I'm still here!

Hello Windsornot Threadheads (all zero of you),

I'm still here. Took a break due to vacation. But, that doesn't mean that I haven't been thinking or doing things before, during or after my vacation!

Since I'm sure she's not reading this blog, I think it's safe to say that I can post my mother's birthday gift now. She still hasn't received it, but what the hell.


Is this a periwinkle blue apron? Or.....


..or is it a lime green apron?


Ah hah! It's reversible! Gotcha!

I hadn't realized I hadn't posted this. It's been done for weeks, so it's just a matter of gifting it. Most of the work was really in the cutting and pressing. All I did was take my Williams-Sonoma chef apron, trace it and give about an extra inch allowance for seaming, and then ironed all the pieces to death, that it was just a matter or aligning all the pieces together, etc. I think for a first semi-freestyle effort, it came out pretty well. I think my mom will like. She asked for it, after all, in that fabric, but I think she'll be pleased in the end. Much of her kitchen and living room has an "Alice in Wonderland" feel to it, so it'll go along with it. I think her kitchen is also a dark periwinkle, so it'll go.

I think at some point, I'll probably make another one, but kid sized for Drew. I'll also probably try to make it so that it looks like the checkerboard racing flag or something like that. I like appealing to his car racing interests when I can (it's better than some other sports!).

I'm also thinking ahead to some other projects. I bought the beautiful fabric from my birthday, and I want to make something with it, but I'm not sure if it'll be a really nice blouse or a dress.

But in the meantime, since I'm almost done the other dress that I started, I have that on hold because I'm waiting to receive the other birthday present I bought myself...



I bought a "Uniquely You" dressform for myself. I originally saw it on eBay, but bought it through the Atlanta Thread Company instead, as the pricing was the same, but the guarantee was better at ATC. I bought this one because it was more flexible due to it being almost all foam. I figured it was going to be like my Select Comfort pillow that I have, that conforms to the pressure you put on it, so it's more malliable, if that makes sense. You slip on this cover and adjust the measurements that way, and can buy different covers if you change sizes. I liked it too because you could pin on it better, and it's not this hard, stiff thing. I haven't gotten it yet, as I only ordered it after the Labor Day weekend, so I'm hoping to get it next week. I think once I have that in place, it'll be easier for me to tailor some of my clothes, whether I'm making them from scratch or fixing store bought ones. I'm excited to receive it!

I'm also looking ahead to Halloween. Last year I chickened out and just wore my TKD uniform. But this year, I want to make something that's not too complicated to wear to the Scout Halloween Party. I don't wear anything on Halloween itself, because it's just easier to let the kids have their fun. I'm not sure what I'll do yet, if anything, but I'll come up with something.

So, I'm back! I don't know how soon I'll be getting back into my projects. It's back to school season, so we're trying to get back into a routine and rhythm of things, so we'll see when I get a chance to do that. Between knitting and sewing, I really want to get back into the swing of things!

What color is your parachute....fabric?

Today is my birthday. And as such I had a coupon for discount at the yarn store as well as the quilting fabric store. So how did I spend my afternoon? Yup, using my coupons! Since this is my sewing blog, I might as well tell you that I think I might just have a color addition. The color, interestingly enough, is orange. Now, I like just about any color in the right shade and if you find the right pattern. Going into this particular quilting store is, well, overwhelming. You see every color and nuance in the rainbow. There are SOOOOO many beautiful fabrics. It puts any JoAnn's Fabrics store to shame, for sure. I know what colors and prints I tend to gravitate towards too...aquas and oranges and reds. Now, officially my favorite color is blue. I tend to lean towards indigos and deep purples/violets, and like I said before, aquas/turquoises. So how is it that both times that I've entered this store, I've walked out with orange patterned fabric? Well, the last time, it was a print that looked tropical for summer (the dress I'm working on). This time, I didn't have something to make, but then realized that I could make something to wear for the fall, not that I had a specific pattern or anything in mind. I had originally picked up an aqua blue colored pattern, but thought that might not be a good color for the fall. So, I found the same patterned fabric in orange. Sue me! Perhaps it my need to have a happy, bright color on that I know I look good in.

I decided that I'm going to make either a blouse or another dress from it. One tip that Sandy told me (as she and her daughter came along for the trip) was that if I mentioned that I'm making the product for a piece of clothing rather than for quilting, they won't charge me sales tax, as in NJ clothing is not taxed. Sweet! That works for me. So, I bought 4 yards of fabric, which is probably more than enough, but I'd rather have more than less. I also bought a pattern, which was for a kids' teepee and sleeping bag set. They had the teepee in the store, and it was just so cute! I'm thinking that I am going to make a sleeping bag for my son, and perhaps make the teepee for my nephew for Christmas (yeah, his mother will love me for that!).

After loading up on matching silk blend yarn in orange for some sort of bolero or shawl or shrug or something like that, as well as some new needles and a magazine at the yarn store, I was done. I spent a ton of money, even if it was my own money and with a discount!

Now, there are two things I need to do. First, I have to find an easy blouse or dress pattern to use for this beautiful fabric. Second, I have to understand my passion for orange!

Oh, and just to show that I have a very cool sewing friend, Sandy gave me a very pretty shopping tote that she made me. And it's....aqua with rainbow batik-like stripes running through it. It's really pretty, and I think it's really cool because she made it just for me. And now that I sew, I know what it takes to make it. Hers is SOOOO much better than anything I've ever made thusfar, but then again, she has way more experience as well as better equipment than I do. I really like it, and it made me happy that she thought of me.

