Beginnings are apt to be shadowy.
Rachel Carson
After having tried out sewing a wristband (actually three times, all work, and they got better each time) and a beanie (actually two, the first one was too small, and I already went a full number larger than the pattern provided for, but the second fit like a glove), oh some other small stuff, a few very early comments on sewing as a hobby.
In no particular order:
- My early thoughts seem to hold true — it’s nice to be able to create, mod and repair stuff. Especially creating a beanie that actually fits (I’m got a large head — nah, not bragging, after all, perhaps my ancestors knew themselves too well) and that has the right color. So far, beanie No 2 seems to work out well, even though I’m not sure about the materials (combining softshell fabric with fleece). Still, it opens up a lot of options.
- There is a lot to learn, not only knowing which materials to use, which needles, which stitches, etc., but also skills in handling the machine. So far, it seems (deceptively?) easy. Sure, I have to remind myself to lock stitch first and last, and select the right stitch. But it seems to work out much better than other hobbies.
- Sewing is relatively fast. Sure, the results are shoddy if I rush it (okay, currently, they would also be shoddy if I didn’t rush), but compared to, e.g., wood working (sawing takes more time) or working with glue (takes ages until it has dried), sewing is rather fast.
- Sewing patterns are great for reproducing stuff. No shit and no surprise to those who sew. But compared to the sketches I did when I wanted to do woodworking, sewing is a bit easier here. Just copy the pattern to some packaging paper, cut it, put it on the fabric, cut the fabric, and sew it together. Sure, fitting is still a problem, but when it comes to reproducibility — that’s cool.
- It’s actually fun to start a hobby as an adult. Having a budget to get the basics makes starting the hobby much less painful than as a child (when I had to stop frequently because I could not afford the materials/equipment). Also, I know that sucking in the beginning is normal. It’s new, so many projects will end up in the trash bin.
- Also, knowing the value of a good workplace, I set it up first. Long (if narrow) table, sewing machine got a fixed place, and the materials are in boxes nearby. Okay’ish light and watched a few beginners guide on good starting equipment. It’s much more fun to learn if you have the basics readily available.
- Similarly, having YouTube available is great — sure, I also have some books, but it’s nice to see how something is created and learn skills this way. Hmmm … so many possibilities today … yet, many people spend time on social media … that cesspit.
- Ah, and one thing — learning seems to go much faster than with other hobbies. Unless I spend 10 minutes trying to insert a needle (I was sure I had opened the screw, meh), the second time I do something is much, much faster.
So yeah, just a few comments (mostly for me, if I look at it later), I might expand it later.
