The little serger that could

This may come as a surprise to a lot of people,  most fashion designers don’t actually sew their own collections, despite what we see on Project Runway. That’s not to say we don’t know how, we all learn basic sewing and pattern-making techniques in school.  But most designers have sample rooms, factories or tailors to sew their samples for them.  That includes me.  I haven’t sewn much since finishing school, despite loving the craft.  And I became very accustomed to sending detailed spec sheets off to factories and having perfectly sewn samples come back to me a few weeks later.  Samples I probably couldn’t have sewn myself.

But there’s something therapeutic about making a finished product with your own hands and putting it out into the world.  Yes, it’s time consuming and tedious and often I’m frustrated by not being able to perfectly execute all finishings, particularly when I know how well it can be done by others.  I’ll admit I’ve been spoiled by working with excellent factories who work quickly and never complain to me when the thread breaks, or the seam isn’t perfect and has to be redone or the pattern doesn’t make sense (that would be my fault, every time).

But due to time constraints, budget constraints and an attempt to get back to my design roots, I have started sewing the samples for my Fall 10 collection.  As slow and laborious a task as it is, I love doing it.  Partly because it provides me with a deepened sense of respect for the people who work tirelessly at the factory, partly because it gives me a greater understanding of my product, and partly because I get to use my trusted overlock machine.

I have had it for over 10 years, since school.  My grandparents bought it for me with their Sears card because I “really, really needed it”.  I was spoiled then too.  Now, everytime I use it I think of them.  It has followed me around the world and has always worked perfectly (thank you Kenmore!).  So I guess a little nostalgia while I work is worth more than the ease of mass production.  Though I may have a different opinion after I’ve finished all 30 samples!