Enter cyanotype.

If you don’t know, this is a dyeing technique used to develop photos, and it can also be used to print on fabric. This week I tried it for the first time, and I think I found an answer to my previously mentioned dilemma.

The idea that I can print whatever I scan or write is extremely exciting to me! My mind is on fire with ideas.

The first was printing a poem!

I think this is a great start! I am making a quilt right now to enter into the Oklahoma State Fair. (My man works for the fair and so I gotta support!) I want to combine the more basic lettering above with some patchwork lettering more akin to what I usually do.

All in all, I am feeling more excited than ever to make textile art! I hope that this is the start of a rewarding adventure.

PS!

WHERE ARE MY QUILTERS AT?

I am thinking of doing a collaborative quilt project. Like a penpal situation but where I send curated fabric and prompts to you. Sound interesting?

Hi!

I hope you are well. What have you been making?

I got a digital scanner and I am in love. I have been obsessively making sewn digital collages.

I made this one out of a pink tutu, green yarn, and an orange thermal. You can watch the process here!

This collage was made from a dyed blue skirt and a maroon dress. You can watch this process here!

Besides collages, I have been focusing more on my writing practice over the past several months. Today, I am being vulnerable and sharing the process of writing a poem over on YouTube. You can watch the video here!

Thanks for checking in! Would love to hear back from you! xx

watch here!

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Hi friends!

For the past two years, I have been writing and selling sewing zines. And now, as I am shifting gears to create more of a digital experience with Garbie, I have made some fun changes!

I’ve reworked the files so you can print them at home as little booklets. Fold, staple, toss them in your sewing kit, and you’ve got a pocket-sized burst of sewing inspiration whenever you need it.

You will find the following zines in the digital bundle:

• How to Develop a Sewing Brain (19,000+ sold!)

• How to Understand Sewing Symbols (1,000+ sold!)

• The Stitch Length & Tension Guide

• Plus! Some of my earlier zines:

  • The Sunny Side of Sewing

  • 10 Flipping Ways to Make Patchwork

  • Thrift Sew Upcycle

  • Blind Date with a Sewing Machine

Inside you’ll find:

• Step-by-step sewing tutorials

• Patchwork + upcycling guides

• Pep talks to keep you creating

• …and now, the option to make it all tangible.

The digital PDF versions are still included, but now you can also print them, flip through them, and even share with a friend who needs a little creative spark.

take me to the zines!

Happy sewing,
Tanner

watch here!

What if we celebrated the longevity of the clothes in our closets instead of the novelty?

Right now, we’re trapped in a cycle that worships the new, the fresh, the more.

And even as someone who sews, thrifts, and upcycles 99% of the time, I feel that pull. It’s not just fast fashion that drives it; it seeps into every corner of style. Why else do I find myself dyeing a new thrift-store shirt every weekend?

In this podcast episode, I want to ask: what would it mean to truly conserve the clothes we already own? And why does that simple act feel so at odds with the way the world teaches us to think?

new podcast!

digital zine bundle!

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It is true that one of the most impactful sewing skills that you can learn is to sew in a straight line. It takes practice and a little bit of technical understanding, but being adept at threading your machine, operating it correctly, and troubleshooting when things go wrong is the basis for 90% of sewing.

I believe in your ability to learn these processes, and once you rip off the sewing band-aid and actually start practicing, you will excel, I know it.

If you would like to watch, rather than read, find a video breakdown here.

Threading Your Sewing Machine

Some concepts to understand before you start:

• Your sewing machine has a top thread (the spool) and a bottom thread (the bobbin).

• You want the presser foot to be in the UP position when you thread your machine (this helps with tension).

• Your machine likely has diagrams on it that illustrate the path that the thread takes.

Now, these steps are specific to the Singer Heavy Duty 4423, which is an extremely common machine. One that you may be using as well. However, if you are not using this Brand or Model of sewing machine, then go ahead and read the following general steps, but don’t be afraid to look up a machine-specfic video.

Again, you can watch me thread the Singer Heavy Duty here.

