tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post6500742653434179247..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Men Who Sew: More Thoughts and TheoriesGertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-73102333392526028632014-03-19T14:55:12.932-04:002014-03-19T14:55:12.932-04:00Hi Everyone! I know this is an old post but I'...Hi Everyone! I know this is an old post but I'm a television producer working on a new sewing competition series. We are looking for amateur sewers who would like to be on the show. We are specifically looking for men! If you know anyone who might be interested please feel free to get in touch at: amanda.young@loveproductionsusa.com. Thanks so much! Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13950066274558183538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-69118583406093418842014-01-09T15:37:53.268-05:002014-01-09T15:37:53.268-05:00It's later that same decade, and not only is P...It's later that same decade, and not only is Peter all that, and more - his adventure continues in deliciously unexpected ways. That said, it is through Peter's blog that I learned of many other creative forces of nature, of which you, K.Line, are one. Testosteronenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-860442783253480232013-03-04T14:27:19.685-05:002013-03-04T14:27:19.685-05:00My uncle Phil is now a retired police oficer. abo...My uncle Phil is now a retired police oficer. about twenty five years ago he married a woman with an eight year old daughter who was a competitive figure skater. Phil began taking sewing classes and designing ice skating outfits for Jamie. His S.W.A.T. team buddies were not only supportive, they held fund raisers for her skating club. Jamie is an adult now with children of her own, and Phil teaches traffic school and sews curtains and and custom sofa covers when he isn't at the range shooting things.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-79199113500135093532012-07-12T15:35:39.544-04:002012-07-12T15:35:39.544-04:00I wouldn't consider it homophobic for a straig...I wouldn't consider it homophobic for a straight man who sews to make a regular point of indicating his sexual orientation. By being outspoken like this it serves as an encouragement to other straight males that they are not as much the minority as they might think. <br /><br />Conservative and professional sewing patterns for men would be a very exciting find. I'm starting in on my first sewing project, and it seems unless it's for historical reenactment there are just no quality patterns out there for a man to wear in public. Again, this might be due to me being completely new to sewing, but this article suggests I'm not too far off the mark.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-38358751560500477882012-02-15T17:27:38.294-05:002012-02-15T17:27:38.294-05:00I have always sewn. when i was small my mother hel...I have always sewn. when i was small my mother helped me sew sample patches on her Necchi BU. In junior high i altered my own trousers. the night before i was married i helped my with hemm her wedding dress. My mother inn law was blown away. raising a family i never had time but at sixty im planning my return. first a dress shirt and then?<br />I need my own sewing machine It bugs my wife when i start tearing hers apart because i dont like the way it is running. i really like the old cast iron machines but i'm not locked in. im considering a new one with a lexan frame. as far as changing oil my wife never does it but my daughters no how<br />chrisjchrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14823424926154333239noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29224118909576604362011-10-04T14:21:42.983-04:002011-10-04T14:21:42.983-04:00Well I'm a guy and I sew. I got into it to mak...Well I'm a guy and I sew. I got into it to make my son a SpongeBob costume because all of the ones out there looked cheap to me. I've hemmed pants for my wife. I am working on his costume right now for this year. I've never really tried to sew anything for myself. It may be fun, but as of now I'm 100% on costume making. I enjoy it and everyone at work can't believe I made something like that when I'm done. Yup the chicks dig it...lol I ended up having to buy (at least that's the excuse I'm using) an embroidery machine to assist with this years costume. I'm really enjoying using the software for it to do pretty much anything I can think up. Besides I can make money with doing embroidery on the side to offset the costs. It's amazing how much these costumes end up costing for a 3 y/o when you buy new toys for every costume. lol One of these days I might try making a shirt or something. Who knows, your only held back ny your imagination.Murphhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01160780483505839471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-44567958141467279482011-09-14T20:34:46.744-04:002011-09-14T20:34:46.744-04:00While I don't know any men who do sew, I have ...While I don't know any men who do sew, I have to say I have a couple of male muses. One is my husband who is an accomplished artist and writer. The other is another older gentleman who spent his life as a florist but who's family was active in the garment industry while he was growing up. He often has incredibly helpful suggestions. So thank you, Walt (husband) and thank you, Bert (friend).Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85152655102645347412011-06-26T14:11:28.795-04:002011-06-26T14:11:28.795-04:00As an historical re-enactor and "costumist&qu...As an historical re-enactor and "costumist", I not only sew but tailor, and, yes, I am thoroughly hetrosexual.<br /><br />I, too, decry, a lack of good sewing patterns (I make most of my own) for gentlemen, especially in the areas of dress trousers and coats. Sadly, most of what comes up on the market are horrible 1970s funky clothes or beach togs...useless!<br /><br />I'll follow these associated blogs to learn more about my "peers" in the home rag trades.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47065032242319721332010-12-27T11:55:27.009-05:002010-12-27T11:55:27.009-05:00I think sewing has a marketing problem. I am learn...I think sewing has a marketing problem. I am learning to sew, but I often refer to my new hobby as "textile hacking" when conversing with my technology-obsessed friends. I do it not because I am embarrassed or homophobic, but really just to generate interest. Guys are more likely to respond to that which involves technology, tools and innovation, and will typically yawn at all things "domestic" or "practical". I myself only became interested when rearranging some furniture opened up a 1950 15-91 Singer and discovered what an amazing machine it is.hellroyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07518255553674550355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-22459048539633968882010-11-23T14:28:09.012-05:002010-11-23T14:28:09.012-05:00I'm a 6'7", 235 lb. broad shouldered,...I'm a 6'7", 235 lb. broad shouldered, deep voiced, straight guy, and I have absolutely no problem admitting that I sew.<br /><br />When you point out that a sewing machine really is just a power tool, and that using it to make something out of fabric really is no different than using power tools to make something out of metal or wood, quite often I see a dawning realization come over other guys. You end up with something very useful in the end. There is just a profound satisfaction in creating something yourself, whether it's a piece of furniture or a garment.<br /><br />You will find a lot of men who sew in the backpacking world. Tents, tarps, sleeping bags, hammocks, backpacks, rain gear, etc.<br /><br />I know former British Royal Marine Commandos, German anti-terrorist cops, US Army Special Forces, Airborne riggers, Marine Scout Snipers, etc. that sew pouches, belts, armoured plate carriers, chest webbing, holsters, backpacks, ghillie suits, etc. I don't think anyone would mistake them as "effeminate." <br /><br />I'm currently trying to learn more about sewing clothes (a whole other ball of wax), and I really wish there were more patterns out there for mens clothing. There is a profound lack of them. I need to learn more about patterns for the pants that I want to make, and all the books I have found deal with womens clothing. I will learn as much as I can from them, but it would be easier if there was more out there for men.<br /><br />Oh and I have a T-shirt from DIYTactical.com with the slogan "Chicks Dig Guys That Sew" on the back. Well, that's what I like to tell myuself anyway. :-)Explorimenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12178966376119097909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-15584397310957490222010-11-14T22:06:22.015-05:002010-11-14T22:06:22.015-05:00I have a six-year-old, and it's my intention t...I have a six-year-old, and it's my intention that he be able to cook AND sew before he grows up and leaves home. He's got quite an interest in costuming and cosplay (which admittedly is the majority of my sewing too), so we've got a good start there. Everyone should be able to do such basic things, and then follow through or not depending on interest - not gender.Wyvhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00733475269296672429noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-37833145930275682152010-05-25T17:26:27.213-04:002010-05-25T17:26:27.213-04:00Sewing machines are power tools, aren't they? ...Sewing machines are power tools, aren't they? ;-)<br /><br />I read somewhere that Tom Silva, one of the contractors on "This Old House," used to sew clothing for his daughter before he got so busy being on PBS. He said that following a sewing pattern is really just like following building plans, anyway.Little Black Carhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14313164876855565140noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-60288561174434468872010-02-10T14:26:15.613-05:002010-02-10T14:26:15.613-05:00I've just discovered your blog and love this p...I've just discovered your blog and love this post. I'm sharing it with my boyfriend who has been begging me to learn to sew with him for the longest time. I think I might finally give in to lessons.Alli XThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09499830530849756969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-32576219877355989702010-02-09T13:43:39.999-05:002010-02-09T13:43:39.999-05:00My father-in-law (a retired RAF radar engineer and...My father-in-law (a retired RAF radar engineer and college lecturer) used to sew my MILs gowns for Mess Dinners and other black tie events. He had never sewn a stitch in his life before he whipped up her first satin boned confection.