How long would it take a skilled seamstress to sew a dress shirt?
Once the measurements are transferred to the material by the cutter ( a very specialized job) it then cut. 20 minutes. Then collars + cuffs are cut and sent to the fusing machine. The rest of the shirt is sewn together. Patterns must match where they meet. For example where the pocket meets the shirt. The pattern should match exactly. Front + back plackets are made. Collar is joined to neck band. Button holes are marked + cut. Then it'd pressed. Takes about 30 minutes all in. Not something a seamstress could do as there are many specialized machines. But if the tailor hlgot the measurements right n allowed for your posture the shirt will be amazing. It's worth paying up for. And honestly it doesn't cost that much. But when people see you wearing it they'll say ‘WOW. ..Nice shirt!’. All the little details come together and make it 'pop'!
Will you share a picture of the piece of knitting, sewing, or crocheting that you're most proud of?
I was going to avoid using my most recent cosplay, but, after consideration, it really is currently the one I’m most proud of. Photography by a friend, I did my own Photoshopping (I get a little dramatic, I know)I found teal wool fabric from 1968 on Etsy that had been kept away from light and everything else and was in perfect condition. It was exactly the right amount of fabric, I had only inches of scraps left over. I pressed every seam. I hand-hemmed the bottom edge with a blind hem, and with my grandmother’s hem tape. I hand stitched the white fabric trim (it probably should have been cream, so sue me) into place so it would always be exactly where I wanted it. The dress laces up the back with leather cord and grommets.The wig came from Arda, but I hand stitched 2 more full lengths wefts, each 8 feet long, with hair 3 feet long, into the wig cap and curled the strands with a hot curling iron. I ‘rooted’ the wig with a red sharpie to make the roots darker and add more dimension.I made the bow out of PVC pipe, a heat gun, dye, and faux-leather wrappings. I made my quiver too, but it’s not in this photo. I fletched my arrows, but they don’t have metal or pointed arrow heads so I can take them to conventions. The only thing unaltered are the paddock boots that I have for riding. I don’t have a photo yet with a black horse, but I will at some point.
What is appropriate to wear for Halloween? I worry about wearing something inappropriate because it can be offensive. I am from overseas and new to Halloween. Is it okay to wear princess costumes (white culture) or American Indian costumes?
I want to point something out in your details.You say “princess costume (white culture)” then “American Indian (American Indian culture)”.These are incredibly different things.Whereas princess costumes are considered fictional, whimsical characters, “American Indian” is not a costume. It’s not a character that you can put on and go, “Oh, look! I’m an American Indian!”They’re just people. They aren’t characters.Princesses also aren’t white culture. Plenty of non-white cultures had/have princesses (or an equivalent), so you aren’t appropriating white culture by dressing up as one. White people don’t own princesses.Here’s what you shouldn’t dress as:Another culture. Indians aren’t costumes. Black people aren’t costumes. Mexicans aren’t costumes.I would encourage dressing as something fictitious— a character, a monster. Dressing as objects is always interesting (crayons, light bulbs— get creative).Don’t be insensitive. Use common sense.“Holocaust victim” is not a Halloween costume. “Terrorist” is not a halloween costume.“Dragon in sexy underwear” is a Halloween costume.When in doubt, go conservative. Princess is a fine choice.
How long does it take hand sew clothes?
Too long, if you want to do it right. Yes, some people even now sew by hand. People in Asia get paid pennies a day to sew by hand all day long. Some things can only be best sewn by hand - some hems on expensive material are like this. But to use your time efficiently, get a small used machine. Even sewing a simple shirt by hand would take more than a day. To see what I mean, take apart an old t-shirt, take out the hems and then sew it back together. If you really want a test, take apart a pair of pants and resew them. You'll be sewing for a couple days straight.I know that coming up with $100 for a new sewing machine can be hard if you don't have a job that pays all of your bills. But three yards of good fabric is $30, plus notions. You'd do better to put up something like a "Go Fund Me" for $200 to get a machine and a starting stock of notions (scissors, tape measure, basic patterns, seam ripper, pins, thread, zippers,) Make it $300 and get some fabric too. Or if you are small enough, buy larger clothes, sheets or curtains at the thrift store and use that for your fabric.