FS Community: Hand-Sewing Kits with FS Linen

Hello there, my name is Alexis Bailey and I am a sewist and blogger happy to be here talking hand-sewing on the thread.

Hand-sewing has its roots deep into history. As garments took on more intricate design, and beauty, hand-sewing was right there to assist in construction and details.

I find that as a community we lose these roots as technology advances. Sewing machines, while of course very useful and wonderful objects,  have taken away the need to sew by hand in full and thus hand-sewing has been limited to couture methods, basting, and finishings like hems. I took to hand-sewing garments earlier this year and in the process fell in love with feeling my garment through the whole making process, falling in love with the fibers. There is also the wonderful joy and satisfaction that hand-sewing an entire garment can give you that just is not comparable to anything else.

Some of my favorite fabric to hand-sew with has been FS Heavyweight Linen for my Free Range Slacks. The fabric is sturdy in hand but soft to the touch and to wear. I especially love how the lines of the fibers allow me to follow my stitching easily and enjoy the process of making handmade garments. Knowing I am working with such high quality natural fiber is also a treat in itself as it allows for pure indulgence in the work of hand-sewing. Their linen is just fantastic!

I’m thrilled to be able to offer FS Linen in my upcoming Thimble and Snip hand-sewing apparel kits. In the kits you will be able to learn how to hand-sew garments and apparel including your own pair of Free Range Slacks in FS Linen. Our featured colors are GINGER, COBALT and EARTH, three colors that can be worn year round as amazing staples in any wardrobe.

Linen, like hand-sewing, has its roots since the beginning of clothing and the two could not be made more for each-other, therefore it’s such a pleasure to mix two wonderful items in a kit that is made to take you on a journey of exploration and slowing down, especially when the world is in such an uproar of inconsistency, uncertainty and frustration.

I started Thimble and Snip after my husband and I came home from our anniversary in Europe last year. During the whole trip, I was craving a creative outlet like sewing or knitting, but since we backpacked I didn’t want to pack knitting needles and risk checking my bag. When we returned to the states I realized that although hand-sewing is the most portable of hobbies it is rather unpopular in practice.

So I thought why not bring hand-sewing back in a modern way? Thus the concept was born and has grown into this new venture.

Thimble and Snip launched September 22nd and has since sold out of all of their apparel kits (though they do have some other kits available). You can be notified of restock by clicking this link and signing up with your email on Etsy, favoriting the Etsy shop or by following @thimbleandsnip on Instagram. Apparel kits will include pre-cut fabric in your size, notions and supplies, a physical copy of the pattern chosen and instructions on how to hand-sew the garment.

Until then, may you find solace in the simple and peace in slowing down.

Alexis