The Sewing Bee

[Blonde Granny]

Since we're talking sewing: I have a Bernina 830. I mostly due quilting, but sometimes I venture off into decorative items for use around the house. I found some old patterns that had all the pattern pieces. I never got around to doing any of them this past winter, but am hoping I'll find some comfy snuggly fabric and make some stay at home lounge wear.

This is a picture of my machine and table (DH made this for me) and this was taken in my sewing room at the other house:

[Blonde Granny]

I made 2 of these identical quilts for my twin nephews a few years ago. The embroidery was done on my other machince, a Bernina 640 (since traded in on the 830)

[Deleted]

Damn I wish I could sew.

[Green Eyed Lady]

What kinda weirdo sews?

Seriously...thanks. Love reading about others who share the same passion.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Mar 25, 2016 14:01:15 GMT -5 @xmascookie said:

Damn I wish I could sew.

You can. Anybody can. If you can follow instructions, you can learn. After you learn, you can do away with those instructions.

[Jaguar]

I don't sew anymore, but my mom taught me. Her old sewing desk/table is my current computer desk. I have to have my mom close, so I have her beloved oak sewing desk. My mom loved Singer sewing machines.

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2016 14:02:19 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

Mar 25, 2016 14:01:15 GMT -5 @xmascookie said:

Damn I wish I could sew.

You can. Anybody can. If you can follow instructions, you can learn. After you learn, you can do away with those instructions.

I just don't have the patience for it. My mom loved to sew and was good at it. Believe me I have tried. I admire those that can do it but I know I'm not one of them.

[Green Eyed Lady]

I don't sew clothing much anymore. The cost of material, at least where I am, is astronomical.  It used to be cheaper to sew than to buy but not anymore! If it's a case of wanting a skirt in just this right color, I'll still spring for it even though it's more expensive. I can always make what I can't find to buy. Plus? I hate shopping with a passion.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Mar 25, 2016 14:06:06 GMT -5 @xmascookie said:

Mar 25, 2016 14:02:19 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

You can. Anybody can. If you can follow instructions, you can learn. After you learn, you can do away with those instructions.

I just don't have the patience for it. My mom loved to sew and was good at it. Believe me I have tried. I admire those that can do it but I know I'm not one of them.

Lots of people feel the same way. For me, it's relaxing. I know it's not the same for others.

[quince]

I love the table! Love!

I'm awful at sewing. I took up knitting/crocheting = continuous strand that is easy to unravel if you jack it up, whereas sewing- if you cut wrong, eek!

I can at least patch and mend, and fixed my husband's hakama this week- he couldn't tell where the repair is, so points to me! My parents got me a new machine for Christmas, which is much more basic, but still  many steps above the ancient one I had before, and probably won't get used enough until kid #2 is over a year old. I think half my sewing in the past year was fixing his martial arts gear.

I made a cross shoulder bag with some cloth a friend wove and learned a few good lessons there. And dressed my kid as a Jedi last Halloween.   This year with a fresh younger brother, the kid will have to settle for a store-bought costume. (Note: a toddler costume does not require french seams. Seriously.)

[Green Eyed Lady]

Mending is a good skill to have, Quince.  I can't crochet very well. My afghans end up being triangles. I just can't keep my stitches the same tightness. I start out really loose and get tighter...and tighter...and tighter.  Triangular afghans are not functional!

[dannylion]

Mar 25, 2016 14:02:19 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

Mar 25, 2016 14:01:15 GMT -5 @xmascookie said:

Damn I wish I could sew.

You can. Anybody can. If you can follow instructions, you can learn. After you learn, you can do away with those instructions.

Absolutely!  The finished product looks complicated, but it is constructed in small steps that basically involve fastening two pieces of fabric together. You can do that!

[Green Eyed Lady]

My friend wanted a tiered ruffled skirt for some county dance kind of thing. Hardest thing I ever made. Each tier was like 5 times as long as the finished product which consisted of more basting and gathering than I've ever done in my life. In addition, the material she picked was not lightweight! She just wanted an elastic band and I couldn't do that because the thing weighed 50 pounds when I was done and there was no way it would stay up on it's own! Had to have a waist band with a zipper.

[Green Eyed Lady]

Mar 25, 2016 14:18:08 GMT -5 dannylion said:

Mar 25, 2016 14:02:19 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

You can. Anybody can. If you can follow instructions, you can learn. After you learn, you can do away with those instructions.

Absolutely!  The finished product looks complicated, but it is constructed in small steps that basically involve fastening two pieces of fabric together. You can do that!

And practice makes perfect. As I said in the other thread, my best sewing friend is my seam ripper. I can't tell you how many zippers I've put in backwards. You'd think I'd check first but nope! Evidently, I think it's way more fun to do it twice!

