Sew Much Happening!

Sew, I've done something I never thought I would do!  I started a sewing bee with some people from work!  Yes, really, there are people out there who share my passion or want to share my passion.  I would never have had the confidence to do this but for a handful of really close friends who always encourage me and make me feel that I have something to share.  So we had our first meeting today; not a big crowd but I hope it will grow.

There were some folks who couldn't make it because of work, etc.. I would post what we discussed so those who couldn't attend won't miss out too much.  Although, I must say, they missed out on the lovely cinammon rolls I brought from the Okarche Oklahoma Tower Cafe especially for them!

We decided to call our group The Sew and Sews!  Cool, yes?  I think so.  Today, since we have a variety of skills or lack there of, we started out going over some basics.  These are only my opinion of what you need, so others might have different options or suggestions.



Show and Tell:  I brought some different items of clothing I've made over the years, some simple cotton, some fancy ribbon fabric t-shirt, a nubby voile, a brushed poplin jacket, a polyester jacket, a 40's retro skirt, and a jean skirt and pant. The idea was for the group to look at the construction techniques, talk about fabric design, and show some of my mistakes.  The idea was to show, that, no matter how much or how often we sew, you are going to make mistakes. 

What was the main lesson here:
1.  You will make mistakes.  Get over it.  Don't let fear keep you from trying.
2.  If you use patterned fabric, pay particular attention to placement of the actual design pattern.  In other words, you might not want that large cabbage rose planted on one of your boobs.  Or the stripes to not line up or line up somewhere awkward.  Or worse yet, sew one piece upside down, which I have done several times.
3.  Buy fabrics that you can care for.  Dry clean only doesn't always mean that so don't let that scare you.  You probably can still wash delicate and hang dry.  I'd avoid the dryer for those fabrics.  A lesson I try to do, but don't always, wash your fabrics before you cut, to remove any sizing, any chemicals on the fabric, and to reduce shrinkage.  You will also get a sense on how much something wrinkles and if you will need to iron.
4.  Practice sustainability.  It isn't necessary to buy new fabrics.  You can purchase fabrics and patterns at flea markets, garage sales, estate sales.  You can use existing clothing and make new.  You can re-fashion something.  For example, I am currently taking a men's shirt and re-fashioning it into a woman's blouse.  I'm all about being part of the global community and not adding more waste to our landfills.  Also, I don't want to contribute to the growing slave labor in third world countries. 
5.  Consider if fabric is a drapey or a stiff fabric because it can affect your final product.  Also look at stretch vs. no stretch when making clothing for comfort. 

Sewing accessories:

Let's first talk sewing machines.  If you are a beginner, don't buy a new machine unless you absolutely have to have one.  Borrow one, pick up one at Goodwill, a garage sale, or you might have one sitting in a closet.  You don't want to invest a lot of money into something you might not continue.  Wait to buy a better machine if necessary later when you make a serious commitment. I know many sewists who still use a machine that is 30 years old.  My serger is pushing 30 years old.  I think today it's essential a sewing machine have a straight stitch (duh), a zigzag, a buttonholer, and a zipper foot.  Other than that, you can make do.

Accessories:  Here are my go to list.  I've been sewing since I was old enough to hold a needle.  I've collected quite a bit of items.

Sew what other accessories will you need? 

Scissors:  This should be an investment.  You want a good pair of sewing scissors for fabric.  A good pair doesn't have to cost too much, you can spend a lot, you can pick up a new pair for about $40.00.  You can also buy second hand, unfortunately, you won't know if they were used for cutting other things.  The sacred rule is: NEVER USE YOUR FABRIC SCISSORS FOR ANY OTHE PURPOSE.  You also want a pair of scissors to cut your patterns, you might want a pair of pinking shears (I inherited mine), and you want a good pair of threat cutters (little scissors).  Those will help clean up the little end threads, cut ease and trim excess fabric.  Some people like rotary cutters to cut fabric, I'm just not a fan.  It's great for quilts and cutting large geometric shapes though. 

