Posted by BlancaHaro on 2008-11-14 17:56:03
Post Subject: Sewing Machine Vs. Serger
Hi, I am new to sewing and have picked it up relatively fast. I make my own garments and the more research I have been doing on the the mechanics of the sewing machine, the more I read about sergers. Now I want my clothing to look as good as i can make it, and it seems that sergers will give my clothes a more professional finish/seam than a sewing machine can. Am i right? I also read that sewing machines are just as sufficient. So i was wondering if someone can explain what sergers are used for and the difference between the two, i would really appreciate it.
Posted by craftslady on 2007-01-24 02:05:17
Post Subject: You might try this link
Hello,
I read your post and went to look to see what I could find on the sewing machine you are looking for, and found a page with lots of personal info on several models of sewing machines. I hope this helps.
http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/sewing_machines/
Posted by 4square on 2004-12-17 00:57:34
Post Subject: website review
Your site is really beautiful! I love your cards (especially the sewing machine thank you card!) All I can say is your site is an inspiration!
Keep up the good work and take good care of your model :)
Posted by lunaci on 2005-04-02 23:30:55
Post Subject: Ok, new here so bear with me.... making a purse from pants
A little background, last time I started a big project of sewing (besides hemming shirts since I'm friggin short) I ended up with 6 stitches in my finger. Yeah.
Anyway, I have a pair of cords that I litteraly wore out. so I was wanting to make a nifty purse out of them. Any ideas? And yes, my frear of the sewing machine is gone, but I'm very novice.
Thanks and forgive me for my spelling errors. I'm sleepy :)
Posted by nanogirl on 2006-08-06 17:07:20
Post Subject: Plz help - can't bobbin wind my new Singer XL
Hello ladies, I'm in a jam and I'm sure I must just be missing something since I've never used an embroidery machine before. I just got a new Singer XL 6000 and I've used the sewing machine part just fine, but now I want to try to embroider, I've got the base on fine and I see the embroidery jazz on the computer screen, but when I try to fill an empty bobbin (special) with thread via the continuous winding mechanism, the machine keeps telling me there is no thread on the spool. But it's brand new 90 bobbin thread, I don't know what to do, I can't do anything until I figure this out, please help! Thank you ahead of time...
Posted by yardenxanthe on 2005-07-05 22:19:40
Post Subject: Writers and Illustrators wanted for CROQ Craft Zine!
CROQ Zine is currently accepting submissions and pitches for our upcoming issue! Our focus is the DIY crafty community with a craftivism edge.
Email inquiries to: yardenxanthe AT yahoo . com
What we want -- Writers:
*DIY Projects with pictures (approximately 300-600 word articles, 2-5 clear pictures of the process and the final product), preferably projects that have not been overdone (i.e. Marble Magnets).
*Personal essays that deal with your craft, your crafty life, craft ethics, the craft community or other crafty topic (600 words or less)
*Interviews with crafty visionaries, indie crafters, or influencers (preferably somewhat known in crafty circles) (600-1000 words)
*News/Feature stories of crafters doing something notable or craftivism-related
*Seasonal crafty content (Fall issue is coming up, encompasses September-November)
*Poetry
*Explicit Adult Content
*An article about you/your shop, written by you -- Shameless Self Promotion
*An article/project that copies someone else's project or style
We will accept completed articles or article pitches with a writing sample. There is no pay at this time, but you will receive a byline as well as a bio that can mention your shop/product and/or website. Also, an opportunity to write more for us!
Email inquiries to: yardenxanthe AT yahoo . com
What We Want: Illustrations
We are looking for a wide variety of illustrations. If you are interested in illustrating for us, we'd like to see a sampling of your illustration style.
Illustrations can be any style or media, but should work well when printed in black and white.
We are willing to look at your existing illustrations, but are more interested in custom illustrations that compliment our content specifically.
CROQ Zine is published quarterly.
About us:
In this world of blogs, craft books and boutiques agog, we’re not trying to show you what’s new and hip. This zine came about due to a mutual frustration in regards to the current craft resurgence.
Why isn’t anyone writing about the importance of what we’re doing? Why isn’t there a craft zine written by people who make stuff? And most importantly, we wanted to see a real print and paper zine that we would actually read. With strong online as well as real-life networks, we are entering a new era never before seen.
By combining the power of the internet with the power of personal creativity, we are proving that things do not have to be mass-produced, that we can be our own stylists, that there is strength in mastering the sewing machine or the knitting needles or the silkscreen.
We’re about not only recognizing the past legacy and the future possibilities of craft, but about reminding you, the reader, that you’re not alone. Some say that the bubble has already burst, that craft has reached its apex and is destined to plummet. We say bring it on.
http://www.livejournal.com/community/croqzine/
If you want a sample copy, you can buy a copy of CROQ Zine at Fork 'N Spoon Mail Order: http://www.retrobugs.com/forknspoon/2005/02/zines.html
Posted by voodoopinupqueen on 2007-01-23 15:41:46
Post Subject:
heck, I hate housework! My house is a wreck! I just think women need not shy away from the kitchen or the sewing machine for fear of being labled as "anti-feminists"--that's the new domesticity as I understand it. Men too! My boyfriend is a great cook and he does all my heavy-duty mending because I can't use a sewing machine! I like doing "woman's work" because nobody's making me get in the kitchen, so occasionally, I embrace it. :P I like to do my baking in a crinoline and combat boots.
Posted by CostumeLover on 2007-11-07 13:36:14
Post Subject: Sewing History
I need some sewing history links, because for some reason I can''t find them on the worldwidenet myself.