Steps for inserting your bobbin:

1. Open the bobbin case and consult the positioning diagram.

2. Orient the bobbin correctly in the machine, according to the diagram.

3. Pull the thread through the slot in the bobbin case.

Steps for threading your machine:

1. Raise the presser foot.

2. Place the spool of thread on the spool pin (Use the spool cap to hold it in place).

3. Guide the thread through the top thread guide (looks like a small metal hook).

4. Follow the numbered steps through the thread channel.

5. Go around the bottom and back up.

6. Thread the Take-Up Lever (This is the part that moves when you adjust the hand crank on the side of the machine).

7. Bring the thread down and through the needle bar guide.

8. Thread the needle.

Operating Your Sewing Machine

Some concepts to understand before you start:

• Fabric has a right side (pretty) and a wrong side (ugly).

• Most machines have a seam allowance guide on the throat plate that tells you where to align the edge of your fabric.

Steps for Sewing a Straight Line:

1. Confirm the Stitch Length and Tension Settings on your machine.

   1. Normal settings for woven fabric would be Tension: 3, Stitch Length: 3. (Adjust slightly depending on your fabric).

2. Place your fabric pieces right sides together (RST).

3. Align the edge of your fabric with the 5/8 in. seam allowance guide on the throat plate of the sewing machine.

   1. Alternatively, you could place a piece of tape on the machine.

4. Lower your presser foot.

5. Slowly press down on the foot pedal, which will cause the sewing machine to start stitching.

6. Pro Tip: While sewing, look at the edge of the fabric and your seam guide instead of at the needle.

7. Practice stitching in a straight line. Repeat until you achieve the desired stitching.

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Troubleshooting Your Sewing Machine

I think the biggest roadblock that you may run into while trying to learn this process is thread tension.

Here is the simplified version:

• If the bobbin thread is showing on the top of your project:

  • That means your top tension is too tight (it’s pulling the bobbin thread up). Lower (loosen) the tension dial.

• If the top thread is showing on the bottom of your project:

  • That means your top tension is too loose (it’s not pulling the bobbin thread up enough). Raise (tighten) the tension dial.

I wanna see a video breakdown!

Join me for a bit of journaling, park-hopping, and a little existential crisis. PLUS! I show you how I upcycle and upsize a button-up shirt!

New Vlog!

Below are some screen grabs to entice you:

Take Me to the Vlog!

“There are tooooo many experrrts around thessse parts,” I mumble to myself on hour two of doom scrolling alone in my room. I’m delusional. I’m captivated. It’s a “both, and” situation.

I want to believe these gurus who tell me I can learn everything that I want to know about my latest obsession in 46 minutes. I want to buy into the culture of “just listen to me, I am correct,” but oftentimes the masterclass isn’t mastering anything, and I am left wanting more.

It’s not that courses exist; it’s that people are sharing bad courses. And again, there are so many people participating and posing as experts in their field that it dilutes everything else.

I am someone who has worn both pairs of shoes. I have been the guru and I have been gurued. For the past two years, I have been in the business of teaching others basic sewing skills in exchange for money, so that I can afford things like food. And in many ways, I have achieved what others would classify as success.

I have always felt like a person showing their best friend something that they made. I lead with enthusiasm and passion, and I hope that translates. Still, I feel the pull to pose as the Best Sewing Expert to Ever Sew Anything, and tell people to buy my masterclass for FOUR THOUSAND DOLLARS, SO THAT YOU CAN FINALLY ACHIEVE HAPPINESS.

I am personally working on an antidote to this feeling. A place to organize the good, passionate pieces of content on the internet. A place where I can store quality videos about hobbies that I am interested in, and quotes and pictures and links and journal entries.

I have put together a Notion Template that I am super proud of and that I really enjoy using. It is organized into three buckets: Skills, Projects, and Inspiration.

Okay, okay, I hear you. Maybe the solution to course culture isn’t a new paid offering from me specifically. Lol.

However, I do believe that we are better off when we keep track of what is actually inspiring us. We are more creative when we write it down.

If you’d like more info about the Notion template, you can join the waitlist here.

HOBBY TRACKER!

My primary goal with clothes-making is to wind up with something unique. Whether I am sewing a garment from patchwork that I created or upcycling an existing garment to better fit my own personal style, I want the clothes that I fashion for myself to feel special.

Sewing, of course, is one way to transform clothes, but another way that is equally important to me is dyeing clothes. I have dyed clothes for years, experimenting with different processes and techniques. I even dye clothes that I make for myself, like I did with this t-shirt that I made a couple of weeks back.

Lightbulb moment

Last weekend, I bought a white button-up from the thrift store with the idea of dyeing it.