What other accessories do I find essential:  A tailor's measuring tape, tailer's chalk in blue and white (they also come in pencil form, I just prefer the chalk), a pin cushion with an emery (the small strawberry on the traditional tomato pin cushion is an emery for needle and pin sharpening).  You might want a wrist pin cushion, I just use a small condiment bowl to hold my pins.  I use large quilter's pins with colored bases for two reasons:  you can iron over the plastic end bits, and they are visible and harder to lose.  Essential to anyone who sews is the magic seam ripper aka button holer and sewist's best friend.  You will become very friendly with your seam ripper. 

 

Sew, we also talked about patterns, how to read patterns and understanding pattern sizing.  I explained the difference between ready to wear (RTO) sizing and pattern sizing.  There can be as many as three size difference between the clothes you purchase and the pattern size you buy.  RTW sizing is called vanity sizing, because manufacturers believe women can't be told the truth about their size.  Thirty years ago there was no such thing as a size 0.  It's essential that sewists measure themselves accurately and buy patterns to fit them based on their true sizing.  I went over the pattern cover and showed them to not only look at the pattern sizing, but also the finished sizing because you might want to go down a size.  It's important for you to recognize if you are long or short waisted, have a long rise, have a pear shape, a square shape, an inverted triangle, or a triangular shape.  One of our sewists is smaller on top than bottom.  When she buys patterns, she should buy to fit her top half, and we can make adjustments to the botton half.  Otherwise, she might have more alterations to do if she goes strictly by her hips.  Also, you should look at the clothes you love, notice the shape, and purchase patterns to follow those designs.  You will be happier and will reduce the alterations you might make. 

And finally, we measured ourselves.  Not so scary.

We discussed our game plan for The Sew and Sews.  We talked about our end goals, starting with making a bag, to aprons, to creating a garment.  We discussed creating a library display to show off our wears and to highlight the books our library owns for home sewing.

We will meet again in three weeks, bring our sewing machines and learn how to thread, fill our bobbins, insert needles or change feet.  We will also learn basic servicing and cleaning of the machine.  We will practice stitching.  We will also take a hand, yes ladies, with some hand sewing.   Everyone needs to learn how to do a running stitch for basting,   Or to sew by hand for those fiddly bits that the machine makes awkward.  I will be giving everyone their pattern for a messenger bag, a list for the supplies and a plan for our project.    I just can't wait.  Happy sewing everyone!

We will be making a messenger bag that has pockets, a zippered pocket, an adjustable shoulder strap.  I want everyone to know you don't have to spend a fortune on fabric.  This is a perfect project to use unused clothing, scrap fabric, jeans, anything you like.  We will learning how to make a lining, using interfacing, and to customize their bag for their personal use.  I can't wait. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sew what's new?

Ok, sew, I might be a little ambitious with two posts in two days, but hey, while I'm on a roll, let's get going.  Since I last posted, I've done quite a few ambitious projects.

After my beloved child moved out, I completely redecorated his room and turned it into my sewing room.  The most expensive cost was buying a really well-made sewing table for my machine.  I also bought a desk which is used for sewing and studying since I am still taking college courses.

Here are some pictures of how it looks:

I'm using an old farmhouse pine dining table as a cutting station with a cutting board on top.  Next expense is to purchase a really nice cutting board, but the cardboard one is still doing just fine.

I made the curtains and all the pillows on the daybed.  I really love this room and it's my go to place when I need re-energizing.

I also made my first comforter.  The fabric was on sale for 1/2 price at Hancock's and I'd been eyeing it for weeks.  Sew, I convinced my spouse that this was absolutely necessary and he agreed.  See below:

So they were somewhat big projects.  Next time, we will talk clothing....See you later, sew later.

Sew, it's been a while since I posted.  Although I've sewn a lot since.  I'm new to this blogging thing.  I love to sew, love to share my ideas, love to read other sewing bloggers, and live for my passion.  If I didn't have sewing as an outlet for stress, I would be a very sad puppy.

What's been going on you might ask?  I've been going back to to school on-line, ang it takes quite a bit of my time when I'm not working.  I also have tried really hard to be more social this last year because I tend to be a loner.  I've worked really hard to be a better friend and a support network for people.  It has helped with my anxiety around large groups of people.  I now play bunco and meet friends for drinks, something I've never done.

