My Sewing Journey: From Dream to Reality

Hello!

I still remember my childhood - Barbie dolls and those crumpled, awkwardly sewn outfits I made with my tiny hands.

By the time I was six, my mom had taught me how to make little dresses for my dolls. Ever since then, I've been dreaming of learning to sew wedding and evening gowns, and of course, having an enormous wardrobe.

By the end of ninth grade, I knew I wanted to be a seamstress or a tailor, and I was determined to pursue it further. But when I applied to a technical school after ninth grade, I was told that the sewing program hadn't been filled - I'd have to choose a different profession.

I was devastated, but I ended up choosing a computer course, which, as it turned out, would end up being super useful in life. Four years later, I graduated, but I still had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.

However, on my second year at the technical school, one of my relatives heard about my passion for sewing and offered me a job at her small business - learning to work with materials to make drapes (using a beading knife, sewing tassels onto the drapes, and processing the fabric itself).

It wasn't exactly my dream job, but I was slowly starting to get the hang of using industrial equipment - a sewing machine. The job took up about two to three hours of my day, and I enjoyed sewing, even if my results were still a bit rough. After a year and a half, my aunt closed her business, and we lost touch.

During that time, she gave me a sewing machine as a birthday gift - it wasn't super expensive, made of plastic, but I used it to make clothes for myself for a long time, even if they weren't exactly from a fashion magazine.

After I finished the technical school, I decided to take the rest of the summer off and hoped to find some kind of job.

I used to spend my free time running to the local fabric store and buying cheap fabrics like gabardine to create these DIY masterpieces.

One day, I had a chat with the sales associate and told her about my passion for sewing at home and my dream of learning to make beautiful clothes. She listened attentively and invited me to learn how to sew clothes for free, with the option to potentially join the team at the store if I showed promise.

I was thrilled with the opportunity and eagerly waited for the call. A week later, I was invited for an interview and met my mentor.

I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I started my training, and my mentor was always praising my work.

I spent a year learning the ropes, creating samples, sewing clothes for myself, and gradually, I started getting repair orders from local customers.

After that, I was asked to take a final exam and sew a complete garment. I passed with flying colors, and they offered me a job.

Years went by, and I worked at the store for around 8 years. However, due to some circumstances, I left my job and chose a new path that I'm still on today. Although it's not related to sewing, I think it's better for me.

I mentioned earlier that I learned to work with industrial equipment on this sewing machine.

Today, I want to share with you - is it possible to pursue a creative career after giving up on an unrealistic dream?

I firmly believe it is)

Honestly, after leaving the sewing studio, I wasn't thrilled to think about all the sewing projects I'd left behind. I wanted to forget the whole thing and start fresh, like hitting the reset button. I'm guessing I'd just burned out and was craving a change in my life.

But fate had other plans, and I found myself slowly drifting back to the needle, thread, and sewing machine. At first, I'd order clothes online and, even if they didn't fit perfectly, I'd take them apart and do some minor repairs. Over time, those repairs got bigger, and a year ago, I asked my husband to get me a good sewing machine for home. To my surprise, he agreed.

My trusty sidekick My machine has taken up residence on one of my tables, and over time, my family members started asking me for help with repairing their clothes. I didn't refuse, but I felt like I was lacking a certain something. I bought a small table for my machine The machine has a full range of functions, but I want everything to be perfect, and I'm a bit biased on this point. Zig-zag and other lines, as well as special feet, only temporarily impressed me. And the next request to my husband was to buy a serger. Said, done: I chose the same brand for my serger My husband often uses it himself and understands that it's a great investment, especially when you have the skills and experience. Which I'm very grateful for)Work became more enjoyable and faster, and I started wanting to sew things for myself, and the question arose - where to buy threads, fabric, and get some basic patterns.

The thing is, I live in a small town, and the only place where I could get all this is my former atelier where I used to work. But several years ago, the atelier closed, and my despair was limitless.

When investing in something, I think each of us thinks - how to get the best, but cheaper.

