Well, after y’all loved the Coach’s last post, I talked him into doing another one. Enjoy!
I tried to explain that this was a one time deal the first time I agreed to post on the blog. It didn’t help when you readers started leaving comments about how funny my post was and now here I am, roped into writing another post. I could just see the wheels turning in Melissa’s head – that this would be a recurring thing.
But I’m saying this right now: football season starts soon, so get your fill because I’m not writing any more posts.
The topic I was given this time was, “Hey honey, what are things that people like me who sew do that people who don’t sew don’t understand?” This was asked when I came home from a bike ride and found her sewing in her underwear. And that’s not the first time this has happened. Though I am not complaining.
So:
9 Things Sewists Do That People Who Don’t Sew Don’t Understand
1. Sewing in their underwear.
Again, I am not complaining about this. But I also don’t understand it.
2. Petting fabric
My wife will secretly touch fabrics on people’s clothing if she wants to see what they’re made of. Don’t get me started on touching everything in the fabric store.
3. The word “Sewist”
Apparently she has the power to makeup words. I can’t find this word in the dictionary. My wife tried to explain it to me once, something about sewer looking just like the word for the pipes that carry the wastewater…and something about Shakespeare, then she started sounding like the teacher from Charlie Brown and I stopped listening. But that’s OK, because she has someone else to talk to, namely…
4. Talking to their sewing machines
It’s an inanimate object. It’s not going to hear her asking it to just please finish this one seam before running out of bobbin thread.
5. Going into the fabric store for “ten minutes” or “just one thing” and emerging 2 hours later with a cart load of fabric stuff.
Which is the reason for my previous post.
6. Pins everywhere.
She has several perfectly good magnetic things and pin boxes but for some reason the pins don’t get put in them. Instead they go in the chair arms, where of course I’m going to put my arm and guess what just poked me….again. I don’t get it.
7. Buying fabric when she already has a ton.
This also goes back to my previous post about thirty six shades of green. There’s probably some explanation about why she can’t just use what she has but if I have to hear one more time about how silk and taffeta are in fact different from one
another….
8. Going ballistic about fabric scissors.
She hasn’t locked them up yet, but I have been yelled at. It’s just easier for me to go borrow the kids’ safety scissors. They know sharing, is caring.
9. Having more than one sewing machine
She has 5 (I’m looking at TWO of them right now). And that’s LESS than what she’s had before. I don’t get why one isn’t enough. Something about embroidery, serger, regular machine, backup machine, backup for the backup…And I know she goes and hangs out at Baby Lock (because she leaves me with the kids), so can’t they just make one machine that does all those things?
Enjoy the Coach’s humor? Check out his other posts…
Mary Striegel
spot on. I loved your blog.
P
Very entertaining. I have never heard of a “sewist”. My mother was a professional seamstress and taught me the use of a sewing machine at age10. Are “sewists” and seamstresses one and the same?
Jan
A sewist could also be a quilter or make home dec or craft things. To me, seamstress connotes dressmaking.
Marie
Totally identified! How about to smell fabrics, put pins in your mouth, ask forgiveness to the machine after yelling at them ha ha lol
Darren
I put them in my hair lol
juana
I love fabrics, I love to sew…by hand, since it relax me, so I have quite a bad relationship with my sewing machine, even if sometimes I really need her. Yes, I talk to her, I insult her, I punch her! Fabrics? I avoid shops! At least until I finish my two tons of stash! Scissors? I kill the first soul who dares touch them!
Inna Odom
I’m an upholstery seamstress. .Hehehe
Ann
According to the tour guide of the Seattle underground streets near Pioneer Square, in the earliest days of Seattle’s development seamstress was a term with a significance that was unrelated to needles, thread, and fabric. Seamstress was the word used to describe the ladies of the night who were sought out by the men of the territory for companionship, not mending or new clothes.
Lee Ann
I think part of the new “sewist” (I’m having trouble adjusting, too), not only has to do with the sewer/sewer problem, but that the word “seamstress” implies female wherein there are many men who also sew. It’s like optometrist instead of optometress. Or dentist vs. dentress. Ok, now I’m making things up. I never did like “sewer” because of the toilet implication, but “seamstress” kind of made me feel like Betsy Ross. So, “sewist” it is.
Lorine Taylor
I prefer to be called a “fabric engineer”.
Margaret
I’m with you from now on I am a Fabric Engineer!
Allyson Woods
I like to use “seamster” here…like gangster.
Paulette
I like sewsister, but that wouldn’t work for the guys that sew. How about sewbro for them?
Naomi V Snider
So … steamster? Great article, by the way!
GHow
I found the whole blog quite entertaining as I see myself in many of his points. (as I pick up pins from the table runner on my dining room table that don’t belong there) and sewing machines, well I just bought another embroidery machine. Don’t know why the one I have works perfectly fine. Not into the fabrics I have gadgets 15 different loop turners and the one I use most often is not even a sewing tool. My mom (who was a seamstress) taught me to use a wooden spoon and it still works the best and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Very funny. Looking forward to your next blog after football
Sharon
Machinist is what the British say, Sewist is what the Americans say
And the best of the best is a true tailor.
K
The British don’t say machinist. A machinist in the UK is a term used to describe someone who works in a factory and uses a machine of any description This could be a metal worker, wood worker etc.
Margaret
Except Tailor is definitely a type of clothing and to me ( Welsh ) machinists work in a textile factory.I`d never come across sewist though
Emma Love
I’d rather be called a sewist than a sewer. Wouldn’t you?
NanniB
reading the comments i was just thinking this exact thing ….. I am a sewist .. lol ..
Mea Cadwell
No, sewer
Yes, sewist = sewing artist
Donna
This is how I interpret the word too. Not as an ‘Americanism’ but as a talent
Paula Ellen FRANKLIN
True a sewer carries waste water yuk!!!! A machinist is not a sewist at all,or tailoress sews clothes only. So sewsister/ sewbro or sewist are in my books
Marina
Of course a sewist is a seamstress and many other things, its the love of sewing so you can refer yourself to any sew-wing sort if name, and besides, its called fun…..enjoy
Kitty
a sewist can also be either a male or female, who sews whatever but isn’t into tailoring.
Sylvia Yount
ny understanding is ,seamstress is a femine term. many who sew are men. therefore sewist is a more friendly term.
Noreen
Seamstress is not me, I make bags and quilts, so what am I? A sewist of course! I’m also a needleworker.
Cynthia Rodriguez
Well I just loved your blog! For some crazy reason I started saying I wanted to start sewing ,without knowing anything about it. It just caught my eye! So my husband just bought me one.And I also bought a small package of different color thread. I used my new sewing machine last night after my husband ordered me a sewing table. So even though I have never sewed before, I said now I need fabric and lots of thread. But I did my new run following instructions. And. I made just anything. I just started sewing. And I made a small pillowcase just because I had a little bit of material. Now I am in the need for some materials and the rest. I Love My Sewing Machine!❤???Also my Christmas gift. Yay..
chrissy
I just got one too!!! Making blankets, pillows, totes, pot holders…..so much fun!!!
Alexis
My husband fixed my Grandmother’s Sewing Machine for me for Christmas. So, I’ve been learning how to sew on a 1948 Kenmore! I’ve made 3 pillowcases and now I’m starting on a quilt!
Carmen
Guilty of all of the above. Have a sewing room with four machines. Have a knitting room with eight knitting machines and much of what you wrote about sewists applied to machine knitters.
Pat Leathers
I am guilty of ALL of them.
Leslie
I think the coach knows me!!! I even understand ‘sewing in your underwear’! My husband was even laughing as I read about myself to him. The coach just made it much funnier.
Karen
My husband smiled when I read your blog.
Ronni
Okay, here’s my response . . . these things are all very logical 😉
1. Sewing in underwear
This is just the most time-efficient, practical way to sew when you have to constantly try something on during construction.
2. Petting fabric
Sewing and clothing interact with all the senses! You have to touch fabric. How will it feel next to your skin? How will it wash? How does it smell (yup, I smell fabric too) How well will it sew?
3. The word sewist
I’ve already done a post about this. Everybody needs a good word to describe what they do.
4. Talking to sewing machines
It’s a relationship . . . .
5. Fabric store time-warp
There’s a lot of mental construction and imagination that needs to happen before you buy fabric. See #2 then add color, drape, and the heartbreak of going into a store with one idea and having to change it on the fly because what you want isn’t in the store. My husband has gotten *very* good at iPhone chess 😉
6. Pins everywhere
Well, they just fall out a lot during the process. Try eating a croissant without getting pastry flakes everywhere . . . not as dangerous but you get the idea.
7. Buying fabric when you already have a huge stash
Every artist needs a fully stocked supply of materials when they sit down to create . . . and if you see something fantastic, you need to buy it because it won’t be there when you decide you are ready to sew with it.
8. Fabric scissors
Nothing worse than trying to cut expensive fabric with unexpectedly dull scissors!
9. Having more than one machine.
Different machines do different things. I have a sewing machine, a serger, and a coverstitch machine. Okay, I also have my grandmother’s old Bernina in the closet because I can’t part with it . . . and my mother-in-law’s converted treadle machine. I’d still love to have a commercial machine I could sew leather on and a dedicated button-hole machine. I need a biger sewing room!
Mary Vincent
Back when cotton fabrics smelled so good on the bolt, I used to smell the cottons in the fabric store.
Carmelina Bridges
Hahahaha yes!!!!!!
