About the Modern Seamstress
Welcome to the Modern Seamstress! I sew a LOT. Like many other people, my mom used to sew, but hasn’t in so many years that her memory of sewing is more than vague, and at this point, she often has no idea what I’m talking about. Both of my grandmothers were seamstresses but have passed away, and none of my other family sews except one cousin who is two states and a time zone away. Just the other day, I discovered for myself a new marking technique that hadn’t been specifically outlined to me by any teacher or book (to my recollection anyway), and I thought, where can modern seamstresses like myself turn for advice and tips and help in general?
I have been, however, fortunate enough to work with lots of women who sew: women who have all kinds of experience sewing professionally and casually, women who quilt, women who sew gowns for ballroom dancing, women who regularly sew bridesmaids and prom dresses, women who sew dress shirts for their sons. Personally, I sew quite a lot…bags, wedding gowns, quilts, home decor, the occasional pajama pant, etc…I’ve taken quilting classes and I’ve been to fashion school…so I have knowledge and experience from many fields of sewing that don’t often mix (dressmakers and quilters are two very different kinds of seamstresses!) which, coupled with the advice of my elders and peers have culminated into a wealth of information which I would like to share with all the modern seamstresses out there.
I don’t think this site will be specifically for beginners, (though beginners are more than welcome, learning is learning, after all!) but probably more for those who already have taken on sewing as a hobby and are looking for tricks to make things go faster or more smoothly. I think seamstresses old and new can always learn something, so I would love to hear your ideas and comments, and with any craft, I don’t think any one technique is set in stone. I think techniques are always changing and evolving to fit your current project’s needs.
My approach to sewing is based on practicality and simplicity. I sew as a useful and economical outlet for my creativity, and in an attempt to carve a unique image for myself and others in this increasingly uniform world. I think this is the same reason today’s modern seamstresses sew, so I give this site to you, Modern Seamstress.
I have been, however, fortunate enough to work with lots of women who sew: women who have all kinds of experience sewing professionally and casually, women who quilt, women who sew gowns for ballroom dancing, women who regularly sew bridesmaids and prom dresses, women who sew dress shirts for their sons. Personally, I sew quite a lot…bags, wedding gowns, quilts, home decor, the occasional pajama pant, etc…I’ve taken quilting classes and I’ve been to fashion school…so I have knowledge and experience from many fields of sewing that don’t often mix (dressmakers and quilters are two very different kinds of seamstresses!) which, coupled with the advice of my elders and peers have culminated into a wealth of information which I would like to share with all the modern seamstresses out there.
I don’t think this site will be specifically for beginners, (though beginners are more than welcome, learning is learning, after all!) but probably more for those who already have taken on sewing as a hobby and are looking for tricks to make things go faster or more smoothly. I think seamstresses old and new can always learn something, so I would love to hear your ideas and comments, and with any craft, I don’t think any one technique is set in stone. I think techniques are always changing and evolving to fit your current project’s needs.
My approach to sewing is based on practicality and simplicity. I sew as a useful and economical outlet for my creativity, and in an attempt to carve a unique image for myself and others in this increasingly uniform world. I think this is the same reason today’s modern seamstresses sew, so I give this site to you, Modern Seamstress.
About Me
My name is Victoria. I’m a seamstress, designer, and a freelance writer. My sewing style combines the industry standard sewing that I learned at fashion school and home standard sewing with techniques I’ve learned from quilting, watching TV, and from my elders and peers, into a practical and simple approach to everyday sewing. I realize that not everyone has seamstress friends who have sewed on all levels, from hobby and home sewing to professional sewing and who have been happy to share their advice. My goal is to share all the sewing tricks and tips and hints that I’ve learned (and keep learning) with all the other modern seamstresses out there.