I think I mentioned that after seeing the birthday gift that I had made for my friend, my mother asked if I could make her a chef's apron of the same materials for her birthday, and of course I said yes. Now mind you, I know I'm not a great sewer yet, but I think I've made enough progress that I could manage something like that.
Well, today, the recipient of the birthday tote bag talked to me via instant messaging (she's in DC, I'm in NJ), and she thanked me for the gift, and that she loved it! She didn't realize it was reversible until I told her, which she thought that was really cool, and she planned to take it with her to her beach vacation which starts tomorrow (which was the whole idea). She then asked if I took custom orders, and I told her, "Sure!", so she said that at a later date, she would probably like one made that she can take to work. For her, that's not a problem. I would make that for her. Besides, she works for the Feds, she has connections if I don't comply. ;-) Nah, she's like a sister to me, so naturally I'd be happy to do that, especially since she liked the first and asked so nicely.
So, it was nice to hear a second request for my sewing. You know, I might be onto something here. ;-) First knitting, now sewing...perhaps I'll have a textile empire someday! BWAHAHAHAHAHA! (Yeah, keep dreaming, Windsornot!)
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Birthday gift
It didn't take quite as long to make, and again, having some improvisational skills helped, but I think this finished project is much better than the prototype.
My best friend's birthday was two days ago (oops), and I already told her that I was making her something for her birthday, but it wasn't done, but I'd have it to her before the end of the week. Of course, that meant that I had to make time to make it. I had bought the material, it was a matter of cutting it out and assembling it. As I mentioned in my last post, I goofed up and forgot to sew the pockets on BEFORE seaming the sides and bottoms of each section together. Rather than frog the whole thing, I just improvised, and the pockets are on, and I don't think it looks too bad. I had also hoped to make an edge border and handle with the scraps. Well, let's just say that a) the edges looked good enough without the hiding border that I decided to skip it, and b) the scraps were too thin to make a proper handle. So, fortunately having leftover material, I could make another handle with much less problems. I also did a lot less seaming this time. My top seams to sew everything together were generally good. I put a second seam for reinforcement that didn't look as good, but it wasn't as glaring as it was the first time I make a tote bag.
The other thing was that I made this bag a lot bigger. I figured that I wanted it to be big enough to carry her MP3 player, some magazines and a novel or two. I think it's just the right size in that respect. Additionally--ooh, I got fancy with this one-- it's reversable. Yes, reversable. That gives it some flexibility too. :-)
So, without further ado, here is my Birthday Tote Bag:
Just so you know, the color of this bag is a periwinkle blue with lime spots.
Conversely (or reversely),
Here it is on the other side. For some reason, the colors didn't come out the same, even though it's on the same spot on the floor, and both photos were without flash. Weird. I'd say the colors in the first photo are more close to accurate.
So, tada! There are still imperfections, but I think my friend will like it. I'm pleased with it.
My best friend's birthday was two days ago (oops), and I already told her that I was making her something for her birthday, but it wasn't done, but I'd have it to her before the end of the week. Of course, that meant that I had to make time to make it. I had bought the material, it was a matter of cutting it out and assembling it. As I mentioned in my last post, I goofed up and forgot to sew the pockets on BEFORE seaming the sides and bottoms of each section together. Rather than frog the whole thing, I just improvised, and the pockets are on, and I don't think it looks too bad. I had also hoped to make an edge border and handle with the scraps. Well, let's just say that a) the edges looked good enough without the hiding border that I decided to skip it, and b) the scraps were too thin to make a proper handle. So, fortunately having leftover material, I could make another handle with much less problems. I also did a lot less seaming this time. My top seams to sew everything together were generally good. I put a second seam for reinforcement that didn't look as good, but it wasn't as glaring as it was the first time I make a tote bag.
The other thing was that I made this bag a lot bigger. I figured that I wanted it to be big enough to carry her MP3 player, some magazines and a novel or two. I think it's just the right size in that respect. Additionally--ooh, I got fancy with this one-- it's reversable. Yes, reversable. That gives it some flexibility too. :-)
So, without further ado, here is my Birthday Tote Bag:
Just so you know, the color of this bag is a periwinkle blue with lime spots.
Conversely (or reversely),
Here it is on the other side. For some reason, the colors didn't come out the same, even though it's on the same spot on the floor, and both photos were without flash. Weird. I'd say the colors in the first photo are more close to accurate.
So, tada! There are still imperfections, but I think my friend will like it. I'm pleased with it.
Friday, May 23, 2008
I pulled a guy thing
Get your mind out of the gutter. ;-)
I mean, I did something that from a cognitive level is something that a guy would typically do. Namely, even if he has a 50 page manual in front of him to build/fix something, he doesn't look at the directions. That was me tonight. I wasn't looking at the directions, and I goofed up.
I'm sure she's not reading this, but one of my closest friends from college, my college roommate, is having a birthday tomorrow. It's the same one I'm having in a few months, but we won't go there right now. Anyway, I wanted to make her a tote bag to bring to the beach with her for her birthday. I didn't start the project until today, just because I've been so busy.
Oops.
I'm pretty sure with having a holiday weekend I can get it done pretty quickly and get it in the post on Tuesday if I put my nose to the grindstone. I cut out the main parts, namely the outside and the lining and two pockets. My goal, if I can pull it off, is that this will be a reversible totebag, which would be cool. I figured tonight that I have to go back to Walmart, where I got the fabric, and see if I can find a coordinating fat ribbon to put on as a trim, and possibly use for the handle.
Anyway, now that I have better tools than the first time I made a bag, and my handy, dandy seam guide, I started stitching the outside piece and the inside piece, and made one of the pockets. I was about to stitch the pocket on one of the pieces when I realized a mistake I made, because I failed to reread this part of the directions, instead-- like a guy-- just forging ahead. I forgot that you are supposed to topstitch the pocket on BEFORE you sew up the seams to the bag. DUH. And I was going to say, so far, the stitching looks fabulous, and here I might have to completely frog the two big pieces just to put on the pocket. I don't want to really skip the pocket, either. Bleeh. The alternative is that I just figure out a way to do it without taking anything apart. But when it came time to do that, it was time to go to dinner, and we went out and stayed out, and now it's the kid's bedtime so no more stitching for the night. (sigh) Oh well.