I''m doing my senior project on sewing, and hope to by the end of the year, sew outfits, or at least part of an outfit.
Well, right now they require a research paper, and I can find plenty on the sewing machine, but I needmore than that, so if anyone can help at all, please do!
Posted by NormaJean on 2004-07-07 19:42:22
Post Subject: I'm not sure if I should have posted this here...
...but I didn't know where else I should have.
Hello, I'm new here and I would really like some help.
I've been making my own clothes of late, all by hand. I finally realized that doing the stitching by hand is fun but way too time consuming.
So I pulled out my grandmother's sewing machine and frankly I'm perplexed as far as using it goes.
The sewing machine itself is housed in a desk-like thing, to get the machine up you have to flip the top of the desk over to the left and reach down into the desk part and swing up the machine. It doesn't have a foot pedal but rather a little lever that flips down and to make the machine run you have to push outward on it with your right knee. It also has a little compartment on the very top, and I remeber watching my grandma put in little circular things that made the machine stitch a patten into whatever you were sewing. (Nothing fancy really, just a zig-zag stitch and a wave-like stitch and a few other cute but simple ones.) It's pretty old, I found a model and serial number on the underside of it and I've tried searching for a website that might be able to help me.
So far I haven't had any luck, and if anyone has this machine/ knows a site that might help me, I'd love you forever.
If it helps, it's a Sears/Kenmore, model #158.923, serial # 0030601.
One more thing- can something that old handle stitching heavy material like denim or leather?
I'm sorry for not being able to describe it more, but of late my computer has decided it won't accept pictures from my camera, so until I get a new one you'll have to bear with me.
Thanks in advance!
EDIT: I found a pic, it was on EBay... my wood case thing looks like this but a in a lot better condition, but the sewing machine is newer by a few years...
Posted by alteredtome on 2005-09-19 23:27:20
Post Subject:
You won't believe this, but I won the sewing machine! Hehehe...it wasn't worth $1000, I think it's just what they were retailing it for. And since I hardly ever sew, they let me exchange it for a $250 shopping spree! That was some serious fun, got a die-cut machine, all the accessories for it, a couple of dies, a Fastenator (staples with really fancy staples), some dye ink pads....talk about pressure! I think I got a little gyped, cause they traded me the wholesale cost of the sewing machine for the retail cost on the other stuff I got, so I think in the end it only cost the store like $70, but still, it was all free to me!
Thanks for bumping this....I appreciate it. On Sept 26th, Trina is having a class from 6:30-8 pm called "Hide -n- Seek", to show how to hide things in pages. It's mostly for scrapbookers, but I figured it would be fun for altered books. Plus, she's doing a treasure hunt in the store, so maybe more freebies. ;)
Posted by felt on 2004-07-23 04:06:05
Post Subject:
I'm a complete novice so just be warned. I'm sure there's plenty of more expert advice others can offer..
I've done a lot of big tshirt surgery and this is what I do.. I place a well-fitting shirt over the big shirt. On the sides and under the arms I make a continuous mark where I need to trim, allowing 1cm or so for seams. I then run the sewing machine over the mark, and cut the excess fabric off (take care that the shirt lines up perfectly when sewing, especially at the ends, armpits and cuffs; and use a durable stitch). Sometimes, depending how large the resize is, I need to take in the sleeves a bit to make it look proportioned.
I just bought several 5 EUR shirts at H&M and my friends couldn't tell that I've resized them, so I must be doing something right..?
Posted by amanelle on 2004-12-17 19:51:30
Post Subject: Help--Making Tiny Little Sacks
My Dad asked for little burlap feed type sacks for his model railroad. I bought some burlap and am attempting to make these stupid little things. The need to be about 1 inch by 1 inch, tiny. I backed the burlap with interfacing and sewed it. Basically the whole thing shredded. I tried it in the sewing machine and by hand. My third attempt was to glue the suckers together with craft bond, but that didn't work either. Any ideas? I did manage to glue my fingers together.
Posted by lizzymahoney on 2004-09-21 10:02:22
Post Subject:
Aside from designing your own stuff a la Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching, I can't think of any way to make counted cross stitch or plastic canvas work be cost effective for actual income producing.
The time that goes into it is just so involved. And what people will pay for something of that nature is so minimal. I know I've purchased hand stitched items at fairs that cost me less than the materials alone cost the producer.
Plus if you were using someone else's artwork to make an item to sell, there's the whole question of copyright violations.
Let's say you have an interesting idea that builds on a graphic from one of your needlework projects. You take that and enhance or minimalize it and create a different piece of a different size and medium. I gather you already scale some up or down for latchhook, etc. So you take an alphabet from somewhere, and scroll work from somewhere else and plot your own colors and now make a large confetti rag rug with a slogan. That's great, that's salesworthy, but do you have a market for it? Not unless you are truly outstanding.
People used to buy prestitched crewel and needlepoint designs that they did minimal finishing work and mounting. I would imagine it was practically slave labor that did the artistic end of it though.
Your best bet for marketing any of this stuff is the higher end consignment and boutique type places. Perhaps you could design and stitch a wedding album cover that a wedding consultant could feature, or a logo desk set for a small creative company. An independent needlework shop might buy worked designs from you for them to display to their customers. I know the chains don't have the money to pay you. Hehe, I've worked at a chain fabric store, and they sometimes try to get their own people to assemble something for display, while we're supposed to be stocking and cutting fabric and advising on glue. The sewing machine ladies have a lot more latitude to do this sort of stuff on the job.
Posted by Subhah on 2004-12-07 10:00:01
Post Subject: new at sewing...help!!!
