OC HIGH / STUDENT NEWS AND VIEWS : Sew Far, So Good : Making Clothes Gives Teens Custom Looks for Less

Shopping for clothes is supposed to be the quintessential teen-age activity.

But it’s not for everyone.

For reasons practical and personal, many teen-agers would rather make at least some of their clothing. Among those who like to sew are Kim Chan, Sonya Lebsack and Susan Reynolds, juniors at Sunny Hills High School in Fullerton.

Chan said she became interested in sewing her own clothes after taking a beginning sewing class in junior high.

“I didn’t really get to make a lot of clothes in the class itself, but it kind of introduced me to the idea,” Chan said. “Also, I felt that store-bought clothes didn’t have some of the styles and patterns I could apply when making my own clothes.”

Lebsack’s reasons were a bit different. “I sew because it’s fun and cheap,” she said. “I buy a whole bunch of fabric and just sew a whole bunch of dresses.”

In contrast to the “Pretty in Pink” image that portrays teen sewing as a means to create an alternative look, Lebsack and Chan said their main motivation is practicality.

“People who sew are generally anti-fashion, pro-function,” Lebsack said. “We’re on a crusade to save money.”

“Versatility and usefulness are most important when sewing something,” Chan agreed. “Labels don’t really matter to me.”

Lebsack, however, admits she once tried to sew a prom dress from velvet she bought on sale but wasn’t too pleased with the result. “The sleeves were lopsided, and the whole thing was just pretty ugly.”

Both Reynolds and Lebsack practiced sewing as part of a 4-H club, a youth organization that promotes home arts and agriculture. Reynolds is still active, but Lebsack dropped out a few years ago because of time constraints.

“I started sewing because it looked like a lot of fun,” Reynolds said. “I didn’t have any major plans with it, but after some time, I realized it was something I was good at and should try to develop further.

“I enjoy sewing, because it’s really fulfilling to watch an idea in your head actually become something real.”

Reynolds has represented her 4-H Club at the annual Orange County Fair for the past three years and has won blue ribbons and cash prizes for some of her creations.

“I like competing with my outfits in the fair. It gives me a chance to see how I’ve progressed,” she added.

Reynolds said she often prefers handmade to store-bought clothes because of the custom fit.

“Everything fits just right. You don’t have to hunt the whole store, trying to find the right size,” she said. “The clothes are a lot sturdier too.”

Lebsack and Chan said they sew only during vacations.

“I don’t have time during the school year, so I’ll go to House of Fabrics or Cloth World in the summer, buy a lot of cheap fabric and sew a bunch of dresses,” Lebsack said. “They don’t last long, but they’re good if you want a convenient outfit.”

Chan said that her sewing aspirations aren’t ambitious; she sticks to simple blouses and skirts. “It’s a hobby that gives me a chance to express a different side of myself. I do use patterns, but I also incorporate ideas of my own.”

Reynolds sews mostly special-occasion ensembles. “I make about a quarter of all my clothes, and nearly all of them are dresses.”

All three agree that it isn’t economical to sew an entire wardrobe.

“Some fabrics, such as denim, are cheaper from a retail store,” Lebsack said. “You have to pick and choose and decide what’s right for you, but it is possible to make good clothes.”