The Sewing Bee

[Apple]

I have about 25 hours into my first baby quilt!  I'm only about 1/4 of the way done, lol.  Getting a little faster though, and my stitches are more even.  I'm going to try a smaller needle though, see if I can get my stitches smaller, right now I'm around 7 stitches/inch.

[bcdfgh]

I made most of my clothes. If I buy I would have to alter them and it often takes longer to alter than make a new one. Although I don't need reading glasses yet I start having difficulty with things like removing stiches because the colors of the thread and fabric are the same or similar.  I'm sad if years later I can't sew at all. What would you do if you can't see well when you quilt, sew, etc?

[dannylion]

Jul 9, 2016 12:15:13 GMT -5 bcdfgh said:

I made most of my clothes. If I buy I would have to alter them and it often takes longer to alter than make a new one. Although I don't need reading glasses yet I start having difficulty with things like removing stiches because the colors of the thread and fabric are the same or similar.  I'm sad if years later I can't sew at all. What would you do if you can't see well when you quilt, sew, etc?

Have you tried rubbing a little tailor's chalk over the line of stitches you need to remove? If the fabric is medum to dark, white chalk will highlight the stiches and make them easier to see. It doesn't work so well on very pale pastels or white, though. The square pieces of chalk with one sharpened side are particularly useful for this.  Just brush off the chalk when you're done.  It comes right off. 

[bcdfgh]

That's great tip. Thank you. Now that you mentioned sewing chalk I think color pencils should work with light color fabrics. If I mark it on the inside and after a few washes the trace of pencil marks should be gone.

[Apple]

Tonight's project (because I'm still a complete beginner): a pillowcase!  It's not perfect, but it's soft and warm

[Sam_2.0]

This month's project

[Sam_2.0]

Jul 16, 2016 21:25:29 GMT -5 Sam_2.0 said:

This month's project

Started over. First try didn't look as much like flowers as I had wanted.

[Apple]

I had a 60% off coupon for a cut of fabric, so I bought enough crepe satin to sew a cloak  I have some shimmery blue-on-black fabric as well (light and see-through), so I'm going to make the cloak reversible, since the shimmery fabric is just too pretty to hide as a liner.  Not sure when I'll be able to start it, but hopefully soon.  The cloak pattern goes on sale for $1.99 later this week, so I have to at least wait until I pick it up.

Found out my mom has been talking about me starting to sew quite a bit at work, she works in a fabric store, so I know she's really excited I'm finally taking it up (she's been sewing since she was a little kid doing 4H projects).

[sealy]

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 room darkening panels to the ones in the bedroom but taking the first step seems to be eluding me.

You both can do it.  Like someone else said practice makes perfect.  No quilt I make is perfect though.  I always say if that get that close to see my mistake then they need to see it.    Sewing for me is also relaxing.  I haven't done it in awhile but plan to finish several quilts I have been working on.

[sealy]

Mar 26, 2016 9:48:04 GMT -5 Ombud said:

I want a Navy skirt but under $100. Guess I'll make it. Don't have a machine but there's 2 at DS' house -- his & DDIL

How nice! I want my next husband to sew.

[sealy]

I'm glad I found this thread.  Wish I could bookmark it.  I love to quilt!

Apple thanks for posting the Aunt Becky video.

[Apple]

I picked up some patterns today (simplicity $1.99 + 20% off), along with some flannel.  I'm going to make some lounge pants.  Figure that will give me good practice on something that won't be worn in public  Also bought a couple dress patterns, two for the niece, one for me (I don't usually wear dresses, but it's a type I've wanted for a while, should be fun).  I also found the cutest glow-in-the-dark monster flannel, but I'm waiting until I have a 50% off coupon to buy that.

