Sew as in making clothes or craft sewing like cross-stitch? I used to make clothes until my kids came along and haven't since. I do however cross-stitch.
I sew, but mostly crafts also. I've never gotten beyond advanced beginner status. I do make clothes occasionally, as long as there are no zippers or buttonholes. If a pattern has buttons, I'll use snaps instead, just so I don't have to make buttonholes. I made a bunch of drawstring and elastic skirts this summer - mostly denims.
I pretty much collect hobbies. Right now, I'm mostly crocheting, trying to learn to knit, and doing my makeover dolls (taking a beat up vinyl doll - usually Barbie, Ken, or cheapie 12" soldiers and turning them into wild things - mermaids, fairies, drag queens, celebrity look-a-likes... ) I used to sell them on ebay, but now have them in a funky consignment boutique. I've not yet made any profit, just earning enough back to be able to keep me in craft supplies.
On and off again. There was a time I made all of my clothes. My kids had very few store-bought clothes until they entered school. I made my wedding dress, a Bill Blass designer suit for DH.
Now, working full time, I don't sew much. I do taylor and hem quite a bit. Particularly over the last 8 months I like to "improve" store-bought clothing items. New buttons, funky trim here, a decorative touch there ...
I can find such wonderful clothes on sale racks - actually cheaper than making them myself.
I love sewing. I have gone thru many spells of sewing nonstop. I dont enjoys sewing for myself right now. I do plan on making sundresses and stuff like that when i get closer to my goal. I am also going to be a grandmother in oct and already dug out the sunsuit patterns. I like quick projects ,,,i cant stop once I start sewing.
debi
I actually do sew for myself... a lot of dresses, actually Beyond that, I actually sew for a swimsuit company that has the tiniest bikinis I've ever seen! lol Not exactly something I'm comfortable wearing, but still kind of fun to see how the "other half" lives
I sew in spurts. Skirts, aprons and sun dresses for my girls are so easy to make. I hate interfacing and buttonholes though. I find something (s) I like to sew and make a few of them. Then stop for a year. Scrapbooking is the same way for me. I find inspiration and run with it while I have it.
I used to make quite a few of my own clothes and some of my kids. I am thinking about taking up sewing again. I bought a couple of really easy patterns (I hope), and when I get time, I'll give it a go. I got some attractive fabric for $1.00/yd at Wally World, so if whatever I make doesn't come out well, it's no great loss.
Like Kaplods I've never gotten past advanced beginner stage either! I will attempt button holes if I'm feeling adventurous. They don't always turn out. Lol.
I haven't sewn for quite some time though. I have my mom's old nelco and it needs to be tuned. I think it's an emotional thing for me, I have a hard time using it because it was hers. I will get it in good working order this year though, I've promised myself that much!
My mom taught me as a girl and I got pretty good, even doing the buttonholes, pleats, zippers, etc. I too hate dealing with interfacing. i stopped after my girls were born. Originally I thought I would sew for them, but there's no time plus they grow so quickly and everything must withstand so much washing, that is was no longer worth the time investment. Plus, with clothes made out of the US now, it's cheaper to buy than for what I can buy pattern and a fabric for, forget about my own time and sitting down to do the cutting, which I hate. That said, I would still like to teach my girls how to do it.
I don't sew my kids regular clothes for the reasons you mentioned, but I do make their Halloween costumes, and I make many of my own costumes. I also do movie replica costume work, so basically...I tend to work on a higher scale. I won't sew a t-shirt that I can buy for $6.00, but I will sew something for $100 that would cost me $300 off the rack.