I think this tote bag is going to look a lot better than the first one I made. Even though I did the pocket part a little wrong, I still have a good understanding of what to do, so it should come out looking really cute. Don't worry, there will be pictures. But I really need to remember, even if it's something I've done before, to really make sure that I look over ALL the directions first before forging ahead. I feel so dumb!
I mean, I did something that from a cognitive level is something that a guy would typically do. Namely, even if he has a 50 page manual in front of him to build/fix something, he doesn't look at the directions. That was me tonight. I wasn't looking at the directions, and I goofed up.
I'm sure she's not reading this, but one of my closest friends from college, my college roommate, is having a birthday tomorrow. It's the same one I'm having in a few months, but we won't go there right now. Anyway, I wanted to make her a tote bag to bring to the beach with her for her birthday. I didn't start the project until today, just because I've been so busy.
Oops.
I'm pretty sure with having a holiday weekend I can get it done pretty quickly and get it in the post on Tuesday if I put my nose to the grindstone. I cut out the main parts, namely the outside and the lining and two pockets. My goal, if I can pull it off, is that this will be a reversible totebag, which would be cool. I figured tonight that I have to go back to Walmart, where I got the fabric, and see if I can find a coordinating fat ribbon to put on as a trim, and possibly use for the handle.
Anyway, now that I have better tools than the first time I made a bag, and my handy, dandy seam guide, I started stitching the outside piece and the inside piece, and made one of the pockets. I was about to stitch the pocket on one of the pieces when I realized a mistake I made, because I failed to reread this part of the directions, instead-- like a guy-- just forging ahead. I forgot that you are supposed to topstitch the pocket on BEFORE you sew up the seams to the bag. DUH. And I was going to say, so far, the stitching looks fabulous, and here I might have to completely frog the two big pieces just to put on the pocket. I don't want to really skip the pocket, either. Bleeh. The alternative is that I just figure out a way to do it without taking anything apart. But when it came time to do that, it was time to go to dinner, and we went out and stayed out, and now it's the kid's bedtime so no more stitching for the night. (sigh) Oh well.
I think this tote bag is going to look a lot better than the first one I made. Even though I did the pocket part a little wrong, I still have a good understanding of what to do, so it should come out looking really cute. Don't worry, there will be pictures. But I really need to remember, even if it's something I've done before, to really make sure that I look over ALL the directions first before forging ahead. I feel so dumb!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Little splurge
Tonight I went out with my sewing mentor, Sandy. There was a big 5th anniversary sale at the yarn store next door, so I wanted to check that out, as well as the quilting store next door. Of course, Sandy's forte' is quilting (she is a professional, you know), so she spent more time over at the quilting store, which was fine. Of course, she probably thought it was nuts to a certain degree that I was at a "fancy" yarn store to buy white or off white yarn. I think the thing that we agreed to was that the difference between the stores like these specialty stores and the chain stores was that it's the quality of the material being sold. There isn't cashmere or silk blends at Michael's, and the choices of prints and quality of fabric is not always at JoAnn's. This is not to completely knock those stores, because they do have their merits, which both Sandy and I agreed. But going into both these stores was like going into a candy store. You know how I've been saying that I haven't been that thrilled with what I've seen at JoAnn's as far as selection? Well, if you are looking for pretty cotton prints, this quilt store was DA BOMB. I didn't see anything I outright hated or thought was tacky. It was much more my style and taste, so I think as I make certain items, I will definitely be back for more material from there, as needed. Now, they don't have knits, or denim, or bottom weights, or stretch fabrics, etc. It's 99.9% cotton fabric prints. But that's fine-- I wouldn't be surprised if I made a lot of stuff out of that. And that's why you do your best to find a variety of stores, so you can find what you need. I will say that I've been in the quilting store before, but it was before I had started to learn to sew. This time, it felt like being a kid in a candy store. The selection was dizzying! I was looking at it with a completely different perspective this time. I remember liking what I'd see before, but I liked it even more so this time.
So did I purchase anything? Umm...at the yarn store? Yes, I found what I was looking for, thank you. ;-) Oh, you meant the quilting store? Yes, I bought from there too. I got a Sew Simple magazine, but I also bought a very pretty light orange print with tropical leaves kind of pattern on it. And what do I plan to make with it? Okay, so the first one isn't even finished, but I think I'm going to make another tunic, but with this fabric this time. I think it'll work well with it. Now that I've had a little practice with plain fabric, I think I can step it up this time. Bold of me, I know, but I have confidence. I know where I've made some mistakes, and what I need to do next time.
It was a fun night, and we basically closed down the store. But I DO plan to be back. Everything was just so pretty! I fear that I will be starting a fabric stash before you know it. And if it's anything like my yarn stash, I'm going to have to start to find some more space in my house somewhere.
So did I purchase anything? Umm...at the yarn store? Yes, I found what I was looking for, thank you. ;-) Oh, you meant the quilting store? Yes, I bought from there too. I got a Sew Simple magazine, but I also bought a very pretty light orange print with tropical leaves kind of pattern on it. And what do I plan to make with it? Okay, so the first one isn't even finished, but I think I'm going to make another tunic, but with this fabric this time. I think it'll work well with it. Now that I've had a little practice with plain fabric, I think I can step it up this time. Bold of me, I know, but I have confidence. I know where I've made some mistakes, and what I need to do next time.
It was a fun night, and we basically closed down the store. But I DO plan to be back. Everything was just so pretty! I fear that I will be starting a fabric stash before you know it. And if it's anything like my yarn stash, I'm going to have to start to find some more space in my house somewhere.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Frog sounds and grunts
That's what's going on in my "sewing room" these days. Frog sounds-- meaning "rip it, rip it" and grunts --meaning the sounds I'm making in frustration.
I decided to work on my tunic again today. Everything seemed to be going well so far, and so I thought perhaps I could finally finish this thing. But I ran into a big problem, which I have to figure out how to fix. Well, I mean I think I do know how to fix it, but I fear it means more work and reworking things. Let me explain.
