Sewing and Self: Who I Am and Who I’m Not

Who I Am Not: A Sewing Enthusiast’s Disclaimer

Lets Clear the air. 

I want to start by setting the record straight—I’m not a professional in the sewing community. Seriously! So, please don’t take anything I say as gospel. In fact, as you read on, I recommend you do as I say, not as I do (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way). My corner of the internet is a small slice of the vast web, and I hope that whatever advice I give is taken with a grain of salt.

No formal Training Here.

I haven’t been professionally trained, and I don’t want anyone to assume otherwise. Sewing, for me, is a form of self-expression—a creative outlet that I hope inspires others. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or someone who has had a sewing machine collecting dust for years, I want this blog to encourage you to pick up that needle and thread, press the sewing machine pedal (or button), and maybe even take that machine out of the box!

 

recycle, curtain, sewing

 

 

 

 

Overcoming Intimidation

I know a few people who’ve had their sewing machines for eons, still sealed in their boxes. I get it—starting can be intimidating. It was for me, too. My journey began during the pandemic, inspired by a coworker who was making masks for local hospitals. In those early, uncertain days, when masks were hard to come by (remember toilet paper shortage?), I decided to crack open that box and dive in. My hope is that you don’t wait for a crisis to get started. If even one thing I share here inspires you, then I’ve done my job. You’ve got this!

 

Who I Am: Embracing My Amateur Status

 

A Little About Me

So, who am I? Simply put, I’m an amateur sewing enthusiast. I started sewing in the fall of 2020, so I’ve been at it for about four years now. Despite my relatively short experience, I consider myself a risk-taker—a stubborn one at that! I’m aware of my own limitations, and when things don’t go as planned, I know it’s on me.

Learning Through Trial and Error

For instance, if a dress doesn’t fit, it’s probably because I skipped the muslin phase—a crucial step in the sewing process (again, do as I say, not as I do). While I may not have formal training, I’ve gained a lot of valuable skills that I’m eager to share. These skills aren’t groundbreaking; they’re often adaptations of techniques I’ve either figured out on my own or learned from sewing vintage patterns.

vintage pattern

My Love for Vintage Sewing Patterns

Speaking of vintage, I have a slight (okay, maybe more than mild) obsession with vintage patterns. Right now, I’m all about the 1990s. It’s hard to believe that the ’90s are now considered vintage, but that’s a topic for another day.

Stay Tuned for More

I’m sure I’ll have much more to share in future posts as thoughts pop into my head. Watch this space and wish me luck! I currently have a backlog of projects that are 50 to 75% complete. My goal is to finish these works in progress (WIPs) before starting anything new, but let’s just say it’s not exactly going to plan. But I’m trying—till next time!

Tami is the Editor and Creative Director of the Sewn By Tami Website, Instagram and Youtube Channel.  Woman in STEM by Day and creating works of art by night.

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