rounding out the top 10 truths about sewing is you get a lot more stuff done when you stop talking about sewing and actually start sewing. this is also known to some as shut up and sew or less talk, more sew. i figure this post is quite timely because i've been AWOL from blogging because i've actually been sewing. :)
the disclaimer: i've had this conversation with quite a few people, and no, the topic isn't always about sewing. you can really apply it to anything - laundry, reading a book, vacuuming, etc. this is in no way, shape, or form about or directed toward any person in particular.
so, yeah, this truth isn't rocket science. we all have things on our checklists that need to get done. maybe it is the laundry because you have zero clean socks, picking up milk from the grocery store, or getting the oil changed in your car. life gets busy and chaotic and maybe everything but the absolute essentials falls by the wayside. i don't know a single adult that hasn't experienced this at some point in their lives. hobbies seem less important and then you're stuck with staring at a huge pile of unfinished projects or a huge stack of projects that you haven't had time to start. it sucks, i know. when i think about the satisfaction i get from sewing and the magical stress reducing properties that it has for me, i know that it should always be toward the top of my priority list.
what i'm really talking about is carving out a few minutes out of your day to do something you actually enjoy. again, it doesn't matter if it is sewing (if it wasn't, would you really be reading this blog?), learning a foreign language, or reading a magazine. maybe plan to spend one day pulling out your fabrics for a project then pressing the fabric on the following day. from there, the day after could be a cutting day. you get the picture. you don't have to plunk down a giant chunk of time to get projects done.
i'll admit that i do have more time than most of my friends to work on my projects, but this isn't a race. it isn't a contest either. we all have strengths and weaknesses, and some of us put an extraordinary amount of effort into keeping the weaknesses in check.
the key to all of this is that you have to actually be willing to make the time. if you don't want to do it (to where it is not enjoyable vs just being lazy), consider admitting that the task doesn't hold your interest. if you do have the interest but are struggling with time management, maybe it is for the best that you decline your friend's offer to meet up for dinner and you stay home and work on your project. in the end, you can't do everything. something does have to give, and that's what you need to figure out for yourself. slowly chipping away at the stack of stuff that sits there and mocks you (at least that's what my stack does) isn't easy, but for me, it is worth the pain to have the feeling of accomplishment that comes along with crossing off something from my list.
for those of you that aren't list-makers, it might be worth it to try making a list. having the visual of all of the pieces might be helpful with allotting time for activities, or maybe the feeling of drawing a line through a completed task/checking it off of the list will help you find the motivation you need.
so, back to the beginning... you have no clean socks and you have some pillowcases that you said you would make for a friend. why not start the load of socks and then work on the pillowcases while the washing machine is running? if that is too much time to allocate, what about setting the timer on your phone or a kitchen timer for 15 minutes? you can spend the time going through patterns, pressing fabric, or practicing a new technique that you learned in a recent class.
if you are in the middle of a project that you aren't in love with, that's totally fine. you can set it aside and come back to it later, give it away, or just suck it up and finish it so that you don't ever have to look at it again (i usually opt for the last option and then i give it away/donate it). it gets put to good use, AND i never have to see it again. double bonus!!
that's it for truth 10. so, stop reading this blog and go do something sewing related.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
truth #9 - practice makes perfect (well, maybe perfect-ish)
truth #9 is an oldie but a goodie. we've all heard it before, especially those of us that have played a musical instrument. so, today's truth about sewing is #9, practice makes perfect.
let's be honest. there are things that we can practice all day, every day and not get to the level of proficiency that often is associated with years of practice. now and then, we encounter people that just "get it." they grasp the concepts and techniques and can rapidly master the process. admit it,we hate those people (in the nicest way, of course). it's reality though. i do, generally, believe that sewing is a skill that can be taught to anybody that has the interest to learn to sew, but there are also those that just seem to have a gift.
whether you believe the whole gift part or not, everybody needs to practice. as an example, you go to a class to learn a new technique. you feel like you really "got it" during class. awesome! congrats! class was a success. then, you put the project away and don't touch it for a while (could be weeks, months, years, whatever). well, you might find yourself back at square one. it happens, and to be honest, it sucks.
