I'm sure you get the same sense of appreciation and joy when you put together a costume or illustration.
At one point, I decided that I was going to learn to sew, because I hated spending time in second hand stores trying to find outfits to add to my photographic wardrobe (because the garments I've photographed these women in are certainly not ones that would be flattering upon my flesh) :D
I made my wife a dress, then I stopped. :D I'll make something else again soon, I want to make a garment that completely subverts expectations - a tank top for my self, but with the fabric covered in flowers and stuff you'd typically associate with a nice women's blouse or garment; because I don't care what others think. :D
I am merely designer, so although I have contact with clients directly(over the phone, e-mials), the dressmakers are the one to work with actual dancers. For me works best, because I am socialy awkward, and I would for sure scared the hell out of them :D Screen and fabrics are my friends!
You can saw! That's great! Your wife is lucky one! Did you posted the dress or this top by chance? I would love to see it!
I enjoy sawing, and repairing stuff. Among other thing - that would be something I love the most! Mending stuff!
If you need some interesting fabrics, or costumes from different eras - usually the theatres have huge storage rooms. During my time in art school I would borrow stuff constantly. I would do some pictures, posters or drawings as a thank you to them afterwards. Maybe you would be able to befriend someone from theatre nearby your home?
I have some pictures somewhere on my phone, I'll see if I can find them (That was ten minutes ago). The thing in the middle. The thing that looks the least professional :D
I followed a pattern for the basic shape of the dress, then basically made up the bits around the shoulders as I went. I wanted like 400 layers of ruffles, but I got sick and tired of hemming tiny bits of fabric with my $50 machine :D
My wife wore it a few times, but honestly, it wasn't the best garment. We still have it in the closet, so that I can remember "the first thing" I made when I make something truly epic.
I've mended a snood / facemask thing that I had. I was sad that the stitching had come apart, but with my "new skills" of sewing, I managed to fix it and instead of throwing something out, I kept it, and still use it now when doing things in the garden or shed that require a mask.
It looks great, especially for a first-timer. Beginnings are always difficult:)
If your wife would wear this dress only once - it would be a success. However, she wore it several times - that's a huge success! You definitely should peruse this hobby:)
I also find it difficult to throw things away. I prefer to rework things - if possible.
Also, on the topic of theatre, I have proposed to my wife that as a social activity we do some improv theatre group or something to take us both out of our comfort zone, and there could also be an ulterior motive to meet some actors / actresses to give me more faces to photograph!
That's sound like great opportunity! Actors and dancers know how to pose, they are body aware and all that. That is huge opportunity! And a such a great place to learn about yourself as well.
Looking forward to see some pictures!
I'll have to do some research to see if such groups of people exist in the reality that exists outside of that in mind. :D