A few weeks ago someone I know posted on a Facebook page that she had a bridesmaids dress that needed altering, so I volunteered for the job. The dress was made by a shop that I have looked at many times and thought "I wish I was doing that, producing clothing designed by me, for the masses..."
When I got my hands on the dress I was impressed by the sewing, it was well done, but I was also encouraged to see that it felt handmade. It wasn't perfect like I imagine everyone who sews (other than myself) work to be. When the client tried the dress on, it fit her terribly. Now this is not because the dress is a bad dress. In fact the dress fit me perfectly, but I have about a foot and a half on her, so the waist was in the wrong place as well as where the girls should be. Also the neckline was too wide and revealing. Isn't that the worst! I hate when I buy something and have to fidget with it or wear something else to make it work. I took 3" out of the length at the waist and used that material around the neckline. A simple fix and the dress is ready for the wedding.
When I sew I am hard on myself about being able to make generic size clothing, something that can fit many people, but that's the thing isn't it. We are not Generic. We are not one size fits all. We are unique, I love it, and I design for that.
When I got my hands on the dress I was impressed by the sewing, it was well done, but I was also encouraged to see that it felt handmade. It wasn't perfect like I imagine everyone who sews (other than myself) work to be. When the client tried the dress on, it fit her terribly. Now this is not because the dress is a bad dress. In fact the dress fit me perfectly, but I have about a foot and a half on her, so the waist was in the wrong place as well as where the girls should be. Also the neckline was too wide and revealing. Isn't that the worst! I hate when I buy something and have to fidget with it or wear something else to make it work. I took 3" out of the length at the waist and used that material around the neckline. A simple fix and the dress is ready for the wedding.
When I sew I am hard on myself about being able to make generic size clothing, something that can fit many people, but that's the thing isn't it. We are not Generic. We are not one size fits all. We are unique, I love it, and I design for that.