Now is the perfect time to learn a new skill, so why not get started on a DIY project and inject a bit of creativity into your wardrobe. Sewing is a great way to direct your focus, ease your anxiety, and feel productive when days lack structure. Most importantly, it is really enjoyable (and there is no better time to get your summer wardrobe together ).
Whether you are sewing for fun, for work, or for your sanity, Texture will supply you with beautiful fabric to make it all that little bit easier.
Here are Ann Flavin’s tips for sewing at home and caring for your fabric.
1. Try to commandeer a private space to sew - of course it’s just nice to have your own space, but things can get messy fast, so it’s great to have even a corner that you can leave set up and not worry about having to tidy every day.
2. If you are a beginner, or a little rusty, start with cottons and linens - not only are they easier to sew, they are also usually cheaper, so if you make a mistake (it happens ), it’s a little less heart-breaking.
3. It can be difficult to find and order patterns at the moment, so a good suggestion is to get that favourite pair of old trousers out, rip them up, and make as many new pairs as you please while using them as a pattern. This is a great tip for children's clothes, as you can just keep adjusting the sizes as they grow.
4. Understanding how to care for your fabric will make you a better sewer and make your work last longer. Linens should be rinsed before you begin. Jersey, after sewing, should be treated like knitwear and always folded, not hung. Loose weave wools should be backed with a fine stayflex interlining to avoid fraying. Google your fabric before you begin, or better yet, just ask your supplier.
While fabric shops may have closed their doors, Texture is offering free delivery nationwide as well as a very special virtual consultation service where Ann Flavin can show you fabrics live, how they hang, how best to work with them, and answer any other questions you may have before your purchase. We may not be able to browse the shops, but this is the next best thing.
