Reasons to Learn How to Sew
Too bad we can’t go back to the good old days when grandmas and moms almost universally taught their kids to sew. Before the Wal-martization of America, where anyone can now buy cheap clothing to replace anything that has lost a button or has a hole, people were much more self-reliant and had actual skills, like sewing, in their daily arsenal of life skills. Back then, it was a matter of personal pride that one could sew. Today? Not so much.
That said, what are some decent reasons to learn how to sew in the times we live in?
First, sewing can become an outlet for creativity. With sewing, a person can make things for themselves and others, and these things, whether a blanket, dress or pillowcase, allow for self-expression. There’s a certain sense of personal satisfaction in knowing “I made this!”
Next, sewing helps people save money. Rather than just throw out or donate an older piece of clothing because it’s no longer “perfect,” sewing allows a person to make that article of clothing great again. Something as simple as sewing a patch on some torn jeans costs a couple dollars to do, which is better than spending upwards of $50 on a brand new pair of jeans.
Also, if you want to create something that’s truly one-of-a-kind, sewing will get you there. For instance, say you love a certain color and fabric--You could sew an article of clothing or an accessory that features your personal preferences. Indeed, sewing opens you up to making tote bags, purses, scarves, pouches, and accessories where you get to decide the color, shape, style, and more.
By the way, if you see a dress in a movie, like the gorgeous orange one in “Under The Tuscan Sun,” and want to re-create that, then sewing can make it so. Many people sew their own version of famous dresses they see in movies and on the fashion runways of Paris and Milan.
Finally, sewing is a stress reducer. In this crazy world where we are bombarded by 24-hour news-- most of which is bad news-- isn’t it nice to know you can retreat to the world of sewing where you’re creating something new and good? Sewing can be peaceful and comforting in many ways, bringing joy to all those involved from creating items to giving them as gifts and receiving them, too.
Dress Up Dolls and Bears for the Holidays
The holidays are right around the corner which means that it is time to start looking and
thinking about what you want to purchase or make for your loved ones this Christmas.
If you have a special child in your life, perhaps a daughter, granddaughter or niece, and you want to get them something truly unique, then consider giving them a custom outfit for their favorite doll or teddy bear.
You may not have thought of creating custom gifts like these before, but if you want to really surprise them this year and you have some basic sewing experience, you can easily create a fun sweater, hat or cloak that your special someone will truly love. You could even think of it as creating fancy clothes for them to wear to their holiday tea parties. How fun!
The Sky Is the Limit to What You Can Create
You can create all kinds of fun Christmas-themed garments for the dolls, bears and stuffed animals. Start with a simple T-shirt, try a fun set of PJs, or even a warm winter hat. To make them extra Christmassy, gather up some fun greens, reds and a little gold from our store and let your creativity go to work.
You can even go the extra mile and create an entire outfit for them with matching pants, a shirt, dress or even a Christmas robe, like these fun ones found on Pinterest.
Creating a Simple Outfit is a Piece of Cake
There are many tutorials online, including this one from WikiHow, which provide easy instructions on how to create your doll or teddy clothes. The process is pretty simple. In a nutshell, the key is to keep the measurements of the bear or doll in mind and then use a tape measure to make a pattern template.
The next step involves creating the design by drawing the T-shirt (or whatever you are creating) onto a piece of paper, pinning the paper to your fabric of choice and sewing your creation together.
These steps are similar for whatever fashion item you want to create. Making a cloak is as easy as fitting it over the teddy’s head using your fabric and a pair of scissors to fashion a circle. You can even make a set of pajamas by using an old sock and modifying it to create a tiny hat and shirt.
Get All Your Fabrics from Fabrictopia
At Fabrictopia, we have all the fabric and materials you need to create the perfect doll- or bear-sized garb for your child’s favorite companion. With our large variety or different patterns, colors and styles of fabric, you are sure to walk out satisfied. To take a look at our in-stock colors or to discuss your ideas with our in-house seamstress, stop in and see us on Harwin Road in Houston today or call us at 713-977-0747.