In the pattern I have, there are arm collars of sorts, I suppose to give it a more finished look as well as reinforce that area. Fair enough. The arm collars were made, and I tried to attach them to the tunic. But then there was a problem. Because I had to make the garment wider, there was too much fabric to line up for the armholes. Okay, so I thought maybe the solution would be for me to pick the stitches for the sides of the garment, then realign the armhole areas, and then I could stitch the armholes in, and work around the gaps by adjusting the size of the armholes. Hard to explain, but trust me, I thought it was a good idea. So, I lined everything up, pinned it, and sewed in the arm collars. The only problem was that when it came to the problem area, it turned into a bigger problem. The stitches didn't catch, and it was making the chest area even smaller, and I don't need that. I do know that I do have to make some alterations in the garment, but that's not one of the area that needed it. :-S So, as you can imagine, I am frustrated that I had to frog the stitches from that section too, and unlike knitting, it's a more tedious task since the stitches are so tiny, and you don't want to literally rip anything-- just pop the stitches.
I just came down from taking those stitches out, and figured that my brain needed a rest from looking at that, and needed to stop and figure out a better solution. After starting a load of laundry, it hit me what I need to do. I know it's the best solution, but it means more work. That solution is remaking the arm collars, but making them longer to adjust to the wider garment. I really think it's the only way. That means I have to recut ALL that fabric and interfacing AGAIN, and figure out how much more I have to actually add to the length of the collars so it works this time. Bleeh. Why do I have to be so fat to have to make these adjustments? It's testing me, for sure.
I really want to finish this once and for all. I'm really wishing I had a dress form, because it would be easier to figure out some of the changes as far as pinning it and such. I'll probably have to get JC to help me, since I haven't made a homemade dress form yet, and I think I really need to do that sometime soon. I also want to make this thing for my girlfriend for her birthday, and I might just have to either wait (even though her birthday is this week), or just put the bobbin and thread for the tunic aside and work on her project this week instead, which is what I think I need to do. I think it's usually harder to do in sewing, but I know in knitting, it's not uncommon to not finish something (otherwise known as a UFO - an "UnFinished Object") and put it aside for a while, and then come back to it while working on another thing. Heck, I do that a lot in knitting these days. I think this tunic is going to be my first sewing UFO...at least for now.
I was also cleaning out my closet today, and found some old sweats that are still in good condition, but don't fit anymore. I'm thinking I might take a pair of my son's other sweat shorts, and trace a pattern with them, and make him some new shorts for summer. I think I can make at least two pairs. That would be good, don't you think? I think I just need some good elastic, and he'll be set. See? I haven't lost my interest yet. I think I just need to move on for a bit, and then come back to this one.
Maybe then, I'll have less strange noises coming out of my sewing room.
I decided to work on my tunic again today. Everything seemed to be going well so far, and so I thought perhaps I could finally finish this thing. But I ran into a big problem, which I have to figure out how to fix. Well, I mean I think I do know how to fix it, but I fear it means more work and reworking things. Let me explain.
In the pattern I have, there are arm collars of sorts, I suppose to give it a more finished look as well as reinforce that area. Fair enough. The arm collars were made, and I tried to attach them to the tunic. But then there was a problem. Because I had to make the garment wider, there was too much fabric to line up for the armholes. Okay, so I thought maybe the solution would be for me to pick the stitches for the sides of the garment, then realign the armhole areas, and then I could stitch the armholes in, and work around the gaps by adjusting the size of the armholes. Hard to explain, but trust me, I thought it was a good idea. So, I lined everything up, pinned it, and sewed in the arm collars. The only problem was that when it came to the problem area, it turned into a bigger problem. The stitches didn't catch, and it was making the chest area even smaller, and I don't need that. I do know that I do have to make some alterations in the garment, but that's not one of the area that needed it. :-S So, as you can imagine, I am frustrated that I had to frog the stitches from that section too, and unlike knitting, it's a more tedious task since the stitches are so tiny, and you don't want to literally rip anything-- just pop the stitches.
I just came down from taking those stitches out, and figured that my brain needed a rest from looking at that, and needed to stop and figure out a better solution. After starting a load of laundry, it hit me what I need to do. I know it's the best solution, but it means more work. That solution is remaking the arm collars, but making them longer to adjust to the wider garment. I really think it's the only way. That means I have to recut ALL that fabric and interfacing AGAIN, and figure out how much more I have to actually add to the length of the collars so it works this time. Bleeh. Why do I have to be so fat to have to make these adjustments? It's testing me, for sure.
I really want to finish this once and for all. I'm really wishing I had a dress form, because it would be easier to figure out some of the changes as far as pinning it and such. I'll probably have to get JC to help me, since I haven't made a homemade dress form yet, and I think I really need to do that sometime soon. I also want to make this thing for my girlfriend for her birthday, and I might just have to either wait (even though her birthday is this week), or just put the bobbin and thread for the tunic aside and work on her project this week instead, which is what I think I need to do. I think it's usually harder to do in sewing, but I know in knitting, it's not uncommon to not finish something (otherwise known as a UFO - an "UnFinished Object") and put it aside for a while, and then come back to it while working on another thing. Heck, I do that a lot in knitting these days. I think this tunic is going to be my first sewing UFO...at least for now.
I was also cleaning out my closet today, and found some old sweats that are still in good condition, but don't fit anymore. I'm thinking I might take a pair of my son's other sweat shorts, and trace a pattern with them, and make him some new shorts for summer. I think I can make at least two pairs. That would be good, don't you think? I think I just need some good elastic, and he'll be set. See? I haven't lost my interest yet. I think I just need to move on for a bit, and then come back to this one.
Maybe then, I'll have less strange noises coming out of my sewing room.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Sewing Machine Contest!
Unfortunately,not my own, but still cool.
Threadbanger.com is having a giveaway contest for a new Janome sewing machine worth about $349! Sweet! Watch the video in my sidebar here, or go the contest link.
Don't know if I'll be able to do it. I might try, because that would be cool to win something like that. Maybe I can make my plea by trying to make something with the ripped TKD pants I have.
Good luck!
Threadbanger.com is having a giveaway contest for a new Janome sewing machine worth about $349! Sweet! Watch the video in my sidebar here, or go the contest link.
Don't know if I'll be able to do it. I might try, because that would be cool to win something like that. Maybe I can make my plea by trying to make something with the ripped TKD pants I have.
Good luck!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Over the hump...or should I say, collar
SUCCESS!
Well, kind of.
Since I'm having technical difficulties with my laptop (and I don't know why, but using the kid's machine at the moment), I decided that it was a good time to try with the icky part of this pattern on the tunic. Egads! I had JC take a look at it, and he was a little more befuddled than I was, but as we went through it together, it finally clicked as to what the mental holdup in understanding the pattern was. I think, in my head, I was sewing something down when I was only partially sewing it down, then I needed to flip that part inside out, then press, THEN sew it again. Once the concept clicked as to what I was doing, I set out to work.
