Hello Sewcialists! I’m excited to be given the opportunity to write about Slow Sewing one garment my wardrobe really needs, but first I want to introduce myself. I am a transplant to the PNW, by way of the deep south, and live here with my partner, step-son, and dog. I am a special education teacher, artist, and sewer. I got my first sewing machine when I was 11, and come from a talented line of sewers, including my mom, dad, and grandmother. I am fairly new to sharing my sewing online, but I am excited by the community of makers I have found. You can see my sewing on IG @comeseecomesew.
Last year was a tough year for me. I had moved to Oregon late in the summer, and took a teaching job over an hour away from my home. This led to very long days. It started to take its toll on my health. I have fibromyalgia, and because I wasn’t managing my stress levels, it really flared up. I was uncomfortable and in pain all l the time. I couldn’t stand the way my clothes felt. Certain fabrics bothered me. I was depressed, tired, and in pain. I went down the worst RTW rabbit hole ever…ordering a ton of patterned leggings from a certain multilevel marketing empire. Looking back, I don’t know why I ever wasted my money, because these clothes didn’t really fit my style, but I was struggling with my body mentally and physically and had next to zero time to sew.
This year, I’ve got a new job, much closer to home. I teach Life Skills to 12-21 year olds and absolutely love it. The commute is much shorter…so that means more time for SEWING!!! This has given me the time to make clothes that fit my style and are comforting. To me, this is the essence of my Slow Sewing/Slow Fashion practice…taking time to consider the fit, fabric, and wearability of a garment. This year, I am paring down my wardrobe and dedicated to only wear things I truly love. Sewing also gives me time to slow my life down. Working in special education can be fast paced, and sitting down at my sewing machine at the end of the days always helps me reset.
So, when I was considering what my wardrobe was lacking, it was definitely shirts. I love making dresses, but they are not always practical to wear to work. I also wanted to use my skills as a printmaker to customize the fabric. I made a 100 Acts of Sewing Shirt No. 1, modified with a button front, and split-faced high low hemline. I love the 100 Acts of Sewing Shirt No. 1 pattern for its ability to be easily modified into so many different silhouettes.
To this, I linocut a stamp inspired by one of my favorite paintings by artist, Lois Dodd. Instead of adding color to my fabric, which is a rusty orange linen/rayon blend, I used a bleach-based (read: toilet bowl cleaner) printing method to remove color. The removed color left a beautiful millennial pink flower.
I really enjoy how this turned out, and the fact that I was able to use my skills as an artist to customize the fabric. I miss having the time to dedicate to all of my creative outlets, but this shirt was such a wonderful combination of sewing and image making.
In order to achieve this look, I drew out my design on a piece of tracing paper and then transferred it onto the soft cut stamp block. I then used my linocutting tool to carve out the design.
I did a few test runs with the stamp in black ink to make sure that I was happy with my design and made the changes necessary until I was happy with the stamp. I also precut my pattern pieces, so that I could control the placement on the shirt.
Instead of traditional block printing, by adding ink to a surface, I decided that I wanted to try removing the color with bleach. I needed a ink like consistency, so I opted to use gel toilet bowl cleaner–I know…a little crazy, but it actually worked really well.
In order to control the bleaching process, I also had to use a bleach-neutralizer. Luckily, 3% Hydrogen Peroxide is a good low-fume neutralizer.
I laid out my cut pattern pieces and got to work. After printing all pieces, I gave them a good rinse out to remove any residue from the bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
After letting it dry and giving all the pieces a good ironing, I sewed it according to the instructions on the pattern.
I received some wonderful complements when I wore my new shirt. I feel like the fabric and print is perfect for summer, and the silhouette made me feel comfortable.
Slow sewing with intention has given me so much this year– a creative outlet, a community, a reset at the end of a long day, and clothing that makes me feel good physically and mentally. Thanks for reading!
I am 100% with you on sewing clothing that makes you feel good physically and mentally. I’m following you on instagram and can’t wait to see more of your clothing. This top is so fresh and bright, I love it.