Ok, I just got a new sewing machine. I bought amy butler's chelsea bag & have been having diffuculties with it. Putting it together makes absolutely no sense to me! I wanted to sew something for my mom for Christmas because she gave the sewing machine to me as a gift. Any suggestions on something simple & easy to follow?
Posted by smilingknitter on 2005-08-03 14:55:54
Post Subject: suggestions on taking a sewing class?
Hi,
My wonderful aunt gave me her sewing machine. I've always wanted to learn how to sew, and in the past bought inexpensive sewing machines which I broke trying to learn by myself. I don't want to break this one since it was given to me as a gift and it seems to be more pricey than what I've spent for in previous sewing machines. Any suggestions about enrolling in a sewing class? Is it possible to learn how to operate the machine all by myself? Time constraints and cost is what's making me hesitate in enrolling in a class. Let me know if it's worth it though.
thank you very much.
PS: Wondering how many folks was able to learn how to use the sewing machine by themselves??
Posted by smudgy_cat on 2005-12-18 15:13:24
Post Subject:
The extended table top is this u-shaped plastic thing that can sit around the sewing machine base to give you more work area. It's sorta the modern, portable equivalent of one of those old fashioned sewing cabinets. I haven't actually used mine yet, but it seems like a good idea in theory.
I looked at singer's website, and it seems like the only difference between them is the plastic clip on arm that might make it easier to sew certain things. And the Q version is discontinued, which is why your model is refurbished. I'm sure the machine will work well for you. If you sew a lot, you'll probably outgrow it before it dies.
Posted by Nani on 2005-03-02 15:53:50
Post Subject: Please help me!!
I apologize if this is already covered in another topic, but I am not familiar with this forum and couldn't find it when I did a search. I really want to take up sewing as a hobby, but I don't know the first thing about shopping for a sewing machine. Here is the link to the sewing machine I am planning on purchasing: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=02015208000&subcat=Conventional+Sewing+Machines Please copy and paste. Is this a good choice? Is this the standard size for a sweing machine or is it a mini? I plan on sewing lots of things like clothes and household items. If you can give me any other helpful hints or suggestion, I would appreciate that also.
Posted by mrs_stroozi on 2007-01-11 23:43:51
Post Subject: American Girl Doll clothes patterns
My daughter was just gifted with an American Girl doll, and the price of the clothes they sell, as darling as the dolls are, just have me in a blind panic. Twenty bucks for a doll's nightgown????? Her own nightgowns don't cost that much!
Anyhoo, time to get out the sewing machine and start sewing dolly clothes. Does anyone have a good website for AGD-sized doll clothes patterns? Thank you.
Posted by meeshbaze on 2007-12-29 13:15:27
Post Subject:
I'm lucky as we just moved and I have a designated room for my stuff. We're hoping that I can get my stuff contained and organized enough to fit a sleeper loveseat in the room so it can serve as a guest room in a pinch. My husband just bought me two IKEA work tables and two drawer units to help me get set up. One table will be for the sewing machine and the other for cutting, drawing, scrapbooking, etc. I am so excited because previously I had to use the dining room table and squeeze in quick stints on projects between meals. What a pain.
The only thing that will be difficult for me to do in there is paint. Bummer. We were hoping for a really unfinished space (ie basement, corner of garage, etc for that since it's messy).
I was looking for a post like this as I am a little confused by how to set up the space. I want to be able to store yarn and fabric in a way that makes sense and looks good. Right now I have it all shoved into plastic shoe bins and larger plastic bins that seal and I know that's not ideal as it's better for the fibers and fabrics to breathe. So I'm thinking some kind of open bin/basket on floating shelves?
I was hoping some experienced crafters with designated spaces could post some ideas and even pictures of their work places for inspiration and ideas.
Posted by brdgt on 2005-08-09 08:51:10
Post Subject: Clothespin help
Following up on the clothesline thread, I am now in need of something to hold all my clothespins! I found a free pattern online but thought I would check here before I broke out the sewing machine (I also found a crochet pattern, but I'm more of a knitter and sewer).
So, how do you store your clothespins? Any patterns you would like to share?
Posted by Mathias on 2004-11-10 11:16:59
Post Subject:
I was given my Janome machine as a birthday gift a few years ago. Admittedly, I know very little about the sewing machine market, but I have had an easy time with it and I have no complaints whatsoever. This is the one I have: http://www.delawaresewing.com/janome/janome4612tweb.htm
Posted by Fenn on 2005-07-31 15:39:59
Post Subject:
Evening Moggie - fancy seeing you here!!!
I actually put up a thread on the 'other' site singing the praises of this place, but so far it seems that noone took me up on it!
GS - I got the sewing machine out, but unfortunately someone has seen fit to 'tidy away' my bag of fabric scraps. By the time I'll turned the house upside down in a fruitless quest to unearth it, the mini-me had woken up again. Grrrrrrr....
I prefer doing it by hand because I have more control over the shape than if I try to sew on the sewing machine, plus with the needle turn method the stitches do not show.
Posted by insistal on 2005-02-28 15:27:15
Post Subject: Sewing Question
I am slowly learning to sew. I have figured out a lot of great stuff- but I continue to struggle with one problem. I cannot keep two pieces of fabric lined up correctly when I run them through the sewing machine. One always moves ahead of the other- and then to match them at the end of a seam I have to bunch it together. I have looked around online at sewing FAQs and sewing basics...but can't seem to find help on this.
Posted by kbmint on 2004-10-09 12:04:41
Post Subject: slipcover info
I am a brand new member here. Home dec sewing is my part-time gig, so I couldn't pass up offering some advice.
