Showing posts with label Sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sewing. Show all posts
September 28, 2011
March 9, 2010
Unsucessful Craft Tuesday
I suppose this is just not my week. You see, after my purse I managed to sew (admittedly it's not sturdy enough to use, but it's in the shape of a purse so that was a success as far as I was concerned) I opted for pajama pants from a pattern as my next project. I bought a pattern that didn't have instructions and thought I was incompetent at all things sewing. I was reassured by a girlfriend that I was indeed missing instructions and not a complete retard. I got another pattern, and this time made sure there were instructions inside.
I cut my fabric about two weeks ago. I pinned it the next week and managed to procrastinate even more. Finally I bit the bullet and hit the sewing machine. This is what came out of it. 
WTF? I cut the damn pattern the way it said to! Alas, I cut the ridiculous excess of waste line and went to sew it all together. When turned right side out, something went horribly amiss. One leg would go right side out and the when the other made an attempt at it, it was twisted in the middle. Frustrated, I decided to throw the directions aside and venture forth, on my own accord. I sewed the entire ass of the pants together, and now have two separate legs after ripping the stitches out. After two hours, it resulted in a proclamation of how much I suck at sewing and some inside out, twisted, fabric resembling pants being thrown off the stairs.
Here are a few things that I know I didn't do properly:
- I didn't mark the notches and things on the pattern. I have fabric pencils that don't even make a mark on my fabric. Anyone have any recommendations?
- I refuse to cut the size differences of the fabric and tape it together! Are you kidding me? That'd take forever! I folded the difference and thought it'd do the trick.....
- My seams were more of 1/4' rather than the 5/8' the pattern calls for.
Unsucessful Craft Tuesday
I suppose this is just not my week. You see, after my purse I managed to sew (admittedly it's not sturdy enough to use, but it's in the shape of a purse so that was a success as far as I was concerned) I opted for pajama pants from a pattern as my next project. I bought a pattern that didn't have instructions and thought I was incompetent at all things sewing. I was reassured by a girlfriend that I was indeed missing instructions and not a complete retard. I got another pattern, and this time made sure there were instructions inside.
I cut my fabric about two weeks ago. I pinned it the next week and managed to procrastinate even more. Finally I bit the bullet and hit the sewing machine. This is what came out of it.
WTF? I cut the damn pattern the way it said to! Alas, I cut the ridiculous excess of waste line and went to sew it all together. When turned right side out, something went horribly amiss. One leg would go right side out and the when the other made an attempt at it, it was twisted in the middle. Frustrated, I decided to throw the directions aside and venture forth, on my own accord. I sewed the entire ass of the pants together, and now have two separate legs after ripping the stitches out. After two hours, it resulted in a proclamation of how much I suck at sewing and some inside out, twisted, fabric resembling pants being thrown off the stairs.Here are a few things that I know I didn't do properly:
- I didn't mark the notches and things on the pattern. I have fabric pencils that don't even make a mark on my fabric. Anyone have any recommendations?
- I refuse to cut the size differences of the fabric and tape it together! Are you kidding me? That'd take forever! I folded the difference and thought it'd do the trick.....
- My seams were more of 1/4' rather than the 5/8' the pattern calls for.
February 9, 2010
I Sewed a Purse!
Say hello to my very first purse! I totally sewed this(minus a few errors and having to rip the seams not once, not twice but three separate times)! I can’t tell you how proud of myself I am and how I’ve come to the realization that these things take practice (and knowledge).
I followed the pattern for the buttercup bag from Made By Rae. It was totally free and I couldn’t have picked a better pattern as my first. It taught me how simple it is to make a pleat and how to use a pattern. I’m not going to lie, I thought that to get the pattern onto the fabric required tracing with a fabric pencil. As you can imagine, it was a nightmare. Somewhere, somehow on the internet I was finally graced with the enlightening information that you pin the pattern to the fabric and then cut it!
As a person who depends on instructions for anything and everything, I have come to the conclusion that the directions only get you so far. Just because you have pictures and instructions doesn’t mean you don’t need to use common sense and problem solving skills.
I managed to sew things together the wrong way numerous times, to look back at the instructions and read “sides only.” If I had put some thought into it before sewing it together I would’ve noticed that when it is turned right side out it would be backwards.
Another thing that kept me from sewing was cost. Well, my friends, this adorable purse used a total of a half-yard of fabric and with the magnetic snaps the grand total was only $7.96!
This brings me to my next revelation in the world of sewing: bring your pattern with you to buy fabric! You see, this pattern calls for a little bit more than a fat quarter. I bought extra, for my novice self and didn’t use it all up but now have enough to make a matching keychain or shoot, a whole other purse.