While looking through my dye stash to see what color I wanted to use, I came across a packet of blue synthetic dye (iDye Poly, for those curious). Now, this is normally intended for dyeing clothing with high polyester content, as opposed to a garment that is 100% cotton, for example.

I decided that I would take a stab at dyeing the buttons on my thrifted shirt, since they were plastic.

I removed the stitching from each button. I found that removing the little bits of thread is important to prevent the dye from pooling in certain spots.

In my small dye pot, I combined a few pinches of the dye powder (a little goes a long way) and 2 cups of water.

(Make sure you are not using a pot or utensils that you use for cooking, that is a no-no!)

I boiled the buttons for about 10 minutes, stirring consistently.

I poured out the dye and then rinsed them in cold water. Then, I patted them dry with a paper towel.

I was really amazed by how they turned out!

For the button-up shirt, I dyed it pink and hand-sewed the newly blue buttons back on with a contrasting red thread.

A few days later, I repeated this experiment with another thrifted shirt. This time, I picked a patterned shirt.

I over-dyed the shirt with a purple Rit Dye, and I did the buttons the same way as above.

I love upcycling! And I am so proud of these two shirts.

Thanks for reading!

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I believe, with all my heart, that making our own clothes is a process that goes beyond choosing a pattern that someone else designed and a few yards of fabric from the craft store. We are sponges that absorb the world around us, and the clothing we make and wear should be a reflection of those influences.

I want to make a shirt inspired by a smile.

I want to draft a pants pattern that looks like scaffolding on the side of a building.

I want to create great art on my body without regard for trends.

I want to experiment!

On August 1st, I am launching a new digital experience!

I will be tracking my experimentation process in a monthly digital zine/newsletter.

This part moodboard, part exclusive video, part fashion-mad-scientist lab report.

You can sign up by clicking here, and you will receive an exclusive launch-day offer.

Take me there!

I love to make different patterns in the patchwork that I create. I dream of patterns, and sometimes I write them down. Below is a list of some of my favorites. Let them inspire your creative work, whatever that is.

1. A blue dot overlaying a background of wavy black and white bricks.

2. Two squares, one green and one yellow, exactly the right distance apart.

3. Circles, caught in the act of merging together.

4. The arch of a rainbow and inside are polka dots.

5. Straight, rectangular blocks that alternate, and each block is a slightly different color of orange.

6. The dilapidated siding on a bright blue house.

7. Abstract arrows, pointing in the same direction.

8. Waves that are made from small, curved lines that stack on top of each other.

9. Two lines, outlining the same, simple shape.

10. A circle within a circle, stacked on top of one another like the seeds of a strawberry.

11. Long and skinny ovals, behind one another, like you are looking at a mountain range.

12. The glowing halo around a crescent moon, repeated on a grid.

13. The ripples of dry sand from above.

14. Three chunky squares of different colors, smashed on top of one another.

15. The shadow of a tall building, in bright pink.

16. Triangles lined up and then dragged outward in a curve, creating dark shadows.

17. The crackling of a desert floor, but in shades of green.

18. The wrinkles on the face of someone who has smiled for a lifetime.

19. A series of flat circles, seen from the side and curling upon one another.

20. Water, pooling on the edge of a plant and getting ready to fall.

I am thinking of making a zine with just patterns as sentences. Let me know if you would enjoy that. :) You can find digital copies of my zines here.

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I am obsessed with tiny beds.

My first love is patchwork. I have made quilts and clothing for many years out of little bits of fabric, and I am always on the lookout for ways to apply patchwork to new forms.

This last week, I decided, on a whim, to make a tiny bed that hangs on the wall. I was inspired by the art of a friend, Print Party, who make lovely abstract beds. However, I wanted to see if I could make a realistic looking bed, dipping my toe into the world of miniatures.

I was enamored almost immediately.

Each bed has a fitted sheet, a top sheet, a handmade quilt, and two pillows. With that many variables, the opportunities to make something truly unique are endless.

The beds even have a wooden backing, so you can hang them on the wall!

I believe they would make the perfect addition to any gallery wall. And a great conversation starter.

Suggestions from my comment section:

• A tiny bed to tuck their phone in at night.

• Multiple tiny beds in one gallery wall

• A way to display dolls

• A bed for a labubu (lol)

You can find video inspiration here!

I am taking tiny bed commissions, you can find out more info here!