[Apple]

I'm doing a bunch of work on the house next month (get 12 days off for just using 8 hours of vacation time!!)  Part of my plan in that time is to set up the spare room with a sewing machine, and have my mom come over and start showing me the basics.  I figure I'll start with totes and pillow cases.  I used to know the simple stuff (I've made mini quilts and a windsock), but it's all been so long ago I don't even remember how to thread a sewing machine.

I want to make aprons   They're "old fashioned" but some are so cute!  I really want to make a Jack Skellington apron, but the fabric is no longer made

[Green Eyed Lady]

Is that cording around every piece? That's one labor intensive apron! Very cool though!

[dannylion]

I've transitioned to sewing mostly quilts now that I've retired. I don't do the traditional patterns much. I make up my own weird, arty, abstract designs and use all kinds of fun fabrics.  And since this all sort of started with a prom dress, I actually love prom season because the fabric stores always have lots of specials on the fancy fabrics (silks, brocades, laces, etc.), and then there are lots of remnants of those fabrics to add to the stash for future inspiration.  (Needless to say, my quilts aren't washable.)

About 3 or 4 times a year I make the trek to G Street Fabrics (which is now in Rockville, the store on G Street in D.C. having been outgrown decades ago) for inspiration and acquisition. For about the first half hour I'm in the store, I just wander around in a haze of sensory overload. It's heaven.   

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2016 14:01:15 GMT -5 @xmascookie said:

Damn I wish I could sew.

You and me both. I have my mother's ancient Singer sewing machine but I haven't used it in so (sew ) long, I have the feeling I'll run the needle through my hand instead of the fabric. I want to make new curtains for upstairs and add room darkening panels to the ones in the bedroom but taking the first step seems to be eluding me.

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2016 19:49:29 GMT -5 @empressspunkles said:

Mar 25, 2016 14:01:15 GMT -5 @xmascookie said:

Damn I wish I could sew.

You and me both. I have my mother's ancient Singer sewing machine but I haven't used it in so (sew ) long, I have the feeling I'll run the needle through my hand instead of the fabric. I want to make new curtains for upstairs and add darkening panels to the ones in the bedroom but taking the first step seems to be eluding me.

Yes curtains!

Some look fairly simple but I know I would mess it up and waste $ on fabric and they would look crummy.

[saveinla]

One of the few memories that I have when I was a tiny girl was sitting next to the Singer machine that my mom used to sew on. She had the treadle version and I would touch her feet if I wanted some attention. It was fascinating seeing how she could control the speed with the pedal.

I can sew a button and hem a pant if needed, by hand. The nuns taught us some stitching and embroidery - most of which I have forgotten, except the chain stitch.

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2016 19:54:05 GMT -5 @xmascookie said:

Mar 25, 2016 19:49:29 GMT -5 @empressspunkles said:

You and me both. I have my mother's ancient Singer sewing machine but I haven't used it in so (sew ) long, I have the feeling I'll run the needle through my hand instead of the fabric. I want to make new curtains for upstairs and add darkening panels to the ones in the bedroom but taking the first step seems to be eluding me.

Yes curtains!

Some look fairly simple but I know I would mess it up and waste $ on fabric and they would look crummy.

Flat bed sheets. My mother made me some using flat sheets and I was thinking about doing that too, to practice anyway. Can get some cheap sheets just about anywhere. I do have fabric stockpiled all over the place but it's hard to find decent looking skulls on fabric so I would rather wait until I know what I'm doing before I sacrifice it. Don't ask.

[Green Eyed Lady]

I think that's a big part of it, saveinla. The memories. 

[Green Eyed Lady]

Mar 25, 2016 20:06:03 GMT -5 @empressspunkles said:

Mar 25, 2016 19:54:05 GMT -5 @xmascookie said:

Yes curtains!

Some look fairly simple but I know I would mess it up and waste $ on fabric and they would look crummy.

Flat bed sheets. My mother made me some using flat sheets and I was thinking about doing that too, to practice anyway. Can get some cheap sheets just about anywhere. I do have fabric stockpiled all over the place but it's hard to find decent looking skulls on fabric so I would rather wait until I know what I'm doing before I sacrifice it. Don't ask.

LOL!! I won't!

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2016 20:06:53 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

I think that's a big part of it, saveinla. The memories. 

DING DING DING!!! We have a winner. That is a HUGE part of it for me. I still have the vest my mother sewed for me back in high school a million years ago. Doubt I can button them over my boobs and stomach now but I don't care. I also still have 3 of my favorite sweaters, a scarf to match one of them and a blanket she knitted for me way back when as well. I did have to get rid of the one sweater that made me look and feel like Freddie Krueger but I still have the rest. I gave Cael a baby blanket that she had knitted for the grandchildren she was never going to have (only grand-animals). I have another blanket sitting around waiting for the right person to gift it to. If DH's twin ever does have a child, doesn't seem likely but who know, then he will be the lucky recipient. otherwise, it will be saved for who knows who.

