Sewing Through My Eyes
Pumpkin Princess Awakening
When I was in kindergarten, I asked my mom to be a pumpkin princess for Halloween. Even though that wasn't even a real thing, my mom got creative and sewed me the most beautiful orange and purple dress that I wore proudly for weeks. It was one of a kind with its laced edge and frayed raw hem, made just for me.
By the time I turned 8, I begged my older sister to teach me how to use my mom’s sewing machine. It started with pillows then quilts then dresses–I was like an 8-year-old grandma and I loved it. I never stopped sewing. At 14, I got my first job at Fabricland, where I got along surprisingly well with co-workers four times my age, haha
FabricLand, CSP
Sewing with a Little Chaos
I still remember my Fabricland interview. They asked me if I knew how to read a sewing pattern, and I lied, “Of course!”--even though I got confused reading the instructions.
Sewing can sometimes feel intimidating, like precise art which requires you to follow a strict procedure. But for me, sewing is freeing. I love being able to alter my pants five minutes before going out, sew a shirt and wear it to dinner that night and cut fabric with dull scissors that leave the hems crooked. While there is undeniable beauty in a perfect garment, I adore the charm of misshapen sewing and clothes that look so strange that people ask me “Where’s that from?” and I get to say “I sewed it myself”.
La Movida
Anyone Can Pick Up the Needle
Sewing clothes doesn’t have to be perfect or intimidating. It’s a form of art that can be as messy as you want it to be. Embrace the imperfections and find enjoyment in creating something unique for yourself. Who knows? You might discover a new outlet to express yourself and fall in love with the crafting process.
Written By:
Isabella Lo