We all have our favourite quotes and mantras to live by. When it comes to teaching sewing, I have my golden rules, which aren't really rules at all, but rather things to think about when just starting out. Whether you're eight to eighty and learning to sew, here are some thoughts to sew by.
Always be positive.
Start every project with a positive attitude. Think it's going to be super hard? You can do it! If you get stuck, remember to take a break before you get panicky and stressed. Sewing should be fun, challenging but fun.
Use your imagination and make it your own.
Don't be afraid to get creative and try something new, and maybe different. Mix and match fabric patterns, go bold and unusual, make your project your own. It doesn't have to be perfect and it doesn't have to look the same as someone else's.
Practise.
Sewing with success does take practise. I can always tell when my students haven't touched their machines over the summer holidays or Christmas break! Just like any other skill, it requires regular practise. It took me at least a dozen test buttonholes to get them just right! Thank goodness for scrap fabric :)
Sew slow... the turtle wins the race, remember?
On week one when I get a fresh group of eager students, they just want to sew, sew, sew! They're so eager that they put the pedal to the metal and sew as fast as the machine will go. STOP! Control is key when sewing and while some think sewing faster will get their project done faster, that's not true at all. You'll often make more mistakes when rushing, have to stop and unpick and sew again. Sew slow like a turtle and you'll get there in the end, with a beautiful project to boot!
What's your creative mantra?