Teach a man to sew....clothe him for a lifetime.

I'm a postmodern guy: I recognize the social construction of gender roles, and the institutionalized injustices that pre-determine one's lifestyle based on gender identity, social background, economic status, and education.

So, last night- when my wife was out of town- shhh..don't tell [not because I'm ashamed, but because she'll get mad at me for spending money]- I bought a sewing machine. It's a middle-of-the-road Singer, which I hope I won't outgrow in a few months, but doesn't include robots and German accents and stuff.

On the way home, I stopped by the bookstore to check out the how-to literature. Unfortunately, the craft book publishers are not as politically alert as I. All the introductory materials:

1. Are obviously designed for women, and unfortunately, by the sheer quantity of frills and awful French Country fabrics, are designed for women whom have poor taste.

2.Presume that this will become a full-time career, and tell you to buy twelve pairs of scissors, four pizza cutters, and a spool of thread in all 256 colors.

I saw plenty of hipster knitting guides- even one designed for men- but the crafty publishers are totally behind in the sewing department.

What should I read? Are there books that are designed for home projects instead of dance-recital costumes? Are there magazines that do any better? Websites? (I do watch the excellent Threadbanger Videos).

Don't let my wife be right! I can do this!

Tagged:
sewing, sew, craft, Books, gender

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April 28, 2007
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Chrisjob's blog (1153 posts)

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Chrisjob

May 11, 2007

I found this article earlier this morning. I sure wish it'd come out 2 weeks earlier.

Hip_Junkster

May 10, 2007

I say you blaze the trail for all other crafty (not the BAD kind) men out there who are silently sewing in their closets when the women-folk are out of the house. Kudos on the iPod tote. FAR better than my first sewing project. I made a pair of pajamas that looked like a straight-jacket right outta Bellevue. Check out this link featuring men who sew. Apparently it's a sexy quality to have!

http://www.sewing.org/files/pressrelease/PR-he's_sew_handy.pdf

lafemmedramatique

May 03, 2007

Oh, very nice! Your wife should consider herself quite lucky! I, also, have made many an ipod tote, but I'm always frustrated that I have to pull it out to change stuff, simply because my store bought case has a little place for that (although it does have a clearish vinyl over it, which is not nearly as sensitive as one would like)... oh well... it's very nice!

Chrisjob

May 03, 2007

I sorta figured it out. After ten hours of bobbin tension adjusting, I finished this: an iPod tote, for my wife.

But don't be fooled...I still have no idea what i'm doing.

lafemmedramatique

April 29, 2007

I, too, was going to suggest threadbanger.com (i was the one who asked the question in ep. 10... yes, i totally sent them my address and I am patiently waiting my reversible bag!) and sewing.org.... another FANTASTIC website for pretty much everything crafty is craftster.org... it's just a forum type website, but they have tons of people who post clothing stuff (mostly ladies, but i'm sure you could post a discussion looking for crafty men) and a board for home decor stuff too... I get on there just as much as I do curbly! (and as of right now more, b/c I have no home projects to do until I move in to my new apartment....) But hopefully that site will help you out!

DIY Maven

April 28, 2007

Congrats. For how-to lit, skip the bookstore and go to a fabric store--a big one, as they usually have more to choose from in this regard. And yes, there are sewing manuals devoted strictly to home decor--not a one recital costume in the bunch. You could search Amazon to see what's available, but I wouldn't buy from them, as you'll want to get a good look inside whatever book you choose. You might want to take a look at www.sewing.org. They have home decor how-to's, and although the projects might not suit your tastes, you can get an idea of technique. As for me, I will be employing my German accented, robotic lovely piece of equipment later today.

Viel Glück!