so, how do you practice? for me, i will pick projects that utilize certain skills. so, if i haven't done buttonholes in a while, i'll make something that uses a buttonhole like PJ pants (for the drawstrings). i want to practice sewing curves, i can pick a garment pattern that has sleeves or a quilt that has curves. need practice with zippers? why not make a quick zipped pouch? who can't use a zipped pouch?!?!? need practice with sticky fabrics like oilcloth, vinyl, or laminated cotton? why not make a quick zipped pouch to use for cosmetics? that means zipper practice AND sticky fabrics practice! yay for the 2-in-1!
you might ask if i have decided that i like putting in zippers after having done them over 50 times? the answer is still no. can i put them in with a reasonable amount of confidence? yes, i absolutely can after so many attempts. do they scare me like they used to? no. do i still get nervous? yes, sometimes (i did say that this is the truth about sewing blog, so i'm not going to lie).
remember, it's only really new the first time you try something, and each subsequent time is practice and skill reinforcement or re-learning. can you reasonably expect that each attempt be stellar or better than the previous attempt? HA! you must be joking. not a chance, but the likelihood of success does increase when you keep trying. remember, though, sometimes walking away for a short while can be quite necessary for the health and safety of you and those around you.
will i ever consider myself a master of a certain skill? i doubt it. i can master a concept, but i admittedly equate mastery with perfection. so, perfection, and thus true mastery, is basically unattainable. i'm quite comfortable with a variety of skills. i can look at a pattern, especially one for a quilt or bag, and know quickly if there are any areas that might be an area of concern. if there is a part of it that seems to be beyond my skill level or a skill that i'm not familiar with, i will find a project that utilizes the skill on a smaller scale. maybe even incorporate a something new into something you know well. it can reduce the stress associated with trying to learn something that is almost entirely unfamiliar. start small and work your way up. practice.
practice doesn't have to mean making 50 buttonholes on scraps of fabric in one sitting. maybe practice by using them in less visible projects (like the pair of on buttonholes on PJ pants). at some point, you will probably have to shift to making 7 highly visible ones down the front of a shirt that you spent hours and hours making, but you will have the experience from practicing. i would still say do a quick test using a piece of your actual fabric and thread before launching into your highly visible buttonholes down the front of a shirt. the quick test is also, you guessed it, practice and an opportunity to work out some of the jitters.
so, i'd say mix it up. try different patterns and different fabrics. don't always do the same thing. to some, people, i probably seem like i'm guilty of this. i've made a shirt from my favorite t-shirt pattern 9 times, but there are no two shirts that are the same. i've used 5 different colors and 7 different fabrics from 5 different fabric lines. i've made versions with and without darts, and i've changed supplies and finishing techniques. in the end, they probably all look the same to somebody that just sees me on the street (other than the colors), but there are subtle changes. for me, all of the work is to try to create my perfect t-shirt (hey, that's the name of the pattern too). i've narrowed down the fabrics to 2-3 that i really like. i know that a certain type seam tape irritates my skin which led to the discovery that clear elastic works better for me. the best part? after all of that, i don't feel like i worry about my next shirt being a spectacular disaster because i practiced it. the practice helped with more than just making a t-shirt. i now feel pretty good about sewing with a variety of knits, and i'm getting better each time with the coverhem on my serger.
the bottom line is that you just have to do it. less talking about sewing and more actual sewing. you will improve if you actually do it. it might not ever get to a level that you would consider perfect, but satisfaction is attainable.
to wrap up, why not mix in some new stuff with the tried and true ones you love? maybe even consider digging out an old pattern that you haven't made in a while as a refresher. you know that you can do it because you've done it before. see? you are practicing!
so, go forth and practice. sew up some tiny pieces! sew up some curves! sew up something using a fabric that you don't use for most of your projects! just get out there and do it. you can do it, but you have to be willing to put forth the time and effort. no effort and no time = no improvement. something as short as 5 minutes repeated a couple of times can make an amazing amount of difference. i don't know anybody that is so busy that they can't spare 5 minutes out of their week. take a shorter shower? watch a little less tv? make something for dinner that doesn't require you to stand in front of the stove every night? you can find the time if you really want to do so.
while you think about what i've said for truth #9, practice makes perfect, i am going to pull out a couple of patterns for projects that i am co-teaching soon so that i can review and practice before i have to walk others through it.
let's be honest. there are things that we can practice all day, every day and not get to the level of proficiency that often is associated with years of practice. now and then, we encounter people that just "get it." they grasp the concepts and techniques and can rapidly master the process. admit it,we hate those people (in the nicest way, of course). it's reality though. i do, generally, believe that sewing is a skill that can be taught to anybody that has the interest to learn to sew, but there are also those that just seem to have a gift.
