Contemporary Sewing is not your Grandma's Style
Back when I first started sewing again about nine or ten years ago, I picked up a couple of books that were deeply inspirational to the way I sew today. For the life of me…I cannot remember what those books were called. I sold one to a secondhand bookstore, and another is an ebook on my ancient nook app. But above all I want to say that contemporary sewing styles are more rough around the edges. A contemporary seamstress is not afraid to show a raw edge or wing it a bit to produce results.
In the past, everything was done a certain way. Art quilts were finished with binding and displayed with a rod pocket. And projects were done with a fussy style by hiding seams and gasp…never show a raw edge! My mom loves to say that I never finish my projects the right way. The truth is, I’m a contemporary seamstress and I’m not ashamed. My style has helped me to be super prolific in the things I have created, and I love a scrappy no rules finish!
Some ideas for the budding contemporary seamstress…
Realize when it is ok to do an exposed edge and finish with a zig zag stitch. Being able to see some of the raw edge of fabric is a beautiful thing! Fabric frays and unravels and does all kinds of incredible things when you allow that beauty to show through. On the edges of coasters, art quilts and more…try using a zig zag stitch with a raw edge.
Gone are the days where you have to be proficient at hand stitching to get the job done! If you want to embroider a design on your project, sketch it lightly with a fabric pen or pencil and stitch with your sewing machine. You can also embroider text on projects that way!
Embrace a scrappy approach in your projects, and try to use what you already have on hand. A lot of books say that you need a long list of items to complete the projects. The truth is you just need something comparable to get the job done. Research substitutions for various sewing notions and wing it when necessary. Yes…you have full permission!
Try creating your own patterns for things! I have to admit it…I’ve only sewn with two store bought patterns in the last eight or nine years; one was a hat pattern and the other was for a felt cat plushie. For every other project I’ve created my own patterns for everything from appliques to clothes. Use your old clothes to create new patterns. Pick the seams and trace the pieces onto cardstock or large watercolor paper for a pattern you can use over and over again. And practice drawing a bit to get the hang of designing things in your own style. Believe me…it feels so satisfying to DIY patterns and the things you make will have your own personal touch.
Aim for imperfection! This one is so much fun, and is a theme I have recently embraced wholeheartedly in my sewing. Allowing yourself to break longstanding sewing rules and do what you want with your creative process is both more creative and freeing to your creative muse. Trust your own process and just have some fun! Especially if you are sewing for personal use, or even if you are creating fabric art…embracing imperfection can open up a whole world of possibilities for self expression.
I hope these contemporary ideas light a fire in your sewing hobby and get your wheels turning. Contemporary sewing is not your Grandma’s style…it is sewing for the young at heart!