It's not perfect (of course not!), but the collar has been set in, and it is done! Hooray! Now that I understand how that works, the directions on the armbands should go a little more smoothly.
Man, and this is a beginner project? Anyway, so the collar is done, and I did the side seams as well. And the garment still fits! I was afraid that it wouldn't, but it's actually a little bit too big in spots. The fit isn't fabulous either. Well, I told you I was trying to adapt a pattern to a size off the chart-- literally! I put it on and JC commented that the darts (although he didn't know what to call them, understandably) were placed a little too high for someone as well endowed as me. It's true, but that's part of the learning curve, I suppose. I guess I have to hike up my bra more when I wear this! LOL It's also a little too wide, but I can take it in a little. Better too wide than not wide enough, right? Of course, I made the argument that this is why I needed a dressform. ;-) JC rolled his eyes at that, but when I mentioned the duct tape version of one that's posted on the web, he seemed game for that. I think that's his kind of project, y'know.
So, I'm feeling a little better about the project right now. All that's left is the armbands and the hem, and then I'm done my first garment! Woo Hoo!
I've decided that after the tunic is done, I need to forego the curtains for just a little bit, and work on the tote bag that I was going to make for my friend Lynn. She doesn't know I'm making it, but now that I've made one tote bag, and now I'm almost done the more complicated tunic, I'm feeling a little more confident about making her tote bag. It's going to be blue and green polka dots, and I think I'm going to make it bigger than the original one that I made, so it can fit a towel, a couple magazines, a paperback and a little change purse. A bit ambitious, I know, but I think I can do it. She doesn't know that I'm making it, but I would like to get it done in the next week or so, because her birthday is a little more than a week and a half away! Also, she is going to the beach shortly afterwards, so I wanted to have it ready for then.
Feeling better tonight...at least with my sewing.
Well, kind of.
Since I'm having technical difficulties with my laptop (and I don't know why, but using the kid's machine at the moment), I decided that it was a good time to try with the icky part of this pattern on the tunic. Egads! I had JC take a look at it, and he was a little more befuddled than I was, but as we went through it together, it finally clicked as to what the mental holdup in understanding the pattern was. I think, in my head, I was sewing something down when I was only partially sewing it down, then I needed to flip that part inside out, then press, THEN sew it again. Once the concept clicked as to what I was doing, I set out to work.
It's not perfect (of course not!), but the collar has been set in, and it is done! Hooray! Now that I understand how that works, the directions on the armbands should go a little more smoothly.
Man, and this is a beginner project? Anyway, so the collar is done, and I did the side seams as well. And the garment still fits! I was afraid that it wouldn't, but it's actually a little bit too big in spots. The fit isn't fabulous either. Well, I told you I was trying to adapt a pattern to a size off the chart-- literally! I put it on and JC commented that the darts (although he didn't know what to call them, understandably) were placed a little too high for someone as well endowed as me. It's true, but that's part of the learning curve, I suppose. I guess I have to hike up my bra more when I wear this! LOL It's also a little too wide, but I can take it in a little. Better too wide than not wide enough, right? Of course, I made the argument that this is why I needed a dressform. ;-) JC rolled his eyes at that, but when I mentioned the duct tape version of one that's posted on the web, he seemed game for that. I think that's his kind of project, y'know.
So, I'm feeling a little better about the project right now. All that's left is the armbands and the hem, and then I'm done my first garment! Woo Hoo!
I've decided that after the tunic is done, I need to forego the curtains for just a little bit, and work on the tote bag that I was going to make for my friend Lynn. She doesn't know I'm making it, but now that I've made one tote bag, and now I'm almost done the more complicated tunic, I'm feeling a little more confident about making her tote bag. It's going to be blue and green polka dots, and I think I'm going to make it bigger than the original one that I made, so it can fit a towel, a couple magazines, a paperback and a little change purse. A bit ambitious, I know, but I think I can do it. She doesn't know that I'm making it, but I would like to get it done in the next week or so, because her birthday is a little more than a week and a half away! Also, she is going to the beach shortly afterwards, so I wanted to have it ready for then.
Feeling better tonight...at least with my sewing.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Stuck and Suck
Man, I'm getting frustrated right now. I can't even get through a very basic pattern! I wanted to have some interpretation help, but DH is not helping, even though I've asked him to help. So, I've done my best to understand what I'm supposed to do, but I'm only half understanding it. I see what I'm supposed to do, but it doesn't entirely make sense. Why would I do such and such if it doesn't make sense?
The other thing is that I really still suck at stitching. I think there are a few problems that are contributing to this. The main one is that the table I use to sew shakes. A LOT. As a result, it has two effects. First, the minor one, is that the LED light that's on there flickers or turns off and won't work. I believe it's because the machine shakes so much that it's knocked something loose, and it's not something that I can fix easily. So you have to sew very slowly so as not to shake the machine too much. This is easily remedied by having a bright halogen lamp nearby to better light the working area on the machine. Like I said, that's the minor problem. The second and bigger problem is the same shaking I mentioned earlier. Because the table vibrates and shakes so violently, it makes it hard to control the fabric going in, and I think in the case of zigzag stitches, it really botches things up. The collar piece I put together today is an example of that. It's just fugly, and I really don't know what to do about it. I don't know that frogging* the stitches and starting over would help any.
I'm feeling frustrated, because I really thought I had a chance to finish this shirt this weekend. Guess that's not happening, and I know I'm going to end up with a really ugly shirt. And I really had wanted to make and wear it. I don't know if I will be able to go out in public with it once it's done. :-(
So, like I said, I'm stuck and I suck.
**frogging= knitting term for removing stitches, aka ripping out stitches, hence "rip it, rip it". Get it?
The other thing is that I really still suck at stitching. I think there are a few problems that are contributing to this. The main one is that the table I use to sew shakes. A LOT. As a result, it has two effects. First, the minor one, is that the LED light that's on there flickers or turns off and won't work. I believe it's because the machine shakes so much that it's knocked something loose, and it's not something that I can fix easily. So you have to sew very slowly so as not to shake the machine too much. This is easily remedied by having a bright halogen lamp nearby to better light the working area on the machine. Like I said, that's the minor problem. The second and bigger problem is the same shaking I mentioned earlier. Because the table vibrates and shakes so violently, it makes it hard to control the fabric going in, and I think in the case of zigzag stitches, it really botches things up. The collar piece I put together today is an example of that. It's just fugly, and I really don't know what to do about it. I don't know that frogging* the stitches and starting over would help any.