I love how the 9 things are completely confusing to anyone who doesn’t sew
And I love how your 9 responses just make perfect sense to everyone who does!!! 😍
Phyllis A Jackson
This is so me…..
Charlotte
I do every one of those things and my husband complains about it too. It is great to know that I’m not the only sewist with those traits. I only have two machines now because my husband made me sell and give away two others.
Charlotte
Toronto, Ontario
Canada
Elizabeth
Another excellently written post. I have to say I’m guilty of all of the above, and there’s many of them that I don’t understand myself. Mostly, it would seem they just happen, but the fabric store time warp situation is a bit mind-boggling for me. I often come out of a fabric store disoriented, realizing that while I’ve been petting fabric and obsessing about the perfect shade of this to match that, the world has been going on around me as if other people had more important things to do.
Irena
Ooooo I know that feeling 😉
Wendy
Same thing as guys in a hardware shop!
Carol Brumlow
Yes, what about the hardware store. My husband and my father both had to check out every nut, bolt, screw, nail, saws, gadgets I’ll never know the purpose of, and they both asked me why I needed more than one machine? Do they have more than 1 hammer or saw? They hushed up.
Hzl
still hootin, from reading this —-
Thanks for the giggles n grins
Sandy
I’m new to this sewing thing. I got one last year for Christmas and have only made a few simple things. I’ll go in to the fabric store and come out confused. I’ll have bought nothing. I get so intimidated. There is so much beautiful fabric and I’m afraid I’ll ruin it. I’m in the process of taking some lessons so hopefully that will help. I look forward to being crazy like all of you.
Rebecca
Go to your local thrift store and get a couple mens shirts cut them up for a project if you mess it up so/sew what that will get you over the what if I mess it up phobia. Make a couple placemats. Enjoy and have fun!
Charolett
You can buy something in a fabric that you like at a thrift store then make an apron with it. Aprons are a great beginner item. Pillowcases are easy too.
Kit
Borrow a child and sew for them – anything you sew they will adore as long as they are 10 and under. Wonky hems, odd sleeves, they don’t care especially if it has an animal on it (any animal will do for some children – my daughter has a lizard dress, a dinosaur dress, a spaceship dress, etc etc – none of which are perfect but she adores them all) And the more you sew the better they will get and you can graduate to sewing for picky teenagers (well that pattern would be perfect if it has a pocket here and a zipper instead of snaps and the fabric needs to be soft but also warm, oh and uck not in that shade of red but more like this one, but not this fabric, I did say soft)
Barbara
Wow. I’m there.I started sewing at age eight. Before that my my aunts taught me to cross stitch. I love to sew. Now,that the children are grown.there are grandchildren and great grandchildren. I also make clothes for the 18 inch doll. This past year I even made teepes for the neighbor children. I’m truely addictive to fabric. I love how fabric can be cut and sewn into something beautiful and useful.
Cornelia
I started sewing for a borrowed child, not perfect in the beginning, now I’m much better, tayloring for my self and friends…
I love the chapter about sewing for teens, ha ha!
Theo
Love this post. My kids are grown so now I sew dresses for my 4 yo niece. 😊
Diane w
just throw out the rules-we all do… Dream up something you want to make. If your unsure of how to make it, do a little computer research, perhaps u-tube. go around your house and use fabric from old shirts and used stuff to try to sew it,using any info you learned. by this point u should at least have a feel for how your new machine handles some basic fabric seaming. then being wiser go get some fashion fabric(getting a little bit more than needed) and create what u like. Best wishes
Maryk
I learned how to sew on my own after my mom bought a sewing machine from a salesman. I was in the 9th grade, and did not want her to feel it was a waste of money. I cut up old bath towels to make kitchen towels, made a stuffed toy for my younger brother from an old baby blanket. Made a couple baby blankets out of old sheets for one side and sewed scraps together for the other side, made it like a big pillow case, sewed them together, turned inside out then did a blind or hidden stitch to close, ironed it then sewed along the edge and on one I did an X across the lightweight blanket. The Best thing I made was a teddy bear out of fur remnant, I shrunk the pattern on the school copier so it would all fit on the fur I had, I still had to be creative with cutting it out, but it’s amazing how the fur hides any errors you make. We didn’t have a lot of money and my mom used it for a Christmas gift for a younger sibling.
I took home-economic and learned more but you should definitely sign up for classes, mainly to understand what to do when your machine messes up.
Karen
Oh, my goodness!!!! I love this post! I, too, am guilty of all of the above. One thing that my husband doesn’t understand is how I can forget to eat when I am sewing. Another is that I have thousands of patterns and I “can’t possibly use every one of them is this lifetime”!
Audrey
Coach, come back~ we love you!
Latriece
I don’t remember reading the first post but I can honestly say that it would be a crying shame for you to forgo giving us the pleasure of your humorous take on our pleasant addiction to fabric & sewing. Thank you for perking up my rather drab day, especially since my precious husband is no longer with me to share his humorous opinion on my own behavior when I go into my sewing trance.
Brenda Vozzo
I love it! I must show this to my husband so he knows he is not alone. Lol
You guys are great and we love you for putting up with us!
Samina
Very cute & painfully true!
Therese Fryksdale
This is hilarious! Clearly you live in the altered reality world of the Sewist! Every issue you addressed was spot on!
Anna Robertson
Laugh out loud! You sound like my husband. You forgot. One. We always have to stop at fabric store when we are on a trip, because you never know what you will find. Any where in the world.
Talliana
I do stop at the fabric store(s) in Orlando when we go to Disney, they have so many stores there compared to where we live. I make it a point to start our vacation buying fabric.
Bev Heydinger
Lol. Made my hubby shop for fabric in China, Poland and Costa Rica…
Jan
I’m with you on getting fabric while travelling! When cruising the Pacific and Indian oceans while in the Navy, I had a fabric list for each port…silk from Singapore, wool from Australia…
Karen F
My husband is getting a copy of this so that he knows he is not alone out there in the cold dark world of being married to a sewist. Now we won’t talk about golf clubs, or earn run averages, or what in the heck a “secondary” is…
P.S. Love the insight, you must come back.
Yvonne
Hummmmmm, I wonder if he knows my husband and my son–things that makes me go hummmmmmm. This is me. Oh my goodness. A few years ago we down sized and before moving, the basement belonged to ME. So when we were getting rid of stuff and (I) was putting stuff in rubber maid tubs, (I’m so ashamed) I had tubs that were large enough for me to get in comfortably, filled with fabric. I had many of them, yes very many of them. I had linings, and fabric, interfacing, more fabric, and I mean the good stuff. Dupioni silk, raw silk, more dupioni silk, cashmere, unique (and expensive) home dec fabrics, and we had to rent a storage space for all of the things we didn’t sell from the house, and the entire back wall is loaded with stacked tubs with my sewing stuff in them. And my husband doesn’t know just how much fabric and sewing things are in those tubs. My son could actually write a book about his mother in the sewing store. We got up early and caught the early bird sales, we caught the must have sales that began on Sunday. We went to the double coupons sales, the midnight madness sales, the “your husband called and said you could buy whatever you want” sale, we went to the store when we missed the sale, and when I was anxious, frustrated and borderline depressed, we went to the fabric store. My husband became more literal about going in there with me and start asking questions, like: “Didn’t you just buy some fabric like that?” Or “Are you buying more fabric?” So I just needed him to stay in the car, cause he didn’t need to see what was about to go on in the fabric store. Until I moved my huge stash to the basement, he stepped on pins, pushed my stuff to the side to use the dining room table, and just shook his head. We stopped sharing closet space, because I had hidden bags stashed in there. Memories, memories, memories–this brings back so many of them, fond memories. But this is hilarious!!!!! I really enjoyed reading this, and Coach, you are to be commended, you’re a real trooper!!!!!
Shelli
WOW!!!
Josie
Great comments
Ok. I am there with all of you. It’s all my husband fault, he got my very first sewing machine. Kept bringing more home, his words “they need a home”. Next, got me 5, 6 boxes of Hawaiian material from a lady’s close out business. Ok, 12 years later, i have more than 5 sewing machines, 1 sewing room, a spare bedroom 1/2 full of sewing related stuff. I need to borrow a kid and start making kid stuff. Thanks for sharing
Paulett Srubar
I’m 62, have been sewing since I was 8, and It’s been less than a week that I was sewing in my underwear! Humor in truth Please don’t stop. Love your blog.
Paulett
Kristie
I’m a novice sewist (I can’t get over that word; neither can I deal with “sewer” in written form, so it’s the lesser of the evils), and I’ve spent a lot of time already sewing in my skivvies. Sometimes because I’m trying on what I sew. Sometimes because my sewing room is attached to my laundry closet and I threw in what I was wearing. Sometimes because it’s ridiculously hot in my sewing room (at the far end of the HVAC system) during a Tucson summer. Plenty of good reasons to sew in your undies!
Brenda Melahn
Wow … kinda eerie — I think your husband has been sneaking around our house 😉 Loved it!
Naomi
Hi Melly/Coach
Your husband could start a therapy group for the husbands of us sewists! Again a GREAT article about some of our quirky habits. I loved showing the last article to my husband…just to prove I am not alone in my “craziness!” These should become a regular feature. Definitely sharing this article with my husband too!
Danielle D.
Yes I seem to have all those symptoms too! lol
DianeY
I think you’re right about “sewist” not being in the dictionary. I have it in quotes because auto correct keeps changing it to sexist, which was very embarrassing the first time I used it and didn’t notice! Great post!
