Wednesday, March 05, 2008

sew be it...

this is one of those posts where I confide in you, my gentle readers...

(even though you aren't really ALL so gentle, now are you?)

... something has been on my mind. something has been gnawing at me. nibbling at my thoughts.

I've been preoccupied with a desire to do something, to have something, to be a certain way.

No this isn't like the time I wanted a puppy... okay, alright it isn't like the times I wanted a puppy.

This is something else altogether.

I want to sew. I want to make clothes. Cute hip duds that only I can have. That are for me.

To wear.

You see I have never in my life enjoyed looking like everybody else. When I was younger I had tons of time and energy to shape my look from what was available in the world around me...

I do not have that time and energy anymore. I have a different kind of time and energy. A new kind of Cami time and energy... the kind that involves a sewing machine (which I don't have) and fabric (which I need to get) and talent as a seamstress (which I totally don't have).

There's hope though. You see my mom can work miracles with a needle and thread... I think I'm hoping some of that rubbed off on me. I'm hoping that some of her innate skill sunk in.

I want to make myself cute little dresses, skirts and shirts. Clothes that I can love to wear, love to see. Love to know that they were made just to go with my big boots and my questionable sensibility. Clothes that reflect my own personal since of style and whatthefuck attitude.

Clothes that I made.

You see in a whole lot of ways I'm like my dad... but he can't sew a stitch as far as I know... so I'm hoping in this way I'll be more like mom.

Only she makes an awful lot of bears and monkeys and bunnies (oh my, I know). I don't know that I want to make those. Unless they look really sad and are made of black depressing fabrics leftover from cute little dresses I made for myself....

Too bad I don't have a sewing machine, if only I could very quickly procure one...

20 comments:

Lisa Wheeler Milton said...

I've had that fantasy - my Mom and sister kick ass at a machine...I haven't given up. I'm determined to learn.

{Maybe Craig's list?}

Anonymous said...

Your first item could be a set of boxers for Mr. Kaos and his *ahem* yet unnamed body part. (I'm still voting for Pokey McPokesalot)

-Stu

mielikki said...

good luck with that. Seriously. Find someone to make them FOR you, to your specifications. Maybe when NK moves to Portland you can employ her as your seamstress?
I cannot sew to save my life, and I have NO intention of trying it.
NK is awesome, though.

holly said...

come over to my house tonight. you can borrow mine.

okay, it's a children's one, but i think it will get you started.

okay, another thinly veiled attempt to get you to come to my house.

seriously, i'd let you work away! i'd supply you with painkillers! (anyone reading who doesn't know you drink that will think i'm trying to drug you.)

Anonymous said...

So glad I'm not the only one hit with the sewing urge. I want to sew for the same reasons. Also, I knit, which I love, but it's terribly slow. The thought of making an item of clothing in a few hours is very tempting. Not being very domestic though, I feel like a bit of a dork admitting this...

Daryl said...

Empathy.

I cant sew a button on .. I mean O can sew it on but then it either falls off again within days or its sewn on so tightly it rips the thing its on and that totally confuses me .. but I am extremely good at shopping...and making it all about me.

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE to learn how to sew. I want to take a class, but I just can't find the time.

Lia Hollander said...

Forget sewing. Make your clothes out of duct tape. Easy to cut and they always fit!

DaddyKaos said...

Is this a shameless attempt to lure the Dr. into a trap? Oh, and I used to do a little sewing so maybe you will get lucky.

Travis Erwin said...

I once wrote a short story title the So-so Sewer. I should dig that out and rewrite it since the idea was quite funny.

Bubblewench said...

I'm sure Nana K would be happy to teach you when she is there. And if not, the local fabric shop may have classes... ??? possibly?

And tell Nana K I want a bear. I'll pay $ for it... :)

NanaKaos said...

BW, didn't I ever make one for you? So sorry, I'll brainstorm with CK a see what we can come up with. Ummmmm.... Oh yeah the ideas are spinning. They all have their own special identity, personality and they all have names. Bond, Bear Bond, Shabearazad,Matta Beary Kool Bear, Baby Bear, Radar bear, Starlite, Ursa, Toyoko Joe, there are too many to name now but I have photos of them all.
CK, I'll be there soon,To aid and abet.NanaKaos

Anonymous said...

Oddly, I was talking to a buddy at work about swewing machines today. He found a very nice ($400), used once, Brother sewing machine for $100 on Craig's List. His daughter is now making Barbie clothes with it.

-Stu

landismom said...

The thought of trying to line something scares the shit out of me. I've toyed with the idea of getting a machine, over the years, but I just don't think I would use it enough to make it pay off.

It would be nice to be able to quilt faster, though.

sybil law said...

Stu beat me to it, but yeah - craigslist always has some!
Also, this was a not quite so subtle nudge for Dr. Normal to get you one, wasn't it?! Hahahahaha
Anyway, we already discussed my sewing skillz.
In the meantime, check out anthropologie. They rock for clothes and even though they're pricey, they can give you ideas.
Just promise I don't have to hear about how you stuck yourself!
Oh okay - I'll listen.

Jo Beaufoix said...

Wow. Your clothes would be cool. Hey sweetie, I'm here, at your blog. Needed to come and say hi as I feel okish and needed me a fix. Now I will read.
Go on Craig's list.
I bet it's great. I'm sure Craig is a lovely man. And he has a list. That's good. xx

david mcmahon said...

You've got me in stitches.

And yes, because I went to boarding school I know how to use a needle and thread!!

flutter said...

um two words

e and bay

buy yourself a machine!

Kathy's Surprise Party said...

I have the very same fantasy. I have a sewing machine - a very fancy one, but I'm intimidated by it. And, I LOVE LOVE LOVE fabric! My Granny used to take me to the fabric store when I was little. How to start?

AngelConradie said...

snigger would that be a subtle series of hints buried in there...