tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post1497922199594577626..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Do You Know Any Men Who Sew?Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-65369037484761907962013-06-13T09:33:51.568-04:002013-06-13T09:33:51.568-04:00My husband sews! (and builds experimental aircraft...My husband sews! (and builds experimental aircraft, does leatherworking, which is essentially sewing, woodworking, and just finished building a barn for his dad) In fact, he just re-taught me how to use my mom's old sewing machine, which has been sitting in my back closet for about 15 years. I got it out because I decided on a whim to make my own wedding dress, for our wedding coming up in October. My friends and family thought I was crazy (my sister said, why? you'll feel obliged to wear it when it comes out lopsided!). I see it as the ultimate expression of love and care matching the importance of the occasion, and I'm creating something my daughter and her daughter will cherish.<br /><br />Gertie, thank you so much for the inspiration and education! I found your blog while looking for sewing tutorials, and decided to start from the beginning, hence the very late thread post! <br /><br />I felt the need to respond to this very important topic. What I noticed is that a lot of women know men who sew, and a lot of men are reading your blog. But why is it that women say the men who sew 'don't do it as a hobby,' but for 'utilitarian' reasons? Isn't it 'utilitarian' when I decide to sew my own wedding dress? And isn't it a 'hobby' when my husband decides to make drapes, or wants to learn how to weave so he can make beautiful rugs? (he literally just told me that.) <br /><br />As women, we have to stop making the same judgments about 'art' vs. 'craft' that would be offensive to us if they came from the mouths of men. And the gay/straight thing just needs to stop! Some people are creative and like to make things themselves, or want to feel a connection with history by doing things the old-fashioned way, or want to be self-sufficient, or want to perfect a skill. Other people don't. I suspect that, as 'feminist' as we are today, based on the number of comments about grandfathers, great-uncles, and fathers who sewed, we actually have less fluid ideas of gendered activities today (in some ways) than in the past. Is that because we don't think sewing is a necessity anymore? Therefore we don't all need to do it? Therefore when a man does it, it is somehow unusual? Okay, enough ranting; I'm a professor, sometimes I don't know when to stop....Ayanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10946767915730472486noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-69660977396771779212013-04-07T23:28:39.490-04:002013-04-07T23:28:39.490-04:00My partner sews little dresses by hand for our Lit...My partner sews little dresses by hand for our Little Miss but that is the extent of it. The end result is "functional" :) and LM loves itJeannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-34545541277719326932011-12-03T17:32:48.406-05:002011-12-03T17:32:48.406-05:00Yes, I know many men who sew. One of them is my bo...Yes, I know many men who sew. One of them is my boyfriend. I mostly have friends who like role playing games and live games. They sew their own clothes for these games as well for their everyday lives.Emelienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53600920987296263762011-11-12T23:46:28.077-05:002011-11-12T23:46:28.077-05:00Hi Dave, thanks for your comment! I would see if y...Hi Dave, thanks for your comment! I would see if you could find a local dressmaker or tailor who could teach you what they know. As for quality fabric, you may have to shop online. Gorgeous Fabrics and Emma One Sock are highly regarded and they both stock menswear fabrics. <br /><br />And lastly, sewing isn't always a money-saving proposition. But if you enjoy it (and it sounds like you will) it becomes more about feeding your passion than pinching pennies. Enjoy!Gertiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-7407756960223919612011-11-12T21:24:01.025-05:002011-11-12T21:24:01.025-05:00My name is Dave and this is the first time I'v...My name is Dave and this is the first time I've told anyone I want to sew. I am as straight as an arrow and single (divorced) if any of my buddies came over and saw a sewing machine....I would not hear the end of it. I've asked the ladies at the fabric part of walmart where to take classes and they look at me like I'm joking.