In the meantime, I have been trying to squeeze in a project. Since I'm still having problems with my dress, I'm putting that aside temporarily, and working on an apron that my mother requested for her birthday. I made a pattern by tracing the basic shape of my Williams-Sonoma chef apron, and I'm using the same fabric that I had used on the tote bag I had made a while back. Everything is cut, pinned where needed, and ironed big time, so the only thing left is actually doing the sewing. It's going to be reversible (what's up with that, too, that I make reversible stuff?), and I think she'll love it. Hopefully I can work on the sewing this weekend so I can have it for when she comes to babysit on Monday. I will take photos, I promise, because I'm not letting something like that out of my hands when it's almost my own pattern, simply because I figured out the logistics on my own.

Ta-ta for now!

JC ain't no Christian Siriano, for sure

I've been continuing to work on my dress. I just completed a slightly wasted evening, and I'll tell you why.

Seams. It was all about seams. I'm having a difficult time with getting the side seams of this dress I'm making. I was told that with the way I originally cut it from the pattern (which was too small), that I made the dress too big like a short mumu. So, I take the seams in a little bit. Still too big. So I take the seams in some more. Better around the bust and torso, but hit the hips and belly, and it's too tight. So, I rip the seams up to where it's fitting (and it's quite fitted), and to make a long story short, I've ripped out and re-sewn the seams a total of 3 times (that's a 2 seams, one on each side, 3 times, so that's actually 6 seams altogether). And being that I'm a tall girl, you can only imagine how many stitches I had to pick ALL THOSE TIMES to try to get the seam out. The problem was something that all women dread-- the panty line. Although mine is more where the waistband is, rather than the bottom. I just can't get it right. I can't trust JC to pin me correctly, and I can't exactly pin myself, so, I just marked a spot a little higher than where I was starting the re-seams, and I will pick at it again tomorrow or another day when my eyes aren't going buggy from it all.

A big part of my frustration is JC. You might say, "Why are you blaming him?" Well, while I can look at myself to an extent in the mirror, I kept asking him, "How does it look?" and he'd be the one to say, "Let this out, tighten that up, I can see your panty waistband...". UGH! This really why I need a dressform badly. That way, I can get it right the first time instead of relying on someone else.

I WILL get this dress done! It should have been finished tonight!

Progress, but still not done, and no photos!

I actually spent some time working on the dress this morning. I finally cornered JC so as to help me pin the bust darts. Well, let me say, he should keep his day job, since he didn't exactly pin it right. But I was able to recover from it. (Fortunately, he didn't stick me!) The hardest part, once I had my darts in place, was actually sewing them and making the garment look presentable. Part of the problem was that a)the darts should've gone in much earlier in the process, and b)by that same token, it was difficult to sew a straight line on an angle.

I did put the armbands in, and yay! I got them to work this time. So that felt pretty good. I sewed up the remaining seams and had everything done except the hem. Well, first I goofed up near the bottom. I was going to make little slits at the bottom on each side. I did well in seaming one of them, until I realized that I had sewn it upside down, at least thread-wise. The accent thread was on the inside of the garment instead of the outside. DOH! It didn't look bad when I showed it to JC. But then when I put on the dress for JC, it was like a tent. Well, better too much fabric than not enough, right? So, after all my efforts, for it to look decently on me, I have to take it in by at least 1-1 1/2 inches on both sides. This, then messes up the little trim at the bottom, as well as screws up the armholes that took me most of the morning to get in there. Oh, and I have to sew down the bust darts better now that I have a better idea where everything lies.

I think it's the "taking everything in" part that bothers me a little. Part of this is all part of the learning process, but geez, you'd think that with the majority of the population being overweight that the author would've made something in sizes that were at least in the XL category (even if parts of me are actual XXL, I'm sad to say). I'm not sure exactly how I'm going to go about taking in the dress quite yet, in light of the armholes. I'll have to think about it.

In the meantime, this project definitely is screaming out to me that I need a dressform. While JC's intentions are good, I think I'd do better if I could do it myself, but at the same time, I can pin things on myself and be that accurate. Perhaps I'll have to save up for one, and it'll be my birthday present to myself in a few weeks. In the grand scheme of things, they aren't that expensive (much like there are many inexpensive sewing machines too), but picking the right one is the trick. I think I know which one I want, but again, I'll have to see as time goes on...

The other thing that I'm interested in, if money were no object, is getting one of those sewing machines that's also for embroidery. I was looking at the HSN site the other day, and they were showing the one they were featuring, a Singer Futura. Oh man, they had me convinced, and I had all sorts of ideas running through my head on what I'd make with such a machine. But, that's when I have more disposable income, such as from hitting the lottery. (I have a kitchen to redo at this point, and the first part might involve getting a new dishwasher soon. :-S) Ah, one can dream, right? Oh, and a serger too, but I won't get ahead of myself. I don't even have a decent sewing table, after all! And the LCD light on my machine is flaky now.

Well, I have a number of other projects I need to do soon, which will use my Lotte Jansdotter book. My mother wanted an apron for her birthday, and that's coming up soon! So I have to get on the ball with that one. I am also thinking of making his and hers aprons as a little housewarming gift for my brother when he moves next month and hopefully we'll have a chance to visit.

Another project, which may even wait until much later, is making JC a new pair of swim trunks. One pair ripped this week, mostly because they're old, so I was thinking of recycling the lining and making a new pair using those. We'll see.

So, I think I need to get a move-on with these projects!

Sewing fiend!

I know I haven't been on here for a little while, but I have been very busy is my regular life, but did make time-- especially over the 4th of July weekend-- to get some crafty stuff done. It was mostly sewing, which is good, and it was my best attempts at doing some clothing alterations, as well as attempting to make my first functional garment, which is still a work in progress.