I'm feeling frustrated, because I really thought I had a chance to finish this shirt this weekend. Guess that's not happening, and I know I'm going to end up with a really ugly shirt. And I really had wanted to make and wear it. I don't know if I will be able to go out in public with it once it's done. :-(
So, like I said, I'm stuck and I suck.
**frogging= knitting term for removing stitches, aka ripping out stitches, hence "rip it, rip it". Get it?
Friday, May 9, 2008
First stitches on my first garment
Crap! I just wrote a WHOLE thing about my start, but dear ol'BLOGGER.COM decided to screw things up, and I lost everything, so here I am rewriting it. Damn.
Anyhow.....
I took the first steps to putting together my tunic shirt. I had to start somewhere, huh? Well, I didn't do much, only because I think the next step is a little confusing, so I want to do it when I'm not disturbed and I can focus. I also think that I'm going to need a second opinion in interpreting this pattern, namely from JC. I understand how and where the pattern pieces are going, but I'm specifically not sure about how the collar and armbands are going to make it there. That confuses me.
So, I got the first steps started, and I think you'd be proud of me, and I'll tell you why in a moment. First, I did step-stitches around the collar areas of the front and back pieces. Not perfect, but not bad either. Next, I had to work on the darts in the front. Here's where you'll be proud of me. The first side had been marked out, so all I had to do was pin and sew along the guideline. However, I didn't have the same thing for the OTHER side of the garment. DUH. So, with a few measurements and calculations, I made a symmetrical dart on the other side. I don't know if it's perfectly symmetrical, but for someone who hasn't done this before, I'd say it's sure gosh darn close. Next, I pinned and sewed the shoulder seams together. That part was probably the easiest part of it.
And that's all I've done so far.
The directions, as mentioned, now involve the collar and armband parts, and they don't make 100% sense to me at the moment. So, I figured it was better to walk away for the day, and come back another time, hopefully tomorrow. Better to do it with a clear mind-- and that second opinion.
Once I can get through that hurdle, I think it'll be smooth sailing. I think all that needs to be done is this collar, the armbands, and then finish the seaming and hemming, and voila! It'll be ready!
The other thing is that I tried on the garment as it is in the moment. Yeah, it's a struggle to get over my head since the actual opening is not finished properly yet (it's going to open up a little more with a slight "V" in the front), but it looks like it's going to fit. Remember, I had to made my first adaption to the pattern right off the bat. I kept the collar, darts and the arms are from the original pattern, but the width of the body is what I made larger. In putting on the garment, since I don't have a dressform yet (ahem), I held the sides together a little to see if my body will burst the seams once they are done, or what. It looks like it'll be fine--possibly a little big! Better big than too small though. I can always take it in a little, but I can't let it out if there's not enough fabric, right? So I'm glad about that.
So, it looks like I might have my first ever garment made-- a real garment (not like the hand sewn, makeshift Star Trek uniform shirt I made for a costume party once), possibly by the end of the weekend. And oh yes, there will be photos if I can actually pull it off successfully.
Anyhow.....
I took the first steps to putting together my tunic shirt. I had to start somewhere, huh? Well, I didn't do much, only because I think the next step is a little confusing, so I want to do it when I'm not disturbed and I can focus. I also think that I'm going to need a second opinion in interpreting this pattern, namely from JC. I understand how and where the pattern pieces are going, but I'm specifically not sure about how the collar and armbands are going to make it there. That confuses me.
So, I got the first steps started, and I think you'd be proud of me, and I'll tell you why in a moment. First, I did step-stitches around the collar areas of the front and back pieces. Not perfect, but not bad either. Next, I had to work on the darts in the front. Here's where you'll be proud of me. The first side had been marked out, so all I had to do was pin and sew along the guideline. However, I didn't have the same thing for the OTHER side of the garment. DUH. So, with a few measurements and calculations, I made a symmetrical dart on the other side. I don't know if it's perfectly symmetrical, but for someone who hasn't done this before, I'd say it's sure gosh darn close. Next, I pinned and sewed the shoulder seams together. That part was probably the easiest part of it.
And that's all I've done so far.
The directions, as mentioned, now involve the collar and armband parts, and they don't make 100% sense to me at the moment. So, I figured it was better to walk away for the day, and come back another time, hopefully tomorrow. Better to do it with a clear mind-- and that second opinion.
Once I can get through that hurdle, I think it'll be smooth sailing. I think all that needs to be done is this collar, the armbands, and then finish the seaming and hemming, and voila! It'll be ready!
The other thing is that I tried on the garment as it is in the moment. Yeah, it's a struggle to get over my head since the actual opening is not finished properly yet (it's going to open up a little more with a slight "V" in the front), but it looks like it's going to fit. Remember, I had to made my first adaption to the pattern right off the bat. I kept the collar, darts and the arms are from the original pattern, but the width of the body is what I made larger. In putting on the garment, since I don't have a dressform yet (ahem), I held the sides together a little to see if my body will burst the seams once they are done, or what. It looks like it'll be fine--possibly a little big! Better big than too small though. I can always take it in a little, but I can't let it out if there's not enough fabric, right? So I'm glad about that.
So, it looks like I might have my first ever garment made-- a real garment (not like the hand sewn, makeshift Star Trek uniform shirt I made for a costume party once), possibly by the end of the weekend. And oh yes, there will be photos if I can actually pull it off successfully.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Next step completed
All the cutting is now completely done, including the interfacing. I cheated a little by pinning the pieces that needed interfacing on the interfacing itself, then using my handy dandy rotary cutter to cut the pieces out. ;-) I just came up from the basement where my ironing board is, and all interfacing has been fused with the fabrics! One small problem that I ran into, and didn't figure out how to prevent the problem until it was almost too late, was that I was using a scrap piece of lightweight denim/chambray to help press the interfacing pieces. Problem was, that with it being on a steam setting, the dyes from the scrap were transferring to the white fabric. D'oh! It's not too awful, it's very light. I don't know if it'll wash out, but I'll try once the garment is complete.