(people ask me if I'm an MMA cage fighter) My mom sewed simple things when I was a child. But I'm wanting to learn how to make my own shirts, jeans, and jackets. I know I need to start small and graduate to the more complicated patterns, maybe practice making my dog some winter clothes? I DID sew a pillow case once! :) I can find lessons or a class here locally, even if I have to pay someone to teach me....I'll put an add on cragislist or something. My questions are:<br />1. Where in the world can I find fabric that is QUALITY (not the see thru tissue like material at Wal-Mart) Also quality denim?<br />2. What sewing machine would be best for a brand new sewer.<br />3. Is this cost effective? Or am I better off just paying $90 for BlankLabel to sew a custom shirt for me?<br />I live in South Alabama in a relatively small town. I have to shop in Atlanta if Kohls or JCPenny's doesn't have what I want.....yeah, I know....VOMIT! Thank you! -DaveDavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01872517358446773105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-73205006294863395572011-05-04T21:33:53.545-04:002011-05-04T21:33:53.545-04:00I just got a new sewing machine so I can sew thing...I just got a new sewing machine so I can sew things for my new baby daughter. I burnt my last one out years ago and never got around to getting another. I only know of one other male who owns a sewing machine and I taught him how to sew. I know alot of women who own sewing machines but don't know how to use them. Why is that? I just finished a stuffed rabbit for my baby and I combined two medium velvet shirts into one large sized skirt for my wife.richardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06103169187067932413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-65589263797095861532011-04-21T16:57:34.010-04:002011-04-21T16:57:34.010-04:00The new mid-40s rector at my church sews! He made ...The new mid-40s rector at my church sews! He made curtains for the rectory and, as far as I know, limits his sewing to domestic projects (nothing liturgical or clothing based.) It was a pleasant surprise.susannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85979625351529640212011-04-16T02:46:12.471-04:002011-04-16T02:46:12.471-04:00Gertie, I'm time -traveling through your older...Gertie, I'm time -traveling through your older posts, and have to pipe in on what ay be an as yet unrealized stash of male hobbyist "sewers".<br />Drag queens.<br />Seriously, my pilates instructor does drag, and of course has issues fitting womens' clothes to his body. It may also be that he's 6'7". (you can see his work here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH_MKJn3IBY)WyldFlamingohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07540342384095759977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-72463751033678835732011-01-25T16:35:29.020-05:002011-01-25T16:35:29.020-05:00I was fortunate and retired early. I also love to ...I was fortunate and retired early. I also love to sew and I have put this to good use. I design fabric purses, handbags, shoulder bags, and accessories. From start to finish including sketching the design, choosing the prints and fabrics, making my own patterns, and assembly, and marketing. I love it!<br /><br /> http://papacouture.blogspot.com/<br /><br /> http://www.artfire.com/users/PapaCouturePapa Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11272341445098435889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6249522435809540282010-11-07T18:02:18.929-05:002010-11-07T18:02:18.929-05:00I know this is an old post, but I just wanted to m...I know this is an old post, but I just wanted to mention that the Best of Show Quilt at the 2010 KY fair was made by a man.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-69802721943483897982010-09-08T07:17:32.640-04:002010-09-08T07:17:32.640-04:00I am just learning to sew and I really like it a l...I am just learning to sew and I really like it a lot. Finding men's fabrics can be a challenge at times but I am really learning fast. I can't wait to get into tailoring and pattern drafting. I saw some videos on making suits and it looks like fun. Glad to see more family men sewing!Thomasnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-37066016364584291682010-08-27T00:14:27.665-04:002010-08-27T00:14:27.665-04:00I sew. Mostly shirts. I don't consider this a ...I sew. Mostly shirts. I don't consider this a hobby. As much as I'd like to, I can't always afford a $200 shirt. But I like the cuts and I like the cloth. <br /><br />I'm on the hunt for good patterns and fabrics. Men's patterns are usually fugly, so I'm taking a pattern drafting course in a few weeks to try an remedy that situation.