TINY BEDS!

This post was adapted from a new YouTube video, which you can watch here. I am focusing on creating a “How to Start Sewing” series over there, so be sure to subscribe!

new video!

In 2021, I Was at a Crossroads

I had been sewing for about two years, making quilts, and truly loving the process of finding a passion that I didn’t know I had within me. At that time in my life, I thought of myself as an artist. It was pure. And I loved it.

But I was reaching a plateau. I was feeling dissatisfied in my art practice for the first time. I thought that being an artist meant living in that state of “passionate-falling-in-love-staying-up-all-night-ness,” and when it didn’t feel that way, I panicked. I believed I had learned everything I was interested in knowing about sewing. So naturally, I thought: what’s next?

Experimenting Beyond Quilts

I tried painting and I tried collage—desperately searching for something that I loved as much as patchwork. I even tried to document this process through video. (Hint: it was not good. “Tanner, look at the camera” challenge, hahaha.)

But in all that searching, a surprising thing happened: I made a decision, within that discomfort, to continue learning more about sewing. To continue learning about my passion. And it changed my life.

Discovering Shape

Almost immediately, I discovered Shape. You know, a quilt is two-dimensional, and when I realized that I could take the design part—the patchwork element of quilting—and sculpt that into a three-dimensional object, my mind absolutely exploded. I was constantly analyzing ways to apply patchwork into new forms. I started making pillows and soft sculptures, and I was falling in love all over again. Digging deeper meant that I could renew and deepen my passion. I didn’t have to find something new—I was free to explore.

The Leap to Wearable Art

If discovering Shape made my mind explode, then making my first garment flew me to the moon. I was enamored immediately because, to me, it was the ultimate form for patchwork to live: three-dimensional and wearable!

Enter TikTok

Besides deepening my understanding of sewing, discovering patchwork clothing also changed my life in another major way. In late 2021, I decided to start posting on TikTok. I remember thinking there was no way to share my art through video, so why bother? I was so, so wrong.

I spent all of 2022 in “experiment mode,” learning how to apply what I’d already learned about patchwork and quilting to clothes-making. A beautiful thing about sewing is that there’s so much overlap—so again, it wasn’t that I was starting over; it was that I was learning to apply known skills in new ways.

Doubling Down and Growing

In early 2023, I chose to double-down on posting video tutorials to my TikTok. At the time, I had 6,000 followers and, like any artist, I wanted to make a living from what I loved doing. I shared zines about sewing, my favorite tips and tricks, and the response was steadily growing. In July of that year, I released my fourth zine—and it blew up online. In thirty days, I sold 3,000 copies. By August, I was making enough from social media to go full-time.

To date, I have sold 18,000 sewing booklets and patterns. Many of my tutorials have over one million views, and I now have over 400,000 followers on TikTok—making me one of the top sewing creators on the platform.

buy zines!

What’s Next?

We all know that TikTok is on shaky ground. In the same way I questioned my art practice in 2021, I find myself asking: “What’s next for me? What do I do?” It’s nice to think that I’m on the precipice of something bigger—something more expansive.

If I continue to deepen my knowledge about sewing, if I start sharing more in-depth videos on YouTube, if I choose to push myself creatively again…then I have the honor of getting what comes after.

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I was out at the bar last week with friends. We were laughing and chit-chatting, and I eventually made my friend Evan take a selfie with me, which is something that I do with him all the time. I kept saying “Ew!” after every picture because I had just recently shaved my beard, and I was going through somewhat of a Chin crisis. He looked me right in the face and said, “But girl, that is what you look like now.”

“…excuse me?”

Let me get one thing straight, I have to accept myself??

I love getting dressed. I love making clothes for my body. But coming to terms with a big change in your image can be hard. And it is all wrapped up in how you present yourself to the world. I wanted to shave my beard, and I am glad that I did. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to make myself feel comfortable again.

For several days after The Shaving Incident, I could not figure out how to style some of my favorite articles of clothing. At this point, my closet is almost fully made up of handmade or reworked clothing, and I felt like I couldn’t get anything to feel right with my new look.

Then, something amazing happened. I was unpacking boxes in my sewing studio with my husband, and I found a box of old t-shirts I had made. I was immediately transported back to when I made them. At the time, I was developing my first sewing pattern, and I was so full of optimism and joy about the process. Wearing this time capsule felt like a lightbulb moment. I felt like myself again.

