What is your favorite part of the garment-making process? What’s your least favorite?
Deana Tierney, Assistant Editor, Threads
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Replies
My first thought in answer to the first question was: planning it - choosing pattern and fabric, thinking about how to embellish, etc. I do more "dreaming up" than any other part, I think. But I also just plain like following pattern instructions and putting the thing together - challenging my skill at the sewing machine with each garment. Your second question, least favorite? - cutting out, hands down. For me, that part is tedius and stressful at the same time.
I hate cutting more than anything in the world - and I thought that I was the only one - I have spent more time trying to think of clever ways to make this job easier and have yet to come up with a solution. I love fabric and fabric stores and I have more projects than I will ever finish = just now I am working on 2 quilts, adding pockets to shorts without, making t-shirts, making sports bras for myself, making assorted clothes for myself, this from someone who failed home ec many years ago as I refused to make a booklet with button holes, zippers, hems etc - I thought that we were making clothing in class and saw no reason to make little patches for a booklet that would show we knew how to do this when teacher could look at the clothes and see we could do this - teacher and I fought about this for several months and she finally said that if I didn't do the booklet I would fail class - I discussed this with my mom who said that she would let me decide but that my parents would support my decision - so I didn't do a book and I did fail and my parents never complained.
Edited 1/13/2007 5:21 pm ET by cree9
Welcome to the forum. I see you're a new member.Got a chuckle out of you refusing to make a booklet. What an uninspiring way to teach a class, especially in a class devoted to an inspiring craft! I remember in home-ec classes of yore, time on the sewing machines was scarce, so I can see why you didn't want to spend yours on a booklet for grading purposes.About cutting, I wonder if a higher table would make things better for me. I have, in my younger years, spread fabric out on the floor, on top of a cutting mat, and just put up with the aching back, sore knees, and numb thumbs that came with cutting. Can't do that anymore! I have gained a little more confidence with the rotary cutters, but have found that they behave differently with different fabrics too, and gripping them is not much easier than handling scissors. I really think, though, that I am so tense when cutting out because I'm just so chicken about ruining fabric...much easier to dream about a finished project. In all my years I haven't gotten over that. Enough - I'm feeling very old today!
I am not sure that height has anything to do with cutting - I have cut out on floor, bed, table, sewing table whatever and I still hate it - my other funny story is why I no longer make samples for myself - I did many years ago make an entire outfit out of cheaper fabric so that I would have all the bugs out so the expensive fabric would be a breeze - I was even sharing this project with another dedicated sewing nut and the outfit was a dream - jacket, skirt and pants and fit beautifully and all that stuff. Then we cut out the expensive fabric - guess what - it was an uneven plaid and nothing we could do would make this fabric work - and several months had gone by and there was no way to get more fabric, I have since learned to be dogged in tracking down fabric and I have many more sources and I have learned to pay attention so that I can get fabric with only a piece from Keepsake Quilting - I am making a quilt at long last from a bolt of fabric that I got because I loved the 4" square I'd gotten from KQ and I managed to find the numbers, manufacturer and a source to buy large amounts. I have been sewing for almost 55 years and still have many more ideas than time and more fabric than I will ever manage to sew - I have made clothes, stuffed creatures (I am really bad at stuffing), curtains, slipcovers, quilts, wall hangings, embroidered jackets, fit other peoples clothing, done wedding parties - I even used a Vogue pattern way back in the early 50s and made myself a strapless dress (when I was still vain enough to make fancy outfits to wear myself) - I actually learned to sew on a treadle machine and then my mom was given a new featherweight Singer and so I used that. I bought myself a Singer 401A and just traded it in on a new machine that has a self threading option - because I was spending too much time trying to thread the machine instead of sewing. About 30 years ago I had what I called a sewing block - why not writers get writers block? - anyway I went to eye doctor and was told that I needed glasses and when I could see to thread needles again the sewing block vanished - so I decided that it was time for self threading machine as glasses just weren't doing the job. At the moment I seem to be sewing things with circles - this seems to be my thing - when I get this mastered I'll probably move on to other things - who knows???
Wow, you have a lot of experience. I've been sewing since I was 11, 51 years ago, but I stopped sewing for myself when I had kids and house to sew for, and they were easier than fitting me. Now I sometimes feel like a beginner again - so many new fabrics, linings, interfacings, sewing aids, sewing techniques, sewing machines and sergers that I'm not familiar with. My goal this year is to fit myself! and I just finished a project for my daughter, so now I'm free, and I'll not sew for anyone else until I've fit and made myself a pair of pants. But, as you say, it's easier to think and plan than actually sew, so I guess I'll have to stick to my resolutions, and cut, cut, cut.Oh, what are you making with circles?
