I am learning how to sew and make clothing alterations because I am interested in fashion and I want to make wearable artifacts for my friends.

This log is meant to capture my progress in this domain.

December 5th, 2024

• Victor said pull up to his studio and try using his machine - so I did!

  • I asked if I could bring HudZah with me and he said yeah <3

  • HudZah made the experience 10x more fun

  • Grateful for both of these gentlemen

• Was interesting to learn about the differences in the sewing machine that Victor had and the industrial sewing machine that I've been using with Steven

  • Victor's machine was much more easier to handle and understand systematically

  • The overall form factor afforded itself to be picked up by a complete beginner and just get straight into sewing

• I cropped a Futureland shirt

• HudZah cropped a North Face polo

December 3rd, 2024

• Steven invited me over to his studio again to crop another shirt

  • I am so grateful for Steven

• This time, I'm left to my own devices and with minimal guidance

• I remember the critical steps that need to be done to accomplish the goal, but tap on Steven's shoulder when I want to be extra sure

Moments before disaster

The work station

The final product

• Big learning from this session is that when sewing clothing, you have to remember that the piece is not a linear rectangle, it's a circular object that goes around (at least, the bottom of shirts do)

  • I'm beginning to think more in 3D as a result of this

• Sometimes unintentional mistakes can lead to pleasant surprises and results

  • In this case, I heavily fucked up the inner-sew of the crop and it came out uneven (my sew went up and down throughout the bottom of the shirt)

  • However, upon completing the outer-sew of the crop, this unique, rough, flaring aesthetic came of it

  • Steven and I were both impressed

• Some questions that came to mind after this session were:

  • How are more complex objects like purses, bags, or gloves made?

  • How else can you use cuts and materials and "connective processes" (like sewing) to create something fun and expressive?

November 18th, 2024

• Steven teaches me how to use an industrial sewing machine.

• There are many parts and components to the machine that I don't fully understand, but I am able to complete some basic stitches.

• I am learning that a lot of what goes into the craft of physical goods is the tools and constraints that they afford (and don't afford).

  • What an industrial sewing machine can do, a hand-sewing machine cannot do, and vice versa.

  • Different tools, materials, supplies, resources, etc. afford different results.

  • The math to this problem set now revolves around what part of the equation do you want to solve for?

  • Do you have an end result in mind, or are you open to working with the tools and materials you have? (and typically, both parts of this equation as well as their components and variables are moving concurrently).

  • I suppose this also applies to the creation of all things?

• I crop and stitch one of my own shirts.

  • I end up accidentally (but at the same time, happily) completing an aggressive crop.

• Thank you Steven, for your time, kindness, and patience.