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Member since 8/26/05
Posts: 1249
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Posted on: 12/20/10 11:00 AM ET
I love sewing by hand. I just finished two beautiful crushed velvet/beaded scarves for my friends done entirely by hand. I was a bit disappointed when they were done...only because I enjoyed the stitching so much. Has anyone ever thought to make an entire garment by hand? I was thinking of maybe a silk blouse or a simple jacket, all done without the sewing machine. My favorite thing to do in the evening it so sit in front of the TV and stitch.

Am I crazy? Are there any resources, other than couture sewing to look at?
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Deb: www.thinkingcouture.blogspot.com
  
Member since 3/27/10
Posts: 1932
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Posted on: 12/20/10 11:03 AM ET
Some Renn Faire garbers and SCAers will sew their entire outfits by hand.

If that is what you like most, then go for it.
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I don't really make mistakes ... I create "learning opportunities"! Murphy says: The better you match the thread to the fabric, the more likely you will need to rip some stitches out! I spend more quality time with my seamripper than I like ...
Yes, I DO love fabric!!
Happy owner of a band of Brothers: LX-3125, CS-770, CE5500 PRW, a PE-770 emb ... and now Kenmore 158.18032 and 148.12190
Blogging my "learning opportunites" at http://sewingmissadventure.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 11/11/08
Posts: 1189
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Posted on: 12/20/10 11:23 AM ET
Why not do it? Update us if you do .
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Reading from Europe
  
Member since 4/8/02
Posts: 8572
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Posted on: 12/20/10 11:58 AM ET
Quote:
Am I crazy to want to sew an entire garment by hand?


As a matter of fact, yes.

I've dedicated my life to avoiding handsewing ever since my 5th grade teacher was openly annoyed by my poor performance in Embroidered Tea Towel 101. I put down my buffalo sinew and bone needle and haven't picked them up since. But you do it - and keep us updated. Fifth grade teacher would be very impressed.
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“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.'



  
Member since 3/18/04
Posts: 2060
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Posted on: 12/20/10 1:07 PM ET
In reply to Karla Kizer
Quote: Karla Kizer
As a matter of fact, yes. :tounge:

Ditto Karla!Actually I do avoid handsewing as much as I can, but if you enjoy that, then why not? I'm sure your garment would turn out gorgeous.
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"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." ~Dolly Parton
  
Member since 7/11/10
Posts: 497
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Posted on: 12/20/10 1:12 PM ET
In reply to Deb Fox
You're not crazy. It can be very relaxing. Especially with good light.
I've not done a whole garment by hand though....
Heirloom sewing comes to mind as needing more hand stitching.
  
Member since 7/31/10
Posts: 688
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Posted on: 12/20/10 1:19 PM ET
I'd always be afraid to bend over, etc. I don't think it would be as sturdy.
Go for it! and let us know how it works out.
  
Member since 6/15/04
Posts: 106
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Posted on: 12/20/10 2:05 PM ET
No, you aren't nuts. I have done two reenactments garments totally by hand and enjoyed it. The first was a pair of civil war soldier trousers (size ample) of heavy wool for my husband. the project took just over 18 hours. The other was a civil war Garibaldi blouse with a hand stitched braiding design, hand stitched french seams and 18 hand-worked buttonholes down the front. Its a mystery fabric that someone had given my mother. Violet, linen-like and a little heavier than handkerchief linen. I was surprised when it was done, that it is a very "fluid" garment. The seams aren't as stiff as smaller machine stitches. Have fun.
  
Member since 3/27/02
Posts: 1586
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Posted on: 12/20/10 2:24 PM ET
Yes, yes you are.
Seriously, I really enjoy the control of handsewing, even though i'm lousy at it. In fact, handsewing a trickier fabric would probably be less traumatic for me than machine stitching. If you enjoy it, all the more reason to go for it. Why not? Some of the most beautiful couture and tailored garments in the world are handsewn.
  
Member since 8/26/05
Posts: 1249
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Posted on: 12/20/10 2:28 PM ET
I'll finish up my christmas stuff, then I think I will try something for myself. I love these scarves to much I have to first make one for myself! I just love that feel of the stitching and how easy it is to manipulate the fabric and the seams with my hands. I used to make reproductions of antique porcelain dolls, and all of their intricate costumes were stiched by hand. Even their tiny shoes. I loved every minute of that and used really fine silks and cottons for their fancy outfits....maybe I just miss that!
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Deb: www.thinkingcouture.blogspot.com
  
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