whether you believe the whole gift part or not, everybody needs to practice. as an example, you go to a class to learn a new technique. you feel like you really "got it" during class. awesome! congrats! class was a success. then, you put the project away and don't touch it for a while (could be weeks, months, years, whatever). well, you might find yourself back at square one. it happens, and to be honest, it sucks.
so, how do you practice? for me, i will pick projects that utilize certain skills. so, if i haven't done buttonholes in a while, i'll make something that uses a buttonhole like PJ pants (for the drawstrings). i want to practice sewing curves, i can pick a garment pattern that has sleeves or a quilt that has curves. need practice with zippers? why not make a quick zipped pouch? who can't use a zipped pouch?!?!? need practice with sticky fabrics like oilcloth, vinyl, or laminated cotton? why not make a quick zipped pouch to use for cosmetics? that means zipper practice AND sticky fabrics practice! yay for the 2-in-1!
you might ask if i have decided that i like putting in zippers after having done them over 50 times? the answer is still no. can i put them in with a reasonable amount of confidence? yes, i absolutely can after so many attempts. do they scare me like they used to? no. do i still get nervous? yes, sometimes (i did say that this is the truth about sewing blog, so i'm not going to lie).
remember, it's only really new the first time you try something, and each subsequent time is practice and skill reinforcement or re-learning. can you reasonably expect that each attempt be stellar or better than the previous attempt? HA! you must be joking. not a chance, but the likelihood of success does increase when you keep trying. remember, though, sometimes walking away for a short while can be quite necessary for the health and safety of you and those around you.
will i ever consider myself a master of a certain skill? i doubt it. i can master a concept, but i admittedly equate mastery with perfection. so, perfection, and thus true mastery, is basically unattainable. i'm quite comfortable with a variety of skills. i can look at a pattern, especially one for a quilt or bag, and know quickly if there are any areas that might be an area of concern. if there is a part of it that seems to be beyond my skill level or a skill that i'm not familiar with, i will find a project that utilizes the skill on a smaller scale. maybe even incorporate a something new into something you know well. it can reduce the stress associated with trying to learn something that is almost entirely unfamiliar. start small and work your way up. practice.
practice doesn't have to mean making 50 buttonholes on scraps of fabric in one sitting. maybe practice by using them in less visible projects (like the pair of on buttonholes on PJ pants). at some point, you will probably have to shift to making 7 highly visible ones down the front of a shirt that you spent hours and hours making, but you will have the experience from practicing. i would still say do a quick test using a piece of your actual fabric and thread before launching into your highly visible buttonholes down the front of a shirt. the quick test is also, you guessed it, practice and an opportunity to work out some of the jitters.
so, i'd say mix it up. try different patterns and different fabrics. don't always do the same thing. to some, people, i probably seem like i'm guilty of this. i've made a shirt from my favorite t-shirt pattern 9 times, but there are no two shirts that are the same. i've used 5 different colors and 7 different fabrics from 5 different fabric lines. i've made versions with and without darts, and i've changed supplies and finishing techniques. in the end, they probably all look the same to somebody that just sees me on the street (other than the colors), but there are subtle changes. for me, all of the work is to try to create my perfect t-shirt (hey, that's the name of the pattern too). i've narrowed down the fabrics to 2-3 that i really like. i know that a certain type seam tape irritates my skin which led to the discovery that clear elastic works better for me. the best part? after all of that, i don't feel like i worry about my next shirt being a spectacular disaster because i practiced it. the practice helped with more than just making a t-shirt. i now feel pretty good about sewing with a variety of knits, and i'm getting better each time with the coverhem on my serger.
the bottom line is that you just have to do it. less talking about sewing and more actual sewing. you will improve if you actually do it. it might not ever get to a level that you would consider perfect, but satisfaction is attainable.
to wrap up, why not mix in some new stuff with the tried and true ones you love? maybe even consider digging out an old pattern that you haven't made in a while as a refresher. you know that you can do it because you've done it before. see? you are practicing!
so, go forth and practice. sew up some tiny pieces! sew up some curves! sew up something using a fabric that you don't use for most of your projects! just get out there and do it. you can do it, but you have to be willing to put forth the time and effort. no effort and no time = no improvement. something as short as 5 minutes repeated a couple of times can make an amazing amount of difference. i don't know anybody that is so busy that they can't spare 5 minutes out of their week. take a shorter shower? watch a little less tv? make something for dinner that doesn't require you to stand in front of the stove every night? you can find the time if you really want to do so.