The funny thing that I discovered tonight is that the fabric I'm using is actually drapery lining! WHAT? Yes. I took the label from one of the remnants that I used, and I know the "code" at the top was the same on both. I decided, out of curiousity, to look up the fabric, if I could. And lo and behold, it's drapery lining. Well, hopefully that means that it's really durable!
So, all my pieces are ready to be sewn. I'm not going to do it tonight, only because it's a little late, and since my "sewing room" is right next to my son's bedroom, I'm afraid of waking him up. I'll start tomorrow when he's distracted and I can focus on what I'm doing. I understand what all the parts are for, but it's a matter of seaming edges and putting it together correctly. That's the scary part. I have my little magnetic seam guide now, so hopefully that will help in the process too. I hope it comes out decently enough.
And now for your viewing pleasure-- photos!
Here's the beginning of my cleaned up mess. Yes, like many, my cutting table is my dining room table.
Here are the pieces (before I fused the interfacing with the smaller pieces), along with the pattern, so you can see what it's supposed to look like.
Tomorrow, we start sewing! And if not tomorrow, then Saturday, I hope!
The funny thing that I discovered tonight is that the fabric I'm using is actually drapery lining! WHAT? Yes. I took the label from one of the remnants that I used, and I know the "code" at the top was the same on both. I decided, out of curiousity, to look up the fabric, if I could. And lo and behold, it's drapery lining. Well, hopefully that means that it's really durable!
So, all my pieces are ready to be sewn. I'm not going to do it tonight, only because it's a little late, and since my "sewing room" is right next to my son's bedroom, I'm afraid of waking him up. I'll start tomorrow when he's distracted and I can focus on what I'm doing. I understand what all the parts are for, but it's a matter of seaming edges and putting it together correctly. That's the scary part. I have my little magnetic seam guide now, so hopefully that will help in the process too. I hope it comes out decently enough.
And now for your viewing pleasure-- photos!
Here's the beginning of my cleaned up mess. Yes, like many, my cutting table is my dining room table.
Here are the pieces (before I fused the interfacing with the smaller pieces), along with the pattern, so you can see what it's supposed to look like.
Tomorrow, we start sewing! And if not tomorrow, then Saturday, I hope!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Free Sewing Lessons!
...except I can't go! :-(
I just read on the ReadyMade magazine website that they are gearing up for their second annual re-fashion issue (didn't know they had that!), and in preparation for that, they are teaming up with Singer to offer free sewing lessons at select locations. Unfortunately for me, it's this Saturday, and the only location in my state is about 45-60 minutes away-- a little TOO far away for me.
I doubt that I have ANY readers on here (if so, please say "HI!" in the comments!), but if you are interested in this, check out the article on ReadyMade's blog.
I just read on the ReadyMade magazine website that they are gearing up for their second annual re-fashion issue (didn't know they had that!), and in preparation for that, they are teaming up with Singer to offer free sewing lessons at select locations. Unfortunately for me, it's this Saturday, and the only location in my state is about 45-60 minutes away-- a little TOO far away for me.
I doubt that I have ANY readers on here (if so, please say "HI!" in the comments!), but if you are interested in this, check out the article on ReadyMade's blog.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Forging ahead
I've been slacking in both the sewing and knitting departments, as mentioned yesterday, but I'm slacking no more! Again, I decided to bite the bullet, and forge ahead with my sewing project, namely the "Tunic or not Tunic" pattern from the S.E.W. book. My biggest fear from that one was making the adaptions to make it my size. I decided the only thing that really needed to be altered was the width of the main body, since I am rather "fluffy". But, you can't learn or do by just sitting, and this is a lot less scary than a lot of things in life, so I figured that I might as well go ahead and try.
The material I have is actually remnant stuff. I was able to find two rolls of the same material (or at least upon my inspection, it looked like the same material to me) in different cuts. Since they were remnants, they were half price, so easy on the pocketbook. I ironed out the first piece, and started on the back piece. I measured like the book said and made adjustments. I think I made the proper adjustments, at least. I guess we'll see. So, I pressed the first one, and since I didn't want to cut out the pattern from the tracing paper, I had invested in some dressmaker's paper and a tracing wheel, so that way I could make the marks on the fabric and not shred the pattern to bits, since my size didn't exactly work with what's there anyway. And besides, what if I want to make this for someone else down the road, and I've already cut it up? Then it's no good. So there I was, making marks on the fabric, and once the pattern and dressmaker's paper was lifted, there it was-- a tracing to be cut. So I pinned, and cut. Once it's cut, it's cut. I took a break to do other things, but to cut to the chase, the only parts of the pattern that are left to do are cutting out the front (the lighting after dark in my dining room--which has the largest table-- is too dark), and then doing the collar and arm parts on the interfacing. But otherwise, most of the tracing and cutting is done! I'm rather proud of myself.
Of course, the next part is actually attaching all these pieces together. I understand the logistics of how all the parts go together, but actually executing it will be the challenge. In the end, I'm hoping to get something that's almost blouse-like, since it's made from oxford shirt-like material.
I don't think I'll get much done tomorrow, since tomorrow is the busy afternoon of the week, but perhaps I'll get a little done before Drew gets home from school, at least getting that front of the tunic done, if not the interfacing part. I probably won't get much done on Wednesday as well, since I'll be returning to TKD classes that night, but we'll see. I would like to get it done soon.
The material I have is actually remnant stuff. I was able to find two rolls of the same material (or at least upon my inspection, it looked like the same material to me) in different cuts. Since they were remnants, they were half price, so easy on the pocketbook. I ironed out the first piece, and started on the back piece. I measured like the book said and made adjustments. I think I made the proper adjustments, at least. I guess we'll see. So, I pressed the first one, and since I didn't want to cut out the pattern from the tracing paper, I had invested in some dressmaker's paper and a tracing wheel, so that way I could make the marks on the fabric and not shred the pattern to bits, since my size didn't exactly work with what's there anyway. And besides, what if I want to make this for someone else down the road, and I've already cut it up? Then it's no good. So there I was, making marks on the fabric, and once the pattern and dressmaker's paper was lifted, there it was-- a tracing to be cut. So I pinned, and cut. Once it's cut, it's cut. I took a break to do other things, but to cut to the chase, the only parts of the pattern that are left to do are cutting out the front (the lighting after dark in my dining room--which has the largest table-- is too dark), and then doing the collar and arm parts on the interfacing. But otherwise, most of the tracing and cutting is done! I'm rather proud of myself.
