A Tale of Creativity Unleashed
After a few quiet months without the hum of my sewing machine due to a string of chest infections. My fingers were just itching to be working with jersey and to get back to the rhythm of stitching, cutting, and creating (well maybe not the cutting bit). Now that I am back firing on all 4 cylinders, I managed to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of creativity and fabric this weekend.
I found myself surrounded by piles of leftover jersey fabric from previous endeavours and some wonderfully cosy sweatshirt material that seemed to whisper promises of comfort and style. Inspired by this treasure trove of textiles, I embarked on a sewing spree that rekindled my passion for working with jersey and it brought forth some delightful additions to mine and Calla’s wardrobes.
Working with jersey brings great results
The highlight of this creative resurgence was crafting a tracksuit for my 8-year-old. There’s something incredibly rewarding about making garments for children; their excitement and the sparkle in their eyes when they don a piece made just for them is unbeatable. The jersey fabric lent itself perfectly to the task, offering both comfort and durability – essential qualities for any child’s playwear. The finished tracksuit was met with an ecstatic reception and has barely been parted from its delighted owner since.
For myself, I took to the challenge of creating not one, but four t-shirts. Each piece was a joy to make, allowing me to experiment with patterns and indulge in the sheer pleasure of sewing for sewing’s sake. These t-shirts, each unique and tailored to my taste, have been a fabulous way to rejuvenate my personal wardrobe with items that carry the added value of being self-made.
Throughout this sewing splurge, my constant companion was the Janome 2000CPX Coverstitch machine – a recent acquisition for our Sewing group. I must say, this machine has been nothing short of a dream when working with jersey, especially when it comes to hemming garments. The precision and professional finish it offers elevates the look of homemade garments to something indistinguishable from high-street fashion. The coverstitch machine has proven to be an invaluable tool in our crafting arsenal, making the finishing touches on garments a breeze and providing results that are nothing short of professional.
This recent burst of sewing activity has been incredibly fulfilling. Not only has it been a fantastic way to make use of leftover materials, reducing waste in the process, but it has also been a poignant reminder of the joy and satisfaction that I get from working with jersey and creating something with one’s own hands. Sewing offers a unique blend of creativity, practicality, and personal expression that few other hobbies can match.
For anyone who, like me, may have taken a little break from their sewing machine, I encourage you to dive back in. Whether it’s revisiting leftover fabrics with fresh eyes or finally starting on a project that’s been on your mind, the rewards of sewing are endless. And for those in our Sewing group, I can’t wait to see what incredible projects you’ll bring to life with the help of our fantastic Janome 2000CPX Coverstitch machine.
Until our next sewing adventure, keep stitching and keep creating.
Happy Sewing,
Paul Howard