Dorothy
#6 is the reason my husband agreed to get wood floors everywhere but the bedrooms. It really has helped. Except that now that we are empty nesters I am moving my sewing kingdom into one of the bedrooms.
Emily
Ha! Love it! Fwiw wonder clips have replaced 95% of my need for pins. Everyone is safer!
Pat
Love those wonder clips. Used them for the first time the other day and just had to buy 50 more as I only had 10.
Kadie
My spouse finds it bizarre that I can only sew barefoot.
Lori
Me too! And I think a lot of others as well! I find I have more control in the speed when I’m barefoot.
Paula Beach
i sew sitting on the floor and press the pedal with my knee. People who see me think it’s terribly weird. My husband was in the Air Force for many years and sometimes the only spot could find was the living room floor.
granubby
Before I was married I made living room drapes, sooo wide, on the floor with my new machine on my trunk, because I was living in the apt. with no furniture. (I even slept on a lawn cot!) Those drapes were beautiful and followed us for 15 years!
Joy
I was sewing with one shoe off during one of the first quilting classes that I took. The teacher noticed and told me to take off the other shoe. According to her it’s bad luck to sew with just one shoe off. Who knew?
Kelley
Bwahaha!! This post is spot-on and hilarious! I can’t wait to get my husband to read it!
Sd
Yes, these observations are correct. It took my husband 25 years to convince me to go to Hawaii. I finally went when he agreed that I could visit every fabric store on the island. I did get to do this, and yes there is always something new to look at or buy. I also received bags of fabric from my mil. I am still sorting it, as she sold her home and it arrived at my place.
Primrose Bohne
Coach, loved this – and sent it to my husband to read. Bless you guys for putting us with us SEWISTS!!
Primrose
Ginger
Ha Ha. So true and so funny!
Cheri Hage
Great post !
I gotta ask, how many pliers do you own ? How many hammers ?
And the fabric scissors ? You just have to swallow this one whole. It’s just the way it is, guys.
Julie
Scissors is a whole topic in itself. There are paper scissors and sewing scissors. You don’t touch moms sewing scissors. I have to admit when i saw the photo of the scissors in the padlock the very first thing i thought was awesome idea. Quickly followed by oh a long shank would work for a couple pairs of sewing scissors. My daughter bought me sewing scissors for Christmas when she was old enough to buy things on her own. When she asks someone if she could use a pair of scissors now she adds for paper not your sewing scissors. Or those aren’t your sewing scissors are they? I feel like i have done my job as a parent now LOL. I also happen to like the hardware store, so i totally get the every tool nut and bolt thing. Please do not get me started on the storage containers and organizing stuff. Maybe that is why I keep buying more sewing stuff so I can get more organizing stuff too.
ky_hiker
I sew in my underwear all the time, or even in the nude! It’s just easier when I’m sewing for myself and have to keep trying it on to check for fit, not to have to keep taking one outfit off just to put on the other one!
Evy
HAHAHAHA! I snorted tea laughing so hard, you rock Coach! Thanks for making my day 🙂
Bronwyn
For a moment I thought you called him a cockroach!
Natalie
Hahaha, They know sharing, is caring! This post put a great big smile on my face. So good!
Lynn
I once had a very basic Kenmore machine which was a dud from day one. One very bad day if taking it apart multiple times I got so frustrated that I walked through the living room, opened the front door and threw it out the door. No one said a word. Kids silent. Husband silent. I had never, ever done anything like that nor have I since. When we went to bed that night we laughed so hard our sides hurt. I don’t miss that damn thing. Not one bit.
Pat
My sister’s Kenmore sewing machine started a fire when my niece and I started it up. We shut it off fast and her husband took it to the dumpster the next day. She ended up using one of my machines to finish up the project. And yes, I have 8 machines.
Laura
This is so Funny!! I thought my sides would split I was laughing so hard! I can just picture you throwing that thing out the door!!! I also have a Kenmore, but fortunately it’s been working for a long time. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t had its share of threats! I almost threw it out the 2nd floor window once. Maybe that’s why it’s still working…it understands what will happen if it quits because I don’t have a backup………
Shirley
This made me laugh out loud. I have been very frustrated but never done anything like that. It’s always so funny when someone does something so out of character. I can just see the kids and husband looking at each other in query!
Michele
That was so apt except that I don’t have all those sewing machines, I wish I did. Very funny. I am just having a break from sewing for a few minutes and came across this blog. It is funny where I find pins. I once stood on a needle which was lodged in the carpet in the living room, I had to have an x-ray to locate the needle so it could be cut out my foot, very traumatic.
dara
SEW FUNNY. YET SEW TRUE!!!
Cheryl
Yes, you are amazing! Lol, I do all the above! I do have 3 machines and soon hopefully to have #4. My husband is amazing as he got me started with my love of sewing and yes he even finds us shops to stop at while we are traveling! Keep the pedal to the floor!
Michelle
OK I really laughed out loud at this one.
Yup. Every single one.
My husband can commiserate with you on every point.
It’s funny because it is true.
marie martinez
Hilarious, funny, yet true
and as a Sewist, these things are absolutely “normal” …for me anyway.
Thanks for the LOL….
Lyn Ireland
I love this – I hope you don’t mind me sharing on my sewing group page – we are a bunch of ladies who get together monthky to make and chat together – they will ALL understand these!!!! Lyn
Jelena
I love this post! I sew in my underwear very often too 🙂 Only we sewists know why we do the things we do. But I totally understand the non-sewists as well. Great blog! Wishing you all the best in future blogging and sewing!
Barbara
I have heard all this before from my coach and the three mini coaches, but none of them write it down as cleverly as you do, so I implore you to make your cleverness at least a semi-permanent feature of this blog! My coach is now old and the minis have microminis of their own now, so there is far less opportunity for me to inflict my idiosyncratic sewing-ways on them, and I miss their hilarious views of my predilection for all things fabric. There’s one more thing you should understand: some of us kiss our sewing machines goodnight because it is the only thing in our lives that does exactly what we tell it to do. Therefore, we feed it well with more fabric!
Anne
Ha!! Guilty of all 9. Plus a few more, like staring at my friends’ clothes to see how they’re constructed. I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for this afternoon that links to your post: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=83389 –Anne
Skye
Staring at clothes to see how they are constructed!! YES Yes yes!!!
Aless
MY poor husband also now has to contend with me assessing clothes construction in public places,out loud…..as in “I wonder how they did that dart?” We’ve just been on a 10 week overseas trip, so he put up with A LOT, 24/7, especially in airports!! He won many brownie points for helping me find stores in NYC’s Garment District. A keeper, for sure!!
Karen
Just today, I reached through the reception room window at the dental office where I work to touch a patient’s beautiful emerald green dress, asking with loving admiration if it was linen. Sometimes, often times, we can hardly help ourselves from touching something so beautiful, and she didn’t even know it was linen…
April
Haha! Yep, this is a fun perspective into the mind of the non-sewists trapped in a house with those of us who are. (I like Melissa’s thinking on that word. I’ve never referred to myself as a “sewer’ for exactly the same reason.) Pretty sure my hubs can sympathize! I don’t think I’ve sewn in my underwear more than once or twice because I get cold too quickly, but he might be less irritated about the sewing machine infringing on his time if I did. Two birds with one stone… lol
Talliana
Yes I am a fabric hoarder, I love fabric and my husband does not understand that I just found “another” perfect knit fabric for my next project. Nor does he understand the difference in between the four yellow chiffons that i tell him are different yellows. He also does not understand that i go into a department store for ideas not to shop, if i can see it i can make it, just need to draw a pattern, get more fabric and sew the item–I am in heaven when I see a new item. If I am shopping for ready to wear clothes I have to check the stitching and I calculate how much it would cost me if I just made the item myself. Luckily my local fabric store is too far for us to go to regularly so I can do all the online shopping I want with no problems.
Colleen Schoneveld
I have a t-shirt AND a bumper sticker both say “He who dies with the most fabric WINS”
Yeah… I am a professional dressmaker and Tailor… plus I love to quilt…. you can imagine.
Only, I have two machines…a simple non-computer sewing machine and a serger.
Need no more…..but don’t start on Dress forms… or antique machines (not for sewing, of course)
Selma
OMG I laughed so hard and loud, i woke up the cat and my daughter…I could relate to all, especially the pins…so i wanted to make a suggestion for a gift…the magnetic bowls at the auto store…they are the best…get the biggest one…or a few…I found one at KMART and will be buying more. I have my eye on the magnetic wand at Home Depot that picks up screws and stuff in tight spots…to wave over the areas in the house that i NEED to work in depending on the project and how much space I need….so that im not busted for working outside of my designated craft room (our old dining room) we live in an apt in NYC…lol…so imagine that.
You could start a blog for the husbands of the sewist…and the everydays of life…you gotta admit its funny, and unpredictable…
Anne Wiens
As long as you love her, it’s okay that you don’t understand her.
PS…I don’t get the need for the term “sewist”, either….and I am one!
Judy Faulk
Guilty of all. Their is some to watch for in your future. If I’m not able to get a stain out I will cut and save buttons, zippers,x eyelets. Then cut up material to keep for quilting. If any of your favorite shirt disappeared think back was their small stain, right type fabric needed for a project. Lol……..
carolyn
This all sounds like conversations that I have had with my husband They are all very true. I have 3 machines and they have names, so of course I talk to them. My favorite places to go are the book store and any fabric store. I have fabric that I bought when my daughter was little but can’t seem to use because I love it so much. I could go on and on but Ruby (my machine) is calling me. Loved the blog. Nice to have a husbands perspective.
cat
So crack me up! Coach could write about anything and it would be hilarious. I can just imagine take on the football games. Write about anything! Hilarious.