Also, I pulled out the quilt top my great-grampa made.  After I'm a little more confident with my hand quilting, I'm going to put it together and quilt it.  The squares are 1 3/4", and I love all the old prints

[Ombud]

The scarf is $30 at the store but the fabric is only $9.99 - 20% (coupon today). So I'm figuring a half yard? I mean, how hard can it be to make a scarf? Isn't it just fabric with a rolled hem on all 4 sides?

www.joann.com/nicole-miller-embroidered-mesh-ribbon-fabric-coastal-blue/14746655.html?green=0AEA9CF7-88A3-5A73-AA12-0997421E10A6

Edited: with coupon was $4.45 instead of $38 at Macy's

Yeah, okay, getting hooked:
Skirt - 12.98 instead of 30 (but got it to the knee instead of above it)
Scarf - 4.45 instead of 38

[dannylion]

Jul 25, 2016 16:09:06 GMT -5 Ombud said:

The scarf is $30 at the store but the fabric is only $9.99 - 20% (coupon today). So I'm figuring a half yard? I mean, how hard can it be to make a scarf? Isn't it just fabric with a rolled hem on all 4 sides?

www.joann.com/nicole-miller-embroidered-mesh-ribbon-fabric-coastal-blue/14746655.html?green=0AEA9CF7-88A3-5A73-AA12-0997421E10A6

Edited: with coupon was $4.45 instead of $38 at Macy's

Yeah, okay, getting hooked:
Skirt - 12.98 instead of 30 (but got it to the knee instead of above it)
Scarf - 4.45 instead of 38

That fabric is pretty!

It depends on the dimensions you want for your scarf.  if you want a square scarf, the largest size you can make will be determined by the width of the fabric less the selvages (you'll have to cut those off to get a soft rolled edge and prevent puckering).  Most fabric is around 45 inches wide, so a half yard would make a scarf about 22 inches on a side. if you want a bigger scarf, you would need to get more fabric, more than a yard if you want to be able to use the whole width and make it about 44 inches on a side.   If you want an oblong scarf, you would need to get enough for the entire length unless you were okay with a seam in the middle.

A rolled hem is pretty easy to do either by hand or on a machine (you can get an attachment to make a rolled hem, but it takes some practice to use successfully). You can probably find YouTube videos with instructions.

[Ombud]

Jul 29, 2016 12:38:02 GMT -5 dannylion said:

Jul 25, 2016 16:09:06 GMT -5 Ombud said:

The scarf is $30 at the store but the fabric is only $9.99 - 20% (coupon today). So I'm figuring a half yard? I mean, how hard can it be to make a scarf? Isn't it just fabric with a rolled hem on all 4 sides?

www.joann.com/nicole-miller-embroidered-mesh-ribbon-fabric-coastal-blue/14746655.html?green=0AEA9CF7-88A3-5A73-AA12-0997421E10A6

Edited: with coupon was $4.45 instead of $38 at Macy's

Yeah, okay, getting hooked:
Skirt - 12.98 instead of 30 (but got it to the knee instead of above it)
Scarf - 4.45 instead of 38

That fabric is pretty!

It depends on the dimensions you want for your scarf.  if you want a square scarf, the largest size you can make will be determined by the width of the fabric less the selvages (you'll have to cut those off to get a soft rolled edge and prevent puckering).  Most fabric is around 45 inches wide, so a half yard would make a scarf about 22 inches on a side. if you want a bigger scarf, you would need to get more fabric, more than a yard if you want to be able to use the whole width and make it about 44 inches on a side.   If you want an oblong scarf, you would need to get enough for the entire length unless you were okay with a seam in the middle.

A rolled hem is pretty easy to do either by hand or on a machine (you can get an attachment to make a rolled hem, but it takes some practice to use successfully). You can probably find YouTube videos with instructions.

I hope I didn't make a mistake! Bought this one instead: www.joann.com/sew-classic-chiffon-cobalt-aqua-tie-dye-clip-paisley/9639600.html#q=Chiffon+Fabric&start=8 and basted it into a long tubular scarf. Metallic threads were a little scratchy so using it wrong side out. I love it ... 1st piece in decades .... doing skirt this weekend with DDIL & GD3 help. So tired of things hitting way above knee

[Apple]

TL;DR-- my "new" toy, a 1954 Singer 301a-2, with cabinet and lots of attachments/extras, pic of machine in case at bottom.

Well, I spent money again...

I went to an estate sale and almost everything was way, way overpriced (a metal measuring cup, nothing special, $2, a lot of stuff you can buy new, same quality, for less).  After one room I was sure I wouldn't buy anything.