while you think about what i've said for truth #9, practice makes perfect, i am going to pull out a couple of patterns for projects that i am co-teaching soon so that i can review and practice before i have to walk others through it.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
truth #8 - the problem really just might be you
we're down to #8, and it is great. ever wonder why you can't get something to turn out how somebody showed you or how it looks in a pattern/picture? maybe it is time to consider the possibility that it is a problem with you and not your sewing machine. am i saying that 100% of problems are user related? nope, but i do think most issues can be traced back to the human operating the machine/rotary cutter/scissors.
some problems can be solved quickly, easily, and without any cost to you by cracking open your manual (see truth #6). other problems might be resolved by using any of the thousands of different sewing notions/tools/machine accessories available in the general marketplace. there are also problems that just require repetition to conquer (i'd like to point out that i did not say time. somebody that performs the same task 10 times in a single day may acquire the skills and experience faster than somebody that does the same thing once a week for 10 weeks). you'll also find problems that might even require a work-around using a different technique or simple avoidance of the task altogether.
so, let's put this into a real situation:
OH NO! my quilt blocks/bag pieces/garment pieces aren't finishing the right size! ok, don't panic quite yet. this can happen for a variety of reasons. did you mis-cut something? is there an error in the pattern? did you not properly press your fabric? did you just not read the instructions, or did you not understand them? did you not sew a consistent seam? did you make any adjustments to a pattern that would cause an issue with the finished size? could it maybe be that the piece is actually correct and you're reading your ruler inaccurately? do you have the piece turned the correct direction?
notice how many of those things have nothing to do with sewing machine errors? even things like seam accuracy can't be entirely blamed on the machine. maybe you are used to sewing garments with a 5/8" seam (commonly found in many patterns from the big 4 pattern companies) and you assume that the new pattern you picked up will be the same? i haven't made a ton of garments, but i have had seams that vary from 1/4"-5/8". you have to stop and read the pattern to find out. for quilting, the vast majority of piecing, in my experience, is done with a 1/4" seam. there are lots of ways to go about getting a quarter inch seam. maybe you move your needle position to a different spot, use a 1/4" foot with or without a guide, follow a line on your stitch plate, or use something like a post-it note to give yourself a good visual marking on your machine. even a 1/4" foot doesn't guarantee perfection. check your foot and make sure your foot is actually stitching 1/4" away from the edge. if it isn't measuring out to the proper width, make adjustments so that it is (try a different foot, move the needle, use a different landmark for your measuring, etc).
if you seem to be encountering the same issue over and over, maybe have somebody else look at the pattern or have your dealer evaluate your machine for issues.
contrary to what we've been told, practice doesn't always make perfect and no matter how much money you spend on a machine or tools, the problems you are experiencing might still exist. if you still find that you are having issues, it might be time to realize that the problem might just be you. this doesn't mean that it can't be fixed. you might need to break an old habit or re-learn a skill to do so, but all hope is not lost. don't give up (at least not yet), accept the truth (that yes, the problem is you), figure out how to correct it, and commit to making the effort to actually apply that correction.
so, this is the end of truth #8 - the problem really just might be you. you have learned the truth, now get out there and get some sewing done!
some problems can be solved quickly, easily, and without any cost to you by cracking open your manual (see truth #6). other problems might be resolved by using any of the thousands of different sewing notions/tools/machine accessories available in the general marketplace. there are also problems that just require repetition to conquer (i'd like to point out that i did not say time. somebody that performs the same task 10 times in a single day may acquire the skills and experience faster than somebody that does the same thing once a week for 10 weeks). you'll also find problems that might even require a work-around using a different technique or simple avoidance of the task altogether.
so, let's put this into a real situation:
OH NO! my quilt blocks/bag pieces/garment pieces aren't finishing the right size! ok, don't panic quite yet. this can happen for a variety of reasons. did you mis-cut something? is there an error in the pattern? did you not properly press your fabric? did you just not read the instructions, or did you not understand them? did you not sew a consistent seam? did you make any adjustments to a pattern that would cause an issue with the finished size? could it maybe be that the piece is actually correct and you're reading your ruler inaccurately? do you have the piece turned the correct direction?