I wouldn't bother with a commercial pattern because you will spend a lot of time modifying it--time you could be spending working on your actual slipcover. It's an involved process but I don't think it's difficult, just somewhat time consuming.
It's quickest to not make a pattern at all and use your fabric directly, laying the fabric over the sofa on the portion of the slipcover you're working on. Smooth out the fabric (wrong side up) and make a rough cut around the perimeter (you can neaten the edges later) of the piece. Lay a second piece of fabric over an adjoining section and do the same. Now pin the two pieces together but place the pins as if they were the doing the work of the sewing machine--along what will be the seam line. You are making the slipcover inside out, so yes the seam line is sticking up. Lift off the pieces, and sew your pinned line (removing pins as you go). Turn the joined pieces right side out and check the fit (you're actually fitting it over the opposite side of the sofa since you've been making it inside out--if you have an asymmetrical piece of furniture, this won't work).
It works best if each "plane" of the sofa is its own piece (ie. the inside back, the outside back, the arm front, the piece that goes over the arm, etc.). Work from the center of the sofa out--laying out and cutting pieces and then sewing each seam as you go. You will be running back and forth from the sofa to the sewing machine but you won't have to worry about going to the gym that day!
You can finish it any way you want--I like to do a closure at the back corners with velcro because it lies perfectly flat and allows for some changes in fit over time. You can add a skirt to the bottom edge or do it straight and velcro or staple gun it to the underside of the couch.
The cushions can be done lots of different ways--You can wrap it like a present if you want to go really low-tech and just hand stitch it shut. Otherwise, just measure the dimensions of the top and bottom panels of the cushion and add 1/2" seam allowance all around. It will be easiest to do the sides if you do it as one long continuous piece and sew the two narrow ends together. Then sew the sides to the top and then to the botton, leaving enough space to insert the cushion. You can hand stitch it shut or use velcro. A zipper would be the standard, but that's another post.
Someone had asked about fabric widths--most home dec fabrics are 54" wide. I have used "fashion" fabrics for some of my own slipcovers and have had no problems.
You can find fabric estimating guides on some of the on-line fabric stores. I think fabric.com might have one. Their estimates include fabric for piping, (which also is another post) so you can deduct a few yards for that.
Sorry if it's way too much info for one post--I hope it helps.
Posted by jera on 2005-05-24 12:27:20
Post Subject:
On the T-Shirt panties do you need to use a special kind of thread? Also what is the best size elastic to use on then? I am not too savy with the sewing machine, but I like to try.
Posted by BumbleV on 2004-08-12 14:21:54
Post Subject:
Ooh, I did the sewing machine through my finger nail thing a couple months ago. My husband tried to pull it out but that sucker was tough. Still paying off the emergency room visit!
Lots of iron burns over here too. I always get them in the area between my hand and elbow from reaching too far. Ouch!
Posted by somnambulicious on 2005-04-18 13:03:22
Post Subject:
I'm in the same boat here, with two daughters aged 3 years and 18 months. Sadly, the sewing machine sits unused in the closet, but I do find lots of time to knit. Like a lot of the other moms here, I craft after my kids have gone to bed, but I've also found that I can get a lot of knitting done in the backyard while the girls are playing in their sandbox. I swear, that sandbox has saved my sanity. I can sit in the sun and knit for an hour while the girls have fun, and they're not messing up the house! They don't interrupt me like they do when we're inside. I also spend a lot of time hand-sewing felt puppets for my girls, and they both show a lot of interest when I'm doing that.
My advice would be to look for a craft project that's portable, something you can take out in the backyard or to the playground (or while you're sitting in the passenger seat of a car!) Knitting and crocheting are good, but if you're into sewing, you might try embroidery or simple hand-sewn projects like the Japanese art of omiyage. You could even work on something small like a lap quilt without using the sewing machine.
But if you really want to use the sewing machine, you might try setting it up after your kids are asleep. When I simply have to use mine, I keep it on a shelf in the kitchen during the day and set it up on the dining table at night. I keep everything I need for the sewing project in a Sterilite bin nearby, so it's very quick to set up and put away.
Good luck, and don't give up! There are times when I've sworn I wouldn't ever be able to craft again -- when weeks have gone by without an opportunity for me to do anything -- but it does get better, I swear! You just have to find a way to work around the kids.
Posted by Astrid on 2008-05-19 12:54:22
Post Subject:
I'm pretty much stuck on crochet - I started a while ago to finish off all my old yarns, lot's of small batches and leftovers. So I've been doing all these small projects like pincushions, needle organizers, cuffs, flowers etc. But a few trash bags full of the coolest curb found clothing forced me to empty out my closet off all the stuff I never wear. Lots of T-shirts, so I'm planning to try making T-shirt bags soon. I'm not great on the sewing machine, but it can't be too hard, can it? And if I fail no harm done, they're all very old or curb found anyway.
Posted by applepieisyum on 2006-05-28 02:17:05
Post Subject: Re: five favorite things...
name your top five favorite things/tools/whatever in your craft room... those things you love to work with that make you smile or just do amazing things..... i'll be back with mine later........
1. my gingher scissors of doom. they just make me feel like i know what i'm doing
2. the sewing machine of doooooom. its new. its shiney... and it doesn't hate me yet.
3. my dresser full of yarn. yummy, yummy yarn.
4. that little 12x6 see through ruler thing that you use to quilt with. even works for knitting
5. my dogs that walk in to say hi when i'm working. even if they just want a treat, they still make me smile.
