For me, personally, the term “organize” is so 2011. In 2012 and onward, I’m using “mise en place”, a French term traditionally used by highly organized gourmet chefs.
Not to throw around a non-existent knowledge of the French language or anything, but the concept of mise en place (pronounced meez ahn plahs) strikes a chord when applied to sewing. It means nothing more than organizing your fabrics & tools before starting on a project & re-organize during the project.
The serious foodies know that it literally means “set in place”, referring to having all your pre-prepared, pre-chopped ingredients in bowls on a tray next to the stove. Well, we sewing enthusiasts can apply the same concept when preparing a sewing project. Maybe most of you already do that?
With small quick projects, the mise en place can be just a one-time deal. With extensive sewing projects, the mise goes multi-level! Here’s a general synopsis but the levels will change with the nature of the project. Lets say we’re making an unlined shift dress with a back zipper:
Level 1: Pattern, measuring tape, paper scissors. If pattern alteration is needed, we’ll need scotch tape, ruler, pencil and extra paper.
Level 2: Fabric (muslin if testing the pattern), interfacing, cut out & adjusted pattern tissue, fabric cutting instruments (scissor or rotary cutter & mat), marking instruments, pins or pattern weights.
Level 3: Iron, fabric & interfacing pieces for the fusing process, press cloth.
Level 4: Cut out & interfaced fabric pieces, zipper, zipper foot, matching thread for zipper installation.
Level 5: Hand needles, pins, basting thread. I’m a basting enthusiast — so what.
Level 6: Next to the sewing machine: basted together project, matching thread, machine needles, regular presser foot, buttonhole foot if needed, receptacle for thread & fabric scraps, thread snips (come on people, indulge my “orderly” gene). And ….. plugged-in iron & press cloth.
Level 7: Repeat levels 5 & 6 for sewing in neck facing and sleeves.
Level 8: Sewn together project, notions & tools for finishing touches (such as hems), hand sewing needles, beeswax (for the couturiere). Iron plugged in with press cloth nearby for the pressing up hem & the final press.
A sewing mise en place is more instinctive than I’ve made it sound. For example, the order of the above levels changes with a particular projects. Embellished projects would need the tools & embellishment items above the construction level . Fun, huh?
Feel free to comment — if only to tell me that this post is not your cup of tea and you prefer the happy, creative chaos of digging for tools & other items as you go. I’ll love you anyway
. Or you can tell me if I’ve forgotten to mention a crucial item in any level.
Samina, American Sewing Guild. Follow us on Twitter @SewingGuild
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