What to do if you can't sew

[SpaceCadet]

I had never sewed a thing in my life. I bought a machine on Craigslist and brought it home. After figuring out how to thread the machine and do some minor adjustments, I did a few practice stitches on a piece of ripstop. I swear, within 30 minutes, I was knee deep into making a ridgeline organizer. It turned out great! After a few projects now, my wife tells me my daughter wants me to fix a pair of her pants. Sorry, I gotta draw the line somewhere. My manhood is at stake. Bottom line, just crank up that darn thing and start injecting!

After I made my first couple hammocks, I went and fixed the seams in a pair of pants. Then my gf had me add some straps to a previously strapless dress. I get a kick when she tells people I sewed the straps, because they look pretty darn good if I do say so myself.

[enoorange]

I believe my wife is offended that I want to learn to sew. Kinda like "it's her thing" and I am stepping on territory if I learn to sew?

She even said the other day "you're not going to Joann fabrics by yourself are you?". Seemed to think its weird a man shopping fabric stuff.

I'm going to self teach myself to sew anyway.. Why not.

[Stormstaff]

Bah! It's called being a tailor. Been tailors around forever. Also, remember, it's not sewing it's making gear. The hem you do is a reinforcement, the straps you add to a dress are tactical backups to stop a wardrobe malfunction, etc.

I had never sewed a thing in my life. I bought a machine on Craigslist and brought it home. After figuring out how to thread the machine and do some minor adjustments, I did a few practice stitches on a piece of ripstop. I swear, within 30 minutes, I was knee deep into making a ridgeline organizer. It turned out great! After a few projects now, my wife tells me my daughter wants me to fix a pair of her pants. Sorry, I gotta draw the line somewhere. My manhood is at stake. Bottom line, just crank up that darn thing and start injecting!

I agree we must retain our manhood, theres nothing wrong with sewing but becoming the housewife is just too far

[SpaceCadet]

I believe my wife is offended that I want to learn to sew. Kinda like "it's her thing" and I am stepping on territory if I learn to sew?

She even said the other day "you're not going to Joann fabrics by yourself are you?". Seemed to think its weird a man shopping fabric stuff.

I'm going to self teach myself to sew anyway.. Why not.

Hey now if the wife wants to be the only one sewing you should get her cracking on all that gear you want LOL.

But really the way I look at it, its another skill I've learned. Can't go wrong with knowing more things. I know carpentry, welding, glassblowing, and now I can sew. Going to have to learn stonecarving next. Actually blacksmithing would be sweet to learn.

[Les Rust]

Stormstaff, "tactical straps to avoid wardrobe malfunction". Loved that one. Yes, it's a matter of perspective, isn't it. Knowing what to call something can make all the difference.

[easyriver]

But really the way I look at it, its another skill I've learned. Can't go wrong with knowing more things. I know carpentry, welding, glassblowing, and now I can sew. Going to have to learn stonecarving next. Actually blacksmithing would be sweet to learn.
__________________

That's right. A guy can't have too many skills, not possible.

It's only fair though that those that are just starting should be WARNED

Thread injecting will effect one's brain. You will begin to look at things and then ask yourself, can I make that? That's when you know ur hooked!

[stevebo]

Dude, sewing is a skill thats worth learning (and if I can teach my self, anyone can!)--------if nothing else, just to customize your gear---stuff sacks etc. you can really make your gear system fit you and your hiking style. Plus, the creative side is really fun. Last year i designed a backpack just for hammock camping--------I'm still perfecting the design, but when I see it hanging on a peg in my closet, its a pretty neat feeling to know that its the only one in the entire world! literally one of a kind!

[sonic]

Check out ramblinrev's videos. Get your lady to show you a few tricks. Take your time, and don't rush. Once you get going you will get the bug, and the gear will start appearing out of knowhere. start with a couple of stuff sacks.

[AaronAlso]

Hey, I can't sew a straight stitch for the life of me, but I'm still doing it. My hems are ugly, my bartacks are pathetic, my pleats are puckered; but I'm still doing it.

It has been said that Kung Fu is Talent+Practice=Skill, lots and lots of practice.

Q: What do you do if you can't sew?
As a little green guy says, and as in John Sawyer's signatire...
A: "Do or do not, there is no try."

[philthy]

after reading this thread I'm inspired to give DIY a go. I was looking at buying an UQ and TQ, but would love the satisfaction of making my own - it doesnt have to be pretty.

I havent used a sewing machine since primary school - but i just got off the phone to my mum and I'm going to go pick up her machine tonight and give it a whirl!

now to watch some of ramblnrev's vids...