Edited 1/15/2007 5:21 pm ET by Josefly
I am working on a wall quilt that has batik squares of assorted dogs but they have been put in circles with log cabin block around circle and then all bordered with black and gold fabric - I am doing this for my son and daughter-in-law I was trying to take pictures of the 6 or so that they own and put them into batik squares but my computer didn't want to match the colors at all so I just used the premade squares and when I have time to play with computer I'll use different colors and make blocks from pictures that I have of their dogs these will probably end up in some circular form (some of the dogs have died so this will be memory quilt as well) - I am also working on king size drunkard's path quilt which has parts of circles - and I am planning a series of circle cuts as squares and parts of squares done with fabric that has been stripped together - the new machine will do alphabets and so I am testing doing their names as border quilting - if I can get the right effect with machine - still in the test stage - then that will do the edges and I'll just run some loose circles around the existing circles and it will be quilted - this was going to be finished for Thanksgiving so I'm a little behind. If I can show pictures on this site I will eventually have some pictures -
What a thoughtful gift for your son and daughter-in-law, and I'll bet they'll treasure it. I look forward to seeing pix.
My favorite, also, is the process of creating in my mind. I enjoy searching for solutions...to lack of money,.. to how to make something that requires 4 yards out of 2 yards of fabric, etc. I don't mind cutting things out because it means I am really and truly making a commitment.
Least favorite? When I reach the point when it is about 80% done...it ceases to be fun and I want to wear it. I get impatient and annoyed with sewing on snaps, buttons, tacking down facings, etc. It's especially annoying because I am very aware that this is the part that can make the difference between home-made or something to be proud of.
Unlike many of the other readers, I don't particularly enjoy the physical act of sewing. I'm not saying I DISlike it, but it's something I am obligated to do in order to achieve a goal. People will sometimes, in passing, say something like, "Oh, you love to sew, ..." No, I love to create. Sewing is a means to an end, but I want to do it well.
My 24 yr. old daughter is the same way. She took a sewing course a few years ago and afterwards realized that what she liked was the designing part and not the sewing. She had a fabulous time travelling in India because she bought beautiful fabric for very little money and would go to a tailor and ask him to make it up the way she wanted.
I love every part of the process, from the inspiration part to the final handwork and compliments. I have no issue with any part of the process. I have spent appx 11 hours a day over the past two days just sewing. There was cutting, creativity, and final handwork. I could do this every day forever.
Least favorite--making all the alterations I need and all the trial and error solving fitting issues. I've about given up on using patterns, for all the trouble they take making adjustments for a body no company ever planned on anyone having. The last nice, tailored shorts I made I just cribbed off some existing ones and draped from there.
Second least favorite is pre-washing and pressing the mass of yardage before I can cut into it, for fabrics that will be washed and could shrink.
Most liked--probably the planning stage, sketching out options and looking at fabrics. Second most liked is any construction I can do on the serger! I groove on the speed!
I do, also, love picking out a pattern, picking the fabric, buttons, etc. I love sewing it all together, especially when it is going smoothly. When it is down to sewing on the buttons, hand sewing the cuffs, collar and anything else, there is nothing like taking it to work and having something to sew on during my lunch hour. I can't use my machine, but I can hand sew and take my time. It's just fun for me.
The least favorite thing is altering the pattern, although, when it comes out great, there is a since of accomplishment in that, also.
Marcy
love the planning; love the sewing; hate the fitting
The problem-solving and creative process fascinate me, especially the way each piece comes out unique, even if I use the same pattern and very similar fabrics.
Laying out the pattern and cutting the fabric are very gratifying in that they seem to make huge leaps in the process with very little effort, but I especially love sitting in the sunshine, doing the hand sewing and clipping the threads just before it is finished.
My least favorite part is pre-washing, as I want to be sewing already!
