The Journey Begins
Hitting the road for a motorcycle trip through Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming was like diving headfirst into an epic adventure, peppered with a bit of “what have I gotten myself into?” moments. It’s funny how cruising through these states with my buddies and their better halves, each pair sharing a bike while I rode solo, felt a lot like the solo yet shared journey of sewing. Here’s a bit of that ride, seen through the lens of a sewing enthusiast.
At the time of this trip, I considered myself an advanced beginner motorcyclist. I didn’t get my motorcycle endorsement until I was 49 years old. I had always been a passenger but didn’t have anyone near me that rode. Thus, I decided to get my endorsement in the spring of 1996, I took lessons and passed my endorsement test that April. Thus, much like sitting down at a sewing table for the first time—eager, a bit nervous, and totally ready for the challenge.
With me having learned on beginner-friendly Suzuki Boulevard 250 to a beast like the Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 was no joke. My riding journey began taking it easy on the back roads around our area, riding solo for my first 3 years until I introduce a good friend of mine, Matt, to riding. Matt was gifted a Honda Shadow, similar to mine. He went on to teach himself to ride and get his endorsement. We have been riding partners ever since. Having him as a riding partner gave me confidence to expand my rides into day trips around Minnesota and Wisconsin. Much like going from stitching up simple pillowcases to tackling an elaborate dress or detailed quilt.
Before Covid hit, we had planned a trip to travel the circumference of lake Superior. Unfortunately, with the onset of Covid, Canada closed it’s borders and wouldn’t reopen in time for our trip time frame. Thus, we need to come up with Plan B, which was to travel to Yellowstone National Park.
Being an advanced beginner, I didn’t have a lot of riding hours prior to this trip and I also wasn’t confident in my corners, curves, steep inclines and declines. However, in contrast, Matt is a fearless rider and likes to push his bike and maximize his skill. His skills had surpassed mine, hence he has become my mentor and coach. It’s because of him that my adventure into the mountains was a successful one.
Companionship, Challenges, and Conquering Fears
One ride during our trip, we attempted to out ride a rain storm coming at us as we were leaving Cody, WY, back to our place in Red Lodge, MT only to have us ride directly into a stronger thunderstorm.
So we were forced to ride…
In heavy rain,
after dark,
in the mountains.
I rarely ride after dark, I had only ridden once in light rain for less than 5 miles, and it was my first time riding in the mountains. I was scared out of my mind. And to be honest, I cried while I rode through it.
Yet, I (we) made it!
Because of Matt, my mentor on two wheels. His fearless approach and knack for navigating challenges with ease were what I aspired to emulate in both my sewing and my teaching. Just as he guided me through mountain storms and unexpected detours, a sewing mentor can help navigate tricky patterns and techniques, making the daunting feel doable.
Sewing Lessons from the Open Road
This motorcycle trip, with its ups and downs, felt like a metaphor for the sewing journey. Here’s what it taught me:
- Community is Everything: Just like the road trip was more enriching with friends, sewing is a journey best shared. Whether it’s a local sewing circle or an online forum, it’s the shared tips, stories, and encouragement that elevate the experience.
- Embrace the Hiccups: Mechanical failures on the road and sewing mishaps are just part of the adventure. They teach us to think on our feet and grow our skill set, turning obstacles into opportunities for learning.
- Stay Adaptable: When the road throws a curveball (like a closed highway leading to a 100-mile detour), it’s a lot like sewing. Sometimes you need to seam rip an entire evening’s work because of an incorrectly sewn seam. It’s all about rolling with the punches and finding new paths.
- Challenge Yourself: The moments that push you out of your comfort zone are the ones that define you. Tackling a challenging sewing project is like riding through a thunderstorm in the dark—it’s terrifying but oh so exhilarating when you come out the other side.
- Take Breaks: On the road, stopping to stretch and breathe was crucial. Sewing is no different. Regular breaks prevent burnout, keeping the passion for the craft alive.