I think that the clothing we make can hold our memories for us, it can unlock joy. All it takes is an eagerness to trudge through the difficulty of starting, and then you are on your way.

It is funny to me that up until last week, I had never worn a handmade article of clothing without a beard. The confidence I had in having a beard and making my own clothes was intertwined. But now that the Chin crisis is coming to a close, I can rest knowing that I am still myself sans facial hair.

The moral of the story? Go ahead and make the garment now. Your future self might need it.

Thanks for reading :)

P.S. if you would like to make The Garbie Shirt, you can find a digital copy of the pattern here! Plus, my playlist of videos on the shirt here!.

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I think of myself as a textile artist.

So much of my work is for beginners, motivating them and instructing them on the minutia of clothing construction. I take a sewing concept and I break it down in enough detail for anyone to understand. I take pride in this work. I love doing it. But.

I started sewing because I fell in love with making quilts. I love the color-combining process of making and designing patchwork. Over the years, I have experimented with creating new forms for my patchwork to live in. Through that experimentation, I have enjoyed making soft sculptures and clothing. I discovered a passion, and I am so grateful.

However, I never understood how to combine these two video ideas of clothing construction (which is how I make money) with my love of quilts and soft sculpture.

As I develop more as a human, artist, and content creator, I am realizing that sharing passion is as important as sharing the details. I have loved making sewing process videos for patchwork art in the last couple of months. I am elated that these are among my best-performing videos!

If you would like to see a playlist of these sewing videos on Tiktok, then click here!

I am so proud to be a textile artist who teaches others How to Develop a Sewing Brain (IYKYK). I think I am living out my calling and I do not take that for granted.

If you would like to spend some time with me while I make a soft sculpture, then click below to see my latest YouTube video!

It is 12 minutes of my sewing process, and I really enjoy the sculpture we make together!

new video!

as always, thanks for being here :)

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I made a new video for you! I summarized it here if you’d like to read about the process, but if you would rather watch it, then you can find the video here.

new video!!

I just know you have seen a zip-up hoodie at the thrift store! I knowwww it! Here in Portland, it’s still a bit cold, and I have wanted to add a light jacket to my rotation, so I picked up a green hoodie from the thrift. But if you know me, then you know that I need my clothes to be a little less than basic. I always want to make my clothes a little bit *unique*, so below I have summarized just how I did that for this hoodie.

The goal for this DIY is to take contrasting fabric and patchwork it into the sleeve of the hoodie.

What You’ll Need

• Two coordinating hoodies (one becomes the “base,” the other your contrast fabric)

• Paper for a quick pattern

• Marker or chalk

• Fabric scissors + paper scissors

• Sewing machine threaded for knits (zigzag stitch ready)

• Iron & pressing surface

• Seam ripper

Step-by-Step

1. Plan the Cut

   • Decide where the contrast stripe will live. This will depend on where you want to place it. Measure with your heart.

2. Create a Pattern Piece

   • Lay the cutout flat on paper, trace the shape without seam allowance.

   • Add ¼ in. (6 mm) seam allowance everywhere except the edge you placed on the fold. Label that edge “Fold,” then cut out the paper pattern.

3. Build Your Patchwork Fabric

   • Rough-cut generous chunks from the contrast hoodie.

   • Treat the pieces like puzzle tiles: line up straight edges right sides together and join them with a wide zigzag (width ≈ 5, length ≈ 2.5, tension ≈ 4).

   • Keep adding scraps until the new patchwork is big enough to accommodate the paper pattern on the fold.

   • Press every seam flat—crisp pressing is the secret to patchwork that looks pro.

4. Cut & Form the Insert

   • Fold the patchwork, align the pattern’s “Fold” edge, and cut out the insert.

   • Sew the side seam to form a tube, mirroring the original sleeve shape.

5. Join Sleeve + Insert

   • Turn the original sleeve inside out. Slip the patchwork tube inside right sides together, matching underarm seams first.

   • Sew in the round with a zigzag, then press the seam toward the insert.

   • Repeat for the upper seam to reunite the sleeve with the hoodie body.

6. Upgrade the Cuffs

   • Carefully slice off the original rib knit cuff right next to its seam.

   • Harvest the contrasting cuff from the second hoodie the same way.