My favourite part is buying the material (I love fabric stores) and most of all I hate cutting out so there is often a delay in getting to the actual sewing process (probably also explains my huge fabric stash!). However I find it so satisfying to turn a pile of fabric pieces into a "creation" and get pleasure from seeing things I have made being worn or used, particularly when I have made someone else's vision come to life. Sometimes it does become a chore (gathering endless metres of tulle, unpicking a seam several times because it doesn't sit right) but a break and a good cup of tea usually fixes that and then there is that lovely glow that comes from someone admiring your work and telling you how clever you are (LOL)
I do home Dec Sewing. My least favorite is pinch pleats. My favorite is mitered corners. They aer so hard to do but so great looking.
Least favorites: Cutting out, since I'm always fussing with cutting exactly on the cutting line, and Fitting, since I'm just learning how to compensate for body variations.
Most favorites: Creating or imagining what something will look like, and fabric-shopping in a great fabric store!
I hope that THREADS will be addressing the most-disliked tasks with suggestions on how to make them less hateful!
Sunshine
If you are concerned about cutting accurately, invest in a rotary cutter and cutting mat. This will increase your cutting up to warp speed and you can't get anymore accurate. You will also need a straight plexiglass ruler. If you can find a plexi dressmakers ruler or French curve, this will make things easier as well. You will be amazed how quickly and accurately you can cut out. Yesterday I cut out four dolly dresses at once, stacking the fabrics, and it took no time at all to cut these fussy little dresses out.
Thank you for your advice on rotary cutters/mats, but I already have 2 mats (large and small) and 2 rotary cutters (45 mm and 28 mm) and several straightedges. Even using these, it's still a hassle to cut things out, especially on curved lines. I find that sometimes the fabric won't cut completely thru 2 layers, even on a light polyester or a regular cotton. I have a 45 mm blade sharpener, and use it before starting a big project. Finalizing cuts with scissors is a real pain after diligently using the rotary cutter and going back over the cutting line 2 or 3 times. Maybe I'm doing something wrong here??? I'm pressing hard onto the fabric, to the point that sometimes there are bits of fabric fluff left in a line on the mat. Resharpened blades or new blades don't seem to make a difference either. I use Fiskars blades and cutters. Any ideas on how I can improve my rotary cutting????? TIA
I would change to Olfa cutters and mats, although the mat is not the priority here. I tried others but until I got the Olfas I was frustrated. A new Olfa cutter should cut 12 layers of quilting cottons. I use the small blade for curves and that makes a difference. Using an acrylic dressmakers curve gives you the ability to cut armscyes and sleeves, part of the process. A recent Threads had resources for the acrylic dressmaker's curves. I rarely use scissors and last nite on Pattern Review one of the "supersewists" said how she rarely used scissors as well. I felt validated! She described cutting with rotary cutters in the same manner as I do. I do want to add that I rarely, if ever, sew with synthetic fabrics. They will be more difficult to cut and will do a number on your rotary cutter. As I stated earlier, I love every step of the process and that includes washing and ironing the yardage, another chance to touch the fabric, and the cutting as well. Edited 12/19/2006 6:14 pm ET by solosmocker
Edited 12/19/2006 6:15 pm ET by solosmocker
Re:"Any ideas on how I can improve my rotary cutting???"My first thought was nicked blades, but you say that new blades don't help.Perhaps your cutting mat has a lot of old cuts in it that the fabric is sinking into and thereby escaping the cutter? I have that problem (I think that's the problem) with one of my mats, and I think that I'm going to have to replace it. It's the thicker and softer of my two mats; the thinner, harder mat doesn't seem to have that problem, perhaps because the blade can't cut it as easily, or perhaps just because it's newer.Green Apple
Wow!
My DGDs were given new dolls for Christmas (by the Other G'ma) and so I will be dressing them. My experience with my rotary cutter is limited to the very straight stuff, curves give me fits! What is your trick? I can't imagine cutting doll pieces that way!
B
Curves are much easier to cut with a SMALL rotary cutter. I use Olfa and ditch the blades as soon as there isn't a perfect clean cut. It also helps to have a curved acrylic ruler. A resource for these was in a recent Threads, but not the latest Threads. It is also helpful to have a cutting surface that you can walk around and therefore get the leverage needed to move around the curves.
Thanks, I was not using a ruler; maybe that is my problem.
B
The tedious part for me is all the preparatory work. Washing the fabric, pattern alterations, fitting, and marking.
Once the pieces are cut out though, I love to finally get to the machine and watch it come together bit by bit. And I like to finish it as nicely on the inside as on the outside, so I don't even mind the ironing it takes to get the seams looking right.
