pants. It wasn't until near that end of page two that someone said "why do you want to know?"
Are we sewing to meet deadlines? Is that the goal, to beat the clock? If I know I can whip out a pair of tried and true pants in 2 1/2 hours, do I save that for the last two and a half hours before I go out to an important meeting, a big date, an evening with friends? Who on earth sews with this pressure and therefore, why is it important? Over and over again I see the Speed Question. On the numerous pages I visit on FB, there is a constant bragging deluge of unpressed, poorly hemmed garments that are considered incredibly wonderful because they were whipped out in two hours. THEY LOOK like they were whipped out in two hours. Is that the goal of sewists today, how quick we can make something? Is it the measure of a great sewist to be able to make it faster than anyone else? Where are we racing to that we take something we profess to love doing and can't get it over with fast enough? This is not one reaction to a forum question. I have seen this over and over the past few months all over sewing social media. There are requests for skirts I can make in an hour, dresses in two, pants in one flying all over the internet and getting answered.
Why is the fastest completion possible the goal for a sewist? Why does it supersede a quality, flattering construction? Someone tell me. I just don't know and don't understand. There was a time, way back in my teens, where I might have been unexpectedly invited out on a date with nothing to wear. I would "cram sew" to have something decent and pretty for the date. My mom knew I had a limited wardrobe and would kick in and help me. I was proud that I could sew a much needed something or other in time enough to look good for my evening out. I didn't particularly enjoy the "cram sewing" but did it because I had to. It was not a common occurrence. I just didn't prefer to sew that way. What I am currently seeing is not like that. It is definitely more of a brag in who can make the quickest leggings. I guess I am just missing something. I love sewing. Sewing calms me. It gives me peace. It lets me express my self creatively. It's something I want to do well. I don't want to do it fast.........glad I got that out of my system. Thanks, dear readers......Bunny
I agree with you. I sew because I like to sew. I do things as fast as I feel,like doing them. If I am tired, I stop. If I find,myself thinking of other things, I stop. It never is a race. I want my clothes to be exactly what I want sewn with care to last. I don't understand the mentality of sewing super fast to just be done.
ReplyDeleteFrom this, people might think I'm a super slow sewer. Actually, I am not. Once I have altered a pattern, thought about the item, am sure,I want it as cut. I can sew things up fast. A tee in an hour? Sure. Pants in 2-3 hours? Sure. But not if it compromises quality. I guess it's the fast fashion mentality applied to sewing. If I don't like it after a few wears, just toss it.
I thought about that, Lynn, and thanks for pointing out that connection with fast fashion. The quest for instant gratification is pervasive today. I wonder if the tide will shift one day to a more conscientious, mindful use of our time. Mindfulness is being mentioned everywhere, the calm it provides and the control as well. Has the time for Mindful Sewing arrived? Hmmmm,,,,
DeleteJust want to add that I love your philosophy, Lynn.
DeleteIf you watch Project Runway or follow the student Instagrams from FIT, then you may be among the followers who wonder if speed has a relationship to success and its impact on garment quality. Speed is the one component of my sewing repertoire not developed to its highest or finest level. I would fail at the televised sewing contests because I focus on accuracy. Actually, I don't care to sew fast, or to own a machine that sews 1,000 stitches per minute. Like you, having started sewing in the handwork arena (embroidery, etc.), I focus on the perfection of the smaller details over the speed used to complete a project. My daughter-in-law asks, "How long did it take you to make it?" whenever I complete a new garment for the youngest grandbaby. I never have an answer ready because speed is something I don't think about while creating things.
ReplyDeleteI love that you couldn't hold in your rant, (lol) and felt you needed to release the tension among friends and followers who support and admire you and your work. I love sewing, too...and I plan to keep doing it as I slowly approach the horizon. I hope you don't begin to race to the end...a leisurely stroll is so much enjoyable! See you there!
Love your reply. Sewing into the horizon sounds lovely. I get that question, too. I have no idea because when I sew I just don't focus on time. Often I need to be reminded to eat or feed others.
DeleteMe too. I've slowed right down with sewing and will often take several weeks to complete a garment. Not that it takes a long time. I just don't want to rush it. I want to enjoy the process.
ReplyDeleteIt is enjoyable isn't it? I will say that there are two sorts of sewists, the process type and the result types. While I love to revel in my results I really enjoy the process, even when it gets challenging, maybe even more when it does that.
