"Oh no, you shouldn't do that." Grandma shook her head and reached for the pattern piece."But that's what the instructions say I should do." Who knew instructions could be so wrong? But I'll trust a woman with decades of sewing experience over my limited knowledge of the craft. My last two attempts at making a dress ended up with necessary alterations to make the things fit. It seems the size my measurements say I should wear is too big. :) Go figure.
Howdy y'all! It's Crystal again, the gal who only got a sewing machine a bit over a year ago. I'm a little late to the sewing party, but I have family who's working to rectify that gap in my education---sort of. Monday, I got to spend time with my grandma who's been a seamstress for years and years. I showed her what I got for Christmas---a pattern, yards of three different materials, thread, buttons, a zipper, and so on. (or should I say sew on? :) heehee)
Anyway, have you ever been in a situation like I found myself in the other day? I've learned the old adage "There's more than one way to skin a rabbit" applies to more than just supper plans. Apparently, it applies to stitching and patterns too. I'm so grateful for those who are willing to pass on their wisdom to others.
That said, I'm going to give you a chance to make me even more grateful. =D Do you have any sewing tips that you'd give a novice or intermediate seamstress? Any how-to's or quick tricks you've learned through the years? (Yes, I'm shamefully asking for more help, so fess up. :) ) If you don't have any tips to share, maybe you can climb in the boat with me and tattle on yourself about a sewing or craft mess-up you made?
I don't do a lot of sewing these days, but I do know that I always run things past my mother for tips to succeed.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! Isn't it wonderful to have someone to run to for help? :)
DeleteGreat post, Crystal! I am really bad with patterns, so I usually make up my own. They don't turn out perfect, but they work. I especially liked to make the victorian-style hoop skirts. Here's one I made a few years ago for a Civil War party my family hosted. Hopefully the link works.
ReplyDeletehttps://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/2846_493631407332305_1753453537_n.jpg?oh=332eeca70b2c96bd9b98c167ea0aba06&oe=55323667&__gda__=1430545582_f7610592f7c9cd8aa7dd3d1ed00a01ec
Hi Amber! Glad you enjoyed the post. My grandma is actually helping me tweak this pattern to make it easier. :) I'm all for easier. :)
DeleteI looked at the link -- coolness!! :)
The sewing machine and I never got to be good friends. I did manage to make a few wearable garments, but I spent a lot of time with the seam ripper. I have my mom's old Pfaff machine, which is older than me and decidedly cantankerous. I use it for mending, but haven't attempted anything new in years.
ReplyDeleteHi Terri! I've met the seam ripper a time or two when working on my quilt project. :) I love to see pictures of old sewing machines. I'm sure having that one is a treasure. :)
DeleteFor some reason, my head and hands never got together when it came to sewing !
ReplyDelete:) I've had that happen with other things, Melanie. :)
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