Posted by nataxia on 2004-12-14 17:16:08
Post Subject:
i've been having the same problem lately...thank god(-dess, buddha,allah, whoever) it's finally going away but it's still delicate....i am a mostly self-employed jewelry/handbag/clothing artist the mostly part is a waitressing gig i do during weekends and contract work.... i agree with setting a schedule for yourself, and within that schedule block out some time for a playdate with yourself "shopping" like someone suggested is good, as is a trip to the museum or to the coffeeshop with a magazine... when i get bored of a project and want to work on something else i make a deal with myself that if i spend two more hours with whatever is on hand i can work on the project i want to do for two hours...another thing that works is alternating unpleasants as in, taking a "break" every few hours to do the dishes or laundry then back to the sewing machine....speaking of which i should get back to it myself.... best of luck to you....
Posted by manukenkun on 2004-12-01 13:49:52
Post Subject: when grumpiness strikes...
I'm wondering if any of you lovely people have any suggestions for me- i'm having a major phase of grumpiness and it's really impacting on my crafting time. I have two fairs to get ready for and all I seem to want to do is...I don't know, but anything rather than head for the sewing machine! I'm not looking so much for ways to deal with the grumpiness ( lots of external factors and medical history but that's actually all under control (sort of!)) but ways to make sewing fun again (yikes have I got fed up of it this soon into my new chosen career path?) I was thinking of moving my sewing machine into the same room as the tv- but as I hardly ever watch tv i'm not sure it'll make much of a difference! I guess it's the curse of the self employed really- you get to fix your own hours but you sometimes actually miss the routine and chance to chat to other people...
Posted by Chelsea on 2005-09-30 14:30:48
Post Subject:
I don't remember what it was, but when I first wanted to learn how to knit about a year ago I saw a book for lefties. My mom is left handed and was trying to show me how to knit and she needed a refresher herself, so that didn't work out great.
My mom is left handed, so I grew up in a house of 5 left handed scissors and one pair of right handed scissors that was ALWAYS lost. They were so annoying to hold. I can't imagine if everything was like that.
I don't know if it's true, but my mom told me the sewing machine was invented by a left handed person? It sure does look like it, because when I started learning how to sew I kept wanting to turn the machine around ;) heh
Posted by fairgreenlady on 2005-09-30 17:41:40
Post Subject:
I get numbness in my fingers and sore arm--right side only. I figured it was carpal tunnel. I get it when I do hand sewing especially, but I also get i when I sit at the sewing machine too long. I get it at nite, too, from sleeping on my arm.
Posted by Becky65301 on 2004-08-31 17:11:19
Post Subject:
The women in my family have a long history of crafting, and I was around it from very early on.
My great-grandma worked many years doing factory sewing, and later worked at an alterations shop. She used razor blades instead of a seam ripper, and she used to draft her own patterns on old newspaper. Had a sewing room, total firetrap in retrospect, I spent many hours in there making Barbie clothes out of scraps. She had me on the sewing machine when I was about 8. Until I hit about 5th grade, she made ALL my clothes (except underwear, haha), all of them, an entire collection of classic polyester pantsuits appropriate for the 70's.
Likewise, my grandma and mom can both sew, although they never took it to the same level as she did. They had other crafts they preferred. Mom can paint really well, and does ceramics. My grandma was a locally very well-known china painter and also made porcelain dolls. So I was exposed to those things as well. It seemed natural and obvious that I majored in Costume Design, combining the drawing skills with the sewing. I was the first to pursue a degree in it and kinda took the whole thing in a different direction.
My "heritage" story: When I started kindergarten, my great-grandma made me a jumper to wear for Valentine's day. It was a basic red gathered skirt and waistband, with a bib and straps. The bib was shaped like a heart and she embroidered "I Love You" with white thread. I wore it to school kindergarten, and every year she would get it back out, let out the waist a bit, let down the hem a bit, let out the straps... I wore that same jumper every year thru 5th grade! I have no idea how she made it to let out <that much> but it always managed to fit, it must have had like a 2 foot hem. In 6th grade I rebelled and refused to wear it. Years and years later, we were cleaning out her house, she was quite a packrat and Depression-era, and I found the jumper. The "I Love You" bib is in my display cabinet. It is so tiny!
Edited to add: The women in my family can't cook for s**t, and are not known for any other domestic skills. So I was on my own with those things. We (DH and I) are also now creating new traditions for our kids, like at Christmas and such, because neither one of our families had huge traditions like that, and I really want to do that for our kids.
Posted by xuli on 2004-10-01 11:32:12
Post Subject:
I've been trying to teach myself how to quilt for a few months and having a *ton* of fun with it. Like you, I'm totally intimmidated by the quilting shop and taking a class isn't an option for me, so I've been browsing quilting books pretty obsessively. My bf likes going to Borders a lot, so I just go with him, plop myself down in the craft section, and check out the different books until he's ready to leave. I'm planning to buy a book eventually, but I'm trying to figure out which one has the clearest instructions and best information before I do. In the meantime, I've learned a *ton* just from browsing.
Also, you should look up a thread I started a few months ago asking for online links for first time quilters -- some great experienced craftistas put some links in there that have been invaluable to me.
ETA: Oh, and congrats on the sewing machine find! That's awesome!
Posted by anthrogirl on 2006-11-14 12:43:26
Post Subject:
The one thing I did was to gild some frames. I took a mirror I had received as a wedding gift and covered the frame with silver gilt. It looked faboo. I ended up doing the same to a few other frames and they look great.
Another thing I did was take a cross-stitch sampler I had done years ago for my grandmother (now deceased) and put it up on the outside of the bathroom door. This winter I want to paint the kitchen cabinets.