DeleteAs a naturally slow sewer (embroiderer, quilter etc) I am constantly fascinated by the drive for fastest. Like you I know that fast does not equal best. Everything about life today is speed and immediacy so maybe it is a generational difference. Be interesting to see in the future how this balances with mindfulness and care for our environment. In the meantime I won't be competing for the sewing speed record. (I started my Christmas dress last Sunday and it may be finished in time but if not there is always next year no pressure.)
ReplyDeleteI would love to have my top done for Christmas and with a lot of upcoming time off, I may. But if I don't , that's OK, too. I rather get it right than done. There is so much pressure in our every day lives today that it is really nice to have a space to go to where we can choose to have no pressure and work at the pace we choose.
Deletesometimes I will race to the finish only because I am dying to see it done and wear it-it tends to be on summer stuff that are the quicker sews anyway but generally I take my time especially with a coat (also allowing the coat to rest into its new shape for 24 hours as its wool). I do find my teenage sewing hilarious now to look back on, and I see it in some teens I taught where its all about the 'now', and to be fair, they were all happy to jump in and learn to sew and just do it, where as adult learners tend to overthink
ReplyDeleteEnlightening observation. Thanks.
DeleteI have wondered the same thing myself. Especially when I go to a class to learn a new skill or to make a project. I NEVER complete the project during the class. I may be slower than most people, but I do get it done and I am in competition with no one.
ReplyDeleteAgree with what everyone is saying. I can also identify with needing something and being forced to sew it up quick but I don't sew well under pressure. I have a few TNTs that don't take long to cut and sew but new patterns I find, must be sewn slowly and carefully. One blogger I particularly admire is Laura Mae from "Lilacs and Lace". She sews a lot but it's obvious she takes the time to mark carefully, cut cleanly, and finish properly.
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
I agree. She definitely sews mindfully.
DeleteI learned to sew 59 years ago (eek!) and what keeps me sewing is the process more than the final outcome. The crinkle of the pattern tissue as I unfold it, The feel of the fabric in my hands and fingers as I ease a sleeve cap and then holding up a beautifully inserted sleeve without a pucker; sharp scissors of many sizes to choose; the hum of the sewing machine motor. I actually added a Singer 404 to my machine collection just to be able to hear the music of that old workhorse motor as it creates the perfect straight stitch. My sewing friends with as many years of sewing as me all know exactly what I’m speaking of.
ReplyDeleteWE certainly do! You had me with the stare at the perfect sleeve cap. What glory!
DeleteI agree! I've been sewing for 60 years (7th grade), before we had sergers for the home sewer. Back then, there was a lot of hand sewing. While many things are automatic, I would probably be called a slow sewer. I prefer accuracy over speed (along with a good seam ripper when needed).
ReplyDeleteMaybe it has to do with just what you mentioned, the hand sewing. I was taught hand sewing early on by the sisters and believe me, it was a very slow process. We were only allowed to take a few stitches daily and they were inspected before we could move on to a few more. It was a long slow process but I love that sort of sewing to this day. So I don't think it is necessarily generational but maybe more a sign of our times? I wish they taught these things today.
DeleteWhat amazes me is not only the speed of some seamstresses, but the amount of garments that they produce. I suppose the two are intertwined. But for me, sewing is a way of making beautiful garments that last...so you don't need so many.
ReplyDeleteI am at that stage, better fabrics, slower sewing, less clothes.
DeleteIs time becoming the new cheap fabric? I guess that's another way of saying what Lynn said.
ReplyDeleteI can't sew fast. If I do, something *will* go wrong, even with a TNT. Either I cut out the pattern wrong (directional fabrics different ways or unfortunate pattern placement), sew the wrong bits together, fabric folds under and gets sewn into seam, or worse - serged off, machine knots, hit pin that I missed taking out fast enough, sew crooked, iron too hot or not hot enough.... In other words - the hurrieder I sew, the behinder I get.
that's me, Gail. "Time is the new cheap fabric." I love that!
DeleteI use to be one of those "Can I sew it as fast as possible sewists" because I was part of that Big4 pattern company hype - sew it fast, faster, fastest. Do you remember those patterns? Then I went to a Cynthia Guffey seminar and asked a question like why would you do that? When another method is so much faster and got handed my head so fast, I could barely hold it up.
ReplyDeleteFrom that day to this, I've practiced taking my time and using the best techniques and details that I can in my sewn clothing because her points (many of which you made above) made so much sense to me and caused me to reject the propaganda I'd been fed.
However, in this day of keeping your social media account up to date with the latest thing you've made, it has split the sewing community into two camps. Either you're a fast producer to have constant content for your YouTube channel, blog, Facebook page and IG account or you've moved over to the slow sewing camp. Where you take your time, use the best construction techniques, best fabric you can afford and enjoy the process.
