I've been sewing since I was 11 years old. In the last couple of years, I've noticed some things related to my age that affect my sewing and what I make. I understand if you're in your 40s this probably won't pertain to you but as a sewist that's aging I'm determined to write about MY sewing journey. Honestly there aren't many of us out there doing so.
There have been some adjustments made to what I create and how I sew.
First let's start with lighting:
I have ALOT of it because it makes completing tasks easier. Moving my sewing room to the dining room with the huge window and all of it's light is the first plus. I have overhead lighting and my sewing machine has amazing lighting (a reason to upgrade your equipment right there) and I have task lighting behind both my sewing machine and my serger.
Saw this meme on Instagram and thought it was appropriate to share cause it emphasizes my point.
Buttons, Zippers & Closings:
I've been making a lot of shirts & tunics lately that button down the front and have cuffs that button. There are two things I've changed. One I now use a bigger button than the pattern suggests because it's easier for my hands to button and unbutton. Age gives some things - wisdom and takes some things.
I rarely put buttons on my cuffs anymore. It's easier to slip my hand into the cuff than it is to button and unbutton it. Just don't care what really constitutes a proper shirt - comfort and ease is king in my world.
I realize that some of us are challenged by back zippers and prefer side zippers. I haven't reached the stage yet where I can't undo back zippers but understand the necessity for a side zipper.
I don't do button and loop closures at the back neckline for the same reason. Especially since I have no one to help me dress...and once it comes undone it's a total PITA to get it rebuttoned. It's why I change things to zippers.
Zipper lengths are longer than the pattern suggests. If I can step into a dress or a top and then zip it up, it works better for me. I get lost in clothing that I have to slip over my head to get on and off. That's a firm NO for me.
Looser Garments:
I honestly am more comfortable in looser garments for ease of movement than tighter garments. Again ease of movement, ease of getting into and out of are the reasons why.
I like knit pants for the same reasons. Pulling them on and being done is preferable to a button and zipper at my belly. Especially after I had surgery, pants were a real challenge and since I've always preferred a dress, ease of movement again is the reason why.
Using the same silhouettes over and over:
At this stage of my life, I know what works for my body and flatters it. I've sewn for years and made just about everything so that's not the challenge for me anymore. Making stylish comfortable clothes in pretty colors, prints and stripes is my concern. I'm standing firm on this one. Cause what's the point of creating if I don't make things that work for me.
I will probably touch on this more this year on the blog because it's important to me that our demographic, older sewists and our needs are addressed and available for anyone seeking that information.
...as always more later!