Inch by inch, row by row...

I'm still digging through my SCA repair basket and fixing items.

Some things have been legitimate repairs of wear. Holes, worn spots etc. I like being able to give something a new life especially in light of the economy. The Knight is also not so keen about me spending money on more fabric or pre-made garb if I can make due with what I have. We are not in financial straights, just trying to be frugal so we don't get into financial straights.

I'm now into the pulling off of unsatisfactory sewing techniques and replacing them with better hand sewing. Oy, the time I'd have saved if I had just done it right the first time. But then I didn't know how HOW to do it right the first time. The things one learns as one goes along.

I can make passable garb but I'm not a costumer per-se. I make medieval clothing because I need to not because it is my SCA area of expertise. Many of my SCA friends ARE costumers and I am inspired to try to make my things look better. I watch them and see what they are doing. I listen and then run out to research these things for myself.

Like the hand sewing.
I was inspired by alina_s who does a great deal by hand and gave a class in making late period hosen. She showed us sewing them by hand was easier and better.
Then elfsea_escapee showed me how to make better rolled hems. Ok, actually CRAZY better rolled hems.
Last year ladygriele had made a gown entirely by hand. Their stuff looks great.
Now kass_rants husband deluxe Bob made a peasant man's outfit. (check out the blog archives at "Reconstructing History" website) Heck if he can do it, I can do it! (No offense Bob) and she has some nice hand sewing tutorials on her website under articles.

This means that I now have knowledge and as we ALL know, knowledge is a dangerous thing. At least to me as I now have a basket load of stuff to be repaired or sewn correctly.

*sigh*