Well, I'm sure you'd like some photos too, so even though it's not exciting, here you go!

Drew had at least 4 pairs of jeans that he had ripped huge holes in the left knee. Consistently the left knee too. (Oddly enough, if I have a hole in the knee of my jeans, that's where I get it too. Hmmmm....) They weren't really patchable, and since he's a growing kid where these will be too big for him soon enough, it made more sense to recycle them and make them shorts rather than me going out and buying him some new shorts anyway. I took photos of one pair that I did, but like I said, I did FOUR pairs, which is 8 little pant legs, my friends!


As you can see, the left knee is severely ripped. No turning back now!


And here's after! Shorts!

While I didn't do anything fancy to make them shorts, it still took some thinking. First, I had to make sure that I made relatively even cuts on both so the legs would be even. And even then, once I created the hem, I had to make sure they were the same length. Some weren't completely perfect, but for the most part it was pretty damn close, even if I did use a measuring tape as I made them. One of the tricky parts was that at least 2 of the pairs of jeans were painter's pants style, so they had pockets that were very low down. I actually had to hem into the pocket itself, but it wasn't too bad. I don't think people will really notice that too much. As long as the hem is neat and the thread isn't too noticable (I used gray), I figured it would look fine, and it does. When Drew wore a pair that I had done and I told my sister who does some sewing that I had done that, she seemed fairly impressed.

The other item, as I said, is a work in progress. It's a variation of sorts of the tunic pattern that was in the S.E.W. Workshop book (my "sewing bible"). Essentially, I remade the pattern using this really nice and pricier fabric, made my adaptations/adjustments to the pattern so it'd fit me, and made it longer so it could be a dress instead of just a shirt. I worked on it for most of the 4th of July weekend, but I didn't finish it yet. I have to work in the darts at the chest, but I need JC's help or a dressform for that. Since I don't have the dressform yet, I have to get him at the right moment. He's reliable, as he's helped his mother with sewing projects, and in some respects is a better sewer than I am. Once I have that done, then I can finish out the armholes (made the bands longer this time, so there should be no complications), and hem up the sides and bottom, and I'll be done! The neckline isn't perfect, but I think I still did a pretty good job of it for a beginner. I even used a contrasting thread to finish it, and it looks cool. Perhaps I can finish that this weekend, which would be great. It may end up looking like a mini muumuu on me in the end, but you don't learn until you try, right? Photos will come once it's done.

Oh, and what's this that the Threadbanger report had tried to slip by, that there might be a Threadbanger Sewing Machine made by Janome in the future! Oh what teases they are! If they did, that would be cool. I guess I'll have to stay tuned to see if they provide more details.

Keep sewing!

Freestyling in the crib, yo!

While I haven't been doing as much sewing as I'd like, I did manage to get one project in, or rather two since there are two of them. I did it in one night, too, so go me. The other thing is that I did this with no pattern at all. Not that it's all that difficult, but I just came up with the construction in my head, and I was able to, as Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work."

I haven't done too much with home decor anything yet (at sewing, at least), so this was my first attempt at that. We've recently repainted part of our kitchen. As it's a bi-level kitchen and family room that share two common walls, it was tricky picking out a paint color that both my husband and I liked for the common walls. But for the horizontal walls that the rooms didn't share, it was decided that those walls would be different colors in each of the rooms, so as to distinguish the rooms from each other. Yet, the colors that would be used would be coordinating.

I had been eyeing this fabric for a year. It doesn't look like much in these photos, but it's just striped material with the colors that JC and I had discussed all along with coordinating shades. The long walls are a light toasted almond color, and the short walls in the kitchen are a dark terracotta orange-red color. (The short walls in the family room will be-- when painted-- a medium teal/aqua color.) While the EXACT color are not in the fabric, what's there is pretty darn close.

All I wanted was simple valances, just to dress up a plain wall that had the only windows into the room. The back of my house is very dark, so I didn't want major draperies going. Just a little splash of color. And I think I achieved that.

As I said, I didn't use a pattern. I did take some measurements. I did about a 1/4" seam all the way around except the bottom seam, which was 1/2". Then, I folded over the top about 4", sewed that down, then about halfway in that fold, sewed across again. This allowed for me to slip the rods in the bottom half, and leave a little at the top (which was a request of JC, and a good suggestion at that).

So-- voila!

Here's the valance at the window by the kitchen table. You can see some of the red wall next to it.


Here's the one that's over the kitchen sink.

Not too shabby for freestylin' sewing, huh?

Got another Sewing Book

Yes, I'm back. While I admit I haven't been sewing much, I am still very much interested in it. I haven't been able to make much time for anything these days, and it also doesn't help that my makeshift sewing room is hotter than hell (since the DH refuses to let the A/C run in that room, even though we have central air), so with the warmer weather, I've been a little more hesitant to go in and work. But like I said, I've just been really busy to get anything done. I'll be happy if I can hem my TKD uniform sometime this week.

Well, since I had a request, as mentioned in my last post, I decided that I would go ahead and buy a book I wanted that actually had a pattern for a reversible chef-style apron. And here's the book:



I've been eyeballing this book for a while, since it had some good looking and seemingly easy projects in the book to do that weren't, well, lame. There are a few patterns included with the book in a side pockets, but otherwise the book is full of directions of how to make said items. They just all look cute without looking too kitsch. You know how some books make knitted, crocheted, and sewing pattern look like grandma's stuff? Well, this is not one of those books. I'm looking forward to doing some patterns from here in the future. I already know I'm doing the apron, but I think, if I can get the right filling and I have enough fabric, I'm going to make a matching oven mitt or potholder as well. I think that would make a nice gift. I may also use the patterns for the tablecloths and napkins, as I suspect I may have bought way too much fabric for my kitchen curtains than needed, and that way I can have something coordinated perfectly. ;-)

So, fear not! I am still getting there. Just wish my sewing machine was as portable as my knitting is! ;-)

I'm taking orders now! (Or it sure seems that way!)