- Dive into the Deep: The projects that intimidate you? Those are the ones worth pursuing. They push your boundaries, expand your skills, and leave you with a profound sense of achievement.
- Value Mentorship: Just as Matt’s guidance was invaluable on the road, so is the guidance of a mentor in sewing. They offer wisdom, encouragement, and insight that can turn a frustrating project into a rewarding one.
The Journey Continues
As the road trip came to a close, the lessons learned and the bonds formed remained. This adventure wasn’t just a testament to the joy of motorcycling but a parallel to the creative and sometimes challenging journey of sewing.
For those inspired to pick up sewing or perhaps elevate their craft, the community awaits. From sewing classes for improving your skills, to groups like the American Sewing Guild or Cosplay by You for companionship, there’s a whole world of support, inspiration, and camaraderie out there. It’s these connections, the shared challenges, and the victories that make the sewing journey so enriching.
Whether you’re navigating a winding road or guiding fabric under a presser foot, each journey is unique, filled with its own set of challenges, learnings, and joys. Here’s to embracing every adventure, be it on two wheels or with thread and needle. May your stitches be as thrilling as the open road, and may every project, like every journey, bring you a little closer to discovering your own path, your creativity, and perhaps, a part of yourself you never knew existed.
Me, Your Sewing Mentor
As the dust settled from my motorcycle trip and the parallels between this journey and sewing became ever more clear, I’ve further embracing my role—that of a sewing mentor. Drawing from the challenges overcome on the road, the lessons learned, and the skills honed, I’m dedicated to guiding others through their sewing adventures.
In this capacity, I aim to be the Matt of the sewing world for you. Just as Matt’s insights and encouragement were pivotal in navigating through storms and uncharted territories, I aspire to offer similar guidance in sewing. Whether it’s deciphering the complexities of a new pattern, troubleshooting a stubborn sewing machine, or simply offering a word of encouragement when a project doesn’t go as planned, I’m here to support, guide, and inspire.
How I Can Help
- Sewing Classes: regardless of where you are in your sewing journey, from beginner sewing classes with a sewing curriculum which cover the basics to advanced techniques, these resources will be designed to help you at every stage of your sewing journey.
- Community groups aren’t only for learning tips and sewing techniques but also instill confidence to tackle sewing projects that push your boundaries. These sessions are about fostering a community of sewers who support and inspire each other. Sewing and Fitting Mentor studio is the meeting place of Cosplay by You and neighborhood group of American Sewing Guild.
- One-on-One Mentorship: For those who seek more personalized guidance, I offer one-on-one mentorship sessions. Here, we can dive deep into specific areas of interest or tackle particular challenges you’re facing in your sewing journey. Like navigating through a heavy thunderstorm on a bike, sometimes, having someone to guide you through the trickiest parts of a sewing project can make all the difference.
- Online Community: Recognizing the power of an online community, come discover our Facebook group- Get Sew-Fit to share the struggles and wins in you sewing journey
- Storytelling and Sharing: Just as I’ve shared my motorcycle journey with you, I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and teach. Through blog posts, newsletter and social media, I’ll share stories from my own sewing projects—successes and failures alike—hoping to inspire you to take on your sewing adventures with courage and excitement.
The Road Ahead
Just as every road trip brings its own set of memories and lessons, every sewing project carries the potential for personal growth, creativity, and joy. As your sewing mentor, I’m committed to being a part of your journey, offering guidance drawn from the roads I’ve traveled and the stitches I’ve sewn.
Whether you’re a beginner picking up a needle for the first time or an experienced sewer looking to expand your horizons, I’m here to support you. Let’s embark on this sewing adventure together, learning from each other and creating beautiful, tangible expressions of our creativity and skill.
Here’s to the journey ahead, filled with fabric, thread, and the endless possibilities they hold. Together, let’s make each stitch a step towards mastering the art of sewing, inspired by the lessons learned on the open road. Happy sewing, and may your creativity always ride free.
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