Of course, the next part is actually attaching all these pieces together. I understand the logistics of how all the parts go together, but actually executing it will be the challenge. In the end, I'm hoping to get something that's almost blouse-like, since it's made from oxford shirt-like material.
I don't think I'll get much done tomorrow, since tomorrow is the busy afternoon of the week, but perhaps I'll get a little done before Drew gets home from school, at least getting that front of the tunic done, if not the interfacing part. I probably won't get much done on Wednesday as well, since I'll be returning to TKD classes that night, but we'll see. I would like to get it done soon.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Not the only sewer in the house
Seems these days I write about sewing, but not necessarily DOING much sewing. Well, I'm absorbing the "culture", if you will, and have been pouring over fabric websites and such, with almost as much verve as I do for yarn and knitting websites. Part of it is that I haven't found fabrics that make me say, "Oooh!" as much as various yarns do, but I supposed I'll just give it time, that's all.
In fact, I haven't been doing much knitting or sewing, much to my dismay. I did some knitting at our local Founders Day today, during boredom and needing some rest time at the event. Kept me busy, at least. There was a sewing guild there as well, but all I can say is that there was one woman who had what looked like a good Husqvarna Viking machine (which are generally not cheap machines) there, and they had a bunch of quilted items and little girls dresses with smocking on it. All the ladies seemed too busy answering questions like, where to find Pennington's QuiltWorks, which is improved since it went to its new location and it's one of the best resources in the country. (Been there, and would agree, at least, that they have a lot of cool fabrics there. Of course, was there a year ago before the sewing bug bit me...), and where to buy a sewing machine (of which there are several places, but the woman speaking was directing the asker to the Sew N Vac in Princeton). So, it's not like I got NOTHING done in relation to that-- I kept it as part of my day! I also finally cleared and cleaned my dining room table in the hopes that perhaps in the next couple of days I will go and mark and cut the pattern to the tunic I want to make for myself. I am nervous, since I have to make an adaption to the pattern, but I just have to bite the bullet and do it, right?
But, my sewing machine DID get some use today. And it wasn't by me. Y'see, before I ever bought a machine, my MIL had her machines. And when there were hems to be sewn or some repairs to be done, my HUSBAND, JC, actually learned how to make sure repairs and knows how to use a sewing machine better than I would. Just for hems and things like that, like I said. His mother used to own this huge, heavy industrial machine years ago. I remember helping him move that thing out of the closet where it was kept, onto his mom's truck, and then helping him move it to first his aunt's house, and then his aunt's friend's house. It was the sort of machine that had only one speed--lightening fast. There was little control in the foot pedal. After all, like I said, it was an industrial machine, probably being given away or sold cheaply from the place where his mom worked at one time as a seamstress. So over the years, JC learned a thing or two of some basics, it appears, and he was like a kid who'd been away from his bicycle-- he didn't forget a thing. He wanted to do a repair on one pair of jeans of Drew's. Drew has torn the left knee of almost every pair of jeans he owns. I was waiting until the weather was more consistently warm that I was going to make cutoffs or at least cut and hem them to make shorts. But today, JC took a small piece of lightweight denim to make a long patch underneath, and was sewing the patch with a zigzag to repair the hole. He complained about the machine being laced up with white thread (in preparation for my tunic), which was too bad, but I have to admit, he did an okay job. Not beautiful, but acceptable, at least. Funny thing is that the patch didn't even last through today-- the knee ripped again, but did hold on the sides. Oh well.
I asked JC what he thought of the new machine, and he said it was fine. Just getting used to the foot pedal, that's all, but he still felt comfortable around it. Then again, between using his mom's and how Trading Spaces always touted it as a power tool, (it's true, if you think about it), his masculinity is intact. So I guess, for now, we have two sewers-- one a total beginner, and one who is not so much of a beginner.
I guess, perhaps, in time, Drew will learn too. I promise you, by the time that boy leaves for college, or at least soon after he graduates from college, he will be able to sew, cook and clean for himself, I tell you! ;-)
In fact, I haven't been doing much knitting or sewing, much to my dismay. I did some knitting at our local Founders Day today, during boredom and needing some rest time at the event. Kept me busy, at least. There was a sewing guild there as well, but all I can say is that there was one woman who had what looked like a good Husqvarna Viking machine (which are generally not cheap machines) there, and they had a bunch of quilted items and little girls dresses with smocking on it. All the ladies seemed too busy answering questions like, where to find Pennington's QuiltWorks, which is improved since it went to its new location and it's one of the best resources in the country. (Been there, and would agree, at least, that they have a lot of cool fabrics there. Of course, was there a year ago before the sewing bug bit me...), and where to buy a sewing machine (of which there are several places, but the woman speaking was directing the asker to the Sew N Vac in Princeton). So, it's not like I got NOTHING done in relation to that-- I kept it as part of my day! I also finally cleared and cleaned my dining room table in the hopes that perhaps in the next couple of days I will go and mark and cut the pattern to the tunic I want to make for myself. I am nervous, since I have to make an adaption to the pattern, but I just have to bite the bullet and do it, right?
But, my sewing machine DID get some use today. And it wasn't by me. Y'see, before I ever bought a machine, my MIL had her machines. And when there were hems to be sewn or some repairs to be done, my HUSBAND, JC, actually learned how to make sure repairs and knows how to use a sewing machine better than I would. Just for hems and things like that, like I said. His mother used to own this huge, heavy industrial machine years ago. I remember helping him move that thing out of the closet where it was kept, onto his mom's truck, and then helping him move it to first his aunt's house, and then his aunt's friend's house. It was the sort of machine that had only one speed--lightening fast. There was little control in the foot pedal. After all, like I said, it was an industrial machine, probably being given away or sold cheaply from the place where his mom worked at one time as a seamstress. So over the years, JC learned a thing or two of some basics, it appears, and he was like a kid who'd been away from his bicycle-- he didn't forget a thing. He wanted to do a repair on one pair of jeans of Drew's. Drew has torn the left knee of almost every pair of jeans he owns. I was waiting until the weather was more consistently warm that I was going to make cutoffs or at least cut and hem them to make shorts. But today, JC took a small piece of lightweight denim to make a long patch underneath, and was sewing the patch with a zigzag to repair the hole. He complained about the machine being laced up with white thread (in preparation for my tunic), which was too bad, but I have to admit, he did an okay job. Not beautiful, but acceptable, at least. Funny thing is that the patch didn't even last through today-- the knee ripped again, but did hold on the sides. Oh well.
