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Why am I afraid to wear my clothes?
strasfamily Advanced Beginner AZ USA Member since 4/11/07 Posts: 100	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/3/07 10:17 AM Is it just me? I finally have a couple of projects that fit and actually look nice, but I am afraid to wear them! Why is that? I don't know! Maybe I am afraid people will be able to tell that they are hand sewn and will look at me weird, or maybe because I finally have some trendy items that people aren't used to seeing me wear. Just wondering if any other newbies feel this way???
G_l_e_n_d_a Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 5/11/05 Posts: 1104	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/3/07 10:35 AM I think you have hit on one of the reasons I have trouble finishing things. Every time I've worn something I've made I've gotten comments that made me uncomfortable. It seems like people are so used to seeing the same old things from the same old stores, that anything different makes them uncomfortable, or at least shouts out and draws more attention that I am after. You are not alone.
AliceB Intermediate MI USA Member since 1/31/04 Posts: 360	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/3/07 11:10 AM I think it is hard to have others judge our clothing when we put so much effort into making something... their evaluation seems to diminish its worth somehow. Too often I find myself pointing out some minuscule error rather than just saying thank you to a compliment. I need to just say thank you and move on rather than fixate on what I perceive as imperfections. Part of people's reaction when they hear we have made something is awe. Our culture no longer teaches home crafts including sewing so many people are just amazed that we can construct a stylish piece of clothing. Others may wonder why we would put the effort into sewing when something can be purchased a Walmart for a couple dollars, they just "don't get it." Only another stitcher can appreciate the pleasure of melding pattern, fabric and construction into a wearable item. Enjoy your lovely new clothes and take pride in your accomplishment.
EveS   Intermediate MI USA Member since 11/26/06 Posts: 2700	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 7/3/07 12:03 PM I've had that same affliction, but I'm getting over it quickly. It makes absolutely no sense for me to put the time, effort, and money into these garments only to not wear them in public! That's just insane, as they are all a labor of love and I should be proud of them. I know you're worried that people will "know" you made something you're wearing but they won't...unless you tell them. I always make sure I press my seams when I'm done sewing to avoid the Happy Hands at Home look (IMO the biggest tip-off) but other than that, I'm over the small imperfections. Look at any RTW (esp. low to mid-priced) and you'll see that no seam or detail is perfect. In fact, some are quite atrocious! I spent 39 years not noticing this, so I'll bet no one else will either! And when someone comments on your clothes, smile and say "Thank you!" just like Alice said. (My poor husband got to be soo tired of me giving him a detailed breakdown of every error I made...all he wanted to do was pay me a compliment!) I feel like the highest compliment I could possibly get is when a stranger compliments me on what I'm wearing. Not only do they like it, I MADE it and they like it! How cool is that! So wear your things proudly! You are accomplishing an art that few even dare to try (and you're doing a FABULOUS job!!!). Eve ------ People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
MissCelie   MD USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 2126 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post In reply to strasfamily 1 member likes this. Date: 7/3/07 12:35 PM Wear your clothes!!! Just say thanks when people comment and feel good about how you look and your talents. ------ Cidell www.missceliespants.com
Speech girl Intermediate GA USA Member since 5/11/03 Posts: 1656	Login to reply to this post In reply to strasfamily 3 members like this. Date: 7/3/07 12:36 PM Don't worry--nobody will look at you and wonder if your clothes were hand made-- because hardly anyone sews their own clothes anymore it wouldn't even occur to anyone to think that! The only people who ask me if I made something I'm wearing are the people who know I sew. And they often ask me if I made something I'm wearing that's RTW so that's how I know that they really can't tell! ------ Kim formerly mikkim http://girlwithatimemachine.wordpress.com/
sewinfiend   Advanced FL USA Member since 3/17/06 Posts: 170	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 7/3/07 12:44 PM Just tell any person who asks that you have a "bespoke" tailor. The fact that you're the tailor is an added plus. In addition, once you get used to seeing yourself in clothes that aren't mass produced, seen on every corner and fit you well, you'll get a smug sense of superiority. The fact that you're probably saving money, too, will probably put a smile on your face.
Karla Kizer   Advanced FL USA Member since 4/8/02 Posts: 6970	Login to reply to this post 4 members like this. Date: 7/3/07 12:47 PM I just don't mention that I made it, because I think it gives people a reason to look closely for flaws (so they can validate their own inability to sew.) Just say "thank you" when complimented and provide no details unless your pressured to provide them - and even then you can say it was custom made. ETA: Maybe you could say "custom-made by someone with a limited clientele" so you could decline to reveal the name - YOUR name! -- Edited on 7/3/07 1:04 PM -- ------ “Never try to teach a pig to sing; it wastes your time and it annoys the pig.” -Robert Heinlein and Ann's father. Thanks for the reminder, Ann. Where are we going, and what am I doing in this handbasket? Matthew 25:40 (New International Version) The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
krissie Intermediate NY USA Member since 7/15/06 Posts: 237	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/3/07 12:53 PM Excellent suggestion by Karla! I'm going to use that one. I had this same affliction, try running to the grocery or getting the mail in your new clothes- takes the hex off them.
Lynnelle   Intermediate MI USA Member since 4/8/07 Posts: 2375 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post In reply to strasfamily 2 members like this. Date: 7/3/07 12:59 PM Do you eat the food you cook? Wear the clothes you make! I think nothing of such comments as those who make them do not contribute anything to my well-being. So what if the clothes look home-made. Where else did you make them, at the library?! Bah, wear them and wear them with pride!

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