XXOO Cat
Kelly G in ATX
Bwahahahaha, Coach! I’m sure you (and my dad, bless him – he’s put up with me and my mom and our sewing habits for years) have plenty more items you could add to the list, but these were pretty spot on. Thanks for the laugh! You’re a lucky lady, Mel!
Sally
You guys are the perfect team. Keep up the great work and have a winning season!
Melody Lema
My husband wants to meet yours! He says EXACTLY the same things. My guy is a peach, and he is sitting here, waiting for Amazon to deliver my new Singer XL 550 Futura! It was 40 years ago that he bought me an Athena 2000,, and 20 years ago a Pfaff Hobbylock. My Athena is starting to act up, and after talking to 8 different repair shops, he decided it was time for a new sewing machine. But I am sitting here sad, instead of excited. It is like I am mourning the loss of a old friend. I am remembering the Micky Mouse shirts, the tee shurts, my daughter in laws wedding dress, all of the things that I made that marked a milestone in our life. Is it normal to be sad over a machine? I hope so because I am. Thanks hubby for a great laugh, and my husband says to tell you, wait until she sews in the nude! I did, but I was making a bathing suit, and I kept trying it on! It was easier, and, well, no kids lived at home anymore, and he did not complain!
Julie Porter
It’s not mad to mourn the loss of an old friend. You have spent so much time with her, she is a member of the family. She has helped you create family history and special moments. Go ahead and mourn.
Dee Darrell
I didn’t mourn my 50+ year old Singer, I put it on a pedestal, in my sewing hideaway and talk to it frequently!
brenda
cannot recall time before sewing. the pins everywhere including the arm of the chair and my father’s arm made the natural transition into my own home. first needle accident was broken off in my knee while working with Mom on Halloween costumes. I have to confess that I am yet to sew in my underwear BUT have sewn some underwear if that counts. thanks for the husbandly contribution today.
I am curious to know about your reaction to your wife’s cutting her hair and immediately looking like one of the kids ……..
lisa annette lee
Love it! I am in no way agreeing on its accuracy, however. LOL
Donna N.
OMG this is my first time reading your blog and it is so true about us sewers. I can relate to all that you have written. Keeps making us laugh! I look forward to reading more. 🙂
Joann Barber
Do they make ONE TOOL that does everything? How many different SAWS and SCREWDRIVERS does HE NEED?
Jennifer
Imagine my dilemma I’m a female electrician and understand the need for a large variety of tools but I also come from a family of seamstresses and am learning how to sew and craft. How do I put the world on hold while I get both sides organized enough to complete a project?
Sharon
There should be a rule that sewists have mates with a good sense of humor. I nearly gave my husband a heart attack when I ran whooping into the living room after learning to do a particular difficult notched collar. He recovered.
Chris
If I see a friend or acquaintance with a garment on that I like, I may have to inspect the seams and how it was made, amidst their odd facial expressions. But when I explain that I am a SEWIST, they understand. And whenever I drive by a shopping area and sense a fabric store is near, I howl like a hound dog! I love the description “Sewing Kingdom” as my Sewing space is now in a two car garage and I have 5 machines and a 6 by 9 cutting table. Coach you are doing a wonderful job. You must stay on!
Dorothee
:)!!!!
Sherri S.
Too too funny! I sell vintage patterns on Etsy and checking them for completeness makes noise (ahem). My poor husband gets out the remote in order to turn up the volume on the TV when he sees me coming with a pile of patterns. Our partners are good sports, aren’t they?
mairi
Isn’t ebay great though? You can shop for new fabric in your pants too…
Ruth Guida
I’m currently doing chemo for my 4th cancer and after a rough night and day, the laugh was good for me…because they are all so true
Linda
Sending prayers your way, may God bless you with health!
Jenn
Love this post even more than the first!
Rosemary B
Oh this is good news. I sew in my undies too. My sewing room is next to the kitchen, so I have a robe if necessary– in case the piano tuner shows up, or our ever present A/C guy.
I have a label on my scissors. Do not touch ever
Rosemary B
Oh, and I enjoyed reading this. You are a great writer.
My hubbs knows this is far cheaper than therapy.
Additionally, I used to be a figure skater, ice dancer. THAT WAS EXPENSIVE – VERY EXPENSIVE
So I gave that up…. fabric hoarding is cheaper, who knew?
Melba Van Huss
all I can relate to but the one about sewist…I hate that word..but was always called a seamstress..like it better.. and another one is— I like to sew at night and at times –all night..
Julie
Totally laughed at most of these. Hubby especially liked the one about the pins. He likes to find them with his bare feet, too. I agree with Melba, though; I can’t say I like sewist (actually, I think I hate it). I much prefer seamstress. And if you’re a man who sews? Well, you’re a seamster.
Nellie Mueller
Sew much of what we do IS funny. We dress in PJ’s for an extra discount at early bird
sales or midnight madness clearances. We hide our fabrics in brown bags in the deep freeze
or between the mattress and box springs. We drive deep into the woods on gravel roads if there
is a whisper of a bargain barn with the newest Moda fabrics. Yes, I’m a witness to all of the above.
OK, a participant…..
marissa | rae gun ramblings
I”m dying. these make me so happy!
Barbara Barnes
Have you been to my house??
Rachel
Eeeeyup yup yup yup! And I have since given up ‘seamstress’ for ‘sewist’; too cool…
Yvonne
Well Coach, I hope you get to keep your vow of no more posting but you made me laugh out loud! I know my spouse would agree with your assessment. Except for the scissors. His mother was a seamstress and he KNOWS about the sewing scissors! Have fun with the season.
Judith Clauss
Hey Coach, thanks for another fine post. And thanks for the chuckles! I am fortunate to having a husband like yourself who not only puts up with my sewing habits, but also supports me in that habit. Kudos to you for the ways you help your wife.
Pamela Coughlin
My husband says there should be a support group for “Fabric addicts spousal support”.
Ha!
Priscilla
There are support groups, they’re typically held at fabric stores and quilt shops. We gather and talk about our addictions and confide in one another. My group has at least provided more hiding options for new stashes.
Julie
I have a sign that hangs in my sewing room (how lucky am I to have a whole room dedicated to sewing!!) that says the definition of a quilter is that you must always have five projects going on at the same time, know what a fat quarter is and last but not leaast, own 65,000 yards of fabric! I don’t think I’ve ever sewn in my underwear (I have a teenaged son who would die to see his mother in her underwear) but often wear what I sleep in!
Totally hilarious!
Peta
And?……………So?
Paula Reasoner
I grew up with a mother who believed, she who dies with the most fabric wins! My brother in law’s response to a “OMG Velvet Sale” was, ” War does someone do with that much velvet? Now adays, my response is, “Do you need some Velvet? or we could use velvet for……..” My mom passed away a few years ago. Did I mention anyone need some velvet?
What seamstress doesn’t have a back up machine? Or one for buttons and another back up for back up machine? My husband and I went and looked at new machines. He is quite content for me to keep the ones I have.
Fellow sewies, don’t bash me for this one, my husband solved the 10 kinutes- 1 quick thing at store. He left me. When I did not see him, I called him. He told me he was doing his own quick shopping and he’d pick me up in 10 minutes he had one more quick stop to make. Wanna guess how long I waited? Now I go to fabric store alone.
Thanks for the laugh, I could go on but my machine is calling.
Linda
I love the “series” term!
Patty Beardslee
Hah, I get them all and yes I am a sewist! Great posting. My laugh for the day
Ann
This is great can I just add that my friend’s husband thinks it is strange that she buys fabric, cuts it into pieces and then sews it all back together! She makes quilts
carol noble
My oldest girl and talk sewing and my other daughter always has this duh look on her face and goes home. She likes wood working stuff
Dianne
Personally it would not be out of character for me to lock my fabric scissors up like that! They are precious, previous things!
Donna T.
Woo Hoo…hurry up and “ask” him to do just …one…more post before football season begins!!!
Too funny and VERY accurate!!!
DannyJane
Of course you need multiple sewing machines. Years ago I was working on a project and had a very tight deadline, so of course the machine chose that moment to break. My favorite repair shop couldn’t have fixed in time. Nobody had a spare to lend, I ended up buying another one.
Now I wouldn’t think of having fewer than two. If you’re working with two kinds of thread you don’t have to change back and forth. Buy the same manufacturer and it’s likely that they will use the same bobbins and tools.
THEN I taught my husband to sew. See, he wanted a costume for the renaissance festival…and well, now he sews too. So of course he had to have his own machine. But then…well, he wanted something heavier duty to sew leathers, heavy fabrics, and…
Now we have four machines.
And a serger.
Kyle
Hilarious. Now off to read the first post of this “series”…
Terrie
Coach,
OMG you are so funny, you really, really need to post in the future. PLEASE. Being a sewist, I am guilty of most of your points. But I must say, I LOVE the lock on the scissors. Why haven’t I thought of this before? There is nothing worse than grabbing your scissors to cut out a silk fabric to discover your spouse used them to cut sandpaper to fit his sander, or the kids used them for their craft project that involved cardboard and foam core board even though you have firmly stated thousands of times “do not touch the sewing scissors-ever”
sewist
I can’t stop laughing. X
Diana
Love it!! Please don’t stop!! We need you!! 🙂
Deborah J.
