My sewing machine’s manual specifically warns against sewing leather, canvas and thick materials. I decided to break the rules and do it anyway. Sewing up some scraps of leather, sort of a reverse pieced applique thingy…
I would like to proclaim to the world with fisted-hand, “Oh yes I can sew leather – muhahahah!” Perhaps a bit dramatic, but it really got me thinking about breaking the rules. I don’t mean to put yourself in harm and if I break a needle and it flies into my arm I will be kicking myself, I’m sure (eek!) I mean for us to break the rules we’ve created artificially and to not follow the regulations just because it’s the norm. To go beyond expectations…that’s the only way we will grow and learn, right?
I want to thank everyone for commenting on my post yesterday – I was frustrated with a little drawing that didn’t go as planned and going along with today’s thought of breaking the rules, I realized that I created a random expectation for myself and going out of that regulated space made me feel uncomfortable. I like to draw little cute subjects and create a fantasy optimistic world of smiling little girls. Of course, that’s not the only subject that comes out of me and at times I can get angry and feel a bit down as well. There isn’t a rule or regulation about subject matter that should be directing my art…why did I insist on wanting to be the same? Break out of your own rules, I say! Funny how we box ourselves in at times…but thankfully we can also ponder ourselves out as well.
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12 Comments
I’ve been experimenting for couple of days now too, been drawing and painting stuff I’ve not done before, experimenting with different medium, colors etc and although most of it is still kind of in experimentation stage I do like the different things that I’ve been able to create. Here’s to breaking the rules!
Oh, Definitely break the rules! I’m glad you are experimenting and that’s exactly the time to try whatever you fancy!
Such a wonderful reminder to break the rules! I need those reminders more often, especially to keep from getting stuck in a rut. I love the idea you expressed of “pondering ourselves out.”
Thanks, Terri! I’m glad I could share and be a bit helpful!
Love that you broke the rules and stitched through that leather!
Thanks so much, Julie! To breaking the rules!
Linda it looks great! Do you have a leather needle for your sewing machine? They make sewing through leather like cutting butter. I love seeing what my machine can do to it has been through a lot with me:)
kt
Thanks! I’ve been looking around for bigger needles but haven’t found anything more than 100 size. Maybe I need to consult a real sewing store here in Italy…I’m sure they have tips. One of the issues with sewing leather – if I wanted to sew it together wouldn’t work because it’s so slippery and you can’t pin it! But at least free sewing designs and layering works – for now! I agree it’s great to push the limits of the machine…I’m a total newbie still!
Love this! It’s good to break the rules – especially the ones that aren’t real, but in our heads! Such a feeling of freedom and rush of creativity often follow. Just have a few extra needles on hand!!
Hi Kat – thanks so much! Yeah, so many not necessary rules all around – break free!
That is wonderful that you gave yourself the opportunity to sew by hand. It is truly great fun. I don’t have a sewing machine and always find sewing by hand very therapeutic in whatever project I jump in. Do you feel proud and satisfied for producing such a great result on your leather projects? It looks absolutely delightful! The magic touch of hand and skill creating such a contrast and power of human craftsmanship gains a reward in it’s own right.
I know exactly what you mean about creating barriers and pondering out of them too, it’s amazing the barriers we put up for anything we create and how we unfold them them away and clean them up. Truly a wonderful world we create, from learning about our experiences. Again a wonderful post, and glad to be back!
Actually, I did use a sewing machine to sew those particular parts, but I am actually in progress sewing the rest of it by hand. I’m also doing a stitchalong, so do some tiny embroidery on the side…sampler. Yes, as you can see I like soooo many things. I agree that doing something by hand can be therapeutic…like knitting and crocheting for many people.
I’m definitely still a beginner with leather, but loving to play with this material. It’s so important to use it because it’s already been created and we have to honor the material. It takes so much processing to create leather!