In the wake of the discussion last week on hand versus machine quilting, I was making myself a skirt (photos to come). I had intended to use the blind hem on my sewing machine to do the hem. But when I tested it on the fabric, I was really unhappy with how much it was going to show.
I knew I didn’t want to just topstitch it. That’s how I’ve hemmed pretty much all the clothes I’ve made for myself recently, and it just wasn’t the look I was going for with this skirt. Then I had this thought — hem it by hand! I had a little internal discussion, with part of me not wanting to do something that was going to take “forever” (clearly one part of my brain is highly prone to exaggeration). In the end I knew it was the only method that would produce the look I wanted.
So, I gathered my little scissors, a spool of thread, a hand sewing needle, and a thimble and sat in my favorite chair. It was quiet and the windows were open, so I listened to the cars and the crickets and it was a lovely peaceful 45 minutes. And it turned out beautifully.
I encourage you all to choose a step in your next sewing project and do it by hand. Just something small. If you normally attach the buttons with a machine, do it by hand. If you normally attach your quilt binding with a machine, do it by hand. If you normally do your zipper installation or your topstitching or your embroidery with a machine, do it by hand. It will not only slow down your body, but also your breathing, and your mind.
Is there something that you can do with your machine that you tend to do by hand, just because you enjoy the process?
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There is great beauty in simple things that involve working with our hands. Even something as mundane as doing dishes can be a very zen-like experience. Thanks for reminding us to be mindful of this.
Absolutely! I love binding my quilts simply because I get to work by hand. There is something so calm and centering about the process. Thanks for the reminder.
This hem stitching really does look beautiful. I love the reminder that hand stitching slows the body, but also slows the mind. With such a therapeutic activity as hand sewing, I think many of us could use that 45 minutes to sit quietly and soak up the moment. I have been on the hunt for more hand sewing projects for just these reasons!
I find that any kind of hand work is my greatest joy these days. Maybe it’s my age, but I find hand-quilting, needlepoint, mending, embroidery to be just what the doctor ordered. I also am machine quilting and sewing, but as you pointed out, sitting in the cozy chair and having the quiet time are just too delicious for words.
I always resist hand sewing but when I do it it never takes as long as I worried it would. It is nice to be low tech sometimes, I always feel pleased afterwards.
We are always in such a rush. But honestly, I agree with you, I always sew my hems by hand (well, unless I am hemming a pair of jeans. That just doesn’t seem to look right!)
There are a lot of things that we should slow down at. Maybe I should start a new embroidery project?
Thanks for the insight!
This is why I quilt! All my work is hand piecing and hand quilting. It is my own form of meditation.