Me, I'm stay over here in the slow lane and let others do their thing over there. Thanks for a very thoughtful post.
I hadn't thought of it that way, Caroline. You are so right. Talk about turning sewing into a job with pressure like that! Is it worth it? Not for me?
DeleteI suppose I would be considered a "fast" sewer. I'm also a stay at home Mama to two young boys whom I also sew for. I don't need their shirts and pants to be heirloom quality....they need to hold up to karate practice, dirt, grime, and ATV's. But despite sewing quickly (it's not uncommon for me to finish 2 or 3 raglan shirts in a day or several pairs of pajama pants) the clothing holds up very well. I take the time to source the best fabric I can find, and so far my hand mades have made it through my 2 boys and been passed on to my sister's two boys. I do slow down for my own sewing, but I also work primarily with knits, and sew mostly casual clothing for myself....It doesn't take that long for me to make a knit top. If someone is squeezing in sewing time around family and work obligations there is a desire to have something to show for your hobby time. I can justify spending 4 times the amount on shirt for my boys if it's something I've made that will last through 4 kids rather than getting thrown away because it's falling apart after 4 months of wear. But I can't justify the time and money to sew if it takes me 3 months to complete that shirt and the fabric is just sitting. We all approach our mutual hobby of sewing differently....for some it's about not fitting into ready to wear, others are aiming to be more socially aware of their textile consumption habits, other's are brimming with creative ideas that just need "out" right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me of those days when my boys were young and I would whip out shorts at night for them to wear the next day. I remember how the serger saved so much time and how quickly those boys grew. My sister and I sewed together when we could. She sewed knits for her girls, I sewed mostly wovens. My sister and one of my sons died way too young. I miss those times!
DeleteI totally get your method of sewing. This is what I call "cram sewing". It is something you need to do to get those boys covered. You have to do it in a time crunched lifestyle where the priority is always the family/children and budget must be taking into consideration as well. I totally get that and understand. How do you even find the time? I admire your efforts and thanks for your thoughts on the topic. I wish you well and your love of sewing shows. You will find that it will evolve as the decades go by and it will be fun to see how it changes. Be open to whatever it brings you. You triggered a memory I have of my mom churning out scads of white button down shirts for my brothers at her Singer Rocketeer. I had six brothers and most needed these for school uniforms. She literally would crank them out by the stack, definitely cram sewing! Thanks for the memory job.
DeleteSo very sorry for the loss of your son, Lisa. What memories you have!
DeleteTotally agree with you. I am a perfectionist and it has to be my 100% best (which drives my husband nuts). I enjoy the 'ride' and it takes however long it takes. This is why I will not sew for others (unless they don't know about it). I don't want or need the pressure to 'get er done'.
ReplyDeleteIt takes me more than the allotted 2.5 hrs to find the pattern, iron the fabric and finally cut out the garment! Probably most of that time is spent looking for the pattern which I just had in my hand and where could I have put it down.......
ReplyDeleteOf course whenever a pattern says "easy", my mind seems to say "oh good, I'll go shopping while you make it" and there begins the stupid mistakes!
If there is ever a category of speed-losing-things, I will be the one to beat!
I will never be that person that can brag about doing something fast - just about EVERYTHING I do/create (be it sewing, miniature painting, graphic design, drawing), will take me a long time. But, it will be something I'm proud of. I don't understand the rush - society in general just wants everything - now or as fast as possible. Hopefully people will recognize that quality & time go hand-in-hand.
ReplyDeleteI think they do, many of them anyway.
DeleteHmm. I don't think it's either or -- either you're a fast sewer who produces low-quality garments or you're a slower sewer who produces high-quality garments. Or you're a slow sewer so you enjoy sewing but fast sewers don't.
ReplyDeleteNot everything is a month-long project. Not everything requires 10, 15, 20 hours to turn out "great".
I do know how many hours it takes me to make some things; a basic tee or a fly front pant or a straight, lined skirt for example. Because I am a planner. I like to plan my projects and time. Does it mean I "have to!" get this skirt done in 4 hours? Well, no. But it gives me an idea on how to plan.
And personally, I enjoy sewing so I enjoy it whether I spend 90 minutes sewing a knit top or a month hand sewing a lining into a jacket. I'm not much of a creative so I don't spend excessive amounts of time meandering. I'm such a technical person! :) The garment is constructed in my mind, start to finish, before I ever pull out the shears.
