Sew intro - Should you start sewing?

SEW INTRO

Feb 14

Reason 1: I just got no time Susanna!

Yes, it takes time to learn a new skill and patience to persevere, to keep going despite the difficulties or mistakes you make along the way. It's just like cooking. Not everyone knows how to cook basics or even to function an oven! This I know for the fact to be true, as I have lived in dorms during university. We often had to evacuate outside, due to someone burning a pot on the stove :(

Reason 2: I don't have any funds to learn, Susanna!

All you need is a basic sewing kit to get started. This often includes a sewing tape measure, pins, needles, multicoloured thread, sometimes a needle threader, pinkie scissors and spare buttons. This will help you fix most items by hand sewing alone.

Reason 3: My living space is small, Susanna!

I hear you and this is often the case when living in cities or sharing a house with other people.

When living in dorms, I had to learn to cut my large pieces on the floor or on my bed. You don't need a large table. Wherever there is a free space, that's a space you can cut and sew :)

Reason 4: I am not a creative person, Susanna!

First, you need to learn the basics of hand sewing, then move unto operating a sewing machine and later on creating your own patterns. Once you understand the fundamentals then you will be able to move unto creating your own designs. Often people start with the most difficult designs and not knowing the basics.

I did this when I first learned to sew and started creating my pants. Big mistake! Without foundation, all your creations will fail and you will learn bad habits that will take you longer to create what you have imagined.

You will naturally become more adventurous when you build confidence in your skills and start taking on bigger projects.

Reason 5: I just don't know where to start, Susanna!

This is why having a sewing tutor comes at hand. Someone who has been where you are and knows through making mistakes to help you avoid the same.

Yes, there is Youtube and a lot of free materials out there. But if you have given, the above reasons, then spending time trying out new tutorials will cost you time and money in trial and error. Buying fabrics that aren't suitable to make the design. Filling up space with failed projects and fabrics that are not suited to reuse. You end up feeling disappointed, instead of enjoying the process and end up thinking that sewing is hard.

Reason 1: Brits discarded 67 million items of clothing as part of their lockdown clear outs. (WARP MARKET SITUATION REPORT 2019)

Tip: Equip yourself with basic sewing skills and always be prepared for emergencies garments that need to be fixed for yourself and others. Get the Semsah help sew - Sewing hack guide with video tutorials when you sign up to the Newsletter Here.

Reason 2: Compare the cost of buying a new item or getting fix by a dry cleaner/tailor (if available in your area - you doing it yourself = 0 cost

Tip: Get a small sewing kit to travel with you and always be prepared whenever there is emergency mend to be done. Get your Semsah compact sewing kit with the Semsah Help Create Here.

Reason 3: Cities with small spaces, crowded family houses, shared accommodation.

Tip: get furniture that has a hidden storage section. Dining table with storage, Ottomans, Side table with shelving Consider using your wall to hang equipment and fabrics. Ikea has a lot of great storage solutions for small spaces at an affordable price.

See Here for some Pinterest board inspiration on small sewing solutions and sewing projects to get started.

Reason 4: Build your dream wardrobe to your fit vs off Pegg hit and miss fit

Tip: Start with the Semsah Novice kit and learn the basic of hand sewing, then move from beginner sewing projects to expert sewing vids on the Semsah Fashion Youtube channel. See Here.

Reason 5: Start small then take each step to grow in confidence and bigger projects.

Tip: The key to success is to have a clear system, roadmap or strategy in place that is full proof. Taking you from the level you are at now to the next level. Growing each time in experience and knowledge.