For my STEP project, I wanted to build my sewing skills and explore the realm of fashion. As a member of Scarlette Magazine, I have always been interested in the creation of clothing and the ability to express oneself through fashion. As a part of the artistic and creative endeavor category, I used my funds to purchase a sewing machine, corresponding materials, and multiple classes to develop my sewing and mending skills.
Prior to my STEP project, I viewed fashion from a technical standpoint. I served as the Director of Finance for Scarlette Magazine, a fashion magazine at OSU. While I enjoyed my responsibilities in this position, I remained interested in viewing fashion from a creative standpoint. Through the STEP project, I was able to develop my creative abilities. I purchased a sewing machine, several fabrics and tools, and enrolled in numerous classes. I made pants and a slip dress, which were projects I was very excited to share with my family and friends. I also learned many techniques, such as professional pattern, sewing zippers, and the alteration of clothing. I was able to combine my technical and creative skills through this project as it taught me patience, reinforced creativity, and enabled me to problem-solve.
Prior to the STEP project, I was extremely new to sewing. I could not sew by hand, much less solely operate on a sewing machine. I was intimidated by the prospect of completing the listed projects, though, through the courses I began to develop my capabilities. In the first few lessons, I became familiar with how to operate the features of my machine. There was much trial and error in this process, as I often made mistakes while learning. For example, if I stitched something incorrectly, I had to use a seam ripper to rip all the seams and start over. In starting over, I had to practice patience with myself and understand that most projects cannot be completed to entirety without the possibility of challenges. This is a lesson that I found applicable to my collegiate experiences at OSU outside of sewing.
Additionally, my sewing classes enabled the exploration of a passion I had always had. I was able to expand on the creative responsibility presented by sewing. I wanted to create projects that I was proud of and could share with close family and friends, while also building my technical skills. In the past, I had enjoyed learning about fashion, such as aspects including color theory and texture. Now, I can utilize these skills in a first-person capacity by making my own clothes!
Lastly, my experiences in sewing taught me the importance of organization. To sew, one needs to plan ahead and allocate space and adequate materials. In my projects, I had to purchase a collection of fabric, needles, and thread. I needed to plan for seam allowance and anticipate which fabric would correspond best with certain projects. I now feel comfortable using the skills I learned in class to create my own projects.
I learned various skills in completing my STEP project, such as the importance of organization, the value of planning, and the enjoyment gained from being able to explore a passion. Such skills are tools I will use beyond my years at OSU both personally and professionally. As a senior, I have contemplated future career paths, and while I am still not entirely sure of what I would like to dedicate my life to, a career in fashion is highly possible. I am greatly interested in textile science, where I can use my chemistry degree and knowledge of sewing.
In learning how to sew, I can continue to contribute to a more sustainable world. The process of sewing is not only fun, but being able to contribute to a practice that does not harm the environment is rewarding. The practice of fast fashion, clothing that caters to brief trends, is harmful to the environment and a growing issue in the fashion realm. The clothing is often found in landfills, due to overconsumption and their short use. Now that I know how to upcycle and alter clothes, I will decrease my contributions to these landfills.