notice how many of those things have nothing to do with sewing machine errors? even things like seam accuracy can't be entirely blamed on the machine. maybe you are used to sewing garments with a 5/8" seam (commonly found in many patterns from the big 4 pattern companies) and you assume that the new pattern you picked up will be the same? i haven't made a ton of garments, but i have had seams that vary from 1/4"-5/8". you have to stop and read the pattern to find out. for quilting, the vast majority of piecing, in my experience, is done with a 1/4" seam. there are lots of ways to go about getting a quarter inch seam. maybe you move your needle position to a different spot, use a 1/4" foot with or without a guide, follow a line on your stitch plate, or use something like a post-it note to give yourself a good visual marking on your machine. even a 1/4" foot doesn't guarantee perfection. check your foot and make sure your foot is actually stitching 1/4" away from the edge. if it isn't measuring out to the proper width, make adjustments so that it is (try a different foot, move the needle, use a different landmark for your measuring, etc).
if you seem to be encountering the same issue over and over, maybe have somebody else look at the pattern or have your dealer evaluate your machine for issues.
contrary to what we've been told, practice doesn't always make perfect and no matter how much money you spend on a machine or tools, the problems you are experiencing might still exist. if you still find that you are having issues, it might be time to realize that the problem might just be you. this doesn't mean that it can't be fixed. you might need to break an old habit or re-learn a skill to do so, but all hope is not lost. don't give up (at least not yet), accept the truth (that yes, the problem is you), figure out how to correct it, and commit to making the effort to actually apply that correction.
so, this is the end of truth #8 - the problem really just might be you. you have learned the truth, now get out there and get some sewing done!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
truth # 7- yes, it is ok that you have more than one sewing machine (and i would even recommend it)
i have no clever quip about the number 7 today, so let's just get to it. today, i will tell you all about truth #7, yes, it is ok that you have more than one sewing machine (and why i would even recommend it especially if you sew frequently).
i don't think that everybody should have multiple machines, but there are several different reasons to consider having more than one.
reason 1 - when i first started sewing, i knew i was addicted. to improve my skills, i started taking classes at a couple of area shops. these classes did have machines for classroom use, but it made more sense for me to really learn how to sew on my machine instead of bouncing back and forth between different models as a new sewing student. the only machine that i had at the time was large, heavy, and expensive. not only did i have to deal with those challenges, i had to deal with them while going up and down several flights of stairs. it was not fun, and my husband agreed that i should look at getting another machine after lugging the big one up and down the stairs for me. so, i purchased a small, portable machine that i could use for classes. sure, it didn't solve the issue with bouncing back and forth between machines, but it gave me the consistency of a single portable machine instead of whatever the particular store had to borrow.
reason 2 - ever been in the middle of sewing something and all of it sudden the machine goes kaput? yeah, it isn't cool. of course it will happen whenever you're in a time crunch or you're super excited to wrap up your project. even if everything is running smoothly on your sewing machine, it should probably still have periodic trips to the shop for cleanings and tune-ups (less so in vintage machines that are user serviceable if you are comfortable doing so). most of the dealers in my area don't have a service department that will work on your machine while you wait, so at very best, my machine is gone for at least a week. thanks to my purchase that i mentioned in reason 1, i can just use my class machine. it doesn't have as much piercing power, features, or bells and whistles as my main machine, but i can easily use it for most of the projects that i do.
reason 3 - frequent re-threading and/or needle changes can be annoying and a time suck. that sounds awfully silly, i know, but if you have a project that uses multiple thread colors in fairly quick succession and you are fussy about thread colors matching like i am, having a second machine can speed up your work. even if you are a speedy re-threader like i am, it can be a huge waste of thread to constantly re-thread. i'm not one to harp on saving every scrap of fabric or thread, but it does add up. i don't have a lot of space to work in, so i don't often leave 2 sewing machines out. this also works for people that work on different projects at the same time. not only do you have to change thread, there are also needle changes (size and/or type) that might need to happen.
reason 4 - some machines are better for certain tasks than others. i'm sure many of you, like me, rely on a modern, electronic sewing machine that is capable of zig zag stitching. in inherent flaw of zig zag machines is that the straight stitch will usually have a slight slant (although some high end machines have next to no visible slant). for something hidden in a seam, that might not be a big deal, but for a project with a lot of top stitching, a straight stitch only machine might be the answer. there is a fairly limited selection of modern straight stitch only machines that are designed for non-commercial use. they do exist, but there just isn't the variety available as with the zig zag machines. for me, i turn to my vintage sewing machines. they are reliable and are capable of a beautiful slant-free stitch.