I went through a very long period of depression, with only a few months here and there where I resurfaced. There's been a lot of stress and I'm good at handling it, but it's hard to do when one is alone and too busy to make friends. So I cook a lot. And I craft. I did make a fountain for my bedroom out of a bowl, a fountain motor, and some stones- the sound is really pleasant. And I decorated the front edge of my tv with gilt paint and rhinestones. But I still have to work on making the space mine, and over the next few months I'll be pulling out the sewing machine and covering pillows. I also want to make a simple quilt or coverlet for the sofa, which is also a queen-sized bed. I'm thinking a simple art deco patten in dark jewl tones, because it will fit with the oriental rug and covered pillows I want to make.
Posted by doxielove on 2004-06-17 13:51:45
Post Subject: re: messager bag
Here are a couple of things to consider-
1. get needles for "denim" or even "leather" for your sewing machine.
2. Consider a ligtweight canvas ( they make canvas coated for a weather proof bag- the stuff used for back packs) -you don't want heavy fabric- it will be a heavy bag- as you'll be schlepping it on your back.
3. For the strap- Basic nylon webbing is really strong and shouldn't be a problem to sew through with the right needles.
4. When sewing, if the material isn't sliding through the sewing machine smoothly, sandwich your work with some paper- it should slide through easily- then peel it off when your done.
I'll get home at a reasonable time tomorrow, so maybe I can make a little more progress then. I have to say that I'm proud of what I've done so far, though. The things have been just sitting there for months, and now I can actually see the finish line. Although, since I know absolutely nothing about babies or bibs, I have no idea if the size is correct or if the neckholes are small enough or if the fabric I chose is even practical. I've been worrying that my finished product won't even be functional. Then again, I figure baby Nash can at least sit around and look cute in his handmade bibs.
The sewing machine is a White model # 8931 - "Zig Zag Sewing Machine". I still have the owner's manual and the metal box with all the attachments and bobbins in it. My grandmother was a stickler for taking care of one's things - lucky me!
Posted by sewing stars on 2004-08-05 10:27:32
Post Subject:
so first, thanks so much! it nice to be encouraged. i had been feeling uninspired and now i am totally amped up and ready to sew until either me or the sewing machine gives out!
in answer to the questions:
happydaisydoo-yeah i hope to make a lot of them and then post them to my site, but right now i am still waiting for my server switch to be official.
Shannyn-from a japanese book of stuffed animals i got while on vacation the week before last. i modified a pattern out of the book to be more in my style, and have been making variations, like the dog. i am thinking about making a monkey and a bird one too. i am working out all the kinks still.
rahrah-they are about 8' tall, and 4" wide on the bottom. i did enlarge the pattern 200% and i am going to make a big one out of this shaggy lime green fur i just got. i'll post it if it turns out.
karikazo- i got the background fabric at the fabric place. they don't have it on the website,only at the store. the piece i have is slated to become my dining room curtains.
Posted by rodeo618 on 2005-08-27 09:25:55
Post Subject:
My puppy, Oscar, is the best. He is hyper & chews my slippers, but i love him just the same. He is currently in doggy school so we can go for "nice" walks- rather than him dragging me down the street! He loves coffe beans, ice cubes, and can round the cat up when she's outside!
http://aa.bebo.com/aa/large/2005031702/9293279a3457096b262538855l.jpg
Rodeo- my kitty- was rescued from a shelter in Middlebury, VT when she was just a baby. She is part Maine Coon Cat & is the Queen of the house. She talks a lot & likes to help me with crafty projects. She sits next to the sewing machine and supervises my every stitch!
Oscar and Rodeo are both on dogster & catster, respectively!http://ab.bebo.com/ab/large/2005040415/9293279a4905528b761076984l.jpg
Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 2004-11-06 00:43:14
Post Subject: What are your early/favorite crafty memories?
I have a feeling this is going to be a fun post.
- Being in third grade and watching my mom cry over the sewing machine while making a very complicated Simplicity angel costume for me thenight before Halloween. Everytime I got up and peeked at her during the middle of the night, she was aggresively using the seam ripper and giving herself a lecture out loud. But somehow, someway, she got in done in time for school the next morning.
- My Nana Cano who was always sewing or embroidering. When I was little she made me all kinds of handmade things and I stuffed them in my closet or dresser drawers never to be seen again. Now that she has passed away, I'm so mad at myself everytime I think about how I should have taken better care of them. I do still have other things she made me when I was older and had already entered the crafty biosphere.
- Taking a crafts class freshman year for an easy credit and being surprised at how much I loved the projects. Resin, clay, latch hook...who knew I'd be revisiting them years later?
- Hearing my little sister's sob story about how she saved her Home Ec final (making a skirt) until the last minute (night before - it runs in our family), the machine broke and she stayed up all night sewing it together by hand.
- Making baked bread dough necklaces, painting them, and thinking I was on acid when I saw people poking their fingers in them because they looked like rubber. I didn't bake them long enough and the paint softened them up. And yes, this was at a very busy craft fair and I really wanted to crawl under the table!
Posted by culinarymartyr on 2004-11-09 09:45:00
Post Subject:
This is a great thread!
My mom is the most creative person I know, and she's been teaching me and my siblings to make things our whole lives. I actually wrote a piece for a creative nonfiction course that I later turned into a handmade book for mom. I wrote out my memories of mom teaching me crafty things and paired each with a "life lesson" kind of thing (clean up your mess, make time for yourself, etc). She loved it, and I think I'm exempt from Mother's Day presents for as long as I want!