I love the choosing fabrics and patterns and how to change my pattern to get what I want. I just wish it didn't take so long! I don't love cutting out, but with a good rotary cutter I don't hate it as much as I used to. I like to sew, but the finsihing always seems to take so long, that I find that tedious.
I agree with Ralphetta that sewing is a means to an end. I hate "sewing" (probably because it involves so much sitting and I hate sitting) but, alas, I am very good at it and have gotten paid very well for it over the years.
My favourite part, like so many others, is the creative part. Rarely does a garment end up the way I originally intended as I work with it as I create it. Unless it's for a customer, I never make sketches to start with, as it evolves as I make it, even when I am designing the pattern. I don't visualize it - I let it "happen".
I don't mind cutting, as evidenced by the bins of cut but unsewn garments I have in my "collection". I love buying fabric - it's a sensual experience and just owning some of those beautiful fabrics, seeing them and touching them, is an end in itself.
I am 49, 5'0", 98 lbs. so sewing is almost a necessity for me (even petite women's clothing rarely fits and I don't always want to look 13!)
And I must admit that there is absolutely nothing like the feeling I get when I have created something beautiful with my own hands and people on the street stop me and ask where I got it.
The final achievement of a garment that pleases me is the best part of sewing... a garment that fulfills its purpose attractively, is well-finished and complements the body of the wearer. I love it when my granddaughter (16 yrs, 5'1, 93 lbs & like one of your respondents, doesn't want to look 13) calls me to tell me that her friends want a jacket just like the one she imagined and I made (the ultra suede that I asked advice about early in the fall). Or that the dance dress she drew a picture of and I made was admired by all and she felt terrific in it. And then her mother wanted a similar coat ( but wool) and has just called me to tell me that it is beautiful and it fits perfectly. Or when a reviewer of a play says that a costume I created is a "don't miss this one".
I love the feel of the cloth ... natural fibers, that is.
I love the colors... working them out so that they produce an attractive, pleasant effect... or grab attention or achieve the needed look.
I love the handsewing that can go into garments, so much that I sometimes just do it slowly to enjoy it for longer. Fitting other people has become easier over the years, particularly when I take the time to do a "muslin" and fit that properly, then transfer all that info to the pattern.
I love the figuring out how to do... whatever... use a different fabric from the ones recommended, use a new technique, puzzling out how to lay out a garment with less cloth (someone mentioned that already). Or, amazingly to me, figuring out different stitches on the serger and what I can do with them.
This is probably longer than you wanted... I could probably think of some more things that I like about sewing: having what I want, having it fit the way I want it to...
Ruth
What I love most if the creative freedom to draft a pattern, pick a fabric, and make a garment that I know will fit. It will have the neckline I want, the sleeves I want, the style that I want, and so on. When finished this is *my* garment and I won't see it on anyone else. I didn't even mention that I love to sew.
Terry
My favorite part is the hands on work of fitting, cutting, embellishing and sewing. My least favorite part is the choosing of pattern and fabric. Mostly because what I have in my head is not what I find in the pattern books or fabric stores. I am sure most people find that to be the most fun, but it gives me much frustration. If I could create the fabric from scratch, that would alleviate a lot of frustration.
My favorite thing about sewing is the actual construction. I am a real sucker for details. I take pride in a well constructed garment. I also love embelishing to emphasize my favorite details. What I don't like is the laying out, cutting and marking. I know its neccessary, but I'm training my kids to do it so that I don't have to. :) With fitting, I've done it so much, its just second nature and it goes quickly. I have found that having the proper tools gathered together is key to making the process fast. I also really love the design process and I enjoy the challenge of drafting my own patterns. Another love of mine is learning new techniques. No matter how much I learn, or how many sewing books I collect, its never enough.
OOOh! I just don't know where to start!
I would have to say the favorite part is the whole planning and thinking it through, feeling the hand of the fabric and deciding if this is really what I want to make it out of, there are various parts I tend to not enjoy and that can be the prewash and dry especially if there are surprises in the fabric, then there would be fighting with the fitting, sometimes you do it all right but something still isn't right and it looks homemade or very poorly made, finally would be the detailing that makes or breaks the look, no matter how much I promise myself to make it look right and not stop this time til it does there are parts that always irk me in the overall finished product so by the time that is done I need another week to get my brain into sewing again, but it is like an illness I can't stop but I am awfully hard on myself about it, but yet I can teach and encourage my daughter and daughter-in-laws to go for it and don't let those things stop you from creating and being happy in that process.....go figure.
