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Have you ever thought about how much you may know or not know that you don't know?
Also, how trippy was that question?
For instance, today I found out from an editor that bodice facings are generally at least 3 inches wide at the shoulders. Now, I know what bodice facings are used for, and I thought I knew how to draft one for the dress that I designed.
But I had not even the slightest inkling that there was a right way to do it. I didn't even think that making it too narrow might make the neckline flap open when on a real live person.
Now, of course I know that there are plenty of things out there about sewing and about life which I don't know. But what do you do if you don't know that there's an accepted method? What if your method gets the job done? How do you possibly press on without the fear that something you're doing, and trying to make your best, is actually not what is supposed to be?
So today I am feeling fairly humiliated after sitting through a critique of my construction techniques on a project that was accepted for publication. I'm not an emotional type of person, and I value constructive criticism, so I definitely appreciated being told things like that, but it certainly does make me hesitant to submit any ideas until I know that my designs are conforming to the sewing norms. I obviously like to put my best foot forward, and am embarrassed to have sent in something that was done incorrectly, even if I wasn't aware that it was incorrect.
I guess your ideas can be new and revolutionary, but your methods still have to be conventional until you're known as an expert?
Thoughts?
I think it's crappy that they gave you criticism in that tone. Even if there is an "industry standard" for something that they'd like you to conform to, there is a way of saying that without making you feel small. That's just basic decency.
ReplyDeleteBut a bigger point is that as we all know from reading people's blogs is that there are a LOT of ways to get things done! I think that's part of the fun of the blogging community--finding out different tips and tricks (think about the ways of making HSTs, for example.) So how would you even know what "the right way" was, even if there was such a thing?
I'd encourage you to keep up your submissions. Some people are just jerks, and it's not your fault (or your problem). I admire your creativity to submit things! I never think of new projects, so I could never submit things. So keep on keeping on! That said, I do know how it feels--I'm in a PhD program, and I feel stupid pretty much every day. :) It's not a great feeling, but you just have to move past it!
Oh dear! Sounds like they weren't the most tactful. As they say there is always more than one way to skin a cat, so I am sure that a bunch of dressmakers in a room would have several variations on the facings theme, all of which would work.
ReplyDeleteThe upside though is that they accepted your submission, so they might not like how you put your facings in but they do like your work!
Congratulations on your submission! I think it is fabulous your dress was accepted for publication. Take the criticism and think of it as a learning opportunity. The high road so to speak. They can only let you feel bad if you let them! At least they are giving you new tools for your sewing tool box!
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