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!)

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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! ;-)

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....

So, one project is not enough. What next?

What next, you ask? Good question. Based on my last endeavor, I'm still intent on sticking with something simple, but upping the bar a little bit. I know, I'm a little nutty challenging myself so quickly, but I think that's part of what makes it more interesting for me. I won't learn anything unless I challenge myself.

Thus, I've been thinking about it quite a bit. And I decided that I wanted to do another project from the S.E.W. book. So I looked through the book, and thought about what I wanted to make that was not a one-spool (easy) project, but something that was two spools (intermediate beginner), the next level up. I wanted to make something to wear this time, and again, keep it simple. I've been eyeing the tunic in there, the pattern aptly named, "Tunic, or not Tunic?". Before even taking the pattern out of the pattern envelope in the book, I decided to read the pattern fairly carefully, to make sure I wasn't biting off more than I can chew. Well, there's only 6 pieces to the pattern, and less is more that way, so Diana Rupp the S.E.W. goddess says. Makes sense. Having the knitting background I have, looking at the pieces and looking at how the pieces go together, it totally made sense. That part is a piece of cake. I think the challenge will be getting the neckpiece/collar working. We're not talking a normal collar-- it's simple enough. It's just a V piece with the back piece, but getting some zigzag stitching in there and attaching it to the main body of the tunic will be the tricky part. That and the armband parts too. The other trick with this pattern is that the largest size is still too small for me, so I'm going to still have to figure out how to make adaptions. :-S Yikes! I'm not panicking yet. I think it will only be making it a little wider, not so much the longer part. So, I've got that on tap.

I went out to JoAnn's Fabrics, as that's the main and pretty much only fabric shop around here. (Okay, there's a Calico Corners Home down the street, but that's not for the stuff I need.) I am such a smart shopper for the most part. One of the things I mentioned the last time was the need of a magnetic seam guide. Well, I searched the store, and I finally found one in the quilter's section. It was smaller than I expected, but it was only $1.59. Sweet! I'm not sure if it's the right thing, but I decide that I'll take my chances. Eventually, I find the "regular" one in the "regular" sewing section. It's by the same manufacturer, and lo and behold, the only thing that's different is the packaging-- and the price! The "regular" one is $4.59! It's the same exact thing! So yeah, getting the cheaper one was a good idea. I also got interfacing that the tunic pattern required, but found out after I got home (but fortunately before I opened the package) that I got the wrong kind. Oh well! I'll go exchange it tomorrow. I also got some dressmaker's pattern paper, so that way I don't have to totally destroy the patterns. Of course, having a tracer do-hickey would help! I'll have to get one of those tomorrow as well.

Then, I did it. I've been eyeing this canvas-like striped fabric for at least a long time, well before I even started sewing. I've wanted to make some curtains for my kitchen that would coordinate with the plans we have for our kitchen and family room. It incorporated all the colors we've talked about along with some contrasting colors at the same time. It looked like the bolt was almost done, so I bought all that was left, about 2 2/3 yards. Okay, it's way too much fabric for what I need, but I love this fabric. I can probably make some new pillow covers (the old ones are the same as the main fabric of my tote bag) with it, and perhaps some extra tote bags too! LOL So, it looks like I might be making some valances soon as well. Hooray! I hope to get the hang of this enough to make some new mini sheers for my front door soon. The ones that are there are fugly, and were left with the house, but they don't go at ALL with what we have here. I think I've seen some Christopher Lowell sheer fabric with some embroidery that was affordable and would go, so I'll have to work towards that.

So, I have two projects ahead-- a tunic, and some valances for my kitchen. It think it's a plan! Now, to get started...pattern nerves ensue again!

My first REAL sewing project-- DONE!

Okay, so yesterday I bit the bullet and cut out the material. I started sewing. Tonight, I have a finished project.

Voila!


My first real project, a tote bag made using the S.E.W. book's pattern (or should I say, directions).

I'll say it's not too bad for a first project of this caliber (not that this is a high caliber, but you know), but as much as it looks okay, there are plenty of mistakes as well.

Let's first talk about the stitchwork. I'll admit it-- I'm really, really bad at both doing a basic straight line as well as doing decorative stitches. Not that my machine can do that much in the way of decorative stitches, but work with me here. You can see in the following photo that I might have used that bumpy stitch, but not consistently, on the pocket, and then again on the "ribbon" border.


I know that the "best" way to do it is at 0-1 stitches for length, but the problem is that the feed dogs don't feed at 0 stitches, so you have to move it yourself, so I think that explains the inconsistency. Oh well. That will take some practice, much like just doing straight stitching. Like, look here, at the back-- proof that it is a valiant attempt, but still inconsistent.


At the same time, you may be asking, "Windsornot, why'd you attempt something like that on your very first project?" Well, I'll tell you. Like I said before, my straight stitches aren't very straight. Thus, when I put in the lining for my bag-- YES, I put in a lining!-- the stitches showing on the outside showed how crooked they were. I needed to cover them up somehow, so I made the makeshift "ribbon" out of the same material as the pocket, and attached it with the decorative stitch. Here, take a look-- here's the evidence:


Even so, unless you really look close at it, you can't tell, or it's not THAT bad.

