10 Movies to Sew By

Somehow, sewing with a movie in the background is just better.  There seem to be a couple rules to choosing a film, though nothing is absolute: 

    It should be pretty & may even serve as inspiration as you watch the characters swish around in yards upon yards of velvets & silks. 

    It should be long. Long enough to make you feel that you and the movie are in this sewing project together. 

    **Optional--It should be British. There is something soothing about the cadence of the British accent & watching the characters drink endless cups of tea as you hem miles of fabric.

    **Mandatory--It should be something you've seen before. There's no point in getting distracted and setting a sleeve backwards.

The List

(This list is completely random and compiled according to personal preference with the help of friends late at night.  Take everything with a grain of salt.)

1) Pride and Prejudice-- any version will do (with or without zombies), but the favorite is the Colin Firth/ Jennifer Ehle version.  Fun fact, if you have a Regency dress cut out before beginning the film, you can finish assembling the last bits by the wedding scene. 

2) Downton Abby--I mean, with 6 seasons and a movie this should offer enough comforting background lushness to get you through just about any project. 

3) The Lord of the Rings--ditto.

4) Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries--a light-hearted romp through 1920s fashion with lovable & quirky characters. Bonus points for watching the haute couture episode: "Murder a la Mode" S2, Ep.5

5) Incidentally, the Modern Murder Mysteries are just as fun, while also being kitsch if you are in need of some groovy inspiration. 

6) Independence Day--didn't see that coming, did you? Admittedly, it sets a different vibe. 

7) Star Wars--any or all depending on your stamina & the length of the project.

8) The House of Elliot-- this PBS series may be a little harder to find, but it is worth a watch if you can get your hands on it. 

9) Gigi-- alternatively: Meet Me in St. Louis or The Sound of Music.

Sometimes, a good old fashioned sing along is needed.  The musical must have a catchy score & fantastic costumes.

10) The Princess Bride-- any movie chalk full of nostalgia will do, but this is the one for me.  It's like being wrapped in a duvet of quippy fantasyland happiness. To prolong the mood, I also suggest The Never-ending Story & Labyrinth.

Happy sewing!