Hi All…I discovered this forum in Threads Magazine. What a delight! I am brand new to sewing. I am also a man…my family kids me about taking this up as a hobby. I’d like to think of it as a life long pursuit (of perfection, creativity & satisfaction).
I have always wanted to sew since I was in high school…now I’m approaching 50! I am very very very obsessive. I’ve been reading avidly (Amazon has made a fortune off of me) and I”m practicing a variety of techniques.
I am happy with my progress. I just started sewing 2 weeks ago and knew absolutely nothing!!!…that’s right; not even how to thread my brand knew Viking 950e; nothing about needles, thread types, pattern reading, stitching, fabric, etc. Now all I do is read and practice. I’ve learned how to do a “blind hem;” how to make “button holes;” how to sew on buttons using the machine; and last night, I made a “patch pocket” from the muslin I bought so that I could practice. I’m discovering and learning…I’m fulfilling a dream and it’s beautiful.
What I want to do is make my own suits, shirts and ties. I’ve got a lot to learn but I’m having sooooo much fun. You will hear from me in these forums. I’ll ask questions (after I do a “search” of course), and I’ll also contribute as much as I can. I simply wanted to introduce myself and say, “Hello sewing world!”
Respectfully,
supermacxx
Replies
Welcome, and HELLO!!!!!!
HI, and welcome. Sounds as if you have some ambitious plans, and the energy to realize them. You'll probably find out as you get further involved in sewing that there aren't all that many patterns out there for men's clothing. Kwik Sew has some very good basics, however, and they provide excellent instructions (http://www.kwiksew.com). If you aspire to sewing custom-quality shirts, you'll eventually want to read David Coffin's book "Shirtmaking."
Please do check back in with questions and comments, and share your successes as well.
Carol
Welcome Supermacxx,
I've also joined this forum recently, but I have been sewing forever-- amost 40 years and I am still learning new things. It will be fun to follow your progress. Mary Kay
Welcome to Gatherings! It isn't often we see a man here - it'll be a nice treat!
Good for you for taking steps to realize your dream of wanting to create. Being "very very very obsessive" can be either good or bad.....its up to you to decide which. In my case, it has made me an excellent sewist. That, and being a perfectionist. And FYI, about half of the students in my fashion design programme at college were male. Some of them turned out to be very talented with a sewing machine!
Hello and welcome! I'm thinking that perhaps for your first project you might consider making a tote bag, either for yourself to carry sewing supplies in, or for your wife. You can buy upholstery remnants at a fabric store -- you only need one yard-- and 3-1/4 yards of webbing for handles. There are many free patterns on the internet.
Good luck.
pearl
Welcome to the exciting world of sewing. Have you tried http://www.patternreview yet? As for men's patterns, after you have your sloper (master muslin) made, check the wardrobe advice in Dressing the Man. There are many ideas for classic styles which you, of course, will make up in the most fabulous fabrics.
I sew formals, wedding gowns and mardi gras costumes for the public and designer clothes for my two granddaughters. I no longer sew for myself much, but I have found I love sewing stuffed animals, home decor items--any kind fabric item; so try all kinds of things to see what strikes your fancy. Right now I am trying to convert a topographical map drawing of my wonderful s-n-l's hunting camp into a wall hanging using quilting and "scrappy" techniques. When I saw the map and all those beautiful curved lines I started planning my techniques on the spot.
God Bless You as you sew. Galey
Thank you all soooo much for making me feel welcomed here. It is comforting to know that I am NOT alone and that help is only a few keystrokes away. Most important, I thank you all for being pioneers and paving the way for me as well as others who have yet to come here. I hope to be a help, influence and positive example to the sewing/tailoring community here. Again, thank you for your warm welcoming and advice.
supermacxx
Thats fantastic and I will look forward to hearing of your progress.
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