Let's see, what else can I tell you about the project? The material used was all scraps of sorts. The striped material is leftover from pillows and curtains I did in my old house (I have a TON of it left). The red material is actually from other curtains used in my old house, which were transferred to my new house. The lining was from remnant material I got at JoAnn Fabrics recently. I think it's shirt/broadcloth material, and least that's how it feels.

So, what lessons were learned from this?

I can do a sewing project!

I need to learn to iron and cut my fabric much better.

I need to learn to sew straighter seams! The investment of a magnetic seam guide, much to JC's objections of me getting anymore do-hickeys for sewing, might be needed. Also, the cutting the fabric straighter will hopefully help in this endeavor as well.

Just like in knitting, sometimes my inner instincts are good in trying to make corrections.

In the end, while it's not perfect in any shape or form, I still feel that my first true sewing project came out pretty well, so I'm pleased with it, and more importantly with myself.

Even JC thought I did a good job. And even Drew helped with the project here and there. JC was also impressed with the little set-up I had going in the guest room. He said it's looking like a real sewing room, with my little table and everything set up as it is. Now, if I could only get legitimate space for a craft room! But that's for another posting someday.

Now, the question is, do I make my next tote bag for my friend as I had planned, or work on something else first? And if I should work on something else, what should it be? Hmmmm....decisions, decisions.

Biting the bullet

I've been hesitating starting on my first real project. Why, you may ask?

Well, I'm weird. I'm excited to learn to sew, yet scared to start on something. I think it's because I'm thinking so far ahead, even with simple stuff. And because I'm thinking ahead, I'm already anticipating problems that I don't know how to deal with it. I know, it's a little bit of putting the cart before the horse syndrome, but it's different with sewing than knitting. With knitting, if you goof up, you can always frog it and start over on a section if you messed up. There's literally more flexibility, and once you know how to read a pattern, and you know how to knit and purl, you are on your way for the most part. Sure, I know a lot more now than when I started, and there are still things I don't know. I wouldn't call myself an advanced or expert knitter, but I'm not a beginner either.

I think I'm like this with anything new. I've very hesitant and unsure of myself. And until I do the first project or two, get the hang of it-- even if it's very simple-- I'm terrified of failure, even though I know failure is part of the learning process. I think part of it too is that there is a lot more complicated stuff going on with sewing than I expected. Understanding knitting helps, because I understand garment construction a lot more than if I didn't knit, and having already learned to make adaptions in knitting (some of which are a lot easier to do), I'm anticipating having to make adaptions for sewing patterns, and really screwing things up. I'm sure in time making some sewing adaptions will be normal, but for now, I don't know what I'm doing.

I kept re-reading the section of my S.E.W. book on how to read patterns, and I understand some parts, and not others. How much yardage? Check. How to lay out the patterns on the fabric? Check. How to sew this part or that part? Well, not so much. And to top it all off, I come to find out that sewing pattern sizes are not the same as store sizes. So, I could be a size 8 at the Gap (I'm not, but bear with me) and a size 14 via the sewing pattern. That screws up everything for me, because I'm not exactly small to begin with. I know they make plus sized patterns, but still, what if I still need to make adaptions to that as well? And one of the reasons I wanted to learn to sew was because I think I don't fit a size per se. Like my back is one size, but my front is another size, and I have a waist, and so on. So I'm freezing up mentally on this, when I shouldn't. I should just seize the day and start simple. But even the simple tote bag that I plan to do is seizing up my brain. And my logical brain says that's dumb, but my emotional brain is panicking. I don't understand my brain sometimes.

So, I had a little chat with one of my co-workers today, and was mentioning that I was starting to learn, and part of the difficulty was that nobody, and I mean NOBODY ever showed me anything about sewing until my lesson with Sandy. My mother had a machine when I was a kid, but I really didn't learn anything from her at all, and I wouldn't say that in any way was she a sewing person. I think, in retrospect, it was because she didn't learn properly herself, because after reading some of the problems that can happen with improper care of your machine and accessories, I think that was the problem. But the co-worker was very enthusiastic and encouraging, and assured me that even making basic stuff was satisfying, as that's what she would do for her kids when they were smaller, and just make costumes and toys and chatchkes and stuff. With that kind of encouragement, I don't know...I just decided that I needed to listen to my logical mind instead of my scared little girl mind, and yes, bite the bullet.

So, tonight, with scrap material in hand, my cutting board, rotary cutter and scissors, my ruler, my tracing pencil, and the directions in my S.E.W. book, I cut out my first "pattern" for the tote bag I decided to make. I'm doing a trial run with scrap material I have first just to get the hang of it before I make a nicer one later. I think this one won't be perfect, but it's a good start. I'll admit, I didn't press any material, although I definitely should. I decided to make a pocket at the last minute, so I started with that. While I didn't have an iron on hand (I'll have to bring the iron and ironing board upstairs from the basement), I used the Elisa method of marking (in this case, spit to make creases. I know, bleeh, but it's my bag, so it's my spit. Deal with it! I stitched up the pocket, and while it's not perfect, it's not so bad either. After a little bit of work on it, Drew came up, and he helped me with it. He likes using the "accelerator" for me, and he's getting rather good at listening to what I need, such as go slower, go faster, STOP, and go medium. He likes helping and watching, so that's good. He asked what I was making, and I told him a tote bag. He asked if he could have it when I was done making it, and I said sure, and he was excited about that. Of course, I have to finish it first!