Holy cow! Was that article about me?!
Kari
Sewing in your undies is the best for fast fitting!
Keren
Thank you for this blog I needed a laugh this morning and ended up crying very hard with laughter. I think us SEWISTS!!! are all cut from the same cloth! Thanks very much and enjoy your football season 🙂
Rachel
Haha “Not that I’m complaining, but why are you sewing in your underwear” phrases that have been heard in my house 🙂
Annie
“It’s just easier for me to go borrow the kids’ safety scissors. They know sharing, is caring.” – my absolutely favorite quote. Just the night after reading this blog my husband asked me to pass over my fabric scissors to open the box (yes he said it on purpose just to get my reaction). I said no firmly and then heard this cutest little girl voice from my three year old from the background – “papa, you can use mine if you want to..” spot on about sharing is caring, we selfish sewists!
Chris
LOL, too funny. I am a man that sews. I thought I was the only one that sticks pins (and needles) in the chair arm.
Marcia R
All so true! I was sewing a binding on a quilt last night. Just after rethreading my needle, I got up from my chair to get a drink. When I came back to the chair and couldn’t find my needle anywhere. Looked in the arm of the chair, in the quilt, in the seat, on the floor, on the side table. No where. Guess where it was? Stuck in the arm of another chair in the room! Evidently I stood up with my newly-threaded needle, leaned over another chair in the room on my way to the kitchen, and stuck it there!
Debby
Oh #8 is one of my favorites. I hide my scissors. I don’t want anyone to touch them. Who knows why…may be it is because my hubby is always losing the scissors and these are too important to lose. 🙂
Beverly Taylor
i will never forget my roommate cutting up sausages with my beautiful brand new dressmaking shears I had bought as a gift for myself after my dress designing course. she couldn’t understand why i was angry.
Susan
I have news that, depending on your perspective, is either good or bad. FOOTBALL SEASON HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Bad news for hubby. Good news for us if we can convince him that is true and we get to read another post from him.
Kathrin
sorry you can’t stop! Great again!?
Pam Harper
Hilarious. My partner has been nodding his head as I read this out to him lol x
Alice
i do some of these habitslike4 6 8 i wish i have 5 mashines but i t<s just one
Tess
I agree with your Mrs. “Sewer” conjures icky pictures and thoughts. I prefer “sewcialist.”
Sheila Heilman
I just read the post to my husband who just shook his head at your last letter. Not sure I should have stayed for his comments as he said there is another guy whose wife is just as crazy. I am surprised you stopped at 9 things as my husband came up with a bunch more. Thanks for the humor.
Rene
You sew, wearing only your underwear, as it is less fuss to try on what you are sewing. There are fewer items to take off each time when you have to “try on”.
If you sew in your underwear when sewing quilts and decor items, well it is possibly because you are hot. LOL.
Marge Leyden
You forgot #10- Running the foot pedal with your bare foot so you can “feel” the pedal better.
Aless
Comments from our kids….
Son, aged 7 then (35 now), sitting in a burger place (a family holiday treat) in a town we were passing through, said “Look,Mum! There’s a Lincraft across the road and they’re having a pattern sale.” THIS IS TRUE!!! Husband and daughter groaned out loud. It was a wonderful 1+ hours I spent there……..
Both kids….”Before you ‘go’, you HAVE to get rid of all that stuff. We don’t want to have to deal with it.” I sympathise with them, as I do have several thousand patterns (I ust CANNOT throw/give them away…) and boxes and boxes and boxes of fabric, even after severely culling and giving away MANY boxes to groups sewing for charities. I have tried to de-stash…..but I LOVE my hobby, and I admit I’m a hoarder. Fabric/patterns/anything to do with sewing is my only ‘vice’…It’s not a bad one to have!
Normita
Tell the coach we have a longer list of things that don’t make sense about sports…the above list makes total sense
specially the back up for the back up 🙂
Kitt
Definitely good bolg, I did read it all, and felt a little guilty, Hits home.
Kitt
Sorry, did not proof read. I ment BLOG.
Diane
Nice to know my poor hubby is not alone in these observations! My idea of a perfect day: straight from the bed to the sewing room, emerge about noon to get a cup of tea, back in room til 2, emerge again for sustenance, and then back for the duration! Nice to know I’ m part of the sewing sisterhood?
Gail
Happy to say I have a hubby that almost ‘gets’ it. The first time he came to visit he said, “show me your quilts!” Are any words more magical and guarantee you to fall in love with the guy saying them? I try to avoid the underwear thing at least since the big tree right outside my HUGE sewing room window was chopped down and now if they are out and about in the back yard my in-laws 9saauming their eyesight is good enough) could see me doing that.
Very funny post and I enjoyed it.!
Marianne
Great ! You & my Harry should really go have a beer together. We have had the same discussions as the two of you, same reservations, too. Thank you for a good laugh from a guy’s point of view.
Rhonda Merry
I’m guilty too. Loved this.
Cathy
Normal. All very normal, but it’s great to read another point of view!
Jean Usner
I identify with everything on the list, but I also have a good reason for every one of those things we do. For example I sew in my underwear when making clothes for myself – so handy to try on partially made garments. Then when working with something that would leave lint all over my clothes, I sew in my underweR, or when it is hot – the reasons are many.
The term sewist is new – so are many terms associated with technology that have not yet reached the dictionary. It replaces or groups other terms that all apply to me: quilter, decorator, seamstress, tailor, designer – for a few.
It is sensible to take your time in a fabric store, buying fabric is very complicated. Some things have prices we will not see again, coordinating fabrics for projects is complicated, there are other shoppers to talk to and share ideas with – and this list goes on.
As for pins all over – convenient. Scissors are major investments and tools that deserve respect. All scissors are not created equal. Our families only are able to show the respect that we expect.
Cindy Faraone
Omg, how true! But I’ll stick to “seamstress”, I’m a little old-fashioned! I pet fabric (the only way to “see” fabric is with your fingers!), I talk to my machines, I sew barefoot (and in stocking feet in the winter), I lose track of time in fabric stores, I’ve lost count of how many machines I have (my favorite auctioneers call me “sewing machine lady”).
And why did I start being a merchant in the SCA (historical reenacting group)? My husband said I had enough fabric to start my own store– so I did! 🙂
Margaret
uh, what is so funny…..these are just the facts!!!????
Marianne
Yes!
Susan Grandy
All of these are spot on and are true for crocheters as well
.
Diana
Love your comments, and I’m sure my husband would agree with you on many areas! However, I remind him that he has a “full basement” with all his hobby and other “collectibles”, so doesn’t that make us even????? I might add, he’s a fisherman and woodworker, carpenter, and jack of all trades…………so he has a lot of things!! I have a “sewing room”, he has the whole basement!!
Anna M.
Why don’t they make one sewing machine that does practically everything? That would be brilliant.
GrannasHandyWork
Sewing in underware is quite appropriate, I assure you. You know, the morning you wake up and get ready for work to discover that your hem is loose or your new slacks drag the ground…unacceptable. And since you’ve already hung up the towel and robe…
AND kind sir, may I ask how many golf clubs you have or joysticks, or computer gadgets, or whatever your hobby may be? (My husband has a GOOD reason for ALL 50 clubs he owns, yet only 14 can go in the bag at one time????? 🙂
Enjoy football season, which is also craft show season, which means my husband is a craft show widow.
Fran McGee
Guilty as charged, on all counts. But Coach, can you look at me straight in the eye, if you are the fix-it sort of guy, and tell me with a straight face that you don’t talk to the car, lawnmower, or whatever inanimate object you’re trying to persuade to behave. My ex is a mechanic, so is one of my roommates, don’t even get me started about the things mechanics say to the cars they are working on, such creative language.
Also, if you are into boxing, Ala Muhammad Ali style, tell me you aren’t making little boxing motions with your hands when you think no one is watching. That was my dad’s thing. Or talk to the television about the football game? The bad calls, dropped balls…..
Oh, I guess I don’t sew in my underwear, but I DO sew barefoot, always.
Trishbc
So many to relate to! My first sewing was Barbie clothes around 1963, made from scraps of my mom’s projects. Still in mourning over a huge Rubbermaid box full of fabric collected over 40 years that a cat crawled into and used as a litter box when we moved 10 years ago. Sewing in anything more than a tee and panties, maybe socks, is an impediment! And fabric stores are heaven, but goodies are at antique stores (tablecloths! drapes!) and Goodwill! And pins! As bad as Lego blocks on the floor when my kids were little!
jdee
Rules for Quilting
1. Always buy new fabric no matter how much you already have.
2. Sew all day and all night. Absolutely no cooking allowed.
3. Use a lot of spit for tiny droplet of blood. This always makes the quilt personal.
4. And always start a new Quilt before the last one is finished. This requires you to go back to step #1.
It all make perfect sense to me.
tru leigh
I used to work in a fabric. shop–30 years ago. I still have fabric from then I haven’t used!
Karen
I can explain the sewing in the underwear and I am guilty. I do this when I am trying to fit something perfectly. It is much too cumbersome to dress and get undress over and over when working o a precise fit! I have just moved my sewing room to a sunroom in the house, so ow I must be extra careful!
Cheryl
1.). Only when I’m hemming my own pants & having to put them on to check then take them off to sew them. YES, each one is different, darn it! PJ’s are 1st choice–if we got dressed up for the day we’d probably just go to the fabric store.