<br />She was the envy of all the other wives and always won the "best dressed" competition.<br />It's good to see Peter keeping up the good work with his glamorous outfits, both for himself and 'Cathy'!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-64056907469208388692010-02-09T11:55:59.167-05:002010-02-09T11:55:59.167-05:00Love Peter's blog. While I love all of my fell...Love Peter's blog. While I love all of my fellow female sewists, it is nice to have that male perspective out there.amberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12029076436322883513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-51465206019493085522010-02-09T09:01:52.660-05:002010-02-09T09:01:52.660-05:00This is a great discussion! I guess I've never...This is a great discussion! I guess I've never really thought much about it - when I was in design school there was a pretty 50/50 balance between men and women in my classes, and of course all the men could sew. Then again - it was fashion school - so yes, about 90% of the men in my classes were gay. But honestly, I've always known a few men who sew as "home sewers" for themselves or others. It's just another practical skill (very practical) that I think too many men are missing out on due to societal pressure to be "manly". So dumb! Then again - if you take a look at industrial stitchers, there are quite a few men who sew in factories to support their families... again, coming from an industry standpoint there isn't really a dearth of male stitchers. On the local homefront - check out my friend Jerry Lee - he makes custom western wear and is constantly exploring sewing equipment and processes. His girlfriend does not sew, from what I understand, and he makes her a lot of clothing. <a href="http://jerryleeswesternwear.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">His blog is a bit bare, but check out his Etsy shop</a> :)Jess Snellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15707110699580712919noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-47869826548577623292010-02-09T04:29:40.325-05:002010-02-09T04:29:40.325-05:00Ah, but one comment is hardly blowback, surely. E...Ah, but one comment is hardly blowback, surely. Enjoy your wallow, Peter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-72772720950327532092010-02-08T22:15:56.524-05:002010-02-08T22:15:56.524-05:00Wallow, Peter, wallow! I love your blog, your crea...Wallow, Peter, wallow! I love your blog, your creations, your dogs, your cousin, your machines, and especially your groovy vintage sheets. :-)Debbie Cookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-54621107362065911512010-02-08T12:48:19.989-05:002010-02-08T12:48:19.989-05:00When I watch Project Runway I always laugh at the ...When I watch Project Runway I always laugh at the one straight male designer, who constantly mentions how not gay he is. I think fear of "the gay" keeps a lot of men from trying different things. I'm a private piano and voice teacher by profession, and there is always a huge difference in the number of female vs male students I have. It always makes me sad to see a talented boy give up piano at puberty because he's being made fun of. Of course, it's no different for women who have traditionally "manly" hobbies. I'm the handy one in our family, and have done most of the work fixing up our old house. I am not treated with respect at hardware stores. I come from a knitting background, and there are quite a few men who knit, but not so many straight ones, again I think because of gender roles and fear of "the gay."Jessicahttp://stitchywitch.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-770495526072062062010-02-08T11:24:49.493-05:002010-02-08T11:24:49.493-05:00Goodness! Can't I get to wallow in my celebrit...Goodness! Can't I get to wallow in my celebrity a bit before the blowback begins? <br /><br />It's only been two days!Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-82843268188836552372010-02-08T07:04:55.641-05:002010-02-08T07:04:55.641-05:00Well, if gender roles were innate, they would be t...Well, if gender roles were innate, they would be the same in every culture, and that clearly is not so, so I think that argument goes down the can. Hence even the different words "sex" and "gender", one to denote the physical aspect and one to denote the cultural aspect. It is clear that men and women are different, but the ways of marking that difference are quite variable.