My inspiration is in my head. I design beautiful creations in my mind’s eye as I go through the day. I am over qualified for the job I do to maintain, so am a little schizophrenic with part of my mind on the task at hand and the other daydreaming of pretty designs. I never had enough courage to follow my passion. I gave my life over to my first love. (I am 70 and we were taught to marry well.) It is as if I have little cerebral file cabinet. I just pull the creation out when I want to make a garment. When I was younger, it felt as if I carried all the patterns in my mind. That was helpful when I saw beautiful fabric in the store. I did not always have a plan in mind when I made the purchase. Typically, I put the cloth in my sewing room and just waited for it to speak to me. I made my own patterns. Someone would always stop me when I was out and about and say, ‘what a beautiful outfit’. I took pride in wearing something original because the experience of creating something from ‘scratch’ was exhilarating for me. Sewing was therapeutic for me. I could only sew when my other work was done. I would play my music and lost all track of time (unusual for me). Each dress had its own tune. I could hear the music when I wore the outfit. I felt beautiful. My mother and her mother were much better seamstresses than me so I guess it was in my DNA. My fondest memories are of sitting on the floor at about age 4 by my mother while she sewed. She put my sewing things in a little basket and I sat quietly beside her and made doll clothes. It didn’t matter that the dresses were a little skewed and the stitches were uneven. She encouraged me and offered to help, but I would always say, “I can do it myself mama,” and she would smile and just let me go. As I write this I realize my inspiration must be my mother and my grandmother whose beauty and grace were my inspiration. What a wonderful gift they gave me. (I must get back to this therapeutic experience; health problems have taken me away from this, but I must make time again for my musical garments.)
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Replies
Thank You for sharing your lovely story! I wish you health and strength to resume your musical garments! I so enjoyed reading this, you have a lovely way with words, do you also write poetry?
If garments are too dificult at this time, perhaps you could make some lovely scarves or accessories. Mary
Thank you for your lovely compliment. I did write poetry, that has gone by the way too, but I am healthier now and hope to get back in my creative 'mode'. I had open heart surgery in 2003 (have always taken good care of myself; bummer), and that slowed me down somewhat.
You made my day!!!
Well you made my day too! I echo MaryinColorado's comments!
Thanks so much!!!
I loved your inspiration tale too, but have to admit to a bit of envy. My inspiration has to come from outside of me... from pictures of clothing or from seeing what others are wearing. My sense of satisfaction comes from wearing a "one of a kind" only in the application of fabric, fit, and pattern. Very rarely have I strayed into something of my own creation. That is truely a gift. Something I think one is born with. The essence of a true artist, if you will. One is never too old to follow his dreams, look at Grandma Moses.
You are so kind. In retrospect, I think it may be a gift. I just seemed to know how to sew, and it was exciting for me to look at the flat piece of cloth and create something with form. I have to be honest, I loved the attention because it gave me a personal sense of identity. I have never been good at being a part of. I will walk beside you, but I have to keep to my counsel. It has taken me a lifetime to acknowledge that. You can take pleasure in the reinforcement sewing provides for you and there are so many resources for inspiration. I have a photo of a Chanel (Coco Chanel was my hero) suit (perhaps in the 50's era, not the one everyone copies with the braid) that I intend to create a pattern for and make out of navy lightwool wool or perhaps silk linen. When I make it I will post on Threads again. (This is a first for me.)
Incidentally, if you 'Google' vintage patterns, you will find beautiful creations that are actually tailored!!! that you might like. Some are expensive, but I have found some great ones.
Thanks again for your feedback.
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