This all sounds really interesting but in particular "using sewing as an expression of identity"…I'm chronically ill and don't leave the house much but sewing (and knitting) I can just about manage and they make up a large part of my small existence so are hugely important to me. I still love curating an outfit even when nobody else gets to see it. Wearing something that feels quintessentially 'you' or that is extra comforting or a colour that can boost your spirits. There are so many powerful aspects to clothing and creating. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Very excited to hear your evolving thinking about how sewing uniforms feminism, body politics, mental health, and all of that. It's been quite an eye-opening journey for me. After sewing intensively for the past 10 years, I found myself unemployed last Sept (for the first time ever). I spent a bit of time trying to make better-fitting pants, and then just... stopped. Made me realize that a key reason I continued sewing beyond any practical need was to manage work-related stress. Now I'm thinking about how I want to be more intentional and focused in that practice.
I checked out the class at Wool Friends. My only reservation is the proposed pattern! I'll keep eyes peeled for subsequent classes that used a fixed rather than elastic waistband pattern. Your videos are awesome and were SO helpful, and the same is true for your blog posts and pattern reviews! But I'd love to take a class with you as I think it would be SO helpful.
Yes, I had a similar experience a few years ago. Sewing was my outlet for work-related stress, and it was a way for me to carve out a project with a well-defined beginning and ending -- something that I didn't usually get from my job.
I hope to see you in class someday! The elastic waist pattern was chosen because it's a nice entry point for folks who don't want to tackle a zipper fly or other pants closures just yet. But, I am confident there will be more classes with different patterns in the future. 😊
Brand new to The Crooked Hem. Where can I find information on your Top Down … Sorry, I forgot the rest🤪. A young “in my minds eye” 70 year old and love to learn.
3. Ruth is also active on social media. She has a Substack newsletter where she is currently guiding subscribers through a fit-and-sew-along of a pants pattern -- it is phenomenal and full of fitting tips. She is also active on Instagram and often shares insights there, as well.
I’m so thrilled to have found you here after missing you on Instagram! I love the thoughtfulness in your writing and I’m looking forward to what you have to share.
Can’t wait for this (and all the other topics sound so good): How the current fitting culture—with its beliefs, norms, and behaviors around fitting garments—intersects with identity and feminism. 🤩
This all sounds really interesting but in particular "using sewing as an expression of identity"…I'm chronically ill and don't leave the house much but sewing (and knitting) I can just about manage and they make up a large part of my small existence so are hugely important to me. I still love curating an outfit even when nobody else gets to see it. Wearing something that feels quintessentially 'you' or that is extra comforting or a colour that can boost your spirits. There are so many powerful aspects to clothing and creating. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Very excited to hear your evolving thinking about how sewing uniforms feminism, body politics, mental health, and all of that. It's been quite an eye-opening journey for me. After sewing intensively for the past 10 years, I found myself unemployed last Sept (for the first time ever). I spent a bit of time trying to make better-fitting pants, and then just... stopped. Made me realize that a key reason I continued sewing beyond any practical need was to manage work-related stress. Now I'm thinking about how I want to be more intentional and focused in that practice.
I checked out the class at Wool Friends. My only reservation is the proposed pattern! I'll keep eyes peeled for subsequent classes that used a fixed rather than elastic waistband pattern. Your videos are awesome and were SO helpful, and the same is true for your blog posts and pattern reviews! But I'd love to take a class with you as I think it would be SO helpful.
Yes, I had a similar experience a few years ago. Sewing was my outlet for work-related stress, and it was a way for me to carve out a project with a well-defined beginning and ending -- something that I didn't usually get from my job.
I hope to see you in class someday! The elastic waist pattern was chosen because it's a nice entry point for folks who don't want to tackle a zipper fly or other pants closures just yet. But, I am confident there will be more classes with different patterns in the future. 😊
All of these sound super interesting. Looking forward to reading!
Brand new to The Crooked Hem. Where can I find information on your Top Down … Sorry, I forgot the rest🤪. A young “in my minds eye” 70 year old and love to learn.
Welcome! There are a few different places to get more into on the Top Down Center Out Method (also known as "body neutral fitting"):
1. I made a series of in-depth YouTube videos a few years ago that guides you through the steps one by one: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0YteZsVGUw12ACD_vdnCFNDYFON2tJgI
2. Ruth Collins, the creator of the method, wrote an article describing the practical steps for the method in Threads Magazine, issue #218, summer 2022, (note this article is behind a paywall so you have to be a Threads subscriber to read it): https://www.threadsmagazine.com/project-guides/fit-and-sew-pants/practical-pants-fitting
3. Ruth is also active on social media. She has a Substack newsletter where she is currently guiding subscribers through a fit-and-sew-along of a pants pattern -- it is phenomenal and full of fitting tips. She is also active on Instagram and often shares insights there, as well.
Ruth's Substack: https://ithacamaven.substack.com/
Ruth's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ithacamaven/?hl=en
There is more educational content in the pipeline, too!
Thank you so very much for taking time to respond so quickly to my questions. Your response is phenomenal.
I’m so thrilled to have found you here after missing you on Instagram! I love the thoughtfulness in your writing and I’m looking forward to what you have to share.
Thank you! And welcome! 😊
Looking forward to more of your posts. This was a wonderful read. Thank you!
Can’t wait for this (and all the other topics sound so good): How the current fitting culture—with its beliefs, norms, and behaviors around fitting garments—intersects with identity and feminism. 🤩
I'm continually surprised that the home sewing world isn't talking about this topic more... I hope to do it justice! 😊
All of this is so awesome! Pacing oneself is really important especially in areas that demand both discipline and creativity.
Absolutely agree!