I asked JC what he thought of the new machine, and he said it was fine. Just getting used to the foot pedal, that's all, but he still felt comfortable around it. Then again, between using his mom's and how Trading Spaces always touted it as a power tool, (it's true, if you think about it), his masculinity is intact. So I guess, for now, we have two sewers-- one a total beginner, and one who is not so much of a beginner.
I guess, perhaps, in time, Drew will learn too. I promise you, by the time that boy leaves for college, or at least soon after he graduates from college, he will be able to sew, cook and clean for himself, I tell you! ;-)
Friday, May 2, 2008
First Martha, Now Marie
It was a big coup when the company that manufactures Singer, Husqvarna Viking, and Pfaff Sewing machines got the endorsement of Martha Stewart. She had never endorsed a brand other than her own, so it was a really big deal.
Read about it here: MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA, INC. ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT OF SVP WORLDWIDE PRODUCTS
So today, as I'm browsing through the web, I discover this:
I read this article on Comcast:Sewing Up Marie Osmond's Endorsement
Then I read a few more details about it on Business Wire.
So, whaddya think of that? It's interesting to see who the endorsers are and what they are endorsing. I mean, Martha is known as the queen of all domestic goddess stuff, so having her endorsement on anything, especially something that she didn't put into production for herself as her own brand, is a big deal. (Just give it time-- you know there will be a Martha Stewart model someday.) But America's sweetheart, Marie, is also known as a rather crafty person in her own right, dedicating a lot of her business ventures to crafting stuff, like her dolls, so I'm sure she is a quilter, even though I didn't know it before.
From all the research I have done, both the SVP brands and the Janome brands are really good one-- they aren't junk machines. I know Threadbangers is sponsored in part by Janome, which I'm sure was a big boost to them, since I'm guessing they started out just on their own, and Janome gave them THEIR endorsement by becoming a sponsor. And I'll admit, that between SVP brands, Janome and Bernina, and yes, even Brother, I was looking at all those brands when I was searching for a machine, and then went with a Singer. (A big part of it was price point for me.) But I have to say that it's also interesting that Marie is hawking this really expensive model, the Memory Craft 11000 computerized machine. While I'm sure it's great for quilters and others who was to be free with their creativity, it's a machine that sells for upwards of $6000! I found one on eBay that was selling hers for about half the price, which is still really expensive! I supposed if you are a professional and are REALLY into this, that's a good investment. But really Marie, as cool as the machine is, do you expect your fans, who are pretty much Middle America, to spend that kind of money on a sewing machine if they are not professionals themselves? That's a pretty expensive toy. And don't get me wrong-- I'm a big Marie fan. Bigger fan of her brother Donny, but we won't go into that here. ;-)
For once, I have to tip my hat to Martha. She endorses a line that has a little bit of something for everyone, from those who are watching their budget (like me), all the way through the machine's like Marie's. There's bound to be a machine that fits every budget and need with the SVP brands. (I'm not necessarily endorsing it, although I will admit that I am enjoying my Singer Inspiration 4206 so far, and hopefully someday will be able to upgrade to a "fancier" machine.) Martha presents to the masses-- and the masses respond. So it was more responsible for her to endorse a reputable brand that had a wide range instead of just one specific machine. If Marie could learn anything from Martha, she would've been better off endorsing the Janome brand as a whole, rather than just the one specific, out of most people's price range machine.
Getting off my soapbox now....
Read about it here: MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA, INC. ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENT OF SVP WORLDWIDE PRODUCTS
So today, as I'm browsing through the web, I discover this:
I read this article on Comcast:Sewing Up Marie Osmond's Endorsement
Then I read a few more details about it on Business Wire.
So, whaddya think of that? It's interesting to see who the endorsers are and what they are endorsing. I mean, Martha is known as the queen of all domestic goddess stuff, so having her endorsement on anything, especially something that she didn't put into production for herself as her own brand, is a big deal. (Just give it time-- you know there will be a Martha Stewart model someday.) But America's sweetheart, Marie, is also known as a rather crafty person in her own right, dedicating a lot of her business ventures to crafting stuff, like her dolls, so I'm sure she is a quilter, even though I didn't know it before.
From all the research I have done, both the SVP brands and the Janome brands are really good one-- they aren't junk machines. I know Threadbangers is sponsored in part by Janome, which I'm sure was a big boost to them, since I'm guessing they started out just on their own, and Janome gave them THEIR endorsement by becoming a sponsor. And I'll admit, that between SVP brands, Janome and Bernina, and yes, even Brother, I was looking at all those brands when I was searching for a machine, and then went with a Singer. (A big part of it was price point for me.) But I have to say that it's also interesting that Marie is hawking this really expensive model, the Memory Craft 11000 computerized machine. While I'm sure it's great for quilters and others who was to be free with their creativity, it's a machine that sells for upwards of $6000! I found one on eBay that was selling hers for about half the price, which is still really expensive! I supposed if you are a professional and are REALLY into this, that's a good investment. But really Marie, as cool as the machine is, do you expect your fans, who are pretty much Middle America, to spend that kind of money on a sewing machine if they are not professionals themselves? That's a pretty expensive toy. And don't get me wrong-- I'm a big Marie fan. Bigger fan of her brother Donny, but we won't go into that here. ;-)
For once, I have to tip my hat to Martha. She endorses a line that has a little bit of something for everyone, from those who are watching their budget (like me), all the way through the machine's like Marie's. There's bound to be a machine that fits every budget and need with the SVP brands. (I'm not necessarily endorsing it, although I will admit that I am enjoying my Singer Inspiration 4206 so far, and hopefully someday will be able to upgrade to a "fancier" machine.) Martha presents to the masses-- and the masses respond. So it was more responsible for her to endorse a reputable brand that had a wide range instead of just one specific machine. If Marie could learn anything from Martha, she would've been better off endorsing the Janome brand as a whole, rather than just the one specific, out of most people's price range machine.
Getting off my soapbox now....
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