An unfinished guide to my hybridity: clothing & culture... (working title)

 Expanding on the 10 points of my process:


1) I'm old enough to make my own decisions and follow what I'm passionate about when it comes to sewing Indian garments.

Watching my mum sew as I grew up led me to be more creative and love making something out of fabric. I kept following my passion which led me to create some stunning pieces (for myself anyway). Only I know what I want to create out of the fabric I buy so I don't need anyone's approval to do so. 


2) Make use of the resources around you

Indian clothes are constructed of rich embroidery, exotic fabric and depths of layers which can be difficult to locate in New Zealand. India has an expansive range of everything at affordable prices and if you were to convert that here, it would be extremely expensive. I was able to purchase velvet, net embroidered fabric, get it stitched by a tailor within $150 NZD. The fabric alone would cost more than $150 here. Instead of looking for the right materials I decide to create garments out of what is available locally and it has worked out the same if not better! 


3) Go with the flow

Things will not always run smoothly especially when it comes to sewing. There are so many components on the sewing machine and the fabric itself that needs to be taken care of. The thread in the bobbin will need to be refilled, the needle may break mid-sew or the fabric just isn't sitting right due to its grain. I remember times where I've been so frustrated and rip the fabric away from the machine. All you need to do is to take a step back and be patient. 


4) Ask for help if you need it. 

Asking for help doesn't make you any less knowledgable, it just means you acknowledge that this is something you don't know and are willing enough to seek help. I would always ask my mum for help when I was first starting out and I still do if something doesn't make sense. 


5) Don't make doubting yourself a habit

It's hard not to. Even though my vision and goal is clear, it's the journey itself that creates doubt. I tend to ask myself how do I even get there? Why couldn't sourcing nice materials be easier? or is this even going to work the way I want it to? 

From sewing my own clothes I've understood that you will learn as you go and doubting yourself will always stop you from getting things done. 


6) Finish what you started

There have been so many times I've started a new project but stopped half way because I've lost inspiration or the drive to continue. It's good to take a step back and reflect on the progress. It's not a matter of rushing to get it done but to complete a goal that would bring you satisfaction and a sense of achievement. 


7) Get someone else to look at it with fresh eyes

You never know what comes up when you get someone else to look at what you've done and critique it. Although it's your own creation you may learn to look at it from a new perspective. I know my mum will always have a fine eye for the details and can pick out the irregular cutting and improper stitches. That is then what I have focused on, to make it clean and quality. 


8) Show it off

If I've created something from scratch and brought my vision to life so I'm definitely going to joyfully show it off. Enjoy it and don't worry about anyone else because I know the aunties will gossip regardless .


9) Don't forget to document the moment

Always take a picture because when you look back at where you came from to where you are now you will see a huge difference. Not just with the clothing but within yourself too as your skill set and confidence develops. 

7 years ago I didn't even know what I was doing. All I knew was that I liked fabric and wanted to make something for myself that was a mix between India and the Western culture. 


10) ...


There will be a new technique, process or skill still to be acquired which is why I have left it like this. In 5 years time I won't be the same person, won't be sewing the same clothes repeatedly and will have a different perspective on things. I'm just learning as I go and taking it in. 


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