Next up in my sewing ventures are some pajama pants, with a pattern. Wish me luck!
I followed the pattern for the buttercup bag from Made By Rae. It was totally free and I couldn’t have picked a better pattern as my first. It taught me how simple it is to make a pleat and how to use a pattern. I’m not going to lie, I thought that to get the pattern onto the fabric required tracing with a fabric pencil. As you can imagine, it was a nightmare. Somewhere, somehow on the internet I was finally graced with the enlightening information that you pin the pattern to the fabric and then cut it!
As a person who depends on instructions for anything and everything, I have come to the conclusion that the directions only get you so far. Just because you have pictures and instructions doesn’t mean you don’t need to use common sense and problem solving skills.
Another thing that kept me from sewing was cost. Well, my friends, this adorable purse used a total of a half-yard of fabric and with the magnetic snaps the grand total was only $7.96!
This brings me to my next revelation in the world of sewing: bring your pattern with you to buy fabric! You see, this pattern calls for a little bit more than a fat quarter. I bought extra, for my novice self and didn’t use it all up but now have enough to make a matching keychain or shoot, a whole other purse.
Next up in my sewing ventures are some pajama pants, with a pattern. Wish me luck!
I Sewed a Purse!
Say hello to my very first purse! I totally sewed this(minus a few errors and having to rip the seams not once, not twice but three separate times)! I can’t tell you how proud of myself I am and how I’ve come to the realization that these things take practice (and knowledge).
I followed the pattern for the buttercup bag from Made By Rae. It was totally free and I couldn’t have picked a better pattern as my first. It taught me how simple it is to make a pleat and how to use a pattern. I’m not going to lie, I thought that to get the pattern onto the fabric required tracing with a fabric pencil. As you can imagine, it was a nightmare. Somewhere, somehow on the internet I was finally graced with the enlightening information that you pin the pattern to the fabric and then cut it!
As a person who depends on instructions for anything and everything, I have come to the conclusion that the directions only get you so far. Just because you have pictures and instructions doesn’t mean you don’t need to use common sense and problem solving skills.
I managed to sew things together the wrong way numerous times, to look back at the instructions and read “sides only.” If I had put some thought into it before sewing it together I would’ve noticed that when it is turned right side out it would be backwards.
Another thing that kept me from sewing was cost. Well, my friends, this adorable purse used a total of a half-yard of fabric and with the magnetic snaps the grand total was only $7.96!
This brings me to my next revelation in the world of sewing: bring your pattern with you to buy fabric! You see, this pattern calls for a little bit more than a fat quarter. I bought extra, for my novice self and didn’t use it all up but now have enough to make a matching keychain or shoot, a whole other purse.
Next up in my sewing ventures are some pajama pants, with a pattern. Wish me luck!
I followed the pattern for the buttercup bag from Made By Rae. It was totally free and I couldn’t have picked a better pattern as my first. It taught me how simple it is to make a pleat and how to use a pattern. I’m not going to lie, I thought that to get the pattern onto the fabric required tracing with a fabric pencil. As you can imagine, it was a nightmare. Somewhere, somehow on the internet I was finally graced with the enlightening information that you pin the pattern to the fabric and then cut it!
As a person who depends on instructions for anything and everything, I have come to the conclusion that the directions only get you so far. Just because you have pictures and instructions doesn’t mean you don’t need to use common sense and problem solving skills.
Another thing that kept me from sewing was cost. Well, my friends, this adorable purse used a total of a half-yard of fabric and with the magnetic snaps the grand total was only $7.96!
This brings me to my next revelation in the world of sewing: bring your pattern with you to buy fabric! You see, this pattern calls for a little bit more than a fat quarter. I bought extra, for my novice self and didn’t use it all up but now have enough to make a matching keychain or shoot, a whole other purse.
Next up in my sewing ventures are some pajama pants, with a pattern. Wish me luck!
November 13, 2009
Cool Keychain for Me
Look what I made! This project has been on my to-do list for awhile now and I have no idea why it took me so long to get to it. My mom got me some cute polka dot fabric and matching ribbon for my birthday, and this was just the thing to make with it! It's so easy I'm going to make a couple more to get some practice in (perhaps stocking stuffers?)Amy's tutorial for this keychain can be found here. I have used two of her tutorials now and love them. They're so easy to follow along and make actual cool things.
Cool Keychain for Me
Look what I made! This project has been on my to-do list for awhile now and I have no idea why it took me so long to get to it. My mom got me some cute polka dot fabric and matching ribbon for my birthday, and this was just the thing to make with it! It's so easy I'm going to make a couple more to get some practice in (perhaps stocking stuffers?)Amy's tutorial for this keychain can be found here. I have used two of her tutorials now and love them. They're so easy to follow along and make actual cool things.
