Look what I got in the mail yesterday! A new hand-sewing book from Japan. It was worth it for the packaging and the glorious postage stamps alone. Take a look below. I'm the girl on the left. Don't you feel a bit like the girl on the right?
The book is very informative and not your typical Japanese eye candy. Which is a little sad since the eye candy part is really important as I can't read Japanese. The cover was far more attractive than the explanatory pictures. But, I'm still happy to have ordered it, because I've already learned a thing or two about seams and pockets.
Author: Takahashi Emiko, ISBN-10: 4277722326, ISBN-13: 978-4277722322
In the back of the book, you'll find information on how to stitch a few details for clothing construction. This is something hard to find, because there are not that many people who hand-sew anything anymore, let alone their clothes.
I firmly believe that hand-sewing has a future (it definitely has had a fine past). Some of you have asked what stitches to use and I'm thinking of starting a small "stitch and hand-sewing" archive as part of the blog. Is there anything specific you would like to learn? Drop an email or leave a comment.....and enjoy your weekend!
Oh that book seems like it has some good tips!
ReplyDeleteThe illustration in your new book reminds me about the little tip I learned from my mother for putting a long straight pin across a button as you sew it on a garment. Your thread captures the pin as you sew in and out of the holes. When you have secured the button and knotted your thread, pull the pin out and you have a nice clearance for buttoning with perfect ease. I showed this to my friend and she was thrilled to learn it.
ReplyDeleteAll that to say, Yes! I would love to learn anything about hand sewing.
@Vicky: Thanks so much for your (and your mother's) great useful tip. I had never heard of it. There's a way to leave some clearance by wrapping the thread you use around the base of the button (between fabric and button), but it always messes up. I'll definitely try the "pin method".
ReplyDeleteNothing specific -- but I would love to see what you come up with. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am just starting out stitching. I've been wanting to sew for years. My mom, who is a wonderful seamstress and made her own clothing when she was younger--and many dresses for me and my sisters, as well--always used a sewing machine. I assumed that if I wanted to sew I would have to learn how to tame one. (I sewed a fancy apron with my mom last summer and came away feeling rather exhausted and not confident enough to try things on own.) Instead I decided I could at least start with embroidery. I found your blog and after reading your comments and ideas on hand sewing I not only felt inspired to create but also relieved! I feel like the world of possibility opened up to me in just a few sentences and beautiful photographs. THANK YOU!
ReplyDeleteI've been checking in here for about a month. I happened to stumble across your blog shortly after I (re-) started hand sewing. I hadn't done it since I was a kind, when we made aprons in 4-H. Your pictures and inspiration are so lovely; I wish I had more time to explore hand sewing. So, I vote yes!!! to more techniques and ideas.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your wonderful comments. I remember the time when I re-acquainted myself with hand-sewing. It was a purse, and indeed a great relief to realize that a machine wasn't necessary and the result was quite lovely.
ReplyDeleteClothing is no different...with a pattern, it's just as easy. And it gets easier and easier with every new thing you sew and each new stitch you learn.
I'm working on a simple project to share, which I should have for you fairly shortly...
I am a relatively new subscriber to your blog, greetings!
ReplyDeleteI began sewing recently, and managed to make two skirts with lining and zips, but had problems - even using existing skirts as models - in making the waistband fit properly. I am sure there is a way to get the maths of the curve right without using a pattern, so this is something I wanted to ask you about.
Also, there are a lot of nifty tutorials online for simple skirts with pockets, but that have elastic waists. Is there a way to use elastic that is hand-sewn without the elastic looking too bunchy?
I don't have a sewing machine - and love reading your comments on hand sewing - because such an investment seems frivolous. I try to live minimally, as it is, but one cannot but think, if it was possible without one before, is it really that necessary? The same goes for cooking - mortar and pestle as opposed to machines...
@The Joyous Scholar: Just saw your comment today (Had some trouble getting them). Regarding the elastic waistband: I use light weight fabric such as jersey or light cotton/muslin and use some darts. With heavier fabric, I prefer to make wrap skirts, so you can omit the elastic altogether and have a more fitted look. However, you would have to make patched pockets instead of inserted ones. Hope this helps a bit?
ReplyDeleteI do that tip with the pin, and then do the thread wrapping around the shank. It works beautifully, without pulling the fabric when you try to get a lump of thread under there without having left the ease from the pin. :)
ReplyDeleteI've always handsewed. I love the machine, but I also love when I reach the parts where I need to handsew something...it's like a sigh of contentment, as you sink back to begin a meditation. :)
I have just discovered your blog and love it! I am a handwork junkie, and love all sorts of work. I love the time to dream and think while my fingers work away, sometimes unconsciously and sometimes needing more attention.
ReplyDeleteSo, I have a question about french seams. I have seen them done different ways, and I am wondering how you do yours?
Thanks for all the inspiration and ideas. I love that you include ISBN numbers for library books, and free stuff, and all that. There are so many resources out there, and it is great that you are encouraging people to use them and not necessarily just to go and buy one more thing! I look forward to more great reads...
There are different ways for sewing french seams. There's the full and the half french seam. I'll have a post featuring seams sometime next week.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words.
Kathrin
Have you ever sewn an item complete by hand? A blouse or even pants? I'm just curious to know. I love everything that is 100% HAND MADE.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting book.