Has my sewing slowed down? YES! I think that comes with experience for most. 1) the garments I make hang around longer (better fabric, better construction, etc.) 2) I now KNOW when something is off, needs to be unpicked and redone, needs some redirection etc.
Now, all that to say, I sometimes scream at my phone (not literally) PRESS YOUR #*(#*#@ SEAMS PEOPLE! I do my part, I show my pressing steps as much as I can :-p Like knits constructed on the serger. OMG please stop posting your sad wavy seams and hemlines without a press!
But, I usually just scream it to myself, inside my head. :-D LOL!
I will add here that not all fast sewists are bad sewists. I think we can all whip out a gathered knit skirt with an elastic band pretty quickly and even enjoy doing it quickly now and then. Perhaps the difference is the things made quickly that show the effort at excellence didn't get put in. I always love Roberta Carr's famous phrase and one of her ten rules of sewing. To paraphrase, "the amount of effort in shows the results that come out."
DeleteGreat post. I totally agree
ReplyDeletethanks.
DeleteOh, how I love you darling Bunny!
ReplyDeleteI feel EXACTLY the same. Lately, I have begun to feel such a sewing failure as I "slow see.....I Almost feel ashamed that I could no more make an item in 2 hours to save my very soul. I don't want to either.
Are we sisters??
Well, we became sewing sisters back in the day of Australian Sewing and Smocking, so that definitely put us into the same sewing basket way back!
DeleteI've never been a fast sewist. I would get a little discouraged at the patterns that had estimated times on them -- specifically seen on Seamwork patterns in the early days and there was at least one other pattern company I ran across. I would never even be close to finishing in the amount of time suggested. I've just accepted that I'm slow and don't pay any attention to how long I *should* take to complete something. However, I do have some simpler TNT patterns that I can make quickly (for me.) So, I usually will whip out a couple of those when I feel like I need some new dresses in my rotation ASAP or I feel like I haven't finished anything in a while. Those aren't the projects that I savor, but they are satisfying in a different way.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it great to have those TNTs where all the fit and fuss is worked out? That does allow to get right into the fun of the process and definitely save time.
DeleteI'm so glad you're blogging again Bunny. Your list of "why" questions are spot on. I've seen the same speed questions and brave even on wallets and purses. We want to continue teaching others to sew, to keep our craft alive and viable. Enjoying the process should be part of the learning.
ReplyDeleteYes! I do actually enjoy blogging and to be able to blog about my passion is just great fun and then there is the sharing! Doesn't get much better. I think today many bloggers are blogging with less regard to any schedule. I enjoy enough to keep at it but it may have life creeping in the way now and then. I am ok with the less rigid scheduling that some attemptd a few years back. I guess if you monetize that's important but I don't. If I am sewing, I will be blogging about it. If you don't see a blogpost, it is because I am not sewing at the moment (hard to imagine.)
DeleteI'm naturally a slow sewer, maybe because I don't work well under pressure. But I accept there are some people (not all, but some) who can work fast and produce quality garments. And to be perfectly honest, some quicker (ie, machine-sewn) techniques produce an objectively better result - like the neatness of a zip facing sewn from the inside by machine; a lapped zipper that had its seam allowances cut to perfection and didn't need basting because everything was already aligned ready to go. I shudder at the sloppiness of some "slow" techniques, but each to their own.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is not so much about being the fastest, but being more efficient? I read that post with interest because I curious how long it took other sewists to make a garment.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the "as long as it takes" camp. When I first started sewing, I was never able to sew one of those "one hour" branded patterns in the allocated time, and I wondered why. Sometimes, it is nice just to know that you're not alone, few people actually sew that fast and it's OK to go at your own pace.
Can I sew fast...you bet when there is a wedding date deadline. Do I enjoy it? Never! Sewing well involves proper pressing after each step and making sure you didn't catch anything in the seam especially if you are sewing for clients. Folks who can crank out pajamas the night before Christmas...good for you! I remember when patterns labelled "the 8 hour blazer" and the "one-hour skirt" came out and experienced sewers said that it would take that long just to cut out the paper pattern and then the fabric, never mind have a finished garment ready to wear.
ReplyDeleteWhen one of my sewing students would complain about how long something was taking I'd give them a bit of a reality check. I'd tell them "imagine that you were making each stitch by hand by the dim light of an oil lamp - this is much quicker!" "Now, take your time, learn the techniques and with time you'll be able to make things faster, but always take the time to enjoy the process. Your hands are making something and that is incredible!"
ReplyDelete