Thanks! I am new to sharing my sewing on Instagram, but loving the community so far.
As a fellow Fibro sewist, this really resonated with me. I sew to take some control back over my body, because I get to be 100% in charge of what fabric I use, what styles I make, and I get to fit my clothes according to my body’s needs (read: all the elasticated waistbands and comfy button up shirts). Thanks for reminding me that I can take this craft even further and turn each garment into its own little work of art. I’m definitely going to try some block printing, and get back into natural dyes. I have a piece of linen just dyeing (sorrynotsorry) for some turmeric and tea.
Oh, I bet that combination would create a lovely color! Jen Hewett just released her new book about printing on fabric, “Print, Pattern, Sew”…you should check it out.
Also a fibro sewist here. ❤❤
Thanks for sharing this printing idea! Also a teacher here; we love to find a way to do things with what we have on hand, don’t we? Any craft/art post that requires buying a lot of new stuff makes me say no no no but your post made me say yes yes yes! Also thanks for reminding me to switch paces when I sew. For us sewing is about creating art and there is no hurry to get it done.❤️
We sure do!
Having had some killer commutes in the past I understand so much how that cuts into your life—so glad you are doing better with balance.
Also this is gorgeous and I love your bleaching process! Santa put some Lino blocks in our stockings last Xmas and I want to make mine into a block for fabric printing but I haven’t found the time yet. This is a great idea!
Jen Hewett just released a new book on printing on fabric called “Print, Pattern, Sew”, it might provide some nice inspiration for Santa’s lino blocks.
I love your shirt and the very beautiful and creative way you printed it. I may try this method on a shirt I have already made, to give it more style.
So clever to print the fabric as well as turn it into something so lovely. Nice job!
And, I shall never look at toilet cleaner in the same way!
Lovely!
I am in awe of your block printing and NO DRIPS! As someone who has some bleach printed clothes by accident, I am very impressed 😂
Definitely had to work carefully and quickly, but the gel consistency of the toilet bowl cleaner helped with no drips.
That shirt is so pretty! Thanks for sharing your printing technique. Glad you no longer have a long commute – that’s the worst!
Thanks for sharing your story. I absolutely love your shirt, and the fabric you created.
I think this bleaching idea is genius. I want to try it myself.
Glad you’re feeling better!! That sort of commute can be so difficult, especially when you have a family. Nice that you found something you love that’s also closer to home.
I LOVE your top! I would never have thought, from the initial photo, that you made the fabric. So clever and creative!
Great job. Love the slow sewing concept and realistically sewing for our lifestyle. I love dresses, but being retired have little use for them.
I love 100 Acts of sewing patterns! I love how easy they are to adapt to your style! I bleach fabrics too! Only I use Sunlight dishwasher liquid! ;o) I buy chunky foam stamps. I love how you made your own – so pretty!
I found my style has changed throughout the years, faster than I can notice! Suddenly one day jeans were out and dresses were in! I teach Independent Living skills to adults with disabilities that live in our 4 bed Group home (31 years now) with us. I also have SN kids ages 10 – 42! (7 at home now) Right now skirts are what I love to wear/work in!
Thank You for sharing!! Nice to meet you!
Thanks! I’ll have to try the dishwasher liquid! Sounds like all that keeps you busy…comfort is a must!
Wow, that is totally amazing. Your imagination and creativity are a real inspiration. Thankyou for sharing and you look stunning in your top.
Great shirt! I would love to try your technique for myself. How did you apply the peroxide? Did you dab it on, pour it on, spray it on or some other way?
I like how everyone makes their own definition of slow sewing and slow fashion. Thank you for sharing yours, and glad you are taking the time to see what you like and what suits your lifestyle.
That shirt is amazing such a nice job. A completed work of art you get to wear.
Your blouse looks so nice and the color looks great on you! Sewing is a comfort for me too, and whenever I settle for RTW I am constantly uncomfortable in the poor quality fabrics as well.