So I think if I do any sewing stuff this weekend, I'll have to bring the ironing board and iron upstairs. I wanted to get a mini craft iron, but JC is getting weird about me getting all this stuff. He feels I've already spent too much on things, and I can just use what I have. Geez, okay already. We have two regular irons anyway. I think if I have time, I will be able to get the bag done this weekend. We'll see. There's a lot going on, and I really need to attend to my house and getting it cleaned up. It's time to change the seasonal clothes, and perhaps that will help tell me what some of my future clothes projects that I want to do will be! I know I want to make shorts for both Drew and I, that's for sure. But I need to assess what he and I have, especially since he's growing so fast.

But I did it! I finally cut the pieces of my first pattern, and have taken steps to finally make something. I need to follow through on this now, because if I don't, then it's been a big waste of time and money. I can do this. I know I can!

I'm such a gearhead sometimes.

Well, the machine is here! And oddly enough, it matches the decor of the room it's living in right now, ha ha. That wasn't done intentionally, especially since I plan to redo that room. I've been playing with it and having a good time practicing stitches and learning the quirks of my very own machine. It took me a while to get the hang of the automatic needle threader (not so automatic), but once I got the hang of it, it's gold. Also, for a non-jamming bobbin, I can tell you for a fact that it DOES jam. The other thing is that the feed dogs don't move on this machine, so I have to manually move the fabric myself much more, which I didn't have to do on the loaner machine. All things I've learned the hard way, you could say. Yes, I looked at the manual. After the fact, of course. :-P I did figure out how to use the one-step button hole maker. That was pretty cool, and yes, it DOES work. The other problem is not so much the machine as much as the table it's on. It's just a collapsible small table-- a folding table, if you will, and while it can support the machine just fine, when you get to sewing, (I almost said "knitting" there for a moment out of habit!) the motion of the machine causes some serious vibrations of the tabletop, hence the machine is bouncing up and down on the table, kind of. So, I supposed there is a learning curve involved here. But that's okay. I have a good foundation to build on.

In the meantime, I had some JoAnn's Fabrics coupons (I'll probably be saving those up now, like I do the Michaels and AC Moore coupons for yarn now and then), and decided to invest in a pretty rotary cutter and a cutting board. I also bought some more remnant cloth for practice or possibly making something. I received my fancier Fiskars Pinking shears that I won dirt cheap off eBay today in the mail. (It was worth about $31 and I got it for a third of that price including the shipping.) I'm no thinking that I need to get a magnetic seam guide and a tracing wheel as well. So I have LOTS of gear at this point for a beginner sewer, don't you think?

Here's the thing, though. Other than that pincushion, I haven't made a damn thing. Not one item. I've played with stitches and such, but I haven't made something from a pattern of any kind and produced an actual finished product. How pathetic is that? Pretty pathetic, if you ask me. I think that I need to get on the ball. Part of me is very anxious and excited to do that, and part of me is scared out of my mind to make it. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? The worst is that it would come out badly, and yet I know that comes with the territory of learning. But I want to be super successful with my first project-- is that so wrong? I already decided that I'm going to make a practice tote bag with "scrap" fabric that I have first, then make the nice one for my friend. Oddly enough, I'm scared to make the practice one. Bleeh! I need to get on the ball, and stop buying gear and MAKE SOMETHING!

Field trip to the Fabric store.

Okay, it wasn't the only fabric store I wanted to visit this weekend to look around, but I got an extra moment that I didn't expect to go check out JoAnn Fabrics tonight. We were going to a restaurant that was in the same shopping center, so since we had to wait, I asked JC if he minded if I walked over and took a look about while we waited. Sensing I needed the break, he said sure, so I went over. As I mentioned yesterday, the idea of fabric availability, or fabric choices, has been daunting for me. There are certain flexibilities, and certain inflexibilities, so I wanted to be able to look at what was available for myself, without a little boy tagging along making me rush through and not taking a careful look. Well, not that I was looking THAT carefully, but at least more carefully enough to see that everything wasn't shiny polyester, how the store was divided for certain fabrics, where the bottomweights were vs the knits vs the denim, etc. And, for all I said in the last post, I still found some things I liked. I saw some nice twills that I think I'd like to make for shorts and pants, or even skirts. I saw some bolts with a nice lightweight fabrics that would be suitable for a nice blouse. I saw some knit fabric which I could see making t-shirts. I started seeing possibilities. I could see my creativity still coming through in my head, at least. I also looked at the home decor/upholstery fabrics. How is it that I like the motifs on those the best? Probably it's because I've been looking at those types of fabrics longer than I've ever looked at any other kind, since I've been doing interior design for a lot longer than anything else. I was seeing some sheer fabric that I'd like to eventually get to replace the crappy curtains by my front door, and the fabric that I've been oggling for a while for my kitchen curtains and new family room pillows. The other thing I was looking for was fabric for a project out of the S.E.W. book. It's for a sewing machine cover, and it calls for oilcloth. Well, JoAnn Fabrics doesn't carry that. But from what I could see, it looks a lot like vinyl tablecloth material, so I looked at that. I have to tell you, a lot of it is fugly. But, there is some that looks like leather, and I'm very tempted to get some of that! There was one in particular that looked like butterscotch colored ostrich skin leather, even though it was really pleather. Oh, it was gorgeous, and even pricey, even though it wasn't real. I'm still thinking about whether I want to get that for the project. I think having a sewing machine cover that looks like leather would be kind of cool looking, don't you think?

I looked at other things too, like seeing mini irons, which might be ideal to have to iron out seams and such, rather than heat up my regular one. Of course, I don't really have a sewing room to do any of this, per se, but I'm hoping that by the end of the summer (heh heh, right), I'll be able to convert part of my basement into a makeshift craft room, where I can do my sewing and store my knitting supplies as well. If not there, then perhaps I can change up part of the guest room. Either way, I need a personal space, and I don't have that at all except the Master Bathroom to myself. But that's for another rant elsewhere.

