Tail making in public places....

[spottedcatfish]

Ok, so I am currently making a tail from used wetsuits. My plan was to create a pattern, and cut the wetsuits up so that they fit the pattern, and then use neoprene glue and upholstery thread to sew them back up, into my custom pattern. Yes it is tedious but I want it to be a custom fit, and use as material as I have. The plan is going really well. Making this tail is like a puzzle that when put together will be beautiful. I plan to add sequins to some of the seams, when I have the main sides stitched together. However, I have an issue. Next week I will be going on a four day field trip for a class, and I really want to make use of my free time on this trip, by sewing. But I'm worried about what to say to my peers when they see me, sewing two random pieces of neoprene together. I think that telling them I'm making a tail will be too crazy! I plan to use the long bus ride to sew, and because I'm hand sewing this tail, I can take it anywhere! I guess I'm worried about what others will think. But they don't see the final product like I do! It reminds me of the ugly duckling, people will look at me sewing and wonder about what I'm making, if I tell them the truth, they will still think it's either crazy or that I have no fashion sense because the tail is in such beginning stages, so yes It will look incomplete for the next few months. I've also considered just saying, it's a personal project and keep sewing... I don't know, I think I'm getting too absorbed in what others will think, and not focusing on my own goals, and how sewing something makes me feel at ease, and somewhat complete. It is a spiritual practice for me. I really shouldn't worry about others...

Any ideas?

[MerEmma]

Don't let them bring you down at all! You also don't have to share your project with them if you don't want to. I understand the feeling it gives you about it. Just tell them you're doing a sewing project and if they press further, tell them it's a surprise. That's probably your best bet, and you should definitely make use of the free time you get!

[malinghi]

I think there are really two separate questions to consider- First, will they be judgmental if they know you're making a mermaid tail, and second, if they are, will you care?

If the answer to both is yes then you're not comfortable being open about this, and that's fine. If the answer to only one or neither of the questions is yes, there's no problem. Personally I agree with the position that you should try to get comfortable with being open about your interest in merfolk and merfolk costuming, but if you don't feel comfortable yet that's okay.

So are these classmates? Do you guys get along alright?

[Joy&RaptorsUnrestrained!]

I agree with Malinghi, and also add that sometimes, being weird is accepted... and might be a great conversation starter. Yeah, they won't have their vision, and they might be dismissive, but you might also impress people, or inspire them.

[spottedcatfish]

I think there are really two separate questions to consider- First, will they be judgmental if they know you're making a mermaid tail, and second, if they are, will you care?

If the answer to both is yes then you're not comfortable being open about this, and that's fine. If the answer to only one or neither of the questions is yes, there's no problem. Personally I agree with the position that you should try to get comfortable with being open about your interest in merfolk and merfolk costuming, but if you don't feel comfortable yet that's okay.

So are these classmates? Do you guys get along alright?

So I will answer both of your questions separately:

First, Yes they are all classmates, and I get along with some of them fine, but they are all mostly acquaintances, as I only see the class, well in class... Second, I'm not sure how they will react to my tail project, and third, I do care how they may react. However, I'd like to add that it's their problem if they react negatively towards me. I like MerEmma's answer best. I don't have to share my project if I don't want to, and when it gets down to the bottom of the problem, it's really concerns me, and not them. I just need to be confident about my project and let judgement go... After all maybe no-one will ask. I'm still going to bring it with me anyways.

[spottedcatfish]

I agree with Malinghi, and also add that sometimes, being weird is accepted... and might be a great conversation starter. Yeah, they won't have their vision, and they might be dismissive, but you might also impress people, or inspire them.

Good point.

[Azurin Luna]

I'm sewing ponies by hand on my train trips. They look weird at me, but I don't care cause I know I make someone happy with it. I think you should do the same :)

[Mermaid Lilium]

I've sat in uni lectures sewing before! If anyone asks I either tell them, or I do some sort of evil laugh and tell them it's for one of my diabolical plans to take over the world *shrugs* lol

[Kanti]

I think you shouldn't care much about what they think. At least you're talented enough to make such a complex piece of art.
What do they do? Play videogames?
And if you're especially uncomfortable you don't really have to say what you're making do you? You could always just say it's a personal project?