Hand Sewing Tiers

Hand sewing is something you just don't see much any more.  It is very easy, just using a simple needle and thread to create something new.

I have been working on a tiered skirt for myself, made of a dark stretch denim yoke from a pair of jeans, and tiers of green velvet gathered by hand and mostly attached by machine.  The last tier I am attaching by hand.  It is more relaxing than fighting the gathers on the machine. 

When holding the needle and thread, I feel a connection with the women before me who made their clothes by hand.  Not by choice, but of necessity.  I picture them sitting an old oil lamp with the flame dancing in the darkness of the main room where the wife sits and stitches on pants for husband or a dress for a daughter, an apron for herself, or piecing a quilt block out of scraps.  I see her fingers gently rocking the needle back and forth in the cotton fabric, taking tiny stitches that will hold for years. 

The current modern machines are amazing pieces of art.  They can do so much, from embroidery to quilting, but they just can't replicate the tender touch of hand sewing. 

When this skirt is done, I will return to the machine and keep on sewing.  But, a hand sewing or hand quilting project will arise again. 

I look forward to it!