I still want to also visit the local Calico Corners store, which has moved closer to my house, and has been renamed "Calico Home". Just to check out what they have. Perhaps one day after work I'll go, because it's literally across the street (namely Rt.1) from where I work. I know it's a home decor store, but still, sometimes I remember them having some fun fabrics, and so I am certainly curious to see what they have, since it's been a while since I've been there.

I am starting to see possibilities now, and seeing the potential of what I can do. I know, I'm still getting ahead of myself, but you know, it's like this...if I don't try to look ahead, then there's no point. Looking ahead is my way of dreaming, and if you don't have dreams, then you have no future, nothing to look forward towards. I'm starting to realize lately that if I don't try and have dreams, then I have one less thing that makes me happy. I'm not one who has lofty dreams that I wish would come true. Well, I do, but I do try to be realistic and practical. And thinking that someday I will have the skills to make my own clothes or do decor around my house on my own is my own little dream. And there's nothing wrong with that. It's what makes me happy these days.

And part of that dream is coming on Tuesday, when my first, very own sewing machine will be arriving. Yay!

First "big" project decided, and Fabric Commentary

Well, being the S.E.W. fanatic that I am at the moment, I decided that I needed to make a plan to make another project from the book to truly put my skills to the test. I looked at all the super basic patterns in the book (they are rated from one spool for easy, to three spools for something more intermediate vs. beginner), and decided that I wanted to do the tote bag there. Now, I know what you are going to say. I need another tote bag like I need another hole in my head. But I decided that what I'd do is make it, and give it to my girlfriend for her birthday next month, so she can use it when she goes to the beach in a couple of months with her family. Well, if nothing else, it'll be a quirky looking, fun bag she can use.

So, naturally, I had to find fabric. Because I was going in that direction last night, and because I didn't necessarily want to spend a heap of money on something that I might goof up, I went to the fabric department at Walmart. I know, don't give me a hard time about Walmart. We don't have that many choices around here, and my MIL, who sews, is always raving about the cheap but nice fabrics they have over there. Well, there were hits and misses there, as would be expected. But I did find a few things that weren't so bad. In fact, I found some fabric that I actually liked! I decided to go ahead and get a yard of contrasting fabrics. Specifically, one was lime green with periwinkle polka dots, and the other was periwinkle with lime polka dots. I thought that'd be fun for the beach! I was originally looking for something semi-tacky, like Hawaiian flowers, or surfer dude stuff, or sunglasses, or something along those lines, but I think this will have more versatility in the long run. I got more than enough fabric in case I screw up. ;-) I also found thread that should work well with this, plus I also purchased some extra bobbins (I'm sure I'll have a bobbin collection soon enough), and an extra spool of grey thread, as well as a sewing ruler. I have the gauge thingy, but not the ruler that was recommended. (I'm still waiting to see if I will be winning a pair of Fiskars pinking shears very cheaply!) I haven't started anything yet, because I want to get my new machine here first (it's due to arrive on Tuesday or so!), and I need to clear off my dining room table where I've been working so I have the space. I'm starting to think that I really will have to make space in my basement to create a "sewing room" of some sort, or else do it in my guest room. Something like that.

Anyway, I realized something about fabrics and how creating with them is SO different than knitting. There's a different flexibility with knitting. For example, say you have a knitting pattern for a sweater that is blue with a yellow flower on it. First, if you don't like the yarn that's suggested for that pattern, you can figure out a substitute, as long as you get the right gauge. Then, say you like the pattern, but the colors are all wrong. You can always change the colors to be what you want them to be. And voila! A custom colored sweater. Now with fabric, sure, there's lots of textures and weaves and other textile qualities. There are striped fabrics, and plaids; plain and polka dotted, and a mess of other motifs as well. The problem is that you are limited to what's available at the fabric stores with the fabric. Say you wanted to make a blouse. There's plenty of appropriate fabrics to choose from. You see one motif you like, but it's pink with flowers and you'd rather have blue with flowers. Well, the store only has pink with flowers. You can't make a substitution, and just say, let's change it to blue. If they don't have the same motif with a blue background, you are out of luck, and you have to find something different. In that respect, it's limiting. And the thing is, with yarn, it's easy to see what attracts your eye. And fortunately with yarn, you can just go with colors alone, and you can create your own motif. With fabrics, you are have more limitations. I'm really fussy with patterns, colors and motifs, so when I saw the polka dotted fabrics in modern color schemes, my eye was immediately drawn to them. So that same color eye was used. But again, sometimes some stuff is so busy looking, or it's the wrong texture (it's fleece instead of cotton) or something that can't be substituted so easily.

In that respect, learning to sew will be a challenge, because as a knitter, it's all about the texture of the textile. Texture plays a part in sewing too, but perhaps because my options are so highly limited at the fabric stores available to me at the moment, I have a more narrowed view. Even looking at fabrics online, it got a little dizzying between motifs and choices, but not a whole lot caught my eye. I'm already thinking about my first advanced beginner/intermediate (two spool) project from S.E.W., which is the Sewing Machine cover. It recommends using oilcloth or some similar vinyl-like fabric, and I even went to the website that the book recommends to see what they had. Nothing really set my heart on fire with it. I think I will have to think about this one, or perhaps make it with a different fabric altogether. I want something funky but fun, but I didn't see anything that made me say, YEAH! THAT'S THE ONE! So, the search continues.