[dannylion]

Mar 25, 2016 14:23:16 GMT -5 Apple said:

I'm doing a bunch of work on the house next month (get 12 days off for just using 8 hours of vacation time!!)  Part of my plan in that time is to set up the spare room with a sewing machine, and have my mom come over and start showing me the basics.  I figure I'll start with totes and pillow cases.  I used to know the simple stuff (I've made mini quilts and a windsock), but it's all been so long ago I don't even remember how to thread a sewing machine.

I want to make aprons   They're "old fashioned" but some are so cute!  I really want to make a Jack Skellington apron, but the fabric is no longer made

You can get block-printing supplies at an art-supply store and probably the big craft stores and print your own fabric.  And you can get a cording foot for your sewing machine that would make speedy work of applying cord edges like that.  You can do anything with the right tools. 

[Green Eyed Lady]

Mar 25, 2016 20:20:27 GMT -5 @empressspunkles said:

Mar 25, 2016 20:06:53 GMT -5 Green Eyed Lady said:

I think that's a big part of it, saveinla. The memories. 

DING DING DING!!! We have a winner. That is a HUGE part of it for me. I still have the vest my mother sewed for me back in high school a million years ago. Doubt I can button them over my boobs and stomach now but I don't care. I also still have 3 of my favorite sweaters, a scarf to match one of them and a blanket she knitted for me way back when as well. I did have to get rid of the one sweater that made me look and feel like Freddie Krueger but I still have the rest. I gave Cael a baby blanket that she had knitted for the grandchildren she was never going to have (only grand-animals). I have another blanket sitting around waiting for the right person to gift it to. If DH's twin ever does have a child, doesn't seem likely but who know, then he will be the lucky recipient. otherwise, it will be saved for who knows who.

I love hearing about other people's memories. Makes me feel all warm and gushy! Just wear your vest at home. Who cares if your boobs are on the outside!

[Deleted]

Mar 25, 2016 20:48:10 GMT -5 dannylion said:

Mar 25, 2016 14:23:16 GMT -5 Apple said:

I'm doing a bunch of work on the house next month (get 12 days off for just using 8 hours of vacation time!!)  Part of my plan in that time is to set up the spare room with a sewing machine, and have my mom come over and start showing me the basics.  I figure I'll start with totes and pillow cases.  I used to know the simple stuff (I've made mini quilts and a windsock), but it's all been so long ago I don't even remember how to thread a sewing machine.

I want to make aprons   They're "old fashioned" but some are so cute!  I really want to make a Jack Skellington apron, but the fabric is no longer made

You can get block-printing supplies at an art-supply store and probably the big craft stores and print your own fabric.  And you can get a cording foot for your sewing machine that would make speedy work of applying cord edges like that.  You can do anything with the right tools. 

I'm going to have to keep my eye out. I swear I have seen that particular fabric somewhere but not sure where. Besides here, that is.

[dannylion]

Mar 25, 2016 20:57:13 GMT -5 @empressspunkles said:

Mar 25, 2016 20:48:10 GMT -5 dannylion said:

You can get block-printing supplies at an art-supply store and probably the big craft stores and print your own fabric.  And you can get a cording foot for your sewing machine that would make speedy work of applying cord edges like that.  You can do anything with the right tools. 

I'm going to have to keep my eye out. I swear I have seen that particular fabric somewhere but not sure where. Besides here, that is.

Have you checked eBay or Etsy? Or just google and see what turns up. Somebody probably has a stash they're trying to sell.

[quince]

Bed sheets are a great idea- I did my son's Jedi costume out of bedsheets from a thrift store.

Mending is a really good way to practice, since if you can't fix it it'd be trashed anyhow.

Or cannibalizing/altering thrift store purchases, which can be quite cheap. No need to jump in on expensive new cloth with a pattern you just can't bear to cut.

[Apple]

Mar 25, 2016 21:01:18 GMT -5 dannylion said:

Mar 25, 2016 20:57:13 GMT -5 @empressspunkles said:

I'm going to have to keep my eye out. I swear I have seen that particular fabric somewhere but not sure where. Besides here, that is.

Have you checked eBay or Etsy? Or just google and see what turns up. Somebody probably has a stash they're trying to sell.

I've looked, but can't find it.  I saw somewhere that it was "out of print" years ago

I do like the idea of making my own, but that will have to wait.  I'll need the sewing skills first, then I'll need to figure out which fabric I like best, and go from there.

My mom works at a fabric store and has kept an eye out for me for some stuff I'd like--certain kinds of fleece, "travel" themed material, etc.