Falling In Love with Fabric Again
I love how life has a way of unfolding in front of you, simply by reflecting back what you put out into the universe.
One minute you’re walking around feeling sorry for yourself, noticing only the things that aren’t working out in your favor.
But a conversation…a thought…a desire to ground yourself again…One of those things is a catalyst that instantly improves your resolve to find your creative joy again. (Because you know it’s still there; you just can’t remember the last time you properly honored it.)
You’re able to pull on those positivity threads with which your soul is held together, and suddenly, opportunities and beauty begin outwardly weaving themselves within the fabric of your life again.
That’s what happened to me this summer when I began to fall in love with fabric again.
With that falling in love again, came rediscovering the joy of sewing clothing again, too, after 25 years since I bought my first pattern.
And it all started with this Italian designer silk fabric I found at 1:00 a.m. on a random Saturday night that lit a fire in my belly.
But let me start at the beginning…
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I Wanted to Feel Excited to Create Something New
Have you ever experienced “flow”? You know–those moments when you’re so involved and satisfied with what you’re working on that you lose all sense of time? You’re like a purring cat as you contently do “that thing” that brings you so much joy. It could be working in your garden. Building something. Cross-stitching. Whatever.
Well for me, those things are writing, painting, building, and (something I don’t talk about much here): sewing.
DIY projects bring me happiness, yes, but sometimes it feels so challenging (have you ever sanded decorative feet on a vintage dresser?!–that is on the same level of joy as pulling teeth without anesthesia!).
Those dreadful moments of challenging projects can sometimes prevent you from getting to the “good part” where you finally see the fruits of all that DIY labor.
Lately, I’ve been wanting something a little more chill, less arduous, but still allows me to get into my creative “flow.”
I remembered how much I used to love sewing clothing 25 years ago when I first began sewing.
The joy of looking at patterns and imagining beautiful silks, and cottons, and unique fabrics to make the garment one-of-a-kind was alluring. (Even though we all know we could buy something similar for half as much–am I right??–but that was never the point). I enjoyed wearing something that started as a flat piece of fabric and shaping it into something I could tailor for my specific style, shape, and measurements.
I wasn’t great at it, because I had never dedicated enough time perfecting my craft. But I was good enough. And that was enough for me to slip into “flow,” languidly spending hours at my sewing machine in my early 20s–when my weekend hours were mine and not rented out to little people I birthed.
My boys are 19, 15, and 13, (and while they still need me), I’m in my mid-40’s now, realizing that I have more command over my weekends. My soul had been craving slipping back into “flow” again. So I turned to what I remember lit me up so many years ago: sewing….patterns…..and the joy of fabric.
A Seed Was Planted
When the idea came to me–Serena, make a summer dress–I couldn’t wait to get up the next morning to hit the fabric store! It felt like years since I have perused a fabric store to look for fashion fabrics. Over a brief stint with sewing clothes, I pivoted to sewing silk purses…baby carriers….baby diapers and shoes…..
Later, when we moved into this older 1970’s home and I began decorating it on the budget, Thrift Diving was born. My sewing was limited to reupholstering ugly furniture from the thrift store, like that wingback chair that took me only a year to complete. (Never again. Never, never again).
But my favorite reupholstery project were these gorgeous purple velvet chairs that required me to sew little diamond-shaped pieces for a tufted back, which I had never done before. I was so proud of how they turned out!
My sewing machine has never left my side in all these 25 years. This Bernina has been with me for about 23 of those years (it’s built like a tank!). I have enjoyed the deep velvets and stunning transformations of upholstered furniture.
But the allure of more delicate cottons and silks, manipulated into flirty, romantic one-of-a-kind pieces made especially for my body’s curves….well….that right there is something I have always wanted to master. And I have finally come full circle to want to learn how to do it. And that full circle was a couple weeks ago at a local fabric store when I salivated over $129/yard fabric. (GASP!)
The Inspiration
The night it became clear to me that my passion for sewing clothing needed to be reignited again, the following day I made a plan to hit my local fabric store.
I had bought this Mimi G summer dress pattern a few years ago, with the idea that I would fall back into fashion sewing, but it took time to get to the point where I would allow myself this creative time to actually make it.
I wanted something just as bold and loud as Mimi’s print. So that when I wore that dress, people would say, “Here comes Serena!” I loved the way that fabric gathered on her butt. I just hoped that whatever back-fat rolls I had going on would melt away with my recent Weight Watchers attempt (I mean….only 23 points for the day?? But I digress…..). This was the most “bold” fabric I could find at the fabric store. What a tropical delight!
But I also loved the romantic vibe of what I thought was simply a beautifully printed cotton. I grew up a total tomboy–and I guess most would say I still am, to my core. But there’s also layers to me, femininity lurking just below the surface, always whispering to me. This fabric, with that pattern, says: “I’m flirty, feminine, and bad-ass because I made it myself.”
But then, I noticed the price tag. Are you kidding me??! $129 per yard? I decided to skip the florals and go with the tropical pop of color!
