(thinking out lout to myself)
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@ai6yr It is extremely useful!
I have zero sense of direction, so often my makes have lots of unpicking before I'm done (in VERY fast at unpicking, though!) and I also enjoy servicing my vintage sewing machines (I don't do the electric parts. Knowing my limits.) -
Anyway, PSA to no one in particular: sewing is an extremely, extremely useful skill to have, of PHENOMENAL usefulness, and it's a shame it's not respected as such (at least, not in the US -- and based on the extremely low value placed in sewing worldwide, probably a global thing). So glad the many folks here have pointed me in the right direction on this. And it's also a shame it's been pretty gender-role limited. (at least for me, a straight male...) I highly recommend everyone and anyone at least learn the basics (repair and some modifications), but if you're into math/puzzles/3d modeling/etc. it is a natural fit to go well beyond that.
@ai6yr Watching your progress over the past year-plus has motivated me to start learning a thing or two. Working on basic repairs now (buttons, socks, etc.), we'll see where this takes me.
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@ai6yr
Hmmm, I've been procrastinating that for quite a while... how would you suggest one starts?How about a tote bag? They are small, so you won't need a lot of fabric.
They have straight seams. The handles can be strong webbing. If you are feeling adventurous, you can turn your own with self fabric.Use it for groceries. You will learn about:
the strength of your seams
how the shape matters
how much more weight a well designed handle supports.Pockets are optional.
No zippers or buttons yet.
You will get an early success. -
@ai6yr Watching your progress over the past year-plus has motivated me to start learning a thing or two. Working on basic repairs now (buttons, socks, etc.), we'll see where this takes me.
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@ai6yr
Sewing is not respected because is was traditionally considered woman's work. Except if a man did it, then he was called a tailor.Cooking is not respected because is was considered woman's work. Except if a man did it, then he was called a chef.
See how that works?
Also immigrants who could not speak the new language well could still sew, fit and repair; sinking the skill further into disrespect.
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@ai6yr @StumpyTheMutt ya you're gonna need a thick 'ol treated canvas. Problem is that adds weight. This is the point where I'd fall down the rabbit hole on backpack research for materials and reducing friction in problem spots etc. I'm sure that's just scratching the surface too.
@T2R @StumpyTheMutt I have heard a lot of people mentioning Dyneema, but haven't looked into it at all, but I suspect that's more of a weight weenie than a durability choice.
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@ai6yr I learned sewing from a couple of places (my mom & sisters a bit, 4H, school). It really bummed me out that at my teen’s school, which has a very broad arts curriculum, they offer nothing in fiber arts. No sewing, knitting, weaving, etc. He’s doing a theater class this fall that focuses on costume design but the teacher was surprised when I asked about sewing - much more about thrifting (fine) and glue. Missed opportunity.
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@ai6yr
Sewing is not respected because is was traditionally considered woman's work. Except if a man did it, then he was called a tailor.Cooking is not respected because is was considered woman's work. Except if a man did it, then he was called a chef.
See how that works?
Also immigrants who could not speak the new language well could still sew, fit and repair; sinking the skill further into disrespect.
and when a field that is typically filled with women gets filled with men the pay scale goes up for no apparent reason. also, the reverse
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@ai6yr
Women weren't as strong as men for working farms, so they were considered lower.We lost the farm, but kept the ideology.
https://www.wikiart.org/en/jean-francois-millet/the-gleaners-1857 -
and when a field that is typically filled with women gets filled with men the pay scale goes up for no apparent reason. also, the reverse
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