Work is not what I expected and there is a lot of tension and strain.  Anytime management works in secret, it creates an atmosphere of distrust, and rumors run amok.  As an emotional person. I feel the tension accutely, although it's not directly related to me.  On  my side, I feel under-valued at work, and my input is not valued, so I get depressed thinking I am wasting my time and no one cares.

Beyond that bit of crap, I have a great staff and work with wonderful people directly, so it's just management that needs real change.

Sew, to stop my ramble, I've been trying to convert my wardrobe from RTW to MeMade.  I'm becoming more successful. I really have tried not to buy new, and if I buy anything, it's thrift store.  The biggest challenge is that I've put on about 30 lbs which I am working to get off, so I'm discouraged to sew anything I love if I lose weight.  I've also had shoulder surgery which limits my ability to dress and undress.  But starting tomorrow, I can ride my bike again!

On a postive note, I have mastered jeans!  I found a fabulous pattern Butterick 5682, with just a simple pattern adjustment, adding an inch to the back, they fit wonderfully and I have garnered many wonderful compliments.  I will post pictures next.

I also have worked on my rolled hem skills, fly fronts, and trying new techniques.  Enough so that for my husbands' 54th birthay, I will be making him a Burda shirt and shorts.  I've only sewed for hi once, I took a hat apart a long time ago, and made a new one that he loved. 

Generally, I sew for myself.  I've only made friends' childrens clothes.  I'm always afraid I don't sew well enough that my friends will wear them, but I just made my best friend a dress, and I will make another a pencil skirt that I've modified to give it a pleated back edge.  My confidence is growing.

But what have I done that I'm most proud?  I've started a sewing bee!  With women I work with to teach them how to sew!  And everyone is more than excited to started.  Wish me luck.

Sew, I know this isn't written very well, or with transitions and all those nice grammatically well done writing skills I know to do, I apologize.  I am rambling, but I wanted to post sew you will know what I'm up to. 

Til next time, sew Oklahoma!

Sew Needing Some Support

Sew, haven't done much sewing since last I posted.  What, with taking a Data Analysis class that is taking all my spare time.  When not spending time in hours of homework, I have been fighting BMW North America regarding my mini cooper (see previous blog for details).  Sew now, they offer, a "one time good deal" because of being "such a good customer" to replace the part but will not guarantee that they will replace it if it fails again.  I feel the offer was to get me to shut up after writing to every company executive.  Sew, if I accept that offer, I screw myself for future complaints.  I'm sew fed up with them.  My next step is a small claims action against Jackie Cooper BMW in Edmond.  I hate doing that cuz it's not them, they just sold me the car.  But, hey, JC BMW could foot the bill if they cared for my business. 

It's not about the money, it's about the principal that they can bully people and refuse to do the right thing.  You can help me by signing my petition on change.org.  https://www.change.org/petitions/bmw-north-america-cant-bully-american-car-owners.  But only if you want, no pressure.  I've never done this before, but I'm tired of being paralyzed by the bullies with all the money in America.  If I have to follow the rules, the big boys should too.

Sew, what have I sewed?  I did sew a lovely vintage style green velvet cloche.  It's from an out of print McCall's hat pattern.  It's lovely and sew easy to make.  I used a scrap green velvet and a silky piece of fabric in a dark turquoise for the band.  I found a silk flower pin at Hobby Lobby to attach to the side to give it a more vintage feel.   Sew, sorry for this short blog, but life gets in the way sometimes. 

I promise, the next time, I will offer more sewing and less bitching.  Promise....hopefully.  I'll do my best.

Sew Intended

Sew, after reading a million (slight exaggeration) blogs, and reading others New Year's resolution, I felt I must make my own.  I don't like resolutions as much as the word goal or intentions.  Sew, my intentions for 2012 are:

A.  Not purchase any RTW, except underwear, jeans, socks for one year.  If I want new clothes, I must make them myself.  So far, so good.  I know this is mighty ambitious.

B.  I will not use the elevator at work to move between 4 floor unless there is an emergency.  (Fire).  Those extra steps will help remove some extra padding in my backside.