I got to the last room and saw a Singer 301A-2, in its case (A for Anderson factory, -2 for the longer table).  It had a couple boxes of attachments next to it (button holer, zig zag, stuff I had no way to identify myself).  It was sitting on a sewing cabinet (may have been a desk converted to a sewing cabinet, but the hole in the cabinet was cut for this machine).  The cabinet was being sold separately.  But, again, after seeing all the other prices, I just wasn't sure.  I decided not to do it.

So I went to my car and looked it up.  It was on ebay with fewer attachments for about the same price (but by the time you added shipping, the ones on ebay were all more expensive).  Looked at some reviews, looked at some videos, read thoughts about it (it's a bit heavier than the "official" featherweight, but has a case and carry handle, and isn't too bad, but heavier than today's all-plastic models).  

I went back in and asked if the cabinet would come with everything in the drawers (a ton of sewing related stuff, lots of bobbins for the machine, more attachments, everything really clean and obviously well taken care of).  He said it would.  

So, I did it!  He had me take the drawers and machine with me (so no one would take the stuff in the drawers), but I had to wait until today to pick up the cabinet (wasn't driving the truck and needed to get out of town).

The manual has hand written dates for when she oiled/greased/lubricated the parts (first date was '69).  The top portion of the sales slip(?) with the serial number is in the case ("if serial number on deckplate does not match, please...").  The area where the bobbin goes has a little lint I'll need to brush out, but other than that it is very clean!

We tracked the serial number to 1954.

I'm putting it upstairs until I get my sewing room set up, but I'm excited to get to use it.

[dannylion]

Jul 29, 2016 14:58:20 GMT -5 Ombud said:

Jul 29, 2016 12:38:02 GMT -5 dannylion said:

That fabric is pretty!

It depends on the dimensions you want for your scarf.  if you want a square scarf, the largest size you can make will be determined by the width of the fabric less the selvages (you'll have to cut those off to get a soft rolled edge and prevent puckering).  Most fabric is around 45 inches wide, so a half yard would make a scarf about 22 inches on a side. if you want a bigger scarf, you would need to get more fabric, more than a yard if you want to be able to use the whole width and make it about 44 inches on a side.   If you want an oblong scarf, you would need to get enough for the entire length unless you were okay with a seam in the middle.

A rolled hem is pretty easy to do either by hand or on a machine (you can get an attachment to make a rolled hem, but it takes some practice to use successfully). You can probably find YouTube videos with instructions.

I hope I didn't make a mistake! Bought this one instead: www.joann.com/sew-classic-chiffon-cobalt-aqua-tie-dye-clip-paisley/9639600.html#q=Chiffon+Fabric&start=8 and basted it into a long tubular scarf. Metallic threads were a little scratchy so using it wrong side out. I love it ... 1st piece in decades .... doing skirt this weekend with DDIL & GD3 help. So tired of things hitting way above knee

Post a picture!  The fabric is beautiful.  Maybe it will soften with wear and get less scratchy.

[Ombud]

Picture: (tried 3× but it won't paste) Used this pattern: www.joann.com/easy-to-make-scarf/0165873P156.html but kept it 58" long. Actually, with it being sewn into a 58" × 8" 'tube' the metal threads are shimmering in the background. I know this isn't big to anyone else, but a yr ago I would have spent 38 plus tax instead of $4.45 total

[Apple]

Made my first pair of pajama pants. Also changed the strap on a bag for DS, from a short one to one he can wear cross-body and adjust (it was a military surplus bag, Polish army, I think). Going to work on a second pair of the pants tonight, then have some other flannel I'll either make pants or shorts from (they have glow in the dark monsters).

[Apple]

Made pair #2 in a fun flannel (and made them smaller than the first pair).

[Deleted]

Jul 24, 2016 18:46:56 GMT -5 Apple said:

I picked up some patterns today (simplicity $1.99 + 20% off), along with some flannel.  I'm going to make some lounge pants.  Figure that will give me good practice on something that won't be worn in public  Also bought a couple dress patterns, two for the niece, one for me (I don't usually wear dresses, but it's a type I've wanted for a while, should be fun).  I also found the cutest glow-in-the-dark monster flannel, but I'm waiting until I have a 50% off coupon to buy that.

