Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Sew Grateful Week: Why I Love the Sewing Community

Crafters' Ceilidh Group Photo, From L to R: KerryKarenWinnie, Rachel L., Kari, RooCarolynAmandaSo-HaKiranRachel, Debi B.,KristenFrancaAlana, me, Hannah, Katie and Melizza.  Not pictured: ClareAnneleenTom and Cat.

I think the photo above, which was taken at the Crafters' Ceilidh Scotland meet-up, says it all.  Aren't sewists amazing people?  I'm constantly blown away by the creativity, generosity and sheer coolness of everyone I meet and interact with online and in person.

Over the years, sewing has become less about just making garments and more about connecting with people.  It's funny because I can't even pinpoint when this shift started to occur for me but I can honestly say now that a lot of the joy I get from sewing involves the process of sharing. Whether it be sharing the finished outfit, sharing the inspiration or simply sharing the bumps along the way.  But the coolest thing about sharing is that it happens in two directions!  I would have nothing to share if it weren't for all of you sharing your own inspiration, your own struggles, your own technical expertise, your own time, your own creativity and your own finished projects.  I feel the ways in which we share is less important--whether it be through writing your own blog, sharing via email or other through other communication avenues or even through commenting on other people's comments in blog posts.  I feel our strong sense of community in all these places!!

It's amazing, humbling and heartwarming (all rolled into one) when I think about our sewing community.  And I think the more the merrier!  Whether you're just starting out on your sewing journey (or even if you are pre-contemplation about sewing) or have spent your entire life crafting fabric with your hands and the help of a machine--we all bring something unique and special to this community.  I never thought I would have such fabulous friends all over the world!

Thank you all so much for sharing your creativity, enthusiasm, projects and skills with me!  I can't imagine my life without this fabulous community!!!
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13 comments

  1. I'm definitely of the pre-contemplation category! I've got the desire to do it and a very basic sewing machine to start me off but I'm still not sure how to tackle the first go at it and get started properly.

    But I'm watching all your crafty so-and-sos and your sewing journeys, and it offers really great encouragement and inspiration - by and large I love the crafting community!

    Great pic btw :)

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  2. I couldn't agree more! Do let us know if/when you plan another trip to London and we'll have to make it another marvellous meet-up.

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  3. Debi_myhappysewingplaceFebruary 05, 2013 4:41 PM

    Thanks Karen! I really want to try and make the April meet-up...wouldn't that be amazing? Also, I've been speaking with a few folks about a potential Glasgow meet-up sometime in 2013 ;-)

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  4. I am grateful for your blog, Debi!! I have gotten so much inspiration from you over the last 2 years and just continue to do so more with every passing week. I'm so, so (sew!) grateful for the online sewing community. I had no idea when I started thinking I would dabble in garment sewing that it would lead to all this! :)

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  5. Part of the joy of sewing for me has always been about sharing my delight in mastering new skills, in showing off something that is technically difficult but that I can easily do, finished sewn objects with which I am pleased, etc. But, until I discovered the on-line sewing community, I was essentially isolated. Just because I wanted to share my delight in sewing did not mean that there was a single, solitary soul among my immediate acquaintances who gave a flying flip about my interest. I am so grateful that the internet, and ready access to it, makes it possible for persons who might not ever meet one another elsewise can become friends.

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  6. Great blog Debi! I haven't attended any meet ups so far, but it would be so much fun! None of my friends is really into sewing or knitting, so I'm so glad I discovered all those lovely sewin/knitting blogs. It's great for inspiration, learning new skills, to see completed outfits, but also to learn that you're not the only one who can struggle with a sewing/knitting project.

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  7. Without my virtual sewing friends, I have no one to talk stitching with. Though we seem to be many online, in real life it's hard to meet people who share this hobby. Thanks for sharing, Debi. Your creations are always inspiring!

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  8. Here! Here! Debi, I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiment.

    I too know no one else who sews, except online, we are a rare species. The inspiration I find and the encouragement I receive is heart warming. I love being part of this wonderful sewing community. Thank you for sharing your wonderful inspiring outfits a joy.

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  9. What a lovely post, Debi. And so true. My online sewing friends - old and new - bring me so much joy every day xxx

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  10. Thank you for setting this up - I think the best part of the sewing community (adding this to everything you've already listed) is that you can speak your mind and not get hounded for it. People seem pretty accepting of others' opinions and feelings and adult discussions can be had on various topics without too much flouncing occurring (and the occasional flounce, when it does occur is usually an entertaining life lesson of some sort X). 

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  11. I really appreciate your sharing your thankfulness and inspiration... I have thought about sewing vintage clothes for a long time before beginning this adventure with all of you... or more like hoping to take this step as I am still just beginning my first dress which is not vintage... but my goal is vintage and I have so many, including you and your blog to thank for my bravery at even beginning... Thank you!  Wonderful post!

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  12. How lovely:)

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  13. Aw, I love that photo! And so true, I feel very lucky to be part of the community.

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I read each and every comment--thank you so much!

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