I've been reading a few blogs, browsing and viewing craft sites, filling a few orders and deep in thought while doing what I love to do. I am always on the lookout for inspirational ideas to apply to sewing or hand crafts and new ways of construction. The amount of online tutorials and websites providing instruction can be overwhelming so what does a person do who wants to learn just the basics?
Lately, my thoughts while I work on projects or read have been focused on a comment I read about sewing; how the true art of sewing and handmade items is becoming a lost skill. At first I thought why would that be? Doesn't everyone know how to sew? Ummm, no. While browsing the craft and DIY websites the one term I consistently note with concern is "No Sew" followed by the name of the item. A part of me understands why so many items are no sew and "quick" (another frustrating term) and I understand the concept behind online tutorials - it's all about saving time and money. Yet, there is a part of my brain that is bothered by the question, "What happened to quality and time lasting treasure?" Have the skills of basic sewing or needlework not been passed down? This is simultaneously bothersome and comforting as the realization comes to mind, I'm an Old Dog but I'm still useful (and I have learned a few new tricks).
Lately, my thoughts while I work on projects or read have been focused on a comment I read about sewing; how the true art of sewing and handmade items is becoming a lost skill. At first I thought why would that be? Doesn't everyone know how to sew? Ummm, no. While browsing the craft and DIY websites the one term I consistently note with concern is "No Sew" followed by the name of the item. A part of me understands why so many items are no sew and "quick" (another frustrating term) and I understand the concept behind online tutorials - it's all about saving time and money. Yet, there is a part of my brain that is bothered by the question, "What happened to quality and time lasting treasure?" Have the skills of basic sewing or needlework not been passed down? This is simultaneously bothersome and comforting as the realization comes to mind, I'm an Old Dog but I'm still useful (and I have learned a few new tricks).
 I'm an Old Dog but I'm still useful! | The Value of 1:1 You can learn how to make over a lamp shade or revitalize a favorite pair of shoes, etc., on numerous websites, but what about learning the basics? I don't think recovering a lamp shade or your couch will turn out well if you don't know how to read a tape measure. I've also struggled with the idea of how a person can watch a video tutorial online while trying to sew a seam, insert a zipper or finish a seam. Unless you know the very basics of sewing and hand crafting (how to read a pattern and basic construction of what goes where) you will be wasting your time and money and the item will be out in the trash (headed to overfilled dumps). It's like building a dog house; would you dare try if you didn't know how to measure and cut wood or drive a nail? |
| Knowing the beginning basics of any sewing project or DIY project will save you hours of frustration and your hard earned dollars, and you will have an item you truly can use or gift. If you throw away what you make, there was no point in the first place of making it yourself! Of course, there are those fabulous online tutorials, but what about learning these skills from (loosely speaking) an Old Dog?  My daughter proudly showing her pillow she made for her son!
|  Learn the basics of measurement and how things are constructed for a successful project.
I'd like to read your responses....leave me a comment on these questions: If you are an Old Dog, what's the best new trick you have learned? What have you asked an older or more experienced friend or relative to teach you? What skills have you passed onto another?  |
I stand by there is nothing more valuable to we Old Dogs than asking us. Go ahead; ask us. We like to show off our new tricks!
~ Sher
~ Sher
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