Tonight, since I actually had a few minutes of total solitude (no boys in the house!), I went and practiced on my loaner machine some more. I think I'm starting to get good at threading up the machine now, and I'm starting to feel more confident about what I'm doing. I think it's going to take doing a real project to get things going for sure. Perhaps I'll make a practice bag first (I think I have enough practice fabric to do that) before I make my real one. I thought about trying to sew or at least practice sewing on a zipper (I actually bought two small zippers to play with), but I couldn't exactly figure out which foot was the zipper foot, and got a little nervous, so I decided not to do that. At least not yet. Also, playing with some of the fancy finishing stitches, I'm wondernig if I should have gone ahead and waited to save up for a fancier machine that has more embroidery features on it. Oh well, too late now. Maybe it'll force me to be more creative in doing things like that, and in time, I can saw for one of those types of machines. My MIL has both a regular sewing machine and a serger, so maybe one day I'll have the regular sewing machine, and the embroidery one or one with 1000+ stitches on it. ;-)

But I'm getting ahead of myself as usual. I think I need to make the practice bag first. Since I have so much fabric, I might make it out of that same material that I used to make the pincushion. That would make a cute bag.

I'm also starting to scope out clothing patterns. I know, I'm starting to get ahead of myself, but at the same time, if that's part of what I want to do, then I ought to start looking at the "easy to sew" patterns, and see how they look, how they work, etc. This is something that Sandy and I agreed upon, which is that having my knitting background and having had made a few sweaters in my time, I understand about ease and fitting a little bit, and how shapes work in garments and such, so that concept is something that will come more easily to me. Still, I would be very excited to make something. So, I go online and pour through pattern websites and see what's being offered, and see if there's anything that looks appealing. There are a few things, but I'll wait for now... I have another book that I bought that I'm anxious to try out, but waiting until I'm a little more confident. It's called "Make Your Own Clothes" by Marie Clayton, and part of the reason that I bought it was that it had some great basic clothing items that you could do, but the bonus was that it includes software that you use to put in your own measurements, and it will print out a custom pattern of whatever item in the book you want to make. Sweet! I haven't installed the software yet (waiting until I'm ready to actually use the book), but I read a review of it, and someone said that customized pattern that it spit out was perfect for her, so I'm hoping the same will happen for me! I know, I know, getting ahead of myself again.

So, it's just a matter of the clock ticking away the hours, minutes and seconds until my new sewing machine is here....I can't wait!

Welcome to my sewing blog!

As if I don't have enough blogs already, with a shared knitting blog, a home/interior design blog about my house, a taekwondo blog, and a regular blog about my everyday life, yes, now I'm starting one with my newest hobby--sewing.

I am VERY much a beginner, but I'm off to a good start. Or at least I think so. (Or is that think "sew". :-P)

I began this journey within the last few weeks. I've been thinking for a long time that I really should learn how to sew, because I really hate to shop for clothes, and I think that if I can learn to make my own to my own specifications, or even learn to make alterations for myself, that would make a happier me. And it doesn't hurt to have this skill for home decor or other stuff too.

In my typical way, research is the key. I research what books would be good guides, and I've found a fantastic new one that just came out a few months ago. Being hailed as the sewing world's version of Debbie Stoller's "Stitch 'N Bitch", "S.E.W.- Sew Everything Workshop" by Diana Rupp has become my sewing bible. I've been reading it and reading it for a couple weeks now, and I'll probably continue to read it and use it as my primary reference.

I've also been lucky since I have a few sewers around me. I turned to my friend Sandy, as she is a professional quilter, and figured that she would be able to best tell me how sewing machines work and how you get X result or Y result. My MIL also sews, but she often rubs me the wrong way with a few things, and there is always the language barrier too (Spanish is her first and primary language). I had my lesson from Sandy a few days ago, and it was great! She showed me SOOOO much, and was great at answering my questions. I should tell her that she should teach a basic sewing class or something. Anyway, she was also kind enough to lend me her "backup machine", which was her first machine of her own-- a gift she got for her high school graduation. And being the pro she is, the machine is in excellent condition and working just fine.

So, I've been playing on it, especially today. My son, Drew, also tries to get involved, as he likes to press on the "accelerator" (foot pedal) for me. (He's really into cars, especially Hot Wheels.) I made a pincushion from the SEW book the other day as a first project. See?



Hopefully not too bad for a first project. The material is a canvas type material with sage green ticking that I used for a valance and some pillowcases for decorative pillows for my old house. I have a ton of that material left, and it just looks very classy. I used leftover material from my current curtains and valances in my living and dining room as sample material to practice my stitches on my loaner machine, and I think after some fiddling, I'm starting to get the hang of this. I've been using a standard presser foot so far, but I think I need to experiment with some of the others, as I'm anxious to put a zipper in something that I knit (yes, I knit too), and possibly redo a zipper in another thing in which I hand knit the zipper before.

Since the SEW book is my bible right now, I'm anxious to try another project -- a simple project. There's no use in getting ahead of myself too soon. I think I should make one of the easy bags. But I have SOOOO many bags, I was hesitant. But then after having an IM conversation with my best friend from college, I realized that SHE is a bag person, and I could make one to be her beach bag for the summer, so I think I will do that. So I'm thinking that once I can get to the fabric store, that will be my first "big" project. Gotta start somewhere.

So we will see where this goes. I'm very excited because I ordered my first sewing machine of my own (if you don't count the little $10 mini machine I have that runs on batteries) today. Got a killer deal-- or should I say made a killer deal-- with a vendor on eBay, and now all I have to do is just wait for it to arrive! I'm really looking forward to getting it, and having my own "baby".

Until next time...