Yes, it’s been quite exciting to get so much validation and attention recently as an artist/craftster. People have been more than generous with their compliments. Too much so sometimes (that’s another posting).But one of the odd side-effects of people seeing you designing and making clothing is that they finally know someone (even if they’ve just met me) who sews. It seems that there are two types of people in this world: Those who sew (much better than I could ever hope to sew); and those who don’t even own a needle, much less know how to thread it. How exciting, then, to meet someone with a MACHINE that does this sewing thing. Certainly a MACHINE must make things that much easier. And such a FANCY machine to boot. In fact, several machines. Even one that knits edges closed. Wow.
While the vast majority of people are appreciative of my art, there are those who–upon seeing my work–think: Ah-ha. Someone who can sew! Then ask if I wouldn’t mind sewing a button on for them. Or they have the sweetest most adorable little top that has a strap that has come loose…and, well, you can see the problem. I just can’t wear it like THAT. Would you… could you..?
NO!
I have a closet full of my own mending that I never get to. In fact the shorts I’m wearing right now lost the button over a year ago and I’ve never had the time (or inclination) to sew it back on. Sure I have the button. And sure I want my pants to close so that I no longer look like a flasher pervert. But it just ain’t happenin.
Asking me to do your mending for you is like meeting Picasso, finding out he’s a painter, then asking him to paint your kitchen. For sure I am not now, nor will I ever be as great an artist as Picasso. But you get the idea. It’s insulting. So don’t do it unless you want me to hate you.
