It’s hard for me to imagine the sewing skills involved with making the pattern to make the pattern or ripping out something to remake. But like Elisa says…. It’s about the same thing in writing chapters. I sure wish I could operate a sewing machine like a word processor, though.
Haha! I’ll teach you if you’ll teach me! Editing words or drawings or paintings or stitched things, it’s all about finding a way to the best end result.
Words can be replaced if cut but fabric can’t; the mind must re-imagine what else it could be. My latest sewing endeavor was making a pocket for a sundress that I wished had one. The only thing that came out right is that I did manage to stitch it inside!
The reimagining of a physical thing (like fabric) is different than reworking words, and definitely includes not only the cost of time but materials, too. Still, the creative process (potentially frustrating in equal measure) is what leads us to our happy places.
I have always wanted to be part of a sewing circle and now I am! The visual and practical knowledge all come together in your writing. Creative and utilitarian, which is the beauty of sewing. Happy to be inspired by you once again. Writing is like knitting. Stitch by stitch. word by word...
This essay brought me back to the days when my maternal g'mother guided me step-by-step in sewing a new dress. … Skills long rusted over. BUT these words I will carry with me into my upcoming projects: "The process is comforting, and practice is valuable, even essential."
It’s hard for me to imagine the sewing skills involved with making the pattern to make the pattern or ripping out something to remake. But like Elisa says…. It’s about the same thing in writing chapters. I sure wish I could operate a sewing machine like a word processor, though.
Haha! I’ll teach you if you’ll teach me! Editing words or drawings or paintings or stitched things, it’s all about finding a way to the best end result.
Words can be replaced if cut but fabric can’t; the mind must re-imagine what else it could be. My latest sewing endeavor was making a pocket for a sundress that I wished had one. The only thing that came out right is that I did manage to stitch it inside!
The reimagining of a physical thing (like fabric) is different than reworking words, and definitely includes not only the cost of time but materials, too. Still, the creative process (potentially frustrating in equal measure) is what leads us to our happy places.
Good for you!
Great piece. Great lessons. Thank you!
Thank you!
I have always wanted to be part of a sewing circle and now I am! The visual and practical knowledge all come together in your writing. Creative and utilitarian, which is the beauty of sewing. Happy to be inspired by you once again. Writing is like knitting. Stitch by stitch. word by word...
Thank you, Betsy. What a wonderful comment! You have filled my heart.
This essay brought me back to the days when my maternal g'mother guided me step-by-step in sewing a new dress. … Skills long rusted over. BUT these words I will carry with me into my upcoming projects: "The process is comforting, and practice is valuable, even essential."
In terms focusing and setting priorities for which project to do first, it looks like Murphy has a suggestion.
Hahaha! Yes!
Thanks for the inspiration, Kate....as I sit here ripping the seams on one of my chapters so I can remake it properly.
I know you’re going to get there, and soon!