How I Fell In Love With Sewing 25 Years Ago
You might be wondering where my sewing journey began. Well, let’s take a trip down memory lane…
I remember the first time I ever went to a fabric store. It was Spring of 2000. I was a fresh-faced, recent college grad using her hard-earned Psychology degree as a temp worker at a random telecom company (remember Nextel?).
A few office ladies were chatting about going to a fabric store during their upcoming lunch break, and OMG–a spark!
My head snapped to look at them as I exclaimed, “I want to go, too!” I had never stepped foot inside a fabric store. I had never worked with patterns. I hadn’t ever made clothes. But in that moment, I knew without a shadow of a doubt, that is what I wanted at that moment. My whole body said, “Yes!”
As a young teen, I remember cruising my favorite thrift shops, looking for vintage dresses that I could shorten or make more stylish. The extent of my sewing skills was a hand stitch. But I loved it. This was a favorite dark-blue polyester thrifted dress I had found at 15-years-old and trimmed the bottom and hemmed it by hand. Cost me all of $2.50. And if you’re wondering, YES….I still have this dress 32 years later.
And the next question: Does it still fit? Yes, it does! 🙂
AGE 15
AGE 47
The seed for sewing had been planted at 15, lying dormant throughout college. But at 22, those office ladies had no idea that they had just watered that seed. My creativity would never be the same.
When I got to the fabric store to look for fabric for a sundress, I allowed myself time to look around. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for, but I took pleasure in knowing that when I saw it, I would know. I was in no rush. This would be a lifelong pursuit.
Where Did the Summer Go?!
What started off as a summer of “sewing goals” turned into a summer of “home office makeover” in my best girlfriend’s house (you can watch the “BEFORE” and “AFTER” of her home office here on YouTube).
I always underestimate how much time a total room makeover takes. We started mid-June. June quickly dipped into July, when we wrapped up. July then blended seamlessly into August. September was a blur. And now, here we are in October.
And it’s too late to even wear my summer dress. Not to mention, it’s not even done. I imagine at the first taste of warmth in the air in 2026, I’ll dust off the tropical fabric and slip it on–that is, of course, if it actually turns out. That’s questionable. HA!
But I realized something: it’s not about finishing the summer dress and then darting off to the dreamy watercolor-esque silk I found in NYC (although, I can’t wait to get my hands on it).
It’s about relishing the “flow” that never went away, even after 25 years. Because when I sat down at that sewing machine and started matching right sides together…stitching darts and pressing seams, it felt like no time at all had passed.
My desire hadn’t wavered. Yes, my state of “flow” was fragmented with soccer practices and dinner prep. But there was that little niggling in my gut that whispered loudly, “I can’t wait to get back to my sewing machine!” That creative spark is what had been missing from my life for a while, so it felt like me and an old friend had reunited. And perhaps I did: with myself.
What I also realized is that it may not be the actual finishing of the garment within the confines of summer, but rather, honoring the desire that re-sparked that which never really went away. Most excitingly, I’m honoring and celebrating the anticipation of the sewing sessions to come.
And it all started with falling in love with fabric again.
Have you ever re-sparked a hobby, too? Tell me all about it in the comments section!
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Hi Serena.
This was a really good read!
Thank you.
I have such a hard time remembering how to properly thread my machine;
I tend to give up mid project and simply create my dresses and skirts by hand at a much quicker speed.
I’ve been making dresses, costumes and skirts by hand for years.
For me it’s less of a hassle.
I started sewing years ago out of necessity.
Although at times I enjoy it.
I would not call it a creative flow, for me.
However like yourself and so many others I’m drawn to many things and yes;
I always find myself flowing when I’m working on a design or project for myself or someone else.
By the way I do remember Nextel and your legs are beautiful.
Very full and well proportioned.
I hope you get a chance to enjoy the dress next season.
I love this post. it was actually sewing that got reignited during Covid. I had sewn quite a bit in my younger years but like you, having kids and family to tend to as well as working and going back to school meant everything got pushed to the back burner.
I had always wanted to learn how to quilt but didn’t have the time or patience to learn until I was cleaning out my house, getting ready to put it on the market to sell. I found fabric squares that I had bought in Hawaii many years before. I loved all the different Hawaiian prints. It took almost a year to sell my house and most everything was boxed waiting for my big move… except my sewing machine. I started with a pillow top and went on to make a quilt out of the Hawaiian print squares. It wasn’t perfect but it was fun figuring out a pattern and beginning the process of quilting. I was horrible at keeping a 1/4″ seam but somehow it got all sewn together, even if it was wonky in places.
In all the different creative things I’ve learned to do over my lifespan I have found the most important thing to remember is to enjoy the process of learning and creating and not so locked into the end results. I’m always ecstatic when the result is amazing but nothing has to be perfect.
Your blogs and videos have been so much help for me to keep learning. I started watching your videos when I decided to paint my basement floor after watching you do it. There’s nothing that feels so good as tackling a new project and being able to get the information that you provide to be brave enough to start and to feel proud of the results.