C.  I will revel in my handsewing skills.  I love to handsew, and have even made a complete summer dress by handsewing alone.  I like the ability to control the fabric.  And I like the way it looks.

D.  I will share my love of sewing with another.  And hopefully, they will learn to love it as much as I do.

Sew News

Sew, since moving my table, what have I done?  I've spent a bit of time altering and upcycling some things.  I had this J Crew top that fit a bit awkward across the boatneck front.  I am a bit thin across my upper chest, so probably I didn't fill the top out like it needs.  The facing kept pulling out and showing which made me not want to wear it.  But it's a really comfortable and soft t-shirt and I like the detailing.  What did I do?  I had a beaded tank that was falling apart. so I took the beads off and resewed them across the front of the t-shirt to hold the facing in place and give it some details.  My husband thought it looked amazing.  I wear it with a animal print shrug and get a lot of nice complements.

Sew, that encouraged me, I then took a scrap piece of boucle, and made a pencil skirt.  Because of the loose weave, I did a lot of handsewing to make sure the lines stayed lined up.  I then had to redo the waist to make it smaller because,despite stabilizing, the fabric is so loosely woven, it stretched.  The lining helps keep it's shape, and it is really really cute.



It's not crooked, just I didn't hang it well. 



After feeling ramped by that, I got on a roll,  I made the most awesome moleskin skirt using a 1940's Retro pattern from Simplicity 4044.  Some of the reviews on Patternreview indicated the skirt sewed large, but that was not my experience.  It was exactly right.  I matched it to my little red cordoroy jacket that gives the whole outfit a Tyrolian feel.  I love the Sound of Music and I feel that it translates.  The fabric was awesome with embroidery that really added to the look. 

My next move was McCall's 6399 to make a turquoise satin blouse.  I had to make a few adjustments across the chest because I'm so thin, but otherwise, it was an easy sew.  I added a long belt to give it a bow on the side, ala Baroness Shrader.  I was channeling the Sound of Music I tell you.

Charlie and Bobbie have to be in every picture if a camera is anywhere displayed.  I wore this with my satin tiered skirt which I love and I felt dressy and romantic.

Sew my next move was a remake of a favorite pattern, Butterick 5388.  I used a buttery soft rayon with a really lively color palette.  It reminds me of little fishes, even it is leaves.  It's a bit billowly, but has a nice shape.  The colors are very interesting.

But what I'm most excited about, is the dress I made from a New Look pattern 0431.  I saw it made up in JoAnn's and was inspired.  It has princess shaping and I was concerned that if I guessed it wrong, the fabric would be ruined.  I used a wool blend speckled black and white.  It had a nice soft feel and a medium weight that suited the style of the dress.  In keeping with my Sound of Music channeling, I felt the dress needed a little umph.  I decided to added a braid similar to what is seen on European dirndls.  My husband immediately complemented the dress.  It has a nice 60's feel, and I love the neckline.  I can't wait to wear it.

Sew, with my Sound of Music influence, I think I'm done for now.  Except fixing a rip in my son's favorite pants, and cutting out another skirt from Simplicity 4044, I'm done. 

Although, I did go to Hancock's today and purchase another four pieces of fabric.  My next project is making a pair of vintage curtains I picked up at Goodwill into a spring top.  Can't wait to show you how wonderful the fabric is and what good condition it is despite being around 40 years old.

Now on to schoolwork.

Sew Into the New Year

It's been a while since I posted.  I was pretty busy with school and the holidays.  Since moving my sewing table, I kind of lost my mojo as well.  Sew, let's get back to something other than holiday sewing.  Back in September, I went to the OK State Fair, and saw some amazing handicrafts.  My favorite part of the fair is the 4H exhibits.  I love to see what kids are making.  I love all the arts and crafts submissions whether they win or not. Here are a few pics.   The bras were designed for Breast Cancer Awareness, there is a Renaissance Dress that is amazing (I couldn't get close enough to show you the stichery).  There was a boot decorated and of course a Barbie that was awesomely dressed in a beaded outfit.  The shirred little girls dress made me envious.