2.) Petting fabric is when you love what someone’s wearing. FONDLING fabric is for when you LOVE something & hang onto the bolt for dear life. Yes, people actually say “I love you my fabric!”
3.) Sewist is the cooler new word. Seamstress is mainly for clothing sewers.
4.) Similar to guys talking/yelling at the tv, duh!
5.) Too many projects, fabric available, and decisions. HELLO–remember we’re in charge of both families’ gifts for birthdays, Christmas, weddings & more–wanna trade??? I think not!
6.) if you KNOW pins end up there, WHY didn’t you look first? Anyways you’re supposed to have a dedicated lazy-boy chair. Not our fault no one has invented the perfect pincushion!
7.) New prints, new styles. Have you seen our shoe closets? But fabric is for those 87 relatives plus friends & coworkers–you ready to take on gift shopping yet?!?
8.) Imagine someone using the cordless drill to hammer something in and breaking off the bit holder. Now it’s useless. Same as using a table saw blade to hoe the garden with. ***No one better do those with MY scissor, cordless drill & tools either!!!
9.) Trade in all your tools for a Dremel kit. Get it NOW?!?
😉
Jenny
I remember seeing some well-known quilt instructor speak quite a long time ago. She said, “and we think men are crazy. We take a perfectly good piece of fabric and cut it up into lots of little pieces. Then, we sew them all back together!!” Some folks just will never get us.
Megan deBethune
Ha ha! Maybe all your men/spouse need to get with my husband to design and invent THE MACHINE! It would need to spin yarn, weave fabric (like a loom), serve, embroider, sew, and quilt like a long arm. It would take up the same space as all the machines in each of our armada’s.
gailavon
OMG! I do all of these things but the one that made me put a hole in the wall was my husband using fabric scissors to cut a rubber mat for the hallway. I really did not mean to do that but I was angry and I did not want to hit him so I hit the wall. I am sure something was wrong with it. He has not repaired it but he also does not touch my fabric scissors!
Nola
OMG! Don’t get me started on fabric scissors. If anyone so much as breathes on mine I go ballistic!
Once you cut paper with them they never cut cleanly on fabric again. Same thing with my hairdressing scissors. Expensive to buy and replace that’s for sure.
Love the blog though….I’m sure you could fit in another one. 😉
Allison @ The Tall Mama
Hilarious! It was like reading something my husband would say… except for knowing the words silk & taffeta…well done for that!
Allison @ http://www.thetallmamastyle.blogspot.com
leanne
awesome – always so funny when non-sewers point out how weird we are !!!!!
Jen
Eek! The pins one makes me squeamish. We have two toddlers. I am anal about putting pins away and try to run a magnet over the carpet after I sew. I don’t want the little ones choking on a pin!
And I’ll always be a seamstress. 🙂 but the rest, certainly!
I would also point out that no one understands why you would sew clothes for more money than it would cost to buy them. Ha. Silly non-seamstresses.
Kate
That is the FUNNIEST blog post I have ever read!!!!!!!!!!!
Highly accurate too I might say.
Thanks for the laugh, I’ll be back for sure. Kate
The Farmer's Wife
Hilarious! I do all of these–no clue I was driving anyone nuts–thanks for some insight into my husband’s thinking 🙂 .
Teresa
Lol point 4. I know a lot of sports people who talk to the ref’s and the tv … It works right?! Lol
Jo Tell
I wonder if Coach will enlighten us with more of his witty humor if we were to chant for him? Coach, Coach, Coach……….You “guys” are so much fun! It’s even been a blast to read the other comments. Thanks to all of you 😉
Mary
Loved your post
My kids that have now flown the coop used to run in terror from the mantra “NOT MY GOOD SCISSORS! ” Nearly every year I send my daughter a new pair of scissors in her Christmas box. Somewhere it is written, “use these instead! “
Linda
I hear my husband say most of the same things. He still can’t understand why I buy more fabric, even after nearly 40 years of living with me. I will say that now he just sighs and goes to another department when I head to fabric.
INGA GUENTHER
So very funny, and so on point! Love it!
DIVAWEARDESIGNS
SPOT ON! And I thought I was the only fabric hoarder! Entertaining, fun post. Long live SEWISTS! Just subscribed to your Social media channels. ?
Diane Dikeman
I love all of this!!! I So understand buying fabric when I have a ton already! ! Just because I have fabric doesn’t mean it’s the same as what I already have! !! As a fellow Select your blog is delightful!!
Diane Dikeman
Talala, OK
Ramona Simpson
I love this and can identify with everyone of these. Love, love, love it.
Donna
a bit late but I love it. I will have to share this when I gather with my family for Thanksgiving. My brother always reminds my nieces to “watch out for Aunt Donna and her pins.”
Happy Creating and Happy Thanksgiving-USA
Donna
Joyce Ward
Sewing in your underwear makes perfect sense. Why waste time taking off your clothes again and again when you want to check fit! One of the first windows I curtained was in my sewing room.
Charli
OMG! This is TOO funny … but true. I’m not a ‘sewist’ any longer but I do have two machines! Now I am a paper crafter and there NO such thing as too much paper! Two embossing machines, two Cricut machines, rolls and rolls of ribbon, ink, dies, rubber stamps, acrylic stamps, home made stamps, anything from something that can be used on a card, etc. These just for handmade cards. No scrapbooking! It can go on and on and on … Gotta’ love your patience!! Lol
Suzan martinez
I understand this too, l went from sewing to scrapbooks and back to sewing. I have a craft room full of paper and still buy more. Lol
Sandra
Agree agree agree.Read that and see myself.So true. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Anne Coles
I’ve really enjoyed ready your thoughts. Everyone has said it all. I await the next installment and I hope football is over soon. lol Anne Coles
Leanne Weiner
LOL, so true! My hubby knows when not to bother me while “sewing” (I am a quilter), but when it’s getting late, he lets me know. About going to a fabric store, one time years ago, there was one store that is going out of business. I keep going there till after the “20, 30, 50, 99 percent” sales changing over the time till it closed the door. One sales person saw me and said “oh, here comes the fabric lady!”
Thanks for the laugh!
Philippa
I’ve sewn all my life, well since I was 7, & no one gets the scissors thing other than one who sews.
Mine are kept in my machine drawer (an old treadle) but they’re still not 100% safe.
I love the padlock. It’s not rocket science, it’s better!!
Thanks
Sarah Barnett
I have been sewing since the age of 5 years old. This post hit spot on with each and every issue. Another oddity is also agreeing or disagreeing with the said project of the moment, nodding ones head in agreement with the fabric. Everyone knows that stuff has the option to cooperate or not to cooperate, thus making a project flow nicely or be a total wreck. I too can sew for hours without eating, I just tend to “forget” even when the stomach is growling loudly. My husband has brought me food many many times.
I do so look forward to many more post (after football season of course) that I can share with my family and friends.
Carol
The sewing in your underwear is because you are in the midst of many try-ons and it just seems silly to get all the way dressed again when you will have to try on again as soon as this one seam is stitched. LOL!
Fiona
yes yes yes! all true 😀
I don’t call myself a sewist tho, I’m a fabric artist. It sounds fancy & intriguing. makes ppl ask more questions about what I create
Linda
OMGSH!!! Laughed so hard I hit my head on my machine. I admit to all the above yet, there are some important points you may wish to address in your next post season blog.
1. The things women ONLY tell their sewing machines.
2. Why sewing in your undies is essential to your love life.
3. Parts is parts-trade you: a new serger for a bandsaw!
4. Sewing essentials: Su closet, mí closet. What to do when you run out of fabric.
5. The finale: Teaching your significant other to sew saga…..
You’re a smash coach keep on bloggin’ we need you!!
Leann
I have rearranged my back room to teach my girls at the same time… My mom’s and grand mom’s singer machines still work great! ( 50’s and early 60’s vintage). On to the husband! The coffee table doubles as a ironing board and during the big game he will weild an iron as long as the bear is within reach.
Jimelie Ryder
I am not alone thank you xxx
Ginnie
The answer to the question of why a sewist needs more than 1 sewing machine (at minimum, 3 is recommended–regular sized machine, large bed machine and serger with cover stitch), can only be answered with a question–would you use a hammer to drill, a saw to screw in a screw, or, “why isn’t there 1 tool that does it all?”
Peggy
How come it is okay for men to holler and scream at a TV set and not okay for us to talk to our sewing machines?
Debbie
Thank you for this – reminds me SO much of my dear mom, who did ALL those things (except for perhaps the sewing in the underwear thing, which I do!!!)
Leslie Hoffmann
This was great especially the part about the machines. I have 4 myself. And each do different things. Oh my we can never have enough material. LOL My husband don’t even ask anymore except how much is it. LOL Great humor and wonderful that there are the men that put up with our obsession!He
Tanequa
I totally agree with this post. It’s all me my husband can tell you that. As I was reading I was just laughing because I heard him make these comments about me touching fabric, staying in the store too long, and why am buying more fabric I just tell him because of a sell or etc…. I love to sew I find peace and comfort in it.
Rachel
This is absolutely hysterical! I’m cracking up and do absolutely all of these things! I love the images too!
Donna Posey
If you love life NEVER EVER EVER TOUCH MY SCISSORS OR MY PINKING SHEARS!!!!!!!!!
