Style Blues

Download this episode here! In this episode of the Style Blues Podcast, I talk a bit about the history of sewing, the beginning of the big pattern companies and how we got to where we are today. It wasn't that long ago that everyone sewed. Over the last 30 years things have changed, here's what happened. Show Notes: The History of Sewing Let's learn a bit about the history of sewing, how did we get where we are today? Abbreviated History of Sewing as per Wikipedia:  

• The Industrial Revolution shifted the production of textiles from the household to the mills. In the early decades of the Industrial Revolution, the machinery produced whole cloth. The world's first sewing machine was patented in 1790 by Thomas Saint. By the early 1840s, other early sewing machines began to appear.

• By the 1850s, Isaac Singer developed the first sewing machines that could operate quickly and accurately and surpass the productivity of a seamstress or tailor sewing by hand.While much clothing was still produced at home by female members of the family, more and more ready-made clothes for the middle classes were being produced with sewing machines. Textile sweatshops full of poorly paid sewing machine operators grew into entire business districts in large cities like London and New York City. To further support the industry, piece work was done for little money by women living in slums. Needlework was one of the few occupations considered acceptable for women, but it did not pay a living wage. Women doing piece work from home often worked 14-hour days to earn enough to support themselves, sometimes by renting sewing machines that they could not afford to buy.

• Fine quality Tailors became associated with higher-end clothing during this period. In London, this status grew out of the dandy trend of the early 19th century, when new tailor shops were established around Savile Row. These shops acquired a reputation for sewing high-quality handmade clothing tailored to one's particular fit needs.
• Sewing underwent further developments during the 20th century. As sewing machines became more affordable to the working class, demand for sewing patterns grew. Women had become accustomed to seeing the latest fashions in periodicals during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, increasing demand for sewing patterns even more. American tailor and manufacturer Ebenezer Butterick met the demand with paper patterns that could be traced and used by home sewers. The patterns, sold in small packets, became wildly popular. Several pattern companies soon established themselves. Women's magazines also carried sewing patterns, and continued to do so for much of the 20th century. This practice declined during the later decades of the 20th century, when ready-made clothing became a necessity as women joined the paid workforce in larger numbers, leaving them with less time to sew, if indeed they had an interest.

One of my friends who is a bit older than I am was telling me that when she was in high school everyone made their own clothes. This was probably in the 1960's. When I was in middle school in the 1970's, I was the only kid who made her own clothes. Many of us learned to sew from our mothers but many of us have not had the opportunity to learn from anyone. You can learn to sew and I can help you succeed! Growing up, I️ always wondered how home sewing was so different from commercial sewing. You would think they are the same but they aren't. Mass produced garments are sewn by the thousand and use piece work technology to put them together. Garments are completely sewn in minutes, not hours. Commercial sewing patterns have been the same since the 1950s when clothing was produced on a much smaller scale, but the home sewing industry largely hasn't changed since then. Today we have downloadable pdf patterns and many independent designers that are changing the home sewing industry. Sew Along with Me! Sew Along Masterclass 2018, going on now on the Chambray Blues Facebook page. 12 projects using easy commercial patterns, one each month Video Tutorials, FB live sessions, plus question and answer Closed group, only open for a limited time Access to professional designer Help choosing fabrics, notions, cutting, altering and sewing Join the fun! Don't forget to Pin this post!

Blogging history and story behind Designers Sweet Spot blog and the new adventure of Chambray Blues Blog.

 

10 Things you are doing wrong in your sewing

1. Not pre-washing fabric first
2. Not believing in yourself, it's not rocket science
3. Buying the wrong size pattern
4. Not measuring correctly
5. Not making pattern adjustments
6. Not placing the grainline correctly
7. Using the wrong type of fabric for the pattern.
8. Using a machine that hasn't been serviced
9. Using the wrong needle
10. Using the wrong thread

Download this episode here!

The Style Blues Podcast is finally here! The first episode is now live!

