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There has been an incredible draw towards craft during the pandemic. With being at home, so many of us have turned to learning old world skills. There is something about focusing on an act of creativity that can calm us, and take our minds off the frightening bigger picture. Making as a form of meditation is something medical professionals have been studying for its magical de-stressing benefits.
Research suggests that crafting can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase happiness, all of which can help fight depression. Completing a project can help build self esteem and a sense of accomplishment. The repetition and focus of sewing and other handcrafts has been shown to release serotonin. Psychologists believe a strong sense of self-efficacy is key to how we approach the challenges of our new reality.
Womens work
Sewing has long been thought of as a housewife’s hobby, and a lot of sewing tools and notions are geared towards this gender normative stereotype.
But there is a desire for menswear that is not from a chain store, the perfect fit is hard to come by in off the rack clothing. There is a rise of sewists on social media drawn to the creativity and individuality of handmade clothing.
Sewing and pattern making is a highly technical skill, and there was a time in our history when all genders found employment in the trade of creating garments.
Craft and sewing in particular was relegated to the realm of what was thought of as an appropriately delicate pursuit for women by the school system.
But there is a reclamation of what is deemed acceptable for men, or women. Sewing is being recognised more widely as a beautiful practical skill, for anyone to learn.
Creative culture
Bloggers such as Peter Lapin, One-off custom designer, and creator of the blog “Male Pattern Boldness” are inspiring other men to reach for the scissors.
Micheal Gardner, self-taught sewist, proud father, life-long crafter and DIY enthusiast, is the creator of the website ‘Daddy dressed me‘. He’s an example of a strong new masculine pride, proud to be a nurturing dad and creative cloth cutter.
Men are beginning to relate to sewing as wearing quality, once you wear something that has taken 8 hours of your time and attention you really appreciate the value of your clothes.
So if you are a sewing man, we salute you. And if you have a man in your life who just needs a nudge towards the journey of creating his own clothing, or even if you just want to explore menswear, here are a few ideas to get started.
This book is the ultimate pattern cutting guide for creating menswear blocks
Professional 12″ Heavy Duty Sewing Scissors
a collection of custom detail patterns and ideas for men’s and women’s shirt styles! Inside you’ll find helpful guides to drafting or draping a custom pattern
Sew You! Magazine 