Your enthusiasm is catching! I love to garden but right now I’m worn down by the physical labor of it. I remember my sewing days too and still have my cheap Singer. Winter is coming. Time to hunker down with something to get lost in. Good Luck. Keep posting.
I hear you, Patricia! I remember when I was younger and would see “gardening” listed under “physical activity.” I would think, “Really?? They consider gardening physical activity?!” HA! Little did my naive self know at that time. It’s WORK! lol. As for sewing, I would love to see you pull out your Singer and make something. It’s such a calming, fun hobby. I am going to work on my dress for a little bit this afternoon. I can’t wait! Thanks for replying! Means the world. 🙂
It is AMAZING Serena to see the pictures from the past, thanks for sharing! My takeaway from your latest post is that creativity is at the centre of everything you do and this is very inspiring!!!! I will take out my sewing machine and fabric I had collected and will explore what I can do 😉
Yessss, I hope you do pull out the sewing and make something, Annie! 🙂 It’s so much fun. And you are right–creating is my purpose here on earth. It took me well into my 30’s to understand that, and now that I do, I know that it’s part of what I have to do, no matter what–whether it’s painting furniture, stripping and restaining, sewing, and even knitting. If I don’t create, I am not truly happy! LOL Thanks for reading and commenting!
That expensive fabric is absolutely exquisite! The price tag … not so much. Apparently, I needed your blog/post today. I remember sewing a new dress from scratch for my roommate many years ago in one afternoon. Thanx for the nudge to get my new (purchased 8 months ago) sewing machine out of the box and get to steppin’ on something for myself. Your emails have the ability to hit a nerve, in a good way. Thanks for your continuing inspiration.
How cool, Allyson! Did the dress turn out? 🙂 And doing it in one afternoon is impressive! I’ve been bingeing Project Runway (the old seasons, including the All Stars episodes), and the speed at which they’re able to crank out a garment is insane. I would love to get to a level of sewing where I could just say, “Hey, I’m going to make a dress this weekend” and be able to just MAKE IT, without it taking 3 months. I’m planning to sew today, to make progress on this dress, and set the timer so I don’t lose myself in “flow” too much, since I have other things to do! Soooo glad you enjoyed the blog post! And please do unpack that sewing machine, because once you do, and you get into your own “flow,” you’ll feel so content. 🙂 Thank you for reading!! And responding, of course.
I’m happy to see you back to sewing once again. Like you, I sewed in high school, later college, and I worked as a stitcher for a couple of theater companies. Go, Serena.
You look amazing, by the way. And seeing you at 15 in that dress is fun.
I’m looking forward to seeing your finished dress.
Oh, FUN, Alys! How was that, working for theater companies? Tell me more! Did you work with patterns, or were you doing alternations to ready-made costumes? Love this!
I used to have a serger from Bernina. I used it to make a diaper bag and a changing pad a long time ago when my kids were babies. It was a nice little machine for sewing on knit fabric and for decorative stitching around the edges of woven fabric. As my kids grew, I used it less and less; so, I ended up freecycling it.
I’ve always enjoyed sewing by hand or by machine. When I was much younger, I made all the clothes that my Barbie wore. When I was pregnant, I made all my maternity clothes. And after my babies were born, I made most of their baby clothes.
Donna, ooh, a Bernina serger! I was at my local fabric store recently and they are a Bernina dealer. I stopped in to see the latest in machines, and can you believe their Bernina serger on display was about $6,000?! I was like….are you kidding me?? Even my Bernina sewing machine, though, 25 years ago was about $2200, but that was with the embroidery module that was an add-on, which was $1,000 of that. It was so worth it, because it has held up so nicely. But wow…I wish I could have received your Bernina serger! So cool you made so many things, even Barbie clothes! 🙂 Thank you for reading and taking a moment to share your stories with me!
Good for you! I used to buy a few yards of fabrics I loved not even knowing what I was going to make. I especially was drawn to beautiful prints. One of my favorite author/podcasters often talks about doing things that make you feel like yourself. Sounds like you have rediscovered that! Looking forward to seeing the finished dress! Also, aren’t sergers the worst! I have had mine mess up and would rethread it multiple times only to have it come undone again and then finally it would work and I would have no idea what I did right!
I had to literally LOL at your comment, Vicki, because I can identify with how pesky threading a serger is, and getting it right, but not knowing what you did that actually worked! When I dusted mine off and brought it in here to the shed, I had to ask ChatGPT to walk me through the proper threading, because I couldn’t remember. Thankfully, I had labeled on the serger “U” “L” “R” and “L” so that I could remember which cone went to which part. Then Chat walked me through which one to do first, second, and so forth. LOL
Thanks for the Chat GPT tip, would have never thought to use that!
Yessss, I love Chat! I was threading it and wasn’t sure which one should have come first. I snapped a pic of it and was like, “Hey Chat, I’m not sure which one goes first.” And it responded with clear instructions! I have used it for so many troubleshooting things. It even helped me figure out why my mom’s oxygen machine was giving her an error, when Google wasn’t coming up with the answer!