The desire to learn how to sew clothes is reaching an all-time high.  Whether it’s because of shows like Project Runway and the Fashion Show inspiring dreams of creativity to design clothes, or just the ability to mend a favorite garment;  many individuals have expressed they want to learn how to sew their own clothes.  You may have heard other reasons such as the need to sew a button back on that came off doing laundry, that it’s too expensive to have alterations done, too difficult finding clothes that fit a tall, skinny body or it’s just looks like a fun thing to learn how to do.

There are a variety of tools online and off line to assist with the process of learning how to sew clothes.  Many start with step-by-step sewing ebooks, videos and or attend classroom sewing courses.  I was fortunate enough to start sewing as a child; my mother taught me, and her mother taught her.  Sewing was a natural part of life then, a lifeskill.  I was so fascinated with the art of creating something with my own hands, that I, later majored in Home Economics Education and taught other young men and women to do the same.

I was one of those persons that fit in the tall, skinny category, and could never find anything to fit my body.  If I found a blouse to fit my torso, it was not close to covering the length of my arms, unless it was sleeveless and summertime.  Now, as I remember, summertime was probably my favorite time of the year for buying clothes that fit; less skin to cover.  But, once spring or summer was over, I had a variety of challenges.  

I was forced to learn how to sew clothes simply because I could not find anything to wear in the wintertime.  My ready-to-wear pants were always too short and my sleeves were never long enough to keep the chill off my long skinny arms and legs.  Unfortunately, I am faced with a slightly different problem today.  Now that my body has matured, I need to add a little more width to cover my long legs and arms.  Either way, knowing how to sew my own clothes has been a godsend.  And knowing how to sew clothes that fit my body has been even better.

If nothing in the ready-to-wear arena fits my body the way I like it, nor comes in the color that complements my skin tone, or fits my budget,  I always have another option.  I am never concerned anymore about stepping into a room full of people, on a very special occasion and spotting someone across the room in the exact, same outfit that I have on. This causes me to wonder if the people in the room are thinking that the other person looks better in their outfit, than I do in mine.  Thank goodness, some people are kind enough not to say anything, but you think they are talking with their eyes.  It sort of ruins the evening, if you let it.  Next time, you say to yourself, I’ll sew it myself and I will not have this problem.

I understand the desire or need to learn how to sew clothes, especially clothes that fit your body; the frustration of realizing that your body has changed and you don’t have anything to wear, again.  I know the problems you are faced with when shopping store-to-store and leaving empty-handed.  

But, I also know the overwhelming joy that I feel walking out of the fabric store visualizing how I will look in my new, one-of-a-kind outfit.