Using them on things other than fabric, screws them up horribly. You MUST get them sharpened by someone who KNOWS THE PROPER WAY TO SHARPEN THEM
I will NEVER forget my brothers using my shears to cut corse sandpaper
AAARGHHHHHH!
Suzan martinez
After reading the coaches last post. I had to read the others. He is sooooo funny but does have the real picture of us sew-ists (new word). Thanks for understanding the fabric and pins. And doesn’t everyone have five sewing machines. I myself have five and would still like to have a new one. I also have a closet full of fabric and still buy more only to get home and use a piece I already had. And he didn’t mention patterns. I have several moving boxes full and buy more when they are on sale. He needs to explore that topic. So funny. Keep up the good work!
Lynoitte
Seamstress hints at a female person who’s sews. Sewist sounds more like it could refer to a male or female and heaven knows MANY MALES SEW as well. Hence, sewist?
Marra Lynn Rodriguez
Guilty as charged on ALL counts! I once got kicked out of a yarn store in Florence, Italy for “Touching”.
Diane
Love this post, and I have to say I’m guilty of most of them. My biggest beef are my scissors!! I never thought about locking them up but see that little padlock makes me think I will!
Anne Marie
I agree. My fabric scissors have little coloured tags on them and they gat used for paper on pain of death. Mu hubby bought me a very expensive pair of Fiskars so he now “gets it”
Maggie W.
OK, I too laughed out loud. I am guilty of everthing that Coach mentioned. I just started following sewing tips on Pintrest for inspiration and to get back to a hobby I’ve missed. I also have lots of fabric from my Mother when she died that could fit in all the drawers of the picture above–save for later, on sale, I love the color, matches something that I no longer have, the drawers are endless! It’s a good thing that fabric shops also have other aisles–that keeps my husband occupied while I look at notions, gadgets, and miles of fabric! I’m glad there is this quirky sisterhood out there that I can belong to–safety in numbers, don’t ya know 🙂 BTW, this is the FIRST time I’ve felt compelled to comment on a blog post. This one just hit home.
Sue
OMGosh I laughed. Thanks I needed that. I have two machines, (eyes on a third) and “sewest” makes perfect sense to me. Pins scare me so I am supper careful. When I was small my Mother left a hand sewing needle stuck in the bed. I was jumping on it and it went deep into my foot. So I got in trouble for jumping on the bed and got very hurt as well. The memory has stuck with me and I have been careful about pins ever since. Thanks again for the post it was just too much fun. God bless.
Mary
Sewist is like shootist, if you ain’t one you won’t get it! I talk to my MACHINES, note the plural. Actually have 6 working ones and one that just sits there. Pins are a problem no matter how careful I am. I have tons of thread for hand embroidery, cross stitch, machine embroidery, and regular machine use. Just bought a file cabinet with wide drawers/ shelves to hold even more material. I plan on another tweezer, more small scissors and bobbin thread holders. I want a set for each sewing station! I am guilty of all 9 plus a few others!
Faith
That. Was. Hilarious!!!
What a sweet an understanding husband!
Totally made me laugh!!!!
Donna Hellebrand
I am new to your site, love it! I too am a sewist, have many machines, lots and lots and then some more fabric in my stash! My mom many years ago, had just gotten a new Kitchen Aid stand mixer, she told my dad she needed a new hand mixer, he didn’t understand why she could possible need that with this awesome stand mixer. Her reply works for sewing machines as well as mixers. She said, “How many drills, saws etc do you have?” My dad being the smart man he was said, “say no more, I understand”. She got a new hand mixer! I have 3 sewing machines and 3 sergers. My sweet hubby never questions!
Laura
I am guilty of owning up to 15 machines. I am down to two embroidery combo machines, a serger, a commercial machine and two machines with family connections.
This year I had to move my entire stash to the garage due to a mold problem in our basement. I had to cut my stash by half and wash everything coming back into the newly cleaned and painted basement. Since then, I’ve worked hard at using what I have and avoiding adding more new fabrics to my stash.
It has been a challenge, but it feels nice to actually be using those fabrics I’ve had for so long! This doesn’t mean I don’t still collected old lace, trims and other accessories!
Sandy
This blog is so funny. Just kept laughing the more I read. Guess it sounds like me too!
Constitutionchic
Funny but so true. I don’t think you are a true “sewist” unless you have at least 5 machines. Some are just pretty. I have the four I sew on all of the time and my favorite, a working 1952 Sears Kenmore that was the top of the line and looks like a piece of artwork (it even had the original parts and booklet.)
Anne Marie
My husband has just had a good laugh at this. I understand ALL of those things pertfectly – shame he doesn’t!
Diana Brooks McBay
Well, I’m not sure about sewing in my underwear…never tried it so I’ll not knock it… but if I were a betting woman I’d say you are making something for yourself and trying it on from time to time… if not then well, that’s just strange even to someone who has been a sewist for years…. lol…. HOWEVER, I do sew barefoot, even tho there is a danger of stepping on a pin or two that has just jumped off the sewing table or out of that pin cushion! It’s something about the feel of the pedal under my foot, I think I have more control barefoot… and no I am not from Fla where they drive barefoot! I only have one basic machine and a serger handed down to me by my mother in law who was a professional seamstress during the day and sewed for the public in her home at night. May she rest in peace her poor hands paid the price in the end… but she said she would do it all again if she could… but with these two machines I get the job done… One of my proudest moments as a sewing grandmother was when my 16 year old granddaughter came over one weekend and said Nana, let’s sew… I thought I would be teaching her to sew but she surprised me, she had been taking fashion in school, and knew what she was doing… she made her two younger sisters their Christmas from her, a stuffed elephant for the 2 year old and a throw pillow for the 10 year old. Then just recently I made the 2 year old a sundress… can’t wait till summer for her to wear it… Now I have to make my 18 month old grandson a super hero cape… or maybe a teepee for his room…. who knows…. For those of you who are just starting out… have fun… and if you mess it up… lesson learned don’t give up….keep on sewing…. and.. thanks for the blog… it brought me to laughter more than once…
Margaret Crawford
I recently bought my second machine, I can’t imagine why I still look at new sewing machines in passing, I am also a hoarder, buttons thread material from years ago, I started when I was a child, had to beg mum to let me use the grown up singer as I hated the toy machine. I had a bad habit of throwing ends of thread on the floor, now I finally getting tidy with a small bin, I have so many projects in my head, and not enough time to get round to it. Made an amazing A line shift dress for myself at age 12, my mum was amazed it looked so professional,
Made all my daughters dresses, and now I’m starting on my grand daughters, it’s so much fun,
( forgot to say) my brother asked me to make a waterproof cover for his motor boat, with Windows, , Never again
Niva
This is just hilarious loved it.
Maggie
Ok, in my country we say COSTURERA, it means that you can sew anything in your machine, I have 3 , one embreoidery, regular sewing machine and a serger, (you need one), I can sew any
thing you ask me.
Ruth
Spot on really just reading and I’m like, lol I do all these esp sewing in my underwear and having a standby Pashmina when someone knocks on my room door.
Good read, loved it
Krankywitch
I like the new term sewist – seamstress or dressmaker never really covered it for me as I make everything. If it can be sewn, I sew it, including garments I have knitted from my homespun wool.
By our first anniversary (29 of them ago) my hubby had given up even wondering why. I explained to him that my forebears were spinners, knitters and weavers until the 1800’s when they became framework knitters and seamers, so it’s in my genes. I can’t fight the instinctive drive.
Then his true conversion came when he put the first pair of trousers I made for him – they fit beautifully, as personally tailored clothing usually does. He wore them to work and they were admired by a client – a tailor. 🙂
Now he just hands over the money
So, to any sewists struggling with a recalcitrant, complaining or unconverted partner (especially one that has control of fabric funds), I suggest you put some time and effort into making that person a special item of clothing. It will be their epiphany. And you only really need do it once 😀
Gayle Mitchel
Being from Texas, my husband is a man of few words. I quilt and sew clothes. As I read your article aloud, he smiled, shook his head and said, “Yup”, after each item. At the end when I read about one machine that could do everything, he said, “yup. But we’d never afford it!”
Irene E Erickson
Another reaon to sew in your underwear includes sewing with fabric that sheds like the faux fur stuff I used recently. It was easier to bath than to get all the fur off! I thoght I would die laughing at all these “oddities” since I understood each of them entirely. The time warp thing also happens when you go to your computer to look up a site you pinned or a facebook page, etc. to find something you were going to work on and two hours later you have saved tutorials and printed out patterns by the dozens!
Kitty
I only sew in my underwear when I’m sewing for myself. it’s quicker than shedding my clothing every few minutes for a fitting.
Kiwi
I read every comment and could relate to much of what you all said. It was like being with friends and I laughed so hard I cried!! Although I can’t say I’m at the level most of you are, I admit to still mourning my Bernina after 10 years, which my dad bought for me when I was 14.(59 now) The adorable foibles of sewists are hilarious, harmless- mostly – and heart warming so how could those lovely husbands possibly mind!? Can I please suggest STITCHERS as a term for those who sew?
Now I need to go and find more of your posts for another good belly laugh and perhaps some sewing instructions. Thanks so much!
Karen
The gift of sewing is an Art and a Talent. my Mother was a seamstress and she taught me her skills started on a machine when I was 6. I love finding new projects. Have gone through alot of machines, Have 5 that I use on a regular basis. All are geared to different types and wieghts of material. Still learn more everyday about what I can create. It is my Passion and I hope to pass it down to my grandchildren.