My favorite parts: picking out fabric, planning and drawing ideas. I don't mind cutting out, especially with a rotary cutter, and I don't mind marking.
I like the actual sewing but I sometimes get frustrated if seams have to be ripped out. I get impatient and have to remind myself to pay attention and take my time, e.g., baste things together and check how they look, instead of sewing it together and then having to rip out. I also remind myself to slow down and think about what I'm doing now, don't keep thinking about the next step (live in the moment). That way, I can enjoy the sewing. What I really hate is when I'm merrily sewing along and realize that I'm using the wrong size seam allowance or some other wacky thing. I put sticky notes on the garment pieces to remind myself of things like that.
My least favorite part: hems. I don't know why, but I'm always thinking it's going to come out wrong (pants or skirts too long or too short, visible stitches, crooked, etc.). I've never had any of those things happen, but I have hemphobia about it every time. I'm always looking at hems on ready-made clothes to see how they're done.
Deana: My favorite thing about sewing? Finding the perfect fabric. Finding the right pattern to go with the perfect fabric. Altering the pattern and having it fit better than I ever imagined it could. Making something from nothing but a piece of fabric! Crativity, Expression, Couture details, embellishments, the list could go on and on!
I have been sewing for 44 years and for me it has always been about the promise a new piece of fabric holds out to the sewer. I can happily spend hours just wandering through G Street fabrics in D.C. just touching the different selections, even if I don't buy something. Not that I've ever not bought something!!
This past weekend I taught the six year old daughter of a friend how to sew; we made a cell phone case for her Mommy. She was delighted with the process, so I have enabled a new generation of sewers :) She picked out the fabric, cut it out around the template, used the foot petal of the machine while I steered the fabric, choose the thread etc. She can't wait to do it again.
mimi
My favorite part of sewing is seeing what the machine can do, how it performs to it's limits and what more can I make it do. It is the artist's tool.
What I hate about sewing..is cutting out the fabric..I detest it. I usually use my serger do do some of my cutting and it also finishes off the seam at the same time.
What confuses me the most about sewing and construction, is the dream of the project. I don't dislike choosing fabric, pattern or what type of embellishment..it just confuses me because I have several ideas at one time..then it is hard to choose which idea is best.
The fun part other than using the machines and sergers is the finished result, especially when seeing my projects on a grand child or seeing them in my daughters back yard as lawn furniture, or monogrammed towels hanging at family's homes or heirloomed sheets and pillow cases, a prom dress, a doll or furry animal I made that is still loved and played with often..etc. etc.
Edited 12/28/2006 9:41 pm ET by Betakin
I rarely begin any sewing project without thinking of my grandmother,
Grace Dacre Sawyer. She was an Oklahoma Indian lady born in the 1880's.
She married my minister grandfather and supplemented their meager income
by sewing for the folks in the various towns they lived. She was not
an educated woman, but very patient with the task of teaching me to sew.
The finest gift I have ever received was just that......she introduced
me to cloth and thread and patterns and their endless possiblities. I remember as a child going with
her to the big Boston Store in Fort Smith, Arkansas to see the ready
to wear fashions and then watching her copy them for my mom and aunts. When I sit
at my machine I can recall her helping me with my first homemaking
project, and with my daughter's first Easter coat.
Sewing has seen me through happy times and sad and always
will be a great source of comfort and sweet memories.
I am recently semi-retired and have decided to do some different volunteer work. I was thinking of working with some inner-city kids some of who are of aboriginal descent. I am thinking of going to their after school sesssions and taking my stash (some of it!) of melton wools and other stuff to see if they want to try hand sewing. I have a terrific book by Linda MacPhee on making mittens and little dolls etc. I think I need some encouragement as for some reason I don't feel all that confident. Threads has been great in promoting passing it on..Thanks!
Oh, my goodness, I about fell out of my chair when I read about you going to the Boston Store in Ft. Smith. I grew up in Ft. Smith and knew that store too. It was on Garrison Ave. I know my mother went there for various things. My mother and I were born in Oklahoma (Cushing) but my parents moved to Ft. Smith when I was a baby. Both my grandmother and mother sewed everything and could copy outfits after looking at them. What memories you brought back.
Your reply tickled me to pieces! I am fortunate to have retired in Arkansas. Are you anywhere near Eureka Springs?