[caption id="attachment_157" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Episode 001[/caption] Show Notes:

Interviews are Inspiring:

One of the things I wanted to accomplish with this podcast is to inspire you with interviews of people who have been successful in their sewing related businesses. As creative people, sometimes we think too narrow when it comes to business and making money from what we love. Using a computer aided design tool is one great way to make your sewing business into something that will make you money. These computerized tools, such as the Silhouette machine are changing the industry in that you can now make quality custom appliques or other items from home with relatively little investment. When I first heard about the Silhouette a few years ago I had no idea what I could use something like that for. I had a blogger friend who told me about "Silhouette School" and I thought she was talking about an actual school in Chicago. Haha! Now, I see Silhouette projects all over the internet! Just to be clear, "Silhouette School" is not an actual school or place, it's the name of Melissa Viscount's blog. Melissa has been very successful in teaching others how to use their Silhouette machines. When I was making a list of potential people with successful businesses to interview for this podcast, Melissa was at the very top of my list. She has really inspired me and I hope you will enjoy listening to how she built her online business around what she loves to do. So without further ado, here's the interview:

Talking with Melissa Viscount:

Thank you for joining me today Melissa!

Questions:

Did you ever imagine that your Silhouette machine would change your life?

1. For those who are not familiar with the Silhouette machine, can you tell us a bit about How the Silhouette machine works? Can you design your own cuts/stencils?
2. Are available designs copyrighted for home or commercial use?
3. What are the file types for? Example SVG, DXF, PNG, and EPS
4. Can designs be scaled for childrens, adult clothing?
5. Quilting patterns?
6. Cutting other materials besides vinyl or fabric, wood or metal?
7. What other things do people use the machine for?

  What are some of your favorite projects that people have created with Silhouette School? I understand that your husband works with you full time, how does that work? Boss lady and Bob? Love your #bosslady hashtag! Tell me about your Silhouette conference? Is it just in Atlanta or other areas? Where can people find you online, social media? www.silhouetteschoolblog.com (blog) www.silhouetteu.com (membership site) www.ultimatesilhouetteguide.com (books) www.sofontsy.com (design and font market)

Inspiration for Your Business:

Wow, was she inspiring or what? I just loved hearing her story and I am so thrilled she shared it with us. The potential for having the ability to create your own customized designs is huge. There are unlimited ways to use computerized tools like this in a home based business. Not sure if you caught her mention the gal that paid off her house by designing custom wooden hanger labels for brides? Wow! That is so amazing! It's interesting to me that Melissa's niche is really in education. She mentioned that she doesn't really do project tutorials but rather focuses on teaching others how to use their Silhouette machines. I think education is so important, sharing your knowledge can make a world of difference to someone else that may be struggling. Melissa does such a great job of that. I also find it fascinating that she is successful on a global scale. People around the world have read her Ebooks and applied her knowledge their businesses wherever they may live. That's all for today, thank you so much for listening! I will have more interviews coming up in the next few weeks. I hope you are inspired by today's episode, I know I certainly was.

Learn More About Melissa:

Melissa Viscount is a Full time blogger at Silhouette School Blog.com and her new site, So Fontsy. Melissa is a wife, mom and author of 10 books on using the Silhouette Machine. Melissa Viscount launched Silhouette School exactly 4 years ago on a whim after receiving a Silhouette Portrait from her husband for Christmas 2013. Since then more than 35 Million readers have enjoyed her more than 1000 free tutorials on how to use the Silhouette cutting machines, Silhouette Studio software, and accessories, techniques, and tools.  Due to demand from her very loyal readers, Melissa released her first ebook, The Ultimate Silhouette Guide, three years - and now 11 books ago. More than 80,000 copies of her guides - covering topics from Silhouette for business owners to designing in and mastering Silhouette Studio - have been sold since. Many are now sold with the Silhouette machine bundles. In June 2016 - Melissa's husband, Bob, left his full time job in pharmaceuticals to join her full-time and take over the business side of their quickly growing Silhouette School brand. Shortly after, they launched their premium membership website Silhouette U - which - as of today - has nearly 5,000 active members. Just last week, they expanded their business again with the launch of So Fontsy - a commercial use design and font marketplace geared toward die cut crafters. It's amazing that Melissa has not only enjoyed blogging about Silhouette, but her expertise in the crafting industry has made her a sought after Silhouette (and blogging) instructor - having taught hundreds of crafters and fellow bloggers nationwide. She's also served as a consultant to well established brands and well known brands in this craft industry - or those trying to tap into it. She has been honored to be the keynote speaker at multiple craft and Silhouette conferences across the country including being invited back multiple times to the All Things Silhouette Conferences. You can find out even more about Melissa by clicking on the links below: www.silhouetteschoolblog.com (blog) www.silhouetteu.com (membership site) www.ultimatesilhouetteguide.com (books) www.sofontsy.com (design and font market) Want to be a part of the Chambray Blues Sewing Community? Join the Facebook Group Here. If you have questions about this episode contact us at [email protected].