Chris
Here is one for you, my wife has told me “this is the last machine I will ever need” Hahaha I fell for it the first few times she said it but yea now I just try to get her to buy all the same brand so she can share feet…
Alison
Before I went to live in Canada for a while I had never heard the term ‘stash’ – in the UK you are made to feel guilty about buying fabric you are not going to sew up immediately, What an enlightenment! Now I live in the Falkland Islands and treat myself to the wonderful STREETS of fabric shops in Santiago Chile – a sewers heaven!
Yvonne deCordova
Too funny. Now I feel a little sorry for my husband. There are reasons for all of those things.
1. We sew in our underwear when we are making clothes for ourselves. It’s just easier to try the work on as you go that way. It could also just be hot that day.
2. Certain fabric do certain things. When you are looking at clothing you want to know which fabric were used to achieve the effect.
3. Sewer? Sewist? I get that the plumbing reference is annoying. I make clothing, so generally use the term designer or seamstress.
4. You know you talk to your car. Especially if you think you might run out of gas and just need to get to the station. It’s the same thing.
5. This one is the same as my husband going into a tech store. It’s his interest, so it’s all fascinating. I do the thing in an art store.
6. We are sorry about the pin thing. They are easy to drop. They are small. The arm of he chair is just faster. Clearly your wife needs her own craft room.
7. Again certain fabrics do certain things. You might eventually find a use for that fabric someone gave you. That doesn’t mean it will work on the current project.
8. This no is serious. DO NOT TOUCH HER SCISSORS. If you use fabric scissors on something else they are ruined. Even a single cut in paper will damage the blades and you will no longer be able to get a clean cut. I do leave old scissors where everyone else can find them easily.
9. I don’t know if they could make a machine that did everything. I do think it would be cumbersome to work with. It would need a ridiculous amount of attachments.
Catherine Williams
Ha ha, no 4 do that a lot , Talk to my sewing machine, vacuum cleaner ,camera, shout at my computer, mobilt ,tv. One day they will cart nme off to the funny farm.:-)
Ginny
Too funny! I enjoyed reading every post. I am a newbie sewie, but I can already relate to some of the “things” Coach mentions. I understand the fascination with fabric…..so many to choose from. I already find sewing barefoot easier, except when the foot pedal “runs” away from me….I now use an extra piece of non-skid mat that I used to line the kitchen shelves, and when the cat nibbles on my toes. The other cat often decides to help, maybe he will learn some day when he gets jabbed by a needle. I have learned that the seam ripper is a necessary frenemy and gets misplaced frequently. I am sure I have already bought some gadgets that I will use rarely, if ever. I could go on, but time to sew. Anyway, thanks for the entertainment and keep sewing.
Kris
Got a good morning laugh! So much truth…lol
Nettie clark
What a laugh, thanks,from one sewist to another, you have a gem there,hold on to him.
Ame Rica
The Coach’s comments regarding us “sewists” is perfect. I, too, suffer from some the same issues, and find myself donating fabric from years of storing to Salvation Army. Ditto for my knitting and crocheting.
Melly, I’m so grateful that you have kept going with your career and one in which I benefit from immensely and endlessly by your free patterns. Also, love your modern shag hairstyle. Suits you to a tee.
Raine Rowe
This made me smile. The coach is definitely funny 🙂
Becky Chatfield
I want to say that he should start a class for mates of sewists. My husband is very confused about the need for fabric and other crafting supplies. This blog hit everyone of my behaviors that I use when sewing and my sewing room is always a mess. Loved it !
D. Bowman
I totally understand the multiple sewing machine thing! I like to line them up with different colors of thread I most often use.
Joyce Beck
I get the “Why do you need four sewing machines” question. My reply is “I have a straight stitch/zig-zag machine, a heavy duty machine for denim and canvas, an overlocker and a coverstitcher. They are different. Now, how many electric saws do you have?”
Leslie Wofford
Yest to every point you have made. My husband does not understand the touching thing, the most.
Avril
Sewists all over the world can identify with your observations. I do!
The countdown to stores closing for Christmas holidays has started and I’m resolute (now) that I’ll first use up the gazillion pieces of material I have in my treasury. But, I dream about all the jewel colours I saw in my favourite, tempting Aladdin’s cave. I’ll let you know if I stick to my resolution!
Buy the weigh, I’m not in USA, sew, I spell punny haha!
Linda Bakshas
I used to do a lot of sewing in my bedroom which had shag carpeting. I always used silk pins. The day we replaced the shag with new carpeting the installers rolled it up to carry it out. So many pins sticking out made the roll look like a porcupine. After that I have used only ball head pins so I can see if I have dropped any. I cruise fabric shops for hours. Choosing colors designs and combinations there of
for quilts and other projects s what I enjoy the most. Sometimes I actually complete a project before shopping for more fabric. SOMETIMES!
Nazreen
I can relate to 90% of this blog! Thoroughly enjoyed it! I am a self taught ‘sewist’ and my hubby has said pretty much most of the above!
Iris Brandenburg
I just came across this blog and I LOVE IT. So much fun reading it and the comments. Plan to follow.
Jacqueline Mayberry
The buying more fabric thing? – The one who dies with the biggest stash wins. I also believe that using her fabric or embroidery scissors IS grounds for divorce.
Alex B
I just love this post on your blog, and I must say I do all the 9 things, petting fabrics? Yes I do that, touching a fabric before buying it, just to feel the materials on it, that is a must!
Lisa
OMG, this was hilarious because it was so true! and in regards to pins, I understand. I found one in my HAIR once after an hours long sewing session. How does that happen!?
Crazy Granny
What a hoot! I love this blog – ‘sew’ funny (yeah, OK, that was stupid 😉)
I am not a sewer (yuk-sounding) or a sewist (seems weird) or a seamstress (I’m not that good) What I am is a sewmaniac, because I love fabric, love to hold it, touch it and make it into something pretty or useful. I am also afflicted with S.M.A.D. (Sewing Machine Affliction Disorder) because I have nine, with another arriving any day. Some are collector’s items and some are modern and I use most of them. I have machines by White, Kenmore, Brother, Euro Pro and Baby Lock. The Brother and Kenmore models are my favorites. The Brother machines are new and the Kenmores are vintage – they all perform beautifully. I think because I’m able to open them up, clean, oil, grease and replace belts, etc. Just the basics really, but it saves a lot on maintenance $$’s. It’s all fun to me!
Janet Cozens
Hi there Everyone 😀
Such a funny comments and everyday situations of every Dressmaker or Tailor or Clothes Designer. Around this massive planet wherever We may be We all seam to forget that we are all very gifted in our own way.
But most of all we certainly enjoy having a good giggle when things May just not quite go together giggle 😅😅😅🤣🤣😅😅😅 giggle has has
Jan uk
PS happy crafting XXX
Mea Cadwell
Tell the coach: Companies could make a machine that does everything but it would be quite large/heavy and quite expensive.
If something went wrong on any of the components, the entire thing would have to go to the sewing machine doctor. And he knows who would have to manhandle it into and out of the car. Possibly even be coerced into purchasing a larger car to hold said machine.
Then the large/heavy/quite expensive backup would have to be pulled out of the storage area he used to have for his equipment but that he ‘graciously’ gave to his wife for said large/heavy/quite expensive backup unit. And he knows who would have to do that as well. Not to mention put everything back when the first one came back from the doctor.
It’s better to have several, easily picked up, smaller units that specialize in certain things that could overlap with other machines to prevent the problems of needing to get a larger vehicle or house.
Kathleen Staniunas
I even had a machine that only gathered. On top of the serger ,, main machine and two back ups
Cheryl Turner
At least I know now that I am normal ! I even asked my machine and she said if it makes me happy do it! I’m always listening. Cheryl
Barbara Crowell
You got me on the scissors lock! Thanks for sharing a great write.
Lynne
Want to learn real sewing? Spend a few years sewing for a dance studio.
Borrowing kids is essential when making costumes.
I found a non profit to donate fabric I know I will never use and to pick up new stuff for future projects.
I sew for the back to school clothing drive where they furnish us with supplies to make school clothes. Win-win all around.
I was laughing at the machine counts, looked around and decided I need counseling. 4 regular, 1 serger. I know there is a 12 step program for this. They meet Tuesday evenings at Joann’s!
Lynne
Pauline
I found this funny the first time I read it on your blog and it’s just as funny now as it was then. Right now, for me and my husband, it’s all about different types if yarn, their colors and what type of needle or hook I’m using. He’s secretly amazed that I can take a blob of yarn and turn it into a sweater, a doll, a toy train, or whatever. After years if watching me create things from “nothing” he finally asked me to make him a “Mr. Rogers” sweater, He has two, one grey and one denim blue, U have a bag of brown yarn stored away for another one for Christmas……maybe! By the way, I have 3 sewing machines, a Kenmore I bought in 1976, a computerized machine that was given to me when it would only sew backwards and a “toy” machine I bought for my grandkids to learn on.
Leslie
So funny!!!! And a little sad cause it’s all true!
Anita
hysterical! Thank you so much for the laughter.
Barbara Mack
I loved your husband’s post!!!! So funny and sooooo true. A sewist with a husband with a great sense of humor. Blessed!
Robin
I agree! LOVE THIS POST! You are blessed, as am I.
Debra L Denison
#10 Taking off your right shoe so that you can feel the pressure on the foot pedal better.My daughter got in trouble at school for doing it…I laughed at the teacher…that is how she was taught to sew…