<br /><br />I found some great cloth in Belgium and just finished making a slim fit shirt that would fit onto the $200 rack. More importantly, my wife thinks it's sexy. Good enough for me.Matthewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-9293915779382988652010-08-03T23:59:47.394-04:002010-08-03T23:59:47.394-04:00Hi, I'm a man and I've been hobby sewing f...Hi, I'm a man and I've been hobby sewing for years... Mom taught me to sew, Dad taught my sister to fix the car. Now I'm the motorhead, but she's still pretty mean with a tire iron. What do I sew? Convertible tops for cars, Motorcycle seats, Ditty Bags, Nylon Straps, Machine Covers, Sails, Sail Bags, Duffel Bags, Light tailoring and alterations of my shirts, camping pillows, lots of various repairs...you know "manly stuff". Oh, and everything I do is straight stitch with an old Singer 401 that cost me $6 at a thrift store.<br /><br />manwhosewsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6825387171774103092010-07-30T13:17:26.911-04:002010-07-30T13:17:26.911-04:00Yes, I have taught myself to sew and been having s...Yes, I have taught myself to sew and been having sewing for three years. Mostly, historical costumes. I attended my first Costume Convention in 2009. In addtion, I just started a sewing blog. It's called Out of the Closet Costuming.<br /><br />http://outoftheclosetcostuming.blogspot.com/<br /><br />P<br />PP. Watsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04303255389819783635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-14850118876367399262010-02-23T07:53:41.475-05:002010-02-23T07:53:41.475-05:00My late step-grandad was a great sewer and all-rou...My late step-grandad was a great sewer and all-round handyman. He loved fixing and bringing things to order and I think sewing was in this category. He kept a big jar of buttons that had been cut off his and my grandma's favourite clothes when they became worn out, and always had a needle and thread about. So I suspect that back in the day sewing may not have been so suss for men. Hey come to think of it, don't men in the armed forces have to be able to keep their own clothes neat (ie sew on a button)?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17954554725637849952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-45436958234675947172009-11-23T11:21:12.607-05:002009-11-23T11:21:12.607-05:00i'm late to this party, but i am also a guy wh...i'm late to this party, but i am also a guy who sews. my mom taught me when i was a kid. it's helpful for me because i am weirdly sized and i have to alter a lot of stuff i buy and/ or sew my own stuff (although i echo the guy who said there's a real dearth of patterns for men). most of the clothes i sew are for women friends or babies, and i also do some quilting. sewing always reminded me of putting together a model airplane, which is something i also loved as a kid.S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17839502646449182414noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6611843085241265332009-11-19T14:21:11.194-05:002009-11-19T14:21:11.194-05:00shit yeah, i sew all the time! I really don't ...shit yeah, i sew all the time! I really don't see it as a feminine thing. It's more of a means of creation. I mean check out Claes Oldenberg's soft sculptures. I guess it depends on what you make, like i'm not going to sew myself an apron. I do cook a lot, but i dont care about getting my clothes dirty. When i sew i mainly make things for my craft graffiti website deeplysuperficialpeople. I've sewn a fleece bear trap, a giant watch, numerous windsocks and left them out on the street, free art style. Anyway, to answer the real question, yes i know a man who sews... me.SewJaBoyhttp://www.deeplysuperficialpeople.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47804193375694001002009-11-03T21:25:40.247-05:002009-11-03T21:25:40.247-05:00I just bought a new sewing machine 2 weeks ago bec...I just bought a new sewing machine 2 weeks ago because I am a weaver and wanted to do something besides have tied fringe on the ends of woven pieces. Having very little experience (I did sew some basic hems using my Moms old black Singer from the 50's), I decided that if I was going to buy a new machine, I would buy a good machine and learn how to use it. So far, I have taken one beginning sewing class and am signed up for another this week. I'm really enjoying myself! :)MadCityMikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14694682551650633240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-84057865669052392582009-10-26T06:09:44.258-04:002009-10-26T06:09:44.258-04:00Hi ! I bought my first sewing machine 6 months ago...Hi ! I bought my first sewing machine 6 months ago, in fact I was very disapointed by the<br />lack of originality of modern garment - I'm fond of 70's, gothic and steampunk clothes - so<br />that's was my motivation to learn ... the shop where I bought my machine offers free lessons to <br />their customer.