I wish, but no. I married a Mississippi guy and have lived in MS for more than 30 years now. I still have friends, classmates and in-laws in Ft. Smith and other parts of NW Arkansas and go through there on I-40 to get to Oklahoma. It is such beautiful country. How are you for fabric stores? There is one in Hughes, AR, over on the eastern side closer to Memphis, that I've been hearing about and want to visit. They have a big sale going on this week.
I usually visit family in the DFW area of Texas yearly, so my major fabric shopping is done then. I have not discovered a shop with fine woolens, silks, and linens in this area. If anyone knows of such a store in the NW Arkansas area, PLEASE share!
My brother recommended that we check out Arkansas as a place to retire. Any suggestions on how to learn more about your state? We are looking for lower altitude and warmer weather and small town living/rural areas. Mary
Mary,I googled "retiring in Arkansas" and found several sites you may find of interest. We purchased our land in 1982 and continued to vacation in this specific area. We enjoy living in the woods, but the lack of close shopping can be a problem for many folks. After 25 years of commuting 40+ miles one direction, my husband and I have found the long walks and gardening and wonderful quiet the perfect live. Happy searching!
Thanks, I found the sites. They are very informative! Sounds like you are living your dream! Mary
Since so many others seem to feel the way I do, I'll mention what I like least about sewing first and that is cutting out the fabric. What a bore that is! Not only that but it just kills my back when I have to lean over the table to do the cutting.
Now on to the good part: I love finding a fabulous fabric, and while finding great fabrics these days is getting harder and harder, when you do find one, its almost like hitting a jackpot. Ahh, the thrill of victory! I also enjoy the construction process itself and find it very relaxing, unless, of course, things are going badly. But what gives me the most satisfaction is wearing my completed garment and knowing that no one else is wearing the same thing. Many years ago before I started sewing I attended a ballet and spotted another girl wearing exactly the same dress as me...YIKES!!! Now, that will never happen again. I suppose that because wearing the end product is what I enjoy most, I don't like sewing for other people. I have made a few garments for my Mom and my ex-husband, (don't have any kids) and while it pleased me to see them wear them, it just isn't the same.
Before I sound too selfish, I have made items other than clothing to give as gifts: among them a giant Panda bear made with faux fur, and a bunting bag for a baby come to mind as projects that were fun to make and a pleasure to give.
Marion
Edited 1/17/2007 6:49 pm ET by Marionc032
Hi everyone,
I used to really hate cutting and could not wait to get to the sewing part. For me this is not so daunting anymore. I find I no longer purchase or want to sew cheaper fabrics, so I have more appreciation for the fabric the texture and colour and the patterns. I am interested now in getting the best job done out of what I am sewing, so I get very wary of notches, of getting all the plaids to line up if possible, of combining different fabrics and textures together. When everthing turns out fine then, I am truly happy that I took the time and patience a to enjoy and get the cutting right. When I have pattern adjustments it even makes it more interesting, so I try not to get annoyed at the task of cutting. I do agree however, that it is not the most exiciting aspect of sewing. By far seeing a well fitted garment I make on myself or someone else isvery rewarding. As a result I have learnt that it is truly important to make that cut right from the start.
Lynn
I have recently joined in to read the discussions and find them so informative and this is my first contribution.
I am retired and live In Dublin Ireland and have been sewing since I was about five years of age. I find it relaxing, rewarding and creative. As the other contributers have noted we all have our pet hates and loves in sewing. To me the most rewarding thing is to be able to make something that one cannot buy, whether it is the style colour or the type of garment or object, it is very gratifying to to able to turn one's hand to coming up with a solution to a need!What I least like about sewing (at the moment) is the fact that none of my friends sew, think I am mad to spend time in a messy room with threads all over the place instead of playing golf or bridge, now that clothes are so inexpensive compared to years ago.My mother shared my passion for sewing and helped - fitting - talking about a project - all of that. She had great patience and finished her projects perfectly and was proud that none of her work looked "homemade". I also try to do the same. I do miss her encouragement and would love to meet other people locally to have a natter about common interests but in the meantime this marvellous facility where I can ask questions and find answers to other's questions is a godsend. Thank you all for your friendly answers and conversation.
Welcome to an international group of people who love sewing - messy sewing rooms, threads and all. Many of us do not have sewing friends close by so it's wonderful to have this forum to exchange ideas, get help and help others. We look forward to hearing about your latest projects;trials and triumphs.
