Want to QUIT sewing? Hear me out first.

Congrats on losing the weight. You look great!

I grew up with people who sewed because they had to (born in the early 1900s and 1920s). I had no idea it was something you had a choice about. I breezed through Home Ec in 7th grade because I had been hand sewing since I was five. I've always loved sewing, even though sometimes I would have long periods when I didn't because I had to work or take care of kids. Now that I'm older, I vowed to master garment sewing and have started in on quilting. I think it's good for older people since it makes your brain fit together puzzle pieces and do math (dammit).

I really appreciate you and your content. I want to share two motivational questions that have helped me. What would you be doing if money were not a consideration? Where do you see yourself in five years? What steps are you taking to get there? Have you looked into Skill Share. You can learn to draft your own patterns and much more at minimal expense. Believe in yourself! Love you!

Hi Claire, I'm currently trying to hem a curved hem and I'm pulling my hair out. I found I needed to walk away...thus I'm here listening to you. I'm about to pull some weeds in the garden which is where I do most of my thinking. You're looking amazing! 🇦🇺 🐨

I really love your top.❤ Did you make that?

I haven't even watched the video yet, but why would anyone"quit sewing"? I mean, maybe don't do big projects, but sewing is a basic skill. If no more be without a sewing machine than I would be without a basic set of hand tools, cooking gear or a toothbrush. But I'll watch the video.

Hi Claire, sewing is my 2nd thing……my main interest is art, I draw animal / pet portraits. I regularly get burn out because I put so much into my drawings. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never draw again, but after a couple of weeks, I push myself to do a small simple piece of art just to get me back into it again…….maybe sewing block could be tackled in the same way. Just making something small & simple……just a thought for anyone who has lost their mojo x

I took up sewing a year ago when I was feeling lost and directionless. I remembered I used to hand sew victorian dresses for my barbies when I was young, and I knew when I bought my first ever sewing machine last October, it would change my life. It took me 9 months to learn to sew in a straight line, and my sewing machine was so crap I wanted to chuck it out the window. When I knew the hobby was going to stick, I got myself a workhorse which is a joy to sew on and I love sewing historical clothing. When I'm better, I want to make day to day garments that actually fit - having a 38 inch leg inseam and veryyyyy long arms makes it very hard to find decent clothes in the shops.

Your tips and talking points are very well thought out and refreshing. I like to sew and right now I’m not in a position to do any big projects due to extremely limited space. I do, however, keep my sewing interest fed with smaller projects. For instance, I’m on this kick of towel toppers for hanging kitchen towels. It’s perfect for the limited space and it’s coming up on the holidays. I get to sew and build a pile of hand sewn gifts. Win win.

Edited to add: I’m not sure about the UK, but in the US, we have county fairs and state fairs that have arts and crafts section they judge for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place etc; they are great places to see for inspiration.

Good video, Claire. Thanks. Like many, I started sewing to make clothes for my children. Fabric back then, in the 60s and 70s, was affordable and ready made was so expensive. With 3 young children, it was the only way to clothe them, as well as myself. As the kids got older, I got more into crafts not sewing related. I’ve always loved fabrics, especially cotton, so eventually I built up a stash😢 I then decided patchwork and quilting. I still have enough fabric to fill a fabric shop. My husband of 58 years recently passed away and want to be motivated to continue. It’s so hard…no doubt this time next year I’ll sew again. 😁❤️🇦🇺

I take breaks, but I never totally quit. My health issues cause me to have periods where I just don't feel good enough to sew.

Around the age of nine, I was encouraged to learn to sew by my Gram and my Girl Scout troop leader. Started out making clothes for my dolls then transitioned into learning basic garment construction in junior high school Home Economics classes and practicing on a hand me down machine. Now as I move into my 70s and several machine upgrades over the years, I’m always amazed at how much there is still to learn, tips and tricks to make the process fresh and enjoyable. Have I made my way thru the stash I built for my “when I retire” projects? LOL, no way! But talk about motivation for staying busy and alive😉

You are right, I do like your psychological take on things. I also think you have a very attractive top on today. My issue with my lack of crafting is the internet. I have a terrible addiction to it. I find it difficult to put it down to get on with making.

I LOVE your phycological sewing tips. ✌️

I truly want to be able to keep sewing but right now my concentration isn’t going to be there. I literally found out today that I have cancer. Right now I on pins & needles of what the next step is for me & how serious the cancer is right now. I find sewing to be challenging but also relaxing and enjoying. Hopefully once I know what comes next maybe I can get back to sewing . I have been working on pants and they can be a booger. I may have to sew some simple projects. I believe though that sewing would be a big help to me mentally.

Thank you Claire for being real.
Thank you for using yourself as an example and so relating to me ❤ Thank you from Australia 🇦🇺

Great vlog Claire…some very good tips that I will take on board…❤😊

You look great 👍

👍❤️

Claire, you are looking so good - well done, you xx

I doubt that I will ever quit sewing but it's only a small part of who I am. I am a creative person with many interests and sewing is only one of them. I am currently sewing clothing again but normally my sewing goes hand in hand with my main hobby of historical re-enacting. If I had to pay someone else to make our outfits, I couldn't afford to have the variety of garments that I want. My husband had a new frock coat commissioned and it was several hundred dollars ( and probably a bargain at the price he paid).
So I'll never stop sewing completely, I don't see myself churning out a new outfit every week.
If you want to sew but money is stopping you, put it out to your friends. Put a looking for ad on Craig's List, FB marketplace, or a freecycle group. You would be amazed at what people will give you from fabric to sewing machines. I personally dislike PDF patterns but there are many free ones available, they do take time to assemble and use printer ink and paper. I think buying patterns at thrift stores is a better deal. Or on sale, Simplicity dot com currently has patterns at 70% off and if you do a pattern review for them they send you a 40% off coupon that even applies to sale and clearance patterns. It's 40% off the sale price so around 82% off the total plus shipping. But people often have patterns laying around that they will either lend you or give you.

Thank you!

Thank you Claire! I finally got my sew-jo back! I'm now making sweaters. Some cardigans, pullovers, and a sweater dress. I'm finding that I love working with sweater knits!

So agree with you re sewing taking you out of your world. It has helped me enormously. I came back to sewing after a gap of 37 years or so when I retired. I am lucky enough to have a proper sewing space and now make most of my own clothes. The biggest problem is restraining myself with patterns and fabrics!!! Like most people I have wasted money going after the gadgets and trends in the same way as I used to sometimes buy clothes I never ended up wearing. One day I will get it right 🤔. Well, I will keep trying 😂😂. Love your vlogs. Thank you for your insights. Happy Sewing 😊. Lynne

Such a great psychological analysis 👍

Here's what I do to get motivated to sew! I go into my sewing room (or rooms) and play with the fabric, if I find something I really love (which is easy to do!), then I drag that out and I iron it and use a little spray on it so it feels nice and crisp. I really love sewing with freshly pressed fabric that feels kind of crispy when I cut it out. This usually gets my sewmojo back! It helps if I have a project going, like a quilt that I've been wanting to make. I also think color helps so much. Find a color that you just love, prepare the fabric so you love touching it, make sure all your lights are on, and you have something to drink next to your machine or your recliner if you are hand sewing. Sometimes I'll put on a yt video or some great music. It's all good.

(Linda) thank you Claire, I needed this video. You have it down perfectly. You have touched so many points that hit home. It is very hard when you want to, but just get moving 🙄. I love your channel, thank you!💝

Great advice ❤