November 2, 2009
Umm, I think I figured it out?
The fight was on. Fusible interfacing et moi. I got an ironing board cover, brushed up on what I was supposed to be doing and turned the iron on.
I misted the towel, as opposed to the wet shirt I used last night. I held the iron down for a long time. I used the right side of the interfacing (it's the bumpy side, not the glossy side, eh?) When I lifted it up, it stuck to the fabric, not the towel. Is this what's supposed to happen? It just sticks there? I was confused last night, as I thought you peeled it off and it would leave a residue that get stiff on the fabric. Now, I am thinking you just leave it on there, which I did. I created a beginner's project which I will share more on later. Just one word of advice, About.com and their free patterns suck : )
I misted the towel, as opposed to the wet shirt I used last night. I held the iron down for a long time. I used the right side of the interfacing (it's the bumpy side, not the glossy side, eh?) When I lifted it up, it stuck to the fabric, not the towel. Is this what's supposed to happen? It just sticks there? I was confused last night, as I thought you peeled it off and it would leave a residue that get stiff on the fabric. Now, I am thinking you just leave it on there, which I did. I created a beginner's project which I will share more on later. Just one word of advice, About.com and their free patterns suck : )
Umm, I think I figured it out?
The fight was on. Fusible interfacing et moi. I got an ironing board cover, brushed up on what I was supposed to be doing and turned the iron on.I misted the towel, as opposed to the wet shirt I used last night. I held the iron down for a long time. I used the right side of the interfacing (it's the bumpy side, not the glossy side, eh?) When I lifted it up, it stuck to the fabric, not the towel. Is this what's supposed to happen? It just sticks there? I was confused last night, as I thought you peeled it off and it would leave a residue that get stiff on the fabric. Now, I am thinking you just leave it on there, which I did. I created a beginner's project which I will share more on later. Just one word of advice, About.com and their free patterns suck : )
I misted the towel, as opposed to the wet shirt I used last night. I held the iron down for a long time. I used the right side of the interfacing (it's the bumpy side, not the glossy side, eh?) When I lifted it up, it stuck to the fabric, not the towel. Is this what's supposed to happen? It just sticks there? I was confused last night, as I thought you peeled it off and it would leave a residue that get stiff on the fabric. Now, I am thinking you just leave it on there, which I did. I created a beginner's project which I will share more on later. Just one word of advice, About.com and their free patterns suck : )
November 1, 2009
Happy November!
How was your Halloween? Facebook was full of pics of all the family in their costumes, all my nephews and cousins looked adorable. Sir Sunderland and I went to a party on Friday as "that guy and girl." You know, the scantily clad girl that drinks entirely too much at the party and the guy with aviators who's one big douche? Yup, that was us. Sadly we have no pictures of us from that night, but we had a blast. I used to hate Halloween with a passion until a few years ago. Now I love it and can't wait to get dressed up and see what everyone else puts together.
Now, onto some sewing business. How in the hell does fusible interfacing work? Good god, I don't know if it's because I don't have an ironing board with a cover (traumatic bunny incident) or that the cloth I'm using isn't a "press cloth" (what is that anyways?) or maybe my iron's not hot enough. I don't get it!!!! I will try again tomorrow, on a real ironing board instead of my kitchen table. If that fails, I will then call my sister who will probably have an answer waiting for me, just like the cupcakes.
Now, onto some sewing business. How in the hell does fusible interfacing work? Good god, I don't know if it's because I don't have an ironing board with a cover (traumatic bunny incident) or that the cloth I'm using isn't a "press cloth" (what is that anyways?) or maybe my iron's not hot enough. I don't get it!!!! I will try again tomorrow, on a real ironing board instead of my kitchen table. If that fails, I will then call my sister who will probably have an answer waiting for me, just like the cupcakes.
Happy November!
How was your Halloween? Facebook was full of pics of all the family in their costumes, all my nephews and cousins looked adorable. Sir Sunderland and I went to a party on Friday as "that guy and girl." You know, the scantily clad girl that drinks entirely too much at the party and the guy with aviators who's one big douche? Yup, that was us. Sadly we have no pictures of us from that night, but we had a blast. I used to hate Halloween with a passion until a few years ago. Now I love it and can't wait to get dressed up and see what everyone else puts together.Now, onto some sewing business. How in the hell does fusible interfacing work? Good god, I don't know if it's because I don't have an ironing board with a cover (traumatic bunny incident) or that the cloth I'm using isn't a "press cloth" (what is that anyways?) or maybe my iron's not hot enough. I don't get it!!!! I will try again tomorrow, on a real ironing board instead of my kitchen table. If that fails, I will then call my sister who will probably have an answer waiting for me, just like the cupcakes.