Thanks for the welcome. My last major project was to make a wool boucle coat Vogue pattern no 7979. It turned out quite well and it is keeping me warm these cold winter days. For my next small project I intend to make a kimona style dressing gown (do you say house coat?), out of some of the many silk square scarves that I have cluttering up my underwear drawers and which were too lovely to throw out although they are no longer worn. I don't know how many years they have rested there. This of course is apart from "my stash" and although I don't allow myself to buy any fabric unless I am going to make it this week - not next week - I still have an amazing amount of cloth in storage in various nooks and crannies around the house.So if you or anyone out there has a bright idea about this kimona I'll be delighted to hear about it! Again may I say it is great to know that there are so many people with the same interests as myself.
Hi! I envy you having those silk scarves. I have several patterns that I ordered from http://www.kaylakennington.com that would be perfect for them! Have fun creating!!! Maybe I'll start collecting scarves since it is so difficult to find beautiful fabrics. Mary
Thanks for the suggested patterns but I intend to use the scarves whole and use pleats to shape them. I do not intend to cut into them.
So far this is just an idea in my mind and I haven't really explored whether I have enough scarves to carry it out. It would be funny if I have to purchase some to finish off the project.By the way the designs on that website are very interesting! again thanks.from another
Mary
I was thinking you might like her method of joining rather than sewing typical straight stitch seams. An example would be to use an edge joining foot and a triple zig zag stitch to attatch two pieces of fabric that have serger rolled edges. This is easy to remove if needed, it looks really cool using a twelve weight rayon thread. Many decorative machine stitches work for this. Another fave is a round or square satin stitch about half inch to an inch apart. I love the fact that you want to keep the scarves intact! Happy sewing!!! Mary
I origionally thought of sewing this garment by hand but I do know my limitations in this regard. Taking your suggestions in mind I think I might use your suggested stitches or my favourite stitch (I have a Pfaff) which is a "fagoting stitch" It is great for joing two pieces of fabric together and I have successfully used it to join fleece and other knits. However I'm not sure how this would work with the rolled edges so I will think on this further with your suggestions on board.Can I say once again that this website and the facility it gives to have discussions like this is simply fantastic. And thanks also to you Mary for your interest.Mary
I agree! This site is fantastic. It is wonderful of Threads and Taunton to provide such a great service. I am impressed with their continuing efforts to please us. It must be a daunting task at times....try to please all and please none comes to mind. Just think how many times you plan a meal for a group and consider thier preferences...lol
Why don't you try a few small squares of fabric and make a fine narrow rolled hem, then practice different joining stitches? It really is fun. Mary
My favorite kind of sewing is for the local theater.I can't design my way out of a paper bag, but the costume designer can. I just love taking sketches and turning out clothes.
MaryI intend to do just this. First I have to locate my bag of silk offcuts to practise on and as you say it will be a bit of fun with absolutely no cash outlay for once. I even have a number of spools of silk thread that should do the job for me.
Mary, that site does have great-looking patterns which could be used for scarves. I too have a drawer full of unused, perfect scarves, and hadn't thought to use them that way. What a good idea. The silk in these scarves is very thin of course. Do you think they could be backed with another light-weight fabric to give them a little more heft? Maybe channel-stitched to another layer?
I would be afraid to alter the scarves that much is my first thought. I think I would practice on something less special first. Then maybe make different shaped scarves, then on to maybe a shawl. But then, if they are just sitting around never to see the sun, I would probably jump in. I have used fusable knit interfacing with lightweight fabrics with good success.
Also using anonther fabric and channel stitching as you suggested with another fabric underneath would work and maybe even be reversable. It would affect the drape.
Just remember to think about the edges. I had all my pieces cut out after fusing then realised that the open kimono type sleeves did not look good with that showing underneath. I was able to just add lenght to them, thank goodness!
I am a little late in welcoming you but be assured we are all here for the camaraderie and support a group like this offers for all of us. I love this forum for so many reasons; a while ago I had insomnia and I was so grateful to have people all over the world to talk too about sewing when I tried something new at 3 am., and it wasn't coming out the way I planned. So, come, stay a while and chat.
I have just joined the Threads forum today and started reading this forum and have been pleasantly surprised.
I love everything about sewing - the design, searching for fabric, cutting, sewing, wearing.
I have turned my basement into a design studio & here is my list of "I finally have":
My main area that I need to get better at is the fit of my tunics which I think this forum will give me some great tips.
Marianne
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