Sewing

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Monday Musings: Why I Still Use a 20-Year-Old Sewing Machine (And Won’t Upgrade)

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Meet Bertha – my clunky, temperamental, utterly beloved sewing machine. She’s older than some of my readers, makes a noise like a dying lawnmower when threading the bobbin, and occasionally eats fabric for fun.

People keep telling me to upgrade to something newer, shinier, with more computerized bells and whistles. But Bertha and I have history. She’s survived three moves, two floods, and that time I accidentally sewed over a pin so hard it cracked her needle plate.

New machines might be fancier, but Bertha knows all my quirks. Like how to handle my terrible bobbin-winding technique. Or that if I jiggle the foot pedal just right, she’ll power through thick denim. Some relationships are worth keeping.

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Comments

  1. I have a 70+ year old Singer heavy duty sewing machine in the cabinet. My grandmother taught me how to sew with it and as a teenager, I made all of my clothes on it. She gave it to me 30 years ago and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

Have you read?

AITA for Copying a Sewing Trend I Saw on Pinterest (But Making It Myself)?

Dear Crafty Readers,

“I saw a sewing trend on Pinterest that I loved — a style that’s everywhere right now.

I didn’t buy it. I didn’t resell someone else’s pattern. I just used my own skills and made a version for myself.

When I shared it online, someone accused me of copying and being unethical.

I wasn’t trying to steal anyone’s work. I was just inspired.

Now I’m second-guessing myself and wondering where the line actually is.

Am I the asshole for making my own version of a sewing trend I saw online?

— Anonymous

This question sits firmly in grey territory — and that’s why it sparks such strong reactions.

Inspiration vs Copying: Where Is the Line?

Sewing has always involved inspiration.

Fashion cycles repeat. Trends resurface. Techniques are shared. But social media has blurred boundaries and amplified accusations.

The problem is that not everyone agrees on where inspiration ends and copying begins.

Sewing Culture Has Changed

Decades ago, sewists learned by:

  • Studying garments

  • Adapting styles

  • Experimenting

Now, online visibility brings:

  • Public judgement

  • Call-outs

  • Ethical debates

What used to be normal learning behaviour is suddenly scrutinised.

Is Making for Yourself Different From Selling?

This is where opinions really split.

Some say:

  • “If it’s for personal use, it’s fine.”

Others argue:

  • “Credit should always be given.”

And some believe:

  • “Trends belong to everyone.”

So… Are They the Asshole?

This one rarely lands in a clear yes or no.

And that’s exactly why it’s worth discussing.

What do you think?
 Have trends changed how we view sewing ethics — or are we overthinking it?