reason 5 - if you like machine embroidery and own a machine that is capable of both sewing and embroidery, you may find that it will be hours before your design will be complete (seriously). you can kick off the embroidery on one machine and sew on another at the same time.
reason 6 - you like sewing machines, so you want to collect them. hey, it happens. i'm sure most of us have found something that we like to collect at some point in our lives. maybe you want different variations of the same machine, machines from different eras, different models from a specific manufacturer, or maybe you just see something that catches your eye. we all have different reasons.
honestly, my biggest reasons for having multiple machines are numbers 1 and 2. i'm thankful to even have a machine that is a back up to my back up. late last year, i had my primary machine in for a regular service (no issues with it, just a normal cleaning and tune-up). while it was at the shop, my class/travel machine had a thread snap in a non-user accessible area. i could see it, but there was no removing it as it somehow got wrapped up in the mechanics of the take-up lever. so, off it went to the shop too. one of my teachers chuckled and commented that it was at good thing that i had backups for my backups. yeah, i totally agree!
i don't think that everybody needs to run out and buy a backup machine. maybe you have a family member that has an old one tucked away in their garage, basement, or attic. perhaps you might find one at a thrift shop or garage sale too. whether it is your primary machine, backup, a backup backup, or a even a collectible, it doesn't have to be fancy or modern, but it should be properly cleaned, oiled (as appropriate), and verified to be mechanically/electrically sound. with a little TLC, you might find yourself falling head over heels for a machine that weighs more than a boat anchor or is smaller than a bread box.
so, that's that. you now have 6 reasons to justify/console yourself/explain to others why you need multiple sewing machines. will they believe you? maybe. will they look at you and just shake their head? probably. will you feel bad/guilty about it? quite possibly. will you go back to having 1 machine again after you've learned the truth? i know that i won't!
reason 1 - when i first started sewing, i knew i was addicted. to improve my skills, i started taking classes at a couple of area shops. these classes did have machines for classroom use, but it made more sense for me to really learn how to sew on my machine instead of bouncing back and forth between different models as a new sewing student. the only machine that i had at the time was large, heavy, and expensive. not only did i have to deal with those challenges, i had to deal with them while going up and down several flights of stairs. it was not fun, and my husband agreed that i should look at getting another machine after lugging the big one up and down the stairs for me. so, i purchased a small, portable machine that i could use for classes. sure, it didn't solve the issue with bouncing back and forth between machines, but it gave me the consistency of a single portable machine instead of whatever the particular store had to borrow.
reason 2 - ever been in the middle of sewing something and all of it sudden the machine goes kaput? yeah, it isn't cool. of course it will happen whenever you're in a time crunch or you're super excited to wrap up your project. even if everything is running smoothly on your sewing machine, it should probably still have periodic trips to the shop for cleanings and tune-ups (less so in vintage machines that are user serviceable if you are comfortable doing so). most of the dealers in my area don't have a service department that will work on your machine while you wait, so at very best, my machine is gone for at least a week. thanks to my purchase that i mentioned in reason 1, i can just use my class machine. it doesn't have as much piercing power, features, or bells and whistles as my main machine, but i can easily use it for most of the projects that i do.
reason 3 - frequent re-threading and/or needle changes can be annoying and a time suck. that sounds awfully silly, i know, but if you have a project that uses multiple thread colors in fairly quick succession and you are fussy about thread colors matching like i am, having a second machine can speed up your work. even if you are a speedy re-threader like i am, it can be a huge waste of thread to constantly re-thread. i'm not one to harp on saving every scrap of fabric or thread, but it does add up. i don't have a lot of space to work in, so i don't often leave 2 sewing machines out. this also works for people that work on different projects at the same time. not only do you have to change thread, there are also needle changes (size and/or type) that might need to happen.
reason 4 - some machines are better for certain tasks than others. i'm sure many of you, like me, rely on a modern, electronic sewing machine that is capable of zig zag stitching. in inherent flaw of zig zag machines is that the straight stitch will usually have a slight slant (although some high end machines have next to no visible slant). for something hidden in a seam, that might not be a big deal, but for a project with a lot of top stitching, a straight stitch only machine might be the answer. there is a fairly limited selection of modern straight stitch only machines that are designed for non-commercial use. they do exist, but there just isn't the variety available as with the zig zag machines. for me, i turn to my vintage sewing machines. they are reliable and are capable of a beautiful slant-free stitch.