I have to say, the prices on marketplaces for these threads were super uncompetitive, especially considering I needed four spools of the same color for my 4-thread overlock. I started looking for threads at the remaining craft stores in my city and found some. I bought the essential colors in packs of four spools each, which cost me 25 rubles per spool (400 yards). I'll gradually add the more common colors as I go.

Buying threads in the summer of that yearWhen I bought the necessary threads for my overlock on marketplaces, I got four big spools of thread number 50 (5000 yards) - white, black, and gray. I plan to get milk and dark blue threads as well.I think it's no secret, and anyone who works with a 4-thread overlock knows that it's better to use threads number 50 on this equipment because the stitch comes out thinner, flatter, and less noticeable even after ironing the finished item. You can also adjust the stitch settings on the overlock itself. As for buying smaller spools, I use them both on my overlock and on my sewing machine. Buying larger spools of number 50 would have been expensive, especially in multiple colors, so I decided to prioritize the essential and common colors.

My First Purchases I've got a small stash of threads that I'm slowly adding to: And now I've got a decent collection) The fabric's proven to be even harder to find. I cleared out all my old stashes a while back, hoping I'd never have to deal with it again, but as they say - never say never. There aren't any fabric stores in my town, but I've found it's actually easier to buy fabric by the yard on those online marketplaces - the only catch is it's like winning the lottery) I've been snapping up cheap bundles and I've ended up with a massive collection of materials - from knitwear to coats, plus various interlinings and lining fabrics. And the best part? It's an absolute steal in terms of value for money:

I stocked up on fabric and have been gradually using it for my ideas. This isn't all my purchases - I'm storing some of them on a vertical shelf hidden behind my room door. When I worked in a sewing studio, we had pattern makers, loads of magazines with patterns, and I had no problem cutting out garments. Everything was readily available. But when I thought about getting back into it, some of my old patterns were still around, but fashion changes and I wanted something fresh. Buying magazines on marketplaces isn't cheap, especially since I wanted to buy a batch.I couldn't think of any other way to get my hands on old Burda issues except buying them on one of those popular sites for second-hand stuff. Over 100 of them cost me a symbolic amount, and I'm using that as an excuse to treat myself to some newer stuff on marketplaces:

I store all my sewing patterns on a shelf outside my bedroom.I've got to admit, I never learned to sew myself while working in the atelier. Nowadays, there are plenty of books, tutorials, and online resources available, but I'm not a fan of pattern-making or construction, so I try to stick to using old magazines or newer issues of Patrones, Burda's Modern, or Я шью. Something new)First, I transfer the pattern to a tracing paper, cut it out. Before cutting into the fabric, I always wash it in the washing machine to get the shrinkage out of the way and avoid any disappointment later on when the finished garment doesn't fit right. Transferring the pattern to tracing paperNext, I lay out the fabric on the floor and transfer the pattern onto it. I've started to transfer the pattern of this new t-shirt onto fabric. It's the latest project I'm working on. I'm cutting, smoothing, and preparing the garment for its first fitting. Some patterns are already transferred onto the fabric, and I'm sewing them up as is, since I've worked with them before and only make minor adjustments - like widening the belt on this jacket. My sister's hoodie is taking shape after just one fitting. You can also buy pre-made patterns, which is a fun way to sew, but the price isn't always reasonable. On the other hand, you can create a basic pattern and update it frequently - like making a new t-shirt, pants, or sweater. I love the variety and wanting to stand out from the crowd, so I buy the most interesting patterns. This whole idea of buying materials and equipment came to me last summer. I was desperate to break free from the monotony and couldn't think of anything else to do except sew new clothes. I like buying clothes from marketplaces, but I've started to notice that I'm seeing the same things everywhere, and the quality isn't always great, even with the processing. Plus, prices are through the roof, so I'm left waiting for seasonal discounts. That's why I took the leap and started sewing my own clothes, and a month after making these purchases, I found out I was expecting.)

I've been lucky to start sewing again, especially since I'm pregnant and need a wardrobe. I've been gathering all the essentials, and besides doing repairs, I'm also making new, comfy clothes that fit my growing belly.

