20 Comments
User's avatar
Jan Brogan's avatar

I loved this essay and was struck by how much sewing is like writing; More ripping out stitches than sewing. That's the part I love about writing, the rewriting. I hope you give sewing lessons this summer because I would love to learn from you!

Kate Altman's avatar

Thank you, Jan! I'm looking forward to giving sewing (and needlepoint) classes at my studio, eventually. In the meantime, I do give private lessons there by appointment. Let me know when you have some time and we'll get started!

Tracey Braun's avatar

You make me want to start sewing again! It’s been decades!

Kate Altman's avatar

Do it! We could have sewing parties at the Clubhouse!

Audrey Altstadt's avatar

We don't always respect sewing as creativity! But you show us a good lesson, Kate!

Kate Altman's avatar

Thank you, Audrey! There are so many ways to use sewing as a creative outlet.

Audrey Altstadt's avatar

Not if you have 10 thumbs. Like me.

Kate Altman's avatar

Oh dear, that must make so many things difficult! But seriously, there's a kind of sewing that's perfect for that condition. When I find some examples (still in a box somewhere I think), I'll send them along to you.

Miranda Beeson's avatar

Lovely piece! To creativity! xo

Kate Altman's avatar

Thanks, Miranda!! You are living the dream, imho :)

Miranda Beeson's avatar

That makes two of us! xo

Fran Schumer's avatar

Even for those of us who don't sew, it was a lovely read, Kate. I'd like to 'stitch' these sentences into my brain: "Throughout my life I have dreamed of where and how I could live a creative life....." followed by: "Dreams can come true, even if it takes 45 years."

Kate Altman's avatar

Thank you, Fran!

Elizabeth Shick's avatar

Beautiful essay, Kate. I'm so happy you're living your dreams🩷

Kate Altman's avatar

Thank you, Liz! Sometimes I have to pinch myself…

Kate Altman's avatar

Thank you, Liz!

Alice Early's avatar

I got my machine out last weekend to shorten a pair of jeans that I wanted to wear before it became shorts weather. It reminded me of bygone days when I used to make most of my clothes. Sewing was a creative outlet as well as a practical necessity. Even if using a pattern, there were myriad choices of fabric and embellishment to make each garment unique. Kate, I'm so glad your abundant creativity is finding outlets in sewing and writing, and maybe many other avenues.

Kate Altman's avatar

Thank you, Alice! Yes, there are endless options when it comes to sewing. Happy to know we are kindred spirits!

Kate Altman's avatar

Thanks, Kim! Editing is definitely part of the creative experience. I’ll bet those curtains will be so nice when you get them up on the windows! ☀️

Kim Leaird's avatar

Lovely essay, Kate! My machine sits next to my desk waiting for me to finish cafe curtains -- clothes have always felt out of my sewing skills reach. How great you're planning on giving lessons! Like Jan, I immediately felt the parallels to writing, to editing and ripping out the words that aren't working.