<br /><br />I agree with Peter that Peter has got so much attention that I think we are fetishizing this "man who sews" and it's getting on my nerves a bit. I'm happy he can sew. So can lots of other people. Move on already. Just cause he's a guy doesn't mean I want him to be a celebrity.<br /><br />Regarding other guys who sew, my brother once made himself a suit jacket as a teenager but doesn't sew any more as far as I know. His then girlfriend taught him. I think that for men the dangers of seeming "emasculated" are a lot more than the dangers for women of taking on male roles, like electrical work or woodshop (I do both, but no one has called me "unfeminine" as yet). For gay men those dangers have perhaps already been faced. You would think the presence of dangerous machinery and sharp objects would help with this problem, requiring strong and noble men with large chins, but apparently not so.<br /><br />If you look through Western history, clothing the family has nearly ALWAYS been women's work and spinning and weaving have taken huge chunks of women's lives; sewing is a somewhat distant third in the fabric stakes. I believe firmly that most women also direct the buying of clothes for everyone in the household. Our methods have changed, but not our roles.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-54243103875270541292010-02-08T03:40:03.040-05:002010-02-08T03:40:03.040-05:00Where I went to school, in the seventh grade all t...Where I went to school, in the seventh grade all the boys and girls learned to sew, and all the boys and girls learned to saw wood. Most boys just didn't like sewing. And as much as I can remember, very few female eyes lit up at the sight of the saw collection.Kate in Belgradenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-12291823370743362902010-02-07T19:59:04.229-05:002010-02-07T19:59:04.229-05:00I really don't buy that we have "gender r...I really don't buy that we have "gender role assignments" in our society. For the love, a woman with a beard has been touted as the first man to give birth. (I know that's a can of worms in itself...) Those sort of barriers do not exist anymore. Sure, lots more women sew than men. Lots more men are electrical engineers than women. Maybe that's just a simple expression of interest, nothing more? <br /><br />Maybe, just maybe, men and women are completely different on almost every level imaginable. Biologically, neurologically, psychologically. This does not mean that women are better than men or vice versa. Different and equal. Equality does not mean sameness. Also, I think men need space to be men and women need space to be women. This is often expressed through hobbies and interests.<br /><br />By the same token, when a man comes into our shop he's usually well-taken care of and teased gently, like most other customers. I think a lot of perceived prejudices are actually the projection of an individual's insecurities onto another person.Stephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08235341738044433500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-34401493980788035932010-02-07T18:11:54.897-05:002010-02-07T18:11:54.897-05:00Gertie,
The money quote: There's always that...Gertie, <br /><br />The money quote: There's always that one straight dude who just has to assert his heterosexuality into every conversation. There is a rampant gay panic in our culture that keeps men from sewing, no doubt.<br /><br />Uh, yep! In my middle school years, the girls took sewing and cooking and the boys took shop. My younger siblings, no matter what gender, all took shop. So, social practices changed but cooking and sewing were off the agenda. Today, children are offered cooking lessons as a part of life. The gender assignment of this role and job has dropped (or dropping).<br /><br />I totally agree about the fear of a gay planet aspect of our culture. And, gender roles and assignment are part of the package. In fact, it's interesting that now that cooking can reap great salaries and celebrity, most of the chefs are male. It's now an activity that can reap great financial benefits and it does have to do with the number of males in the profession. And, the gay panic around culinary industry has dropped. But, in the home, cooking remains a major province of women.<br /><br />Now, I'm not advocating for more male sewists so that men can attain dominance in an industry. I am advocating for us to take a close and hard look at gender roles and assignments. It's not a totally pretty picture.golden starhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15040028349486948045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-90572604117256596452010-02-07T12:59:26.823-05:002010-02-07T12:59:26.823-05:00OK, OK, the guy can sew -- whatever.
Don't yo...OK, OK, the guy can sew -- whatever.<br /><br />Don't you think this Peter guy has gotten just a little too much mileage out of that orange-and-yellow-flowered, award winning (like he'll ever let us forget it) sheet shirt?<br /><br />Frankly, I'd like to see him change clothes already. My eyes hurt.Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.com