Saturday, February 26, 2011

Why handsewing as a first lesson???

Students often can't wait to get to the sewing machine, thinking that things will go faster and easier. They sometimes have the misconception that EVERYTHING can be done on the machine. But, on many projects, hand basting is needed to manipulate the fabric to make the project easier to sew with the machine, eliminating mistakes and frustration. Ninety-five percent of the time the last stitches on a project or garment will be handsewing - bias bands, sleeve bands, hems, buttons.

Embroidery is a wonderful embellishment on garments, baby clothes, bonnets, hair accessories, felt animals or dolls.

To many sewists, handsewing is a curse instead of being a pleasurable experience. Handsewing can be very relaxing, calming, and fulfilling. I think the problem is that many sewists didn't learn to enjoy the process and only thought of it as a means to "complete" the project. Learning to handsew first, IMHO, will help to alleviate many frustrations.

What do you think?

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