<br /><br />Until now I've already made, 3 shirts, 2 pants, a frock coat, a vest, and I am working on a<br />coat ... I really enjoy spending hours to build and create unique clothes it's a real fun!<br /><br />Charles.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-59627599404892722752009-10-21T16:42:54.619-04:002009-10-21T16:42:54.619-04:00I am a fashion addict male who spends 30percent of...I am a fashion addict male who spends 30percent of his salary on buying Dries Van Noten to the point of obsession. I appreciate beautifully made clothes and sadly, men's ready to wear (non designer) either falls under Office Wear (suit and ties) or sportsweat (Ralph Lauren). Designer menswear is so expensive and usually staid. I have made beautiful clothes of my own for 10 years now on my free time. Kudos to you for knowing how to sew. Most girls I know can't even fix a loose button.cactusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-11700664462881980762009-10-21T00:19:26.092-04:002009-10-21T00:19:26.092-04:00When I was giving away a sewing machine, I only go...When I was giving away a sewing machine, I only got responses from men.<br /><br />I recently taught a bow-tie making workshop where I taught 6 men how to sew their own bowties. <br /><br />I think it's coming back in more creative communities.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-38099268345988144682009-10-20T22:55:32.104-04:002009-10-20T22:55:32.104-04:00I have friend who sewed for his two daughters when...I have friend who sewed for his two daughters when they were growing up. He even made their wedding dresses and the bridesmaid dresses. These days he mostly quilts. He used to teach quilting and the women loved him! He's always a hit at weddings though - he brings a needle and thread just in case.Bobbihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00140893613304890778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-17738861122793662512009-10-20T16:58:00.892-04:002009-10-20T16:58:00.892-04:00my dad sewed when he got a pair of pants with plea...my dad sewed when he got a pair of pants with pleats. he HATED them and would use mom's singer to make them go away, and quite nicely i must say. wish i knew how he did it. my 26 year old began sewing when he was a teen by altering thrift store stuff. now he makes wallets, curtains, pillows, ties and ALWAYS has to make his suit pants skinnier than they come. i have sewn for fifty years so i think it's neat. his girlfriends always appreciate it too because his apartments are so awesomely cute!! just found your blog and LOVE it. i have three generations of patterns that i can't part with, especially my 40's, 50's, 60's ones. you obviously can alter better than me! good luck!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-35206332675469828772009-10-20T16:50:33.531-04:002009-10-20T16:50:33.531-04:00My boyfriend is a fashion designer by trade.
He w...My boyfriend is a fashion designer by trade. <br />He worked in the industry for some time, after having completed his qualifications. <br />Whilst studying he made many garments for pleasure. I think working in the industry ruined it for him, the majority of the work they had him do was rip the pattern off someone else's garment. (Don't get me wrong- this is sadly probably one of the most important skills one can learn when it comes to sewing). Hardly something I take great pleasure in (although, I did find a beautiful dress on the weekend in an op shop for $6. it had bleach marks all up the back of it. There was no saving this dress. So I ripped the pattern off and remade it- great for remaking tired pieces you once loved.) <br />However, since I've moved in (with my sewing machines, overlocker, dress form and an insatiable appetite for sewing) he's started sewing again for pleasure. <br />Which is wonderful- he's teaching me so much, and it's become something we can do together on the weekends.carpenoxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-19874826831669964562009-10-20T08:06:08.900-04:002009-10-20T08:06:08.900-04:00I am a (straight)man and learning to sew is my hob...I am a (straight)man and learning to sew is my hobby. I catch endless grief from family and co-workers, though now that it's clear that I intend to continue sewing, requests have begun to pour in to make Halloween costumes, let out seams, and replace buttons...<br /><br />Sewing helps me relax (even when I screw up and have to pull out thread) in much the same way that woodworking does, but without all of the loud noise and heavy lifting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com