reason 5 - if you like machine embroidery and own a machine that is capable of both sewing and embroidery, you may find that it will be hours before your design will be complete (seriously). you can kick off the embroidery on one machine and sew on another at the same time.
reason 6 - you like sewing machines, so you want to collect them. hey, it happens. i'm sure most of us have found something that we like to collect at some point in our lives. maybe you want different variations of the same machine, machines from different eras, different models from a specific manufacturer, or maybe you just see something that catches your eye. we all have different reasons.
honestly, my biggest reasons for having multiple machines are numbers 1 and 2. i'm thankful to even have a machine that is a back up to my back up. late last year, i had my primary machine in for a regular service (no issues with it, just a normal cleaning and tune-up). while it was at the shop, my class/travel machine had a thread snap in a non-user accessible area. i could see it, but there was no removing it as it somehow got wrapped up in the mechanics of the take-up lever. so, off it went to the shop too. one of my teachers chuckled and commented that it was at good thing that i had backups for my backups. yeah, i totally agree!
i don't think that everybody needs to run out and buy a backup machine. maybe you have a family member that has an old one tucked away in their garage, basement, or attic. perhaps you might find one at a thrift shop or garage sale too. whether it is your primary machine, backup, a backup backup, or a even a collectible, it doesn't have to be fancy or modern, but it should be properly cleaned, oiled (as appropriate), and verified to be mechanically/electrically sound. with a little TLC, you might find yourself falling head over heels for a machine that weighs more than a boat anchor or is smaller than a bread box.
so, that's that. you now have 6 reasons to justify/console yourself/explain to others why you need multiple sewing machines. will they believe you? maybe. will they look at you and just shake their head? probably. will you feel bad/guilty about it? quite possibly. will you go back to having 1 machine again after you've learned the truth? i know that i won't!
Monday, January 20, 2014
truth #6 - seriously. read the manual for your sewing machine
today is the 20th day of 2014 and 20-14=6, so today i will tell you the truth about #6, RTFM (do an online search if you aren't familiar with the acronym). if you have to ask why you should read the manual for your sewing machine, you are most likely missing out on some cool features/functions (not to mention irritating people around you at a sewing class).
so, i'm sure we have all been at a class where somebody starts having problems with their machine. maybe the instructor tells the class to adjust your stitch length, set your machine up to do free motion sewing, or advises you to adjust your top thread tension. what happens then? based on my experience, there is ALMOST always somebody that either just sits and stares at their machine trying to will it into compliance or they flat out announce that they don't know how to do it. most of the classes that i attend give students a supply list that includes, among other things, a sewing machine in good working order with power cord, foot pedal, and manual. why is it so important to bring the manual? you shouldn't have the expectation that all instructors will know all machines (especially if the class is at a shop that doesn't sell sewing machines), and it is disrespectful to the other people (including the instructor) that have come prepared.
why does this seem to happen? sometimes it occurs when a person has a new machine or the person is new to sewing. these are totally understandable. i've also been in classes where it happens because the person is borrowing a store machine (also understandable). even more frequently, i see it happen because the person owns multiple machines and their more portable class machine doesn't see a lot of use (i admit that i am quite guilty of owning multiple machines that don't see a lot of use). occasionally, i've been in classes where a student uses their sewing machine frequently but still can't figure out some of the basic machine functions such as threading their own machine, winding a bobbin, changing the needle, or changing feet.
i don't want anybody to misunderstand and think that i am advocating memorizing sewing machine manuals (i know i don't have mine committed to memory) or that i think everybody should know how to use every function on their sewing machine (i admit that i don't know everything about mine). i do think that everybody should know how to read their manual to find the answers. if you read the manual and still have questions, ask away. you should get a gold star for at least trying to figure it out (i'm being completely serious).
reading the manual will undoubtedly save you time, frustration, and money because you will likely do less harm if you can properly care for your machine which means fewer repair trips to the dealer. as an extra special bonus, you will look really smart and knowledgeable to your classmates.
that's about it for #6 - read the manual. manuals are provided for a reason, and they are there to be used. if you are buying/inheriting a vintage machine without a manual, search the web. you will likely be able to find a replacement online. if you can't find one, maybe find a sewing machine dealer. they might have additional resources to locate one for you.