   • Stretch-match the new cuff to the sleeve opening, align seams, and zigzag around. (Stretch as you sew so the fabrics meet evenly.) Press again.

7. Swap the Drawstring (Optional but Cute)

   • If your hood drawstring clashes, yank it out.

   • Thread in the matching string from the donor hoodie. Tie knots at the ends and call it good.

Finishing Touches

• Give every new seam a final press—heat + steam flatten the bulk and set the stitches.

• Toss the hoodie on, admire the asymmetrical sleeve pop, and brainstorm where else you can splice in color.

watch the video here!

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Sewing can be expensive!!

I meet many wonderful people in my comment section who are afraid to start sewing because of the expense. They are not sure they will even be good at it, and investing money in a sewing machine and the tools required to start seems like an unattainable dream.

For these people, and for anyone interested in getting their sewing feet wet, I would recommend that they check out their local library! You may be surprised by the resources available to you!

Check out a sewing book!

The most common resource at a library is obviously to check out a book and read it. But what should you check out to get started on your sewing journey?

Check out the Libby App here to access e-books and audiobooks from your local library, using your library card!

The most common book that is recommended in my comment section is The Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. I have an e-book and I can attest to it being a wonderful reference! It has a lot of great diagrams that are easy to understand!

I love The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters! Sherri Lynn Wood inspired me when I was first starting! Just look at this quilt from the book!

But, the library is NOT just for books!

If you want to try out sewing by getting used to a sewing machine, your library probably has a maker space! You can go in and use a sewing machine! A lot of libraries have classes to get you familiar with the basics.

Other ways to use the library for sewing:

• Print free sewing patterns (like from Mood), using the low-cost printing services!

• See if your library offers a catalog of sewing patterns! Some common brands are Vogue, McCall’s, Butterick, and Simplicity.

• Sewing magazines! PressReader or Libby offer magazines with your library card!

  • Threads (Taunton Press)

  • Sew News

  • Burda Style

  • Ottobre Design

  • Simply Sewing

  • Love Sewing

  • Quiltfolk

  • Seamwork Magazine

• Stream CreativeBug or Craftsy!

  • Some libraries offer streaming access to popular courses on sewing!

Oftentimes, we think of our hobbies as an isolated endeavor.

Sometimes, we think we must learn every detail in isolation, separated from support and community. Well, that is wrong. Sewing is wonderful because of the community that you become a part of when you begin!

Do you know of a good low-cost sewing tip? Leave a comment on this post!

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Share this post if you know someone who might want to use the library to learn to sew!

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Check out my sewing zines if you want to jumpstart your sewing journey!

ZINESSSSS!!!

Good things take time.

Garbie has existed as a newsletter and TikTok account for several years now. Miraculously, I have been able to make a living from posting sewing tutorials on the internet. Wow. Truly, it is something I will never get over.

I have been able to inspire people to start their sewing journey and for that I am so grateful. I am so lucky because 99.9% of the comments that I receive are lovely and when you guys come up to me on the street, all you wanna do is share how much you love sewing. It is mind blowing to me.

I have learned so much as a person making videos on the internet. I have grown in my technical ability to make quality videos and also my ease with being on camera. I want to take all the lessons I have learned making short-form videos and I want to apply it to a long-form series. On YouTube.

So, what is the concept?

I am working on the development of a series for YouTube where I upcycle clothes for other people. Each episode would introduce you to both a person and a sewing technique. You would learn about this person throughout the episode and their needs as it pertains to fashion and life. I want to bring in all different types of people and show how learning sewing skills can transform their closet to better align with their own sense of style.

Get excited!

I posted a video last week asking for brand sponsors for this series and I am happy to report that a couple reached out to me! I have sent the pitch their way and I am waiting to hear back. The ball is rolling!

What is next?

I am going to work more on the idea with the Garbie team and refine things like the shot list and conceptualize a couple of episodes.

I would love to hear from you if you like this idea!

Leave a comment on this post with a sewing skill that you would like to deep dive on!

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Check out my sewing zines here!

Thanks for reading! xx Tanner

I am calling you out. Your sewing machine is still in the box and you bought it because you want to sew clothes for yourself but the fear of starting is holding you back.

It is not your fault. Starting a hobby like sewing can feel so overwhelming. There is this mountain of knowledge to learn, and it can be difficult to know where to start.

Other factors come into play as well. Life is so busy that spending time making your own clothing can feel like a luxury. Time gets in the way of us investing in ourselves and our well-being.

