There are those who can sew – and those who can’t

Fiona is ready to try her hand at upcycling a too-big shirt she just can’t bear to part with... what could possibly go wrong?

It is a strange thing going into a shop with a mask on. You will no doubt be doing it, too, and finding it equally odd. I suppose that, in one way, it is reassuring. Because we are told it lessens the chance of catching something nasty. It is also good in that you don’t feel the need to plaster on makeup before you leave the house. After all, who’s going to see your face?

But in another way, it feels very uncomfortable. It is unnerving. Then I suppose we will get used to it

Over the past few weeks my sister-in-law – yes, the wonderful one who can do anything and everything – has turned her hand to making masks.

This week one arrives in the post for me. It is blue and it is pretty.

And it gets me thinking that it may be time to dig out the old sewing machine.

Because lockdown has given me the chance to clear out the wardrobe.

Two bags are ready to take to the charity shop. When it opens, that is. But there is one shirt that is far too big, and I am reluctant to part with it.

Now, I am no stranger to a needle. In the dim and distant past, curtains and cushion covers were a doddle.

Going straight up and down with the machine is not rocket science. But altering clothing is something else. This is tailoring.

Nevertheless, I’ve had a good look and reckon if I cut some fabric from the side, it will be a perfect fit.

Or it might just be ruined.

With all this time on our hands, stitching is quite en vogue, apparently. Online courses are springing up and traditional sewing shops are going great guns.

But with the best will in the world, there are those who can – and those who can’t.

A friend of my mother once made a smock dress for her daughter. She sewed up the armholes, so the poor child walked around in little more than a sack.

For my part, I have put buttons on the incorrect way and sewn hems with the wrong colour of thread.

I have scorched seams with a hot iron, and I have pierced fingers with needles.

Yet I do possess a good pair of scissors. Ones that should only be used to cut fabric.

Because they say dressmaking is 40% cutting and 30% sewing.

I am not sure what the other 30% is. Possibly unpicking the work, or throwing the thing at the wall.

Going up and down with the machine isn’t rocket science. But altering clothing is something else. This is tailoring

In the meantime, it is back to the masks. If we feel it strange, what must our pets think?

The MacNaughties look very oddly at me when I walk into the kitchen with my bags of shopping.

And there you are. Normally the thing would have been removed when I left the supermarket, but I am getting used to it already.

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Picture: Shutterstock. Fiona is inspired by a clothes clearout to get out the sewing machine and try some upcycling.