My earliest crafty memory is Mom showing me how to make paper dolls. I remember the little folded pieces of paper floating to the ground, all nestled inside each other.
Mom & Dad made me a doll house when I was 6 and Mom & I made tons of furniture, accessories, and especially food. We're both perfectionists and ended up with tiny little hamburgers with ketchup and mustard seeping out of the buns; hot dogs with chopped onions; apple pies in bottlecaps with lattice tops, individual apple slices, that smelled like cinnamon; tiered wedding cakes with tiny little roses all over them - more things than I can remember. When my parents became instant grandparents of my brother's 6 yr old step-daughter, Mom & I dug out the dollhouse, redecorated, made all new furniture, and brought out what was left of the food. My niece wants me to play with her and the dollhouse every second she's at Grandma's!
The first clothes I made for myself on the sewing machine were shorts. I sewed up the leg holes on half the damn things! Mom introduced me to the seam ripper that day!
Some of my favorite crafty memories are of tie-dyeing. We called Mom the tie-dye queen, and I think we had tie dyed curtains, sheets, bedspreads, or something in our house at all times for the first 20 years of my life! We sat around the living room with all the things to be dyed and hundreds of rubber bands, then steamed up the kitchen with huge pots of dye, rinsed for what seems like hours, soaked, rinsed, dried, then scrubbed dye stains. So involved and time consuming, but I still loved every minute of it!
Posted by delqc on 2006-01-24 14:48:29
Post Subject:
At work: listen to CBC Radio One, which is generally left-of-centre talk radio.
While studying: absolute silenece required (I HEART my earplugs)
While cooking/cleaning: sometimes CBC radio, sometimes TV on, sometimes music; depends.
while crafting: if knitting or embroidery, usually put a DVD on. If stuff on the sewing machine, usually radio or music or Massey Lectures or something. (FYI massey lectures are availale for free over the interent and were amazing this year - Steven Lewis is my idol)
While driving: upbeat music from my ipod - could be anything from Janis Joplin to Joni Mitchell to Les Cowboys Fringants to Great Big Sea to Phish to .... yeah.
Posted by nicegirl512 on 2005-04-25 20:07:51
Post Subject:
I hate the cutting part of sewing (it's so not glamorous), but I think even worse I hate clipping the threads and doing the general finishing bits like sewing on hooks and eyes and ironing. When I take it off the sewing machine for the last time I want that baby ready to wear! Not another half hour of tedious non-glamorous tasks! I even hate hemming, because it's the last step and I'm impatient to get it done already. As a result of my impatience and instant gratification wishes, I usually don't do a thorough thread-clipping job, even though I know it would add a nicer polished touch to my stuff. And cleaning up after? Fuggettaboutit.
Posted by mentapiperina on 2005-05-22 20:21:22
Post Subject:
Hmm, I know this isn't really a gadget, but we recently got a set of steel strainers for the kitchen, and I don't know how we lived without them!
I think my favorite kitchen item might be the toaster oven. Since there are only two of us, we rarely need to heat up the whole kitchen with the "real" oven anymore.
But about the hand-held sewing machine and scissors... I did get fake versions of both, so maybe the real ones wouldn't be so bad, but these things sucked! The stitches from the sewing machine came out on their own, and the scissors just mangled my fabric. I might just be bad at using these things, but I really hated them!
Posted by kindarana on 2004-12-13 11:13:30
Post Subject:
We have fabric bags my mom made at least fifteen years ago that we reuse each year for presents, if you want to reuse gift wrap getting out the sewing machine makes it pretty obvious you don't want it thrown out. Plus it makes wrapping super easy!
Posted by audra on 2005-06-08 15:03:40
Post Subject:
http://www.bramblebee.com/beach9.jpg
These are my kids, Apple and Abe. They are "nearly 8" and 6 years old. Abe is bigger and taller than Apple, even though he's younger by almost a year and a half. Today is their school BBQ, which I'm about to leave for.
Apple performed in the talent show yesterday, and surprised me completely by not chickening out when she went onstage. Very cute. I could have never sang in front of anyone at that age.
Abe was praised by his teacher for getting the highest scores out of his class in tests on reading and recollection, and for his mathematical mind.
I am 28, have two jobs and run a home business. I spend most of my time in front of the sewing machine, and watching cartoons with the kids.
Posted by HeatherC on 2005-09-22 17:28:53
Post Subject:
I can only manage to keep large, dangerous things out of the walking areas. I figure if I can do that much, I'm ahead of the game. I have clean/craft cycles. I'll clean the entire apartment, and be so pleased with the way it turned out, and make an ironclad oath to keep it so tidy and pretty. And then I decide that I want to paint and I haul all the stuff out into the living room. And then when I get tired of painting, it's too late to put everything back, so I say I'll just leave it there "for the moment." Three weeks later, I get around to cleaning up the apartment again and it just starts over.
I'm in a particular BAD cycle right now. The sewing machine has been on the dining room table for about...two months now. We push it out of the way to eat. The fabric stash is under the dining room table, all of the painting stuff is in the living room, there are fabric and yarn remnants everywhere...it's embarassing to admit.
Posted by Selah on 2005-02-18 13:00:43
Post Subject:
It's been great to read all these!
I'll try my hand:
Name: Selah
Location: Boston
Age: 35
Married, One amazing boy 2 1/2 years old
Born: Bangkok, Thailand - moved back and forth between there and the U.S. (dad in army)
Pets: we're all three allergic to them all. I see fish in our future.