So, how do we solve this problem?

Sewing is best accomplished by starting small. I watched a video this week that said to break down big tasks and projects into things you can accomplish in 15 minutes. So, let’s do that. Below is a checklist that I think you should work off of to start well.

Sewing Checklist

• Unbox your sewing machine and plug it in.

  • here are my thoughts on what machine to get.

• Learn to thread the top thread and the bobbin thread.

  • here is a recent tutorial of mine on the topic.

• Sew two small pieces of fabric together.

  • here is a tutorial on seam allowance.

• Learn about sewing needles and maintenance.

  • here is a recent breakdown.

• Learn about sewing machine tension.

  • here is an explanation.

• Tackle the topic of troubleshooting.

  • here is a breakdown.

• Hem something.

  • here is how to hem a t-shirt.

  • here is how to hem a pair of pants.

• Learn how to sew with stretchy fabric.

  • here is a tutorial on the topic.

Wanna make a t-shirt? You can find the digital pattern of The Garbie Shirt here and a video walk-through here.

I believe that sewing is an act of self-care. Making and remaking the clothes in our closet is a worthwhile endeavor because it allows us to communicate what is in our brain to the outside world.

Take the time to learn so that you can soar. All you have to do is start small and take it day by day. You will be so proud of your progress, I know it!

book a sewing session with me here

thank you for reading!

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Hello Hello!

I am excited to talk with you today about The Artist’s Way at 2pm PST!

See below for all the Zoom information!

We will be discussing Week One and how it applies to our lives as Artists and as Sewists. Hope to see you there!

Thanks,

Tanner

Join Meeting!

Meeting ID: 879 7576 8958

Passcode: 660123

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I have been obsessed with making patchwork since I started sewing six years ago. I have made quilts and pillows and clothing, all by combing little bits of fabric together. I think what I keep coming back to is the ability of patchwork to exist as a 3D element. I find it fascinating. In soft sculpture, the hard and rigid become flexible. The same principle extends to clothing as well. Both exist as tangible elements that have shape and form.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF SOFT SCULPTURE

COLOR: how different fabrics interact when placed beside each other

I find picking a color palette to be a very intuitive process. Oftentimes in my work I will pick a main color that is bold (red) and I will work off of that. I usually go for a very similar color that is one or two shades different from my main color. I like viewing a piece of patchwork with slightly different colors right next to each other. Then, a very dark version of that color (maroon) and a few very light versions (pink or purple).

One great thing about working with fabric is that you kind of have to make do with what you have. Colors are kind of limited and “zoomed out” to their most basic forms. I thrift almost 100% of the materials that I use for projects, and I love working with what I come across. It is almost like a surprise. So, if you are worried about what colors to use, try using them all or just two of them. Do what makes you feel something; that is all that matters.

TEXTURE: the contributions and feeling that each fabric piece makes to a single composition.

I love mixing textures when I am making patchwork. Knits and corduroy and denim and cotton and linen. When I am making clothing, I tend to use fabrics that are similar in texture to each other, but with pillows and soft sculptures, I mix textures as much as I want. I usually put differing textures next to each other, in order to give contrast to a piece.

PATTERN: the shapes and repeats that develop when pieces are added and taken away from one another.

Seeing a pattern develop in a piece of patchwork is the reason!! I love discovering what I am making. I love using color and texture to enhance the patterns that I make. I am a big fan of checkerboard and stripes and half-square triangles.

A little sewing mantra:

Make clothes for your body and sculptures for your mind and then make more of them. Dare to challenge yourself and to grow into the person that you are. Allow color and pattern and texture to be your guiding principles as you hack together little pieces of things. Trust your instinct and then lie to yourself when instinct betrays you. Be confident in your choices and learn to love the process. You are capable of so much, all you have to do is begin and grow.

I shared my process for making pillows on TikTok this week. Both videos did better than usual for me! You can watch them here and here.

This post was adapted from my patchwork zine, you can snag a digital copy here.

We are reading The Artist’s Way right now! As a group! Share your thoughts on the book and process here!

If you would like to join our “Week One” Zoom call on Sunday, April 6th at 2pm PST, then please upgrade to a paid subscription for Garbie.

Paid subscribers, keep an eye out for Zoom info Sunday morning.

As always, thanks for reading! I would love to know your process for creating!

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