Now, onto some sewing business. How in the hell does fusible interfacing work? Good god, I don't know if it's because I don't have an ironing board with a cover (traumatic bunny incident) or that the cloth I'm using isn't a "press cloth" (what is that anyways?) or maybe my iron's not hot enough. I don't get it!!!! I will try again tomorrow, on a real ironing board instead of my kitchen table. If that fails, I will then call my sister who will probably have an answer waiting for me, just like the cupcakes.
October 12, 2009
My First Sewing Project!
I did it! I made an apron. I went to Joann's in search of a perfect beginning project. I figured the pattern printed on the fabric with instructions would be easiest. Well, not so much, as it doesn't explain what they mean by "clean finish the edges." From trial and error as well as numerous online sewing dictionaries and tutorials, I figured quite a few things out:- A zig-zag stitch does not mean "clean-finish"
- Pressing things helps tremendously
- Don't take your eye off what you're sewing to look at the tv, as the machine will indeed eat your finger
- Error E6 means you did just that and must now untangle the thread while your finger pulsates
- You actually don't need a yard of fabric for every project
I must admit I have quite the sewing bug now and have been scouring the internet for things to make and the fabric pumpkins are everywhere. While buying the fabric for the pee pee teepee I spied some cute owl Halloween fabric that I just had to have. Et voila!
You kind of have to know that they are a pumpkin to see that is in fact a pumpkin, not a clutch purse, but hey! They're cute. I am now putting a cap on anymore Halloween crafts, as the apartment can't hold anymore.
My First Sewing Project!
I did it! I made an apron. I went to Joann's in search of a perfect beginning project. I figured the pattern printed on the fabric with instructions would be easiest. Well, not so much, as it doesn't explain what they mean by "clean finish the edges." From trial and error as well as numerous online sewing dictionaries and tutorials, I figured quite a few things out:- A zig-zag stitch does not mean "clean-finish"
- Pressing things helps tremendously
- Don't take your eye off what you're sewing to look at the tv, as the machine will indeed eat your finger
- Error E6 means you did just that and must now untangle the thread while your finger pulsates
- You actually don't need a yard of fabric for every project
I must admit I have quite the sewing bug now and have been scouring the internet for things to make and the fabric pumpkins are everywhere. While buying the fabric for the pee pee teepee I spied some cute owl Halloween fabric that I just had to have. Et voila!
You kind of have to know that they are a pumpkin to see that is in fact a pumpkin, not a clutch purse, but hey! They're cute. I am now putting a cap on anymore Halloween crafts, as the apartment can't hold anymore.
October 11, 2009
A Gift for Baby Dylan
Sir Sunderland shares a small office with a guy who just had a baby. He comes in complaining of having to change his shirt before coming to work, as baby Dylan has once again pee'd on him.
Sir Sunderland and I already wanted to get them a gift and I had run across these "designer pee catchers" at Mini Me Baby Gear. It was just what we were thinking (but not, because we didn't know these existed). The coworker loves baseball, so the baseball design was ! Then, I got a sewing machine and thought it looked like something I could make myself. After scouring all the go-to blogs, I successfully found a tutorial on how to sew them. Make It and Love It's Wee Wee Wigwam tutorial was fabulously easy for this beginning sewer. It only took me 5 tries to get at least 3 right.
We added our own little touch. You see, said coworker is an adamant Dodger's fan. His least favorite team? The Giants. Now, it's as if his little boy is pee'ing on the Giants. That's right folks, took it to the next level. I hope they like 'em!
A Gift for Baby Dylan
Sir Sunderland shares a small office with a guy who just had a baby. He comes in complaining of having to change his shirt before coming to work, as baby Dylan has once again pee'd on him.
Sir Sunderland and I already wanted to get them a gift and I had run across these "designer pee catchers" at Mini Me Baby Gear. It was just what we were thinking (but not, because we didn't know these existed). The coworker loves baseball, so the baseball design was ! Then, I got a sewing machine and thought it looked like something I could make myself. After scouring all the go-to blogs, I successfully found a tutorial on how to sew them. Make It and Love It's Wee Wee Wigwam tutorial was fabulously easy for this beginning sewer. It only took me 5 tries to get at least 3 right.
We added our own little touch. You see, said coworker is an adamant Dodger's fan. His least favorite team? The Giants. Now, it's as if his little boy is pee'ing on the Giants. That's right folks, took it to the next level. I hope they like 'em!
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