I collect: Marimekko, old bottles, Obey giant stuff, anything lotus flower, found objects, textiles, and Clementine crates for storage in my craftroom.
Addicted to: Freecycle, craigslist, yard and rummage sales. Building a collection of midcentury modern pieces (on the CHEAP). The library (I condsider all my late fee, and there are many, donations to the cause), Utz salt and vinegar potato chips and my gameboy tetris.
My current favorite craft is sewing paper and vinyl.
I also love making things with my son. We just made a kick butt puppet theater with Thai silk curtains.
I'd like to learn to felt.
I love to read and make my husband laugh.
I plan big and little things in my head that can't/don't always get done, like someday redoing the inside of an old airstream to sit on our property that we don't own yet!
I listen to ska, Ben Harper, Old school Sesame Street tunes (manamana), jazz, banjo tunes, Dan Zanes (for all you crafters with kids who haven't heard him yet check it out of your local library and dance your heart out in your living room)
I'm proud that my son asks me, "Mommy is that your style?" when we watch Crafters Coast to Coast (okay so tv isn't great for kids but that show is better than violent cartoon crap) When we make projects he works the peddle on the sewing machine. I'm proud that I give my son opportunities to make a "glorious mess". It makes my heart sing when he says, "I'm an artist, ya know!"
Posted by beatee on 2005-03-22 12:07:55
Post Subject:
my boyfriend absolutely supports my crafts, in fact he's usually the one that gives me the kick up the arse I need to get stuff done, and refuses to listen to me saying that I'm useless. It helps that he's a very creative person himself, of course, he's an art student and musician. In fact, sometimes I worry that it's me who doesn't support him enough in his creative talents, possibly because I get kind of intimidated by the fact that he's 'better than me'. But generally it's great being in a relationship where both partners are into making things-we have a house full of beautiful, individual stuff and we don't get bored. We almost always make each other gifts, and know that it will be appreciated rather than looked down on. For our anniversary last month, we decided to 'swap crafts' to make the gifts-ie, he had to sew me something, and I had to draw/paint something for him. It was really successful, although I did get a little jealous since he appears to be better with the sewing machine than I am, despite never having sewed anything before!
Posted by tiggycat on 2006-04-03 15:19:31
Post Subject:
It's funny that I would say quilting because I am a quilter-- I've made 2 so far. I love it, but I'm actually afraid for anyone who know what she's doing to see my quilts in progress. I'm sure they're all wrong but such fun!
Knitting- nuf said
Scrapbooking- where do you put all the stuff? And how do you keep it from looking as lame as the magazines depict?
Conquered fears:
Cooking meat
Using the sewing machine
Drawing
Using watercolors
Posted by meexie on 2005-09-27 16:07:20
Post Subject:
I watch the show occasionally, because they do have some neat stuff to show. The presentation is annoying, though. The goofball antics - gag. Spend that time showing me more of the process, finished items, etc. I don't need stupid little clips to show me how FUN crafting is, and I sure as heck don't dance around my workspace (I'd probably trip over the cat and break the sewing machine). The host is never shown interacting with the guests, and I think she'd be much better suited to a show focused on modern, upscale gardens or genteel antiquing - I can see her trying to be perky and upbeat, but it's just not in her nature. That woman is soignee and elegant and deserves better.
Posted by boheme-anne on 2006-04-05 16:47:21
Post Subject:
Anything that involves fire! (metalwork, glass-blowing)
I too am intimidated by taking "the next step" to turn my hobby into income. But I have a timeline on that, if I keep kicking myself in the pants...
There are few crafts I haven't dabbled in but I have to definetely agree that metalwork and glassblowing scare the crap out of me.
I did metalwork in college. I spent most of my classes sweating my ass off because I was so nervous. Plus, the instructor was only there for 15 min. of the class so if I made a big mistake, I was doomed!
I never tried glassblowing but I find it mezmorizing. I wish I knew how, but I don't think I want to try.
I'm tired of scrapbooking. My local craft store has been taken over by scrapbooking suppies. They literally took all of the sewing and notions out and added another isle of freakn' printed design papers. Weeee acid free! I'm so excited.
I've had problems with sewing but found that it just takes practice, and a good comprehension of how the sewing machine works. After much fighing with my machine I found out that "singer" brand thread is terrible. When I use "coats and clark" thread it works like a dream. Singer: they can make a sewing machine, but don't ask them for thread! Go figure.
Posted by Diana on 2006-03-30 17:25:16
Post Subject:
Is anyone else addicted to the Don Asslet books? They are so much fun to read and give me the motivation to dig in to my piles of clutter. I have almost cleared out my breakfast nook to turn it into a sewing room. Previously it had been used for storage and was almost completely full. Now I'm down to just a few things and it will be cleared out by the time I leave for work Monday morning. Then I can move the sewing machine in!!! I think when you really have a concrete purpose in mind it really can help you get rid of the junk. I have even been cleaning out my bedroom (only) closet so it even looks and functions better. And you'll never believe this but I was finally willing to get rid of some fabric and craft supplies that I knew I would never use. And it has really felt great!! If you are having problems parting with anything, just read a Don Aslett book!! Then you will have no problems.
Posted by DJules on 2007-06-08 13:08:40
Post Subject:
I get to go dance at the studio I took classes at growing up tommorow!
(They're having a surprise reception for my old teacher for the 50th anniversary of her studio)
Kempo tonight - and I'm actually energetic enough to practice!
My daughter is sewing up a storm! I love that she is not at all intimidated buy the sewing machine.
Actually got my hands in the clay and made some beads last night!
There's gonna be a story in the paper next week about my toddler/parent dance class!
