Sewing is a prehistoric craft, dating to Paleolithic times.
For thousands of years, it was a necessary, everyday skill, done by hand.
In the modern industrial world sewing is now done primarily by machines, which has led to mass production of clothing, furnishings, and other gear.
Home sewing isn't as needful a skill as it once was, even just 100 years ago.
It's very easy and much more convenient to simply go to the store and buy products that are machine-sewn, saving both the time and effort of making them at home.
In some ways, this has led to a decline in modern society of not only those who are well-versed in the art of sewing and making their own clothing, but even of those who possess the basic sewing skills to mend their own clothing.
My confession is that I'm one of those who only possess basic sewing skills.
I can mend tears, shorten hems, and re-sew buttons, but I'm not friendly with sewing machines.
I do admit to a certain envy and admiration of friends who can sit down at their sewing machines and create a beautiful dress for their little girl or a handsome shirt for their son, for less cost than I pay at the store! The thought of saving money might lead me one of these days to try to learn how to make a few things myself.
Learning to sew and make your own clothes need not be as daunting or time-consuming as it might seem.
A great number of helpful, tutorial websites exist, with videos, detailed instructions, and uncomplicated projects for beginners.
There's much to learn, including sewing terminology, how to find a good sewing machine and use and care for it properly, sewing techniques such as seams and darts, hand-sewing, and how to select fabrics for different projects.
The best advice is to start simple and take it step by step.
Starting simple doesn't have to mean boring, however! You can make fun and useful items such as a fancy tote bag, a shawl or blanket, a baby towel, and aprons or scarves.
Each of these projects teaches techniques that will lay the foundation for more complicated projects, such as dresses, skirts, or shirts for your family.
For thousands of years, it was a necessary, everyday skill, done by hand.
In the modern industrial world sewing is now done primarily by machines, which has led to mass production of clothing, furnishings, and other gear.
Home sewing isn't as needful a skill as it once was, even just 100 years ago.
It's very easy and much more convenient to simply go to the store and buy products that are machine-sewn, saving both the time and effort of making them at home.
In some ways, this has led to a decline in modern society of not only those who are well-versed in the art of sewing and making their own clothing, but even of those who possess the basic sewing skills to mend their own clothing.
My confession is that I'm one of those who only possess basic sewing skills.
I can mend tears, shorten hems, and re-sew buttons, but I'm not friendly with sewing machines.
I do admit to a certain envy and admiration of friends who can sit down at their sewing machines and create a beautiful dress for their little girl or a handsome shirt for their son, for less cost than I pay at the store! The thought of saving money might lead me one of these days to try to learn how to make a few things myself.
Learning to sew and make your own clothes need not be as daunting or time-consuming as it might seem.
A great number of helpful, tutorial websites exist, with videos, detailed instructions, and uncomplicated projects for beginners.
There's much to learn, including sewing terminology, how to find a good sewing machine and use and care for it properly, sewing techniques such as seams and darts, hand-sewing, and how to select fabrics for different projects.
The best advice is to start simple and take it step by step.
Starting simple doesn't have to mean boring, however! You can make fun and useful items such as a fancy tote bag, a shawl or blanket, a baby towel, and aprons or scarves.
Each of these projects teaches techniques that will lay the foundation for more complicated projects, such as dresses, skirts, or shirts for your family.