Thursday, July 9, 2009

Homemade?

The Temple Public Library has a surprisingly decent sewing section, and last week when I went to reload Logan's bookshelf, I picked up a few. This is the one I am working on right now.
How much do you love that title?? Power Sewing! Sweet! It really is an awesome book, full of wonderful techniques. Sandra Betzina is amazing, and while I don't really like her personal style of dressing, her methods are unbelievably good. She spends a lot of time talking about how to make your clothing look like RTW. Interesting? It got me thinking about how we (as a society) think of clothing that is home-sewn. I once fixed a horribly botched formal-to-semiformal conversion for a friend. The bad job had been done by a professional tailor, but her biggest concern about my fix (and a concern which I understand completely!) was that it not look "homemade". I've been thinking a lot about that word since then. We love homemade cookies, but a dress? No way! I think that the word homemade, in the context of textile arts, has come to mean sloppy and poorly finished. My work is neither of those things. But I also don't want my clothing to look like RTW; if I did I wouldn't sew! I think I prefer the term "handmade". When someone (who doesn't know I sew) sees something that I've made, I want them to ask, "Where did you get that?", but not be thinking JCPenny, Gymboree or Charlotte Russe. I want them to think high-end boutique or fabulous Etsy craftsperson. I make things that are handmade!

And in case you are wondering how my first Ottobre attempt is coming along, here is a little peek at the absolutely cutest shorts in the world.
I LOVE this magazine!!

5 comments:

Myra said...

Of course, handmade is a friendlier term. Now, is our work perfect? No, that's why it's handmade. There are variations, customizations, and even imperfections.

Carrie said...

I really like what Myra said...

Your projects look amazing!!! And I would totally think "high end" boutique. But as for those shorts...from what I can see, they are going to be AMAZING!!!! I LOVE THE FABRIC! I might have to look into getting this magazine...

KID, MD said...

Well said, Myra, and thanks, Carrie! After this project, I am already thinking about subscribing. I am loving it!

Myra said...

Your work is good, you are brave to do men's pants. I am not brave enough for that. As for items I sell, I do the best I can, and I think it is pretty good, but handmade is never perfect, but then, neither is RTW.

lotsofglue said...

I love handmade. I have noticed that people don't look at me anymore like "uh...homemade? ew." Now they have more looks like "wow" and ask a ton of questions on how I did this or that.
I love your stuff!!