Crafting Fibers

Throughout life, there have been many hobbies that I've picked up. Whether it's sewing, crocheting, drawing, chainmaille, dancing, and singing. My definite favorites are those that deal with fibers. Whether it's sewing or crocheting.

Sewing

The feeling of the fabric through my fingers, whether it's soft and silky or coarse and thick. Hearing the light crunching as the scissors slice the fabric. The sound of the machine, the whirring as its needle pierces the fabric. Then the light frustration when the thread tangles due to the tension being too loose, or the thread breaking since the tension is too tight.

Then the satisfaction when the garment, accessory, or stuff animal shell is finished. Checking over to make sure the stitching is correct, that there is no skipping or anything else to that could destroy the rest of the stitching. Then finish up the other stitching to make sure that the fraying is minimum.

During sixth grade, I got big into sewing. Teaching myself how to sew by hand. First outfit was a black and white outfit. Though fitted correctly, it was definitely an outfit that was done by a novice. Not giving up, I started to do some cosplay outfits. Mainly that of Pokemon characters. Primarily Absol, Ralts, Pikachu, and Gardevior. Still focusing on using my hands for the stitching, rather than a machine, many outfits took hours to do. Yet, always felt accomplished by how they turned out.

After finishing a belly dancing outfit, I took a class in Highschool for sewing. Started to learn the basics of the machine and how to do things properly. Between what certain stiches are and the proper tools for certain parts of the crafts. Also which hand needles to use, between yarn, upholstery, cotton, denim, and many different fabrics / combining materials.

After Highschool, I was still doing some cosplay outfits that were in the Lolita category. Also was making hoodies with cat ears and hair clips that were cat ears as well. Which for a while, I managed to sell some of the hair clips along with tails if a customer ordered them. My fabric to use was Plush and Anti-Pill Fleece for the cat ears and sweaters. For the outfits, usually it would be different forms of jersey, denim, and stretchy fabrics. Mainly for dresses. Though for corsets, I would use cotton or faux leather that was originally intended for upholstery.

As of late, I've gotten big into making doll clothes for Smart Dolls, by Danny Choo. Making the outfits for dolls is definitely different than for people. A little bit cheaper, since 1 to 4 yards can be used to make an outfit, but for a human it can take anywhere between 2 yards up to 10 yards. Especially for dresses, long flowing skirts, and tailcoats.

Crocheting

As the yarn run through my fingers, as the hook tugs at it. Looping through previous stitches as layers are formed. Counting each stitch in each layer, making sure that no stitch was added or taken away by accident. Slowly the final product is formed, and the anticipation of seeing the final product. Whether it's a scarf, a blanket, an outfit, or even a stuff animal shell.

Though the wrists and fingers feeling slightly worn down. The feeling of giving up is never there. Rather it makes it more exhilarating, and the excitement to be finished even more so there.

I starting to crochet when I was in third grade. Between my mother and grandmothers helping me to learn the basics, along with trying to teach me knitting, never got the knack for that though. I eventually started to teach myself more intricate crochet patterns. Whether it was from watching videos links from facebook, or crochet books. My main favourite I learned was the dragon scale stitch.

Also had some time to learn how to crochet over a wooden hoop, to make a dream catcher. Though not done in a traditional sense, still makes for a cute little gift. Since it is all crocheted, usually do some crocheted flowers, stars, or anything else for the hanging bits.