Also, I pulled out the quilt top my great-grampa made.  After I'm a little more confident with my hand quilting, I'm going to put it together and quilt it.  The squares are 1 3/4", and I love all the old prints

I think your great-grampa and my grammy knew each other. That looks an awful lot like my quilt! Except Gram put solid spacers in between the blocks, probably to keep us from going blind.

On a side note, I now have my Hollie Hobbie quilt that my Gram made for me in 1978, on my bed. I hate the color green but I do love the quilt.

[Apple]

That's cool that you got the quilt

I laid out the one from great-grampa, and it's just subdued enough that your eyes don't go buggy looking at it.

Last week, I made the two pairs of pj pants (gave the first pair to DS), two pairs of pj shorts, and a long sleeved t-shirt ( www.lovenotions.com/product/laundry-day-tee-xs-xxxl )  It's really comfortable, just a little longer than expected.  I bought some heavier material to make another one, almost like a sweatshirt.

I was so exhausted Monday (after six night shifts, day off, and then a really early shift) that I didn't get to learn to bind my quilt.  The lady gave me her phone number and told me to get some sleep, and come up later in the week and she'd show me.  Hope to go up there tomorrow.

Any other projects getting done?

[countrygirl]

I had almost given up sewing not able to see. I got a different

type of lenses in glasses made a world of difference. Then I

bought 2 of these lights.  I'm trying to remember the names,

they have them at sewing stores, they are very bright and the

tabletop one has a magnifying lens I can use to thread needles.

The other stands on a rolling base.  They are Ottlites, I see the

new ones cost way more then I paid, but they sure help when

sewing. 

[Apple]

I really like my ottlite.  My mom had an extra set (because she works at the fabric store, she got it for an absolute steal), I traded her the light for some work and Costco stuff.  I have a stand one and one that attaches to a table.

The best time to get them, that I've found, is to wait until they go on sale at JoAnn Fabrics for 50 or 60% off, and combine that with a 20%, or $20 off $75 coupon.  I wouldn't pay full price.

[Sharon]

I love love love my ott lite.  Mine was a Christmas gift one year from my mom.  It is one that has a rechargeable battery.  I need to get a new battery since it doesn't hold a charge anymore.  But it was nice to be able to use it when an outlet wasn't nearby or I even used it a couple of times when the power went out.

I have another baby quilt to get started and i am procrastinating.  I have (had) the pattern all picked out then found the author of the pattern developed her own set of rulers to use with the pattern.   I should be able to figure out how to cut it out but it will just take more brain power than I have had lately.  It is very maddening when they do crap like that.

[countrygirl]

Maybe if I reduce my canning and gardening I will have time to do

more sewing. I need to, I have piles and piles of fabric and patterns.

It's a waste just sitting there not being put to good use.

I can't garden, clean, cook, work on houses, and have enough energy

left to sew. I also like to read so squeezing lots of things into my days.

[Ombud]

Patterns are on sale at Joann's (3 Simplicity for $5)

[Blonde Granny]

I need the weather to cool down before I will get back into my quilting.  The sunroom is on the west side of the house, and even in the mornings right now it's way to hot and humid to go out there.

[Apple]

I found the perfect fabric to make an apron for canning It has little jars filled with "gross" stuff (like fish skeletons and eyeballs--it's a halloween fabric). I think it will make a fun, one-of-a-kind apron.



I also found some Jack Skellington fabric to make different stuff with (Joanne Fabrics).

There is a graveyard print they show online, but it's only available in store, and all the stores I can find within any driving distance don't have it It's actually a really pretty fabric, just wish they had it locally!



ETA: the apron pattern, haven't decided yet, but probably the one on the right...

[stillmovingforward]

Apple! I'm late to this thread but you got a great sewing machine. I have 3  from '54 thru '62 Singer sewing machines.  I LOVE them!  At retreats and classes, there are two kinds of women, the ones who gaze wistfully at mine and regret getting rid of theirs and the ones who turn up their noses and must have the latest and greatest.

I've done great quilts with my machines and have no desire for a fancy one.  Although, I hand quilt my quilts or send them out.  I don't try machine quilting on mine.  But I've heard it can be done.