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28-JAN-2010

Sewing is one of those skills that people don't seem to know how to do any more. Alteration shops are among
those few businesses doing a roaring trade in the recession as people get clothes altered or repaired rather than
throwing them away.
My mother was good at sewing and made clothes for me when I was younger. Fortunately she was quite a talented seamstress so I was happy rather than embarrassed to wear the dresses she made.
I studied Home Economics (or Domestic Science as it was called then) when I was at school and although it wasn't my favourite subject it gave me a good understanding of cooking and sewing.
When I left collage, I began making my own clothes for a while, getting a sewing machine as my 21st birthday present
(ah, the innocence of it all). I mastered the art of making dresses and skirts and was quite proud of my handiwork. I'm not really too sure why I stopped sewing although I think it got to the stage where it was cheaper to buy 'off the peg' clothes in chain stores than to make them.
Nowadays I think I am doing well if I sew on a button or stitch up a falling hem.

Not too sure about the DOF on this as it may be too shallow. But I don't have much time for creative decisions, grabbing a shot along with a sandwich during my lunch break.

Nikon D90
1/160s f/3.3 at 50.0mm iso640 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
Available Light Images04-Feb-2010 06:47
This is cool... I like the simplicity of the comp and like the depth. I would also be interested to see on fully sharp from back to front, although tougher to take.. My father was in the navy and like most Navy guys knew how to sew and iron, as needs must etc. He taught me when I was a kid saying I should know how (all sounds a little weird now I write it down!!) anyway, I digress... I have to say, having travelled the world with business for the last 20 years, knowing how to mend a shirt button or iron the thing in a few minutes has proven to be a useful life skill.. Having said that, letting on to your wife that you know how to iron is a big mistake!! Especially when she can't!!
LynnH30-Jan-2010 02:12
I like the focus and I love the story. I took Home Ec and I sewed my clothes in college for a while. Mostly skirts and pants! I have a sewing machine and use it for alterations and mending, but not until the to-do pile cascades from the table. Your very nostalgic story hits home with me!
Inga Morozoff30-Jan-2010 02:08
Like you, I sewed all my own clothes and have now gone to buying off the rack. A shame really since I had a knack and patience for making bound button holes, invisible zippers, and lined nearly everything. Although I'm proud of the skill set I once had, I really can't be bothered anymore. With the price of good quality fabric these days, it's not economical like it once was.
Neal Nye29-Jan-2010 12:22
You manage to make anything look interesting!
Mary Terry29-Jan-2010 02:05
Good job on this one. I like how you focused on the button.
Nora van Beek29-Jan-2010 00:50
Nicely done!
Valene28-Jan-2010 23:40
Nice image.
Phillip Normanton28-Jan-2010 22:47
You've got it all sewn up :o) The DoF looks fine to me - without the writing on the button it might be a different story :o))
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