T-shirts and knit pants are my go-to items right now.

These pants are sewn without even trying them on first. I just use the elastic waistband as a guide and leave a small opening for any adjustments. So far, I've made three, and two are in the wash. This loose tunic is super comfy and perfect for work.It's been a slow and enjoyable process. I even made a nightgown for my niece.Recently, I decided to take on a bigger project - sewing a dress on a pattern. I used to think that only industrial equipment could handle something like that, but with some effort and enthusiasm, I managed to create something unique and beautiful. I used a pre-made pattern to make the dress. I wanted to finish the project by the new year, but life had other plans, and I ended up working on it in early January. When working with pre-made patterns or magazines, it's essential to take your measurements. My measurements are constantly changing, so even if a pattern fits my current size, it doesn't mean it'll fit perfectly the first time I try it on. That's why sewing skills are still necessary. You'll need to adjust the fit in some areas, like taking in the waist or shortening the hem. The key is not to overdo it. Sewing any garment requires patience and skills.

If you're just starting out with sewing a t-shirt or a skirt, take a look at some tutorials online – they often have valuable tips and tricks. I've been working on my sewing skills for a while now, and I still have a lot to learn. As my mentor used to say, 'We learn something new every day in the atelier.' Don't be afraid to take on a challenging project – it might not turn out perfectly, but you'll gain valuable experience that will help you improve your skills in the long run. And as the saying goes, 'Idle hands are the devil's playthings.'

I recently had a situation where I needed a hidden zipper for a jacket on January 2nd. Zippers and other hardware are often cheaper to buy in bulk on marketplaces, so I decided to stock up and avoid any last-minute runs to the store. It ended up being a very cost-effective decision.

Zippers and dublerines The same goes for different types of adhesive materials - dublerine, webbing, and seam seal. Everything comes in rolls and it's super convenient. I use hot glue a lot, so I got that too (I prioritized the soft kind for the baby's comfort) Additional materials As for the equipment, I didn't forget about the needles and presser feet. When sewing that same dress on the cover - I managed to break 3 needles on my overlock. The fabric is so delicate that all the beauty lies in the paillettes that are attached with a straight stitch to each other, and it was impossible not to use the overlock (it would shed and leave a lot of mess). I inserted a hidden zipper into the dress using a special presser foot for cases like this, and it's a great tool. It's also available for purchase separately.As for the iron, a regular one will do just fine. The only thing that's really great is if it has a good steam function and anti-scalding coating. I also got additional ironing pads for easier handling of the garment. For the neckline, armhole - it's quick and functional. The entire ironing process takes place on the ironing board. Using water (you can pour it into a spray bottle and spray it) and fabric (which they call a pressing cloth, it's placed on top of the garment to prevent scorching, and it allows for more precise ironing, flat) is also essential for me.

At the moment, I don't have many new finished projects - with all these mishaps. But I'm not in a rush, I still help my family with garment repairs and slowly work on new projects for myself.

I've always dreamed of sewing clothes, and I've turned that dream into a hobby. Sometimes friends come to me and ask for help with repairs or making something, and I'm happy to lend a hand for a small fee. But I'm not looking to take on anything too big - that's not my goal. I sew for myself and my loved ones, and it's a great way to save money and stand out from the crowd. I don't want to rush into anything and do a subpar job, I want to enjoy the process.

✅ The perks of sewing

- Sewing clothes for myself and loved ones

- Repairing items

- Expressing my creative side

- As a potential hobby, work, or side hustle

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❌ The downsides of sewing

- The equipment is pretty pricey right now

- Finding the right supplies and materials

- Being patient and persistent

- And from my own experience, I'd say that if you're taking on custom orders, you need to work with people who are reliable and can pay on time

- And don't forget about your health, it's possible to get neck strain from sewing for long periods, so make sure to take breaks and get a massage now and then

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I hope my review helps you with your own creative projects, or maybe even inspires you to make a new dress. As for me, I know exactly what I want to do during my maternity leave

Thanks for reading ❤️