#theslowsew

We’re all being encouraged to slow down. Yes, it’s popular and on-trend to be all about #slowliving but it’s something I feel is actually important. It’s important in so many aspects of life and I try to practise that as often as possible but if you follow me on Instagram or if you’ve found yourself on this website, you’re probably most interested in sewing so that’s what I’ll focus on.

Many of you may already follow the hashtags like #slowfashion, #sustainablefashion and #consciousmakes, ones I use myself quite often. They’ve been gaining momentum as more and more people are becoming aware of the detrimental effects that fast fashion has on our planet, both environmentally and socially. This is one of the main reasons as to why I decided to try and kick off my little business over a year ago. I wanted to promote slow fashion and to help people realise that they could even make their own clothes. In doing this, I discovered a sewing community I never knew existed and I've not looked back since.

But even within the wonderful sewing community, we can be found guilty of falling into a similar trap as fast fashion. We see so many incredible, inspiring makes on Instagram and naturally, we want to be able to make them all (I need that dress). We buy more patterns than we make (that jacket is perfect, I’ll make it eventually), more fabric than we end up using (I’d definitely make that top in 3 colours) and giving up on projects that don’t quite go our way (the fit was just all wrong). Not only that, but there’s a tendency to believe that these inspiring makes are churned out super quick. Some people are prolific sewists but for me, I believe that most makers take a lot longer to create and finish their pieces. For me, this needs to be celebrated.

To show my appreciation for things that take valuable time and effort, I’m using the hashtag #theslowsew and I’d love you to use it too. Let’s celebrate a slower-paced making process. Have you a project that took you way longer than expected or that you’ve chosen to take your time with, to learn a new skill with or a fabric you’ve been holding onto until just the right project shows up. It’s easy to become bamboozled and even intimidated by all the amazing Insta posts but perhaps we can try to remember that the world looks very perfect and shiny in little squares. The reality, however, is often very different. I want to celebrate the more realistic aspect that we makers experience, that things take WAY longer in reality than people think and I think that can be a good thing. Enjoy a slower pace and embrace #theslowsew.

Who’s with me? If you’re game, please tag your makes with #theslowsew and be proud that you invested your time and effort into creating something beautiful or if it took you far longer than expected or that you forgot about and rediscovered it and wanted to finish it. Llike, share, comment, tag or whatever way you want to follow along and spread the word. Isn’t that what community is all about?!