Re: Gender, Society, and Sewing

Mikeru wrote:
Hi,

So, since I was younger I've always had an interest in sewing but until
now haven't really taken the moment to think about why it is I've never
attempted to learn to until now.

I think the biggest reason I hesitated when I was younger was because it
clashed with societal norms: "A guy interested in sewing? Sewing is for
girls. He must be gay."

Now at the age of 21, I still feel a bit awkward about learning to sew
because of how society may frown upon it. Albeit, with age I've become
much less influenced by how others think, which is why I sent my mother an
email requesting a sewing machine and some beginner sewing books for
Christmas a month ago.

I was curious about how others feel towards society's view on sewing with
respect to gender. Is being a straight male and want to learn to sew
weird?


I'm a guy. I've sewn for almost 8 years. I'm 55. I've gotta tell you, women find me very interesting when I tell them I sew. And I brag like hell that I sew. If you're a guy, something like that makes you stand out, and in a good way. If I have on a shirt that I made, and I don't think you know that I sew, you will soon know that I made that shirt.

I've sewn my own backpack. I've designed and sewn prototypes for backpacking equipment. I'm about to sew some meditation cushions.

Maybe you could start by making the backpack, and stifle any testosterone spray coming your way. I can point you to the pattern online.

If you're going to be sewing clothes, one hurdle you're going to run into is that commercial pattern instructions presuppose that you have more experience than you actually will have as a beginner. Some things are going to be impenetrable no matter how many pictures they show, and particularly how much they describe it. You'll just need to have someone show you. Or you will need to work on practice pieces sometimes. Some non-chain fabric stores offer lessons or workshops where you can bring in your own project and the teacher will help you with any snags.

One time I ended up sewing a shirt sleeve into the neck hole, and then something else got screwed up too, and I ended up with a topographical anomaly that probably defied mathematics and created extra dimensions in space-time. It certainly defied my attempts to put it on to see how it looked. I just had to laugh at myself after that.


I'm exceedingly proud that I can sew (evidently, from all the bragging I do).

If any guy calls you gay, lick them on the face. THAT will shut them up, at least momentarily. You might want to run in some cases. But they'll think twice before calling you gay again. ;)

Speaking of clothing, I picked up a cowboy belt that I had customized with a name on the back. I'm from Louisiana originally. I'm also a buddhist. The name on the belt is "BUBBHA". Can't wait to see if I hear snickering behind me at the meditation center.

--
-------------------------
"Work like no one is watching,
Dance like you've never been hurt, and
Love like you don't need the money"

\
=8{B
\
.

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