p.s. if you are like me and don't like/want to carry around a manual, many of the major manufacturers have PDF versions of their manuals available for download which can be viewed on devices such as iPhones/iPads, android phones/tablets, kindles/nooks, and laptops. the digital manuals can be fantastic because they are often searchable, you can often zoom in to view threading diagrams, and they save the paper manual from getting manhandled and gross. personally, i have downloaded manuals from singer (both new and vintage machines), brother, pfaff, baby lock, and bernina websites.
so, i'm sure we have all been at a class where somebody starts having problems with their machine. maybe the instructor tells the class to adjust your stitch length, set your machine up to do free motion sewing, or advises you to adjust your top thread tension. what happens then? based on my experience, there is ALMOST always somebody that either just sits and stares at their machine trying to will it into compliance or they flat out announce that they don't know how to do it. most of the classes that i attend give students a supply list that includes, among other things, a sewing machine in good working order with power cord, foot pedal, and manual. why is it so important to bring the manual? you shouldn't have the expectation that all instructors will know all machines (especially if the class is at a shop that doesn't sell sewing machines), and it is disrespectful to the other people (including the instructor) that have come prepared.
why does this seem to happen? sometimes it occurs when a person has a new machine or the person is new to sewing. these are totally understandable. i've also been in classes where it happens because the person is borrowing a store machine (also understandable). even more frequently, i see it happen because the person owns multiple machines and their more portable class machine doesn't see a lot of use (i admit that i am quite guilty of owning multiple machines that don't see a lot of use). occasionally, i've been in classes where a student uses their sewing machine frequently but still can't figure out some of the basic machine functions such as threading their own machine, winding a bobbin, changing the needle, or changing feet.
i don't want anybody to misunderstand and think that i am advocating memorizing sewing machine manuals (i know i don't have mine committed to memory) or that i think everybody should know how to use every function on their sewing machine (i admit that i don't know everything about mine). i do think that everybody should know how to read their manual to find the answers. if you read the manual and still have questions, ask away. you should get a gold star for at least trying to figure it out (i'm being completely serious).
reading the manual will undoubtedly save you time, frustration, and money because you will likely do less harm if you can properly care for your machine which means fewer repair trips to the dealer. as an extra special bonus, you will look really smart and knowledgeable to your classmates.
that's about it for #6 - read the manual. manuals are provided for a reason, and they are there to be used. if you are buying/inheriting a vintage machine without a manual, search the web. you will likely be able to find a replacement online. if you can't find one, maybe find a sewing machine dealer. they might have additional resources to locate one for you.
p.s. if you are like me and don't like/want to carry around a manual, many of the major manufacturers have PDF versions of their manuals available for download which can be viewed on devices such as iPhones/iPads, android phones/tablets, kindles/nooks, and laptops. the digital manuals can be fantastic because they are often searchable, you can often zoom in to view threading diagrams, and they save the paper manual from getting manhandled and gross. personally, i have downloaded manuals from singer (both new and vintage machines), brother, pfaff, baby lock, and bernina websites.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
truth #5 - you don't have to like the same things as everybody else
another moment of truth has arrived, and this time it is #5 - you don't have to like the same things as everybody else. seriously, it's ok.
i can't imagine that anybody has had a moment where they didn't feel like they caved into peer pressure. i know i have (especially as it pertains to sewing), and it has been more than i'd like to admit.
let me jump into this by telling you a story... one of the first times i felt very pressured with sewing was back in mid-2012. i felt very pressured into buying batik fabric for a quilt because i was pushed that direction by people that like batiks, and i'm not a fan. in the several years that i've been sewing, they haven't grown on me. i have tried different colors, and i have tried using them in both quilts and bags until one day. i went with a group of ladies from one of my local sewing shops down to the portland area, and i actually found a couple of batiks that i did like. i bought a couple of half yard cuts. i have since used 4 of the 10 (2 half yard cuts of 5 different prints) that i purchased. 2 of them went into a bag for me, and 2 went into a nearly identical bag for my mother. why did i like them? what made them different from other batiks? they had very defined prints. they didn't have that watery feeling that i get from most batiks. have i found any other batiks since then? nope. do i feel like i'm missing out by not really liking them? nope. there are literally thousands and thousands of other choices.
did my story sound at all familiar? i bet you have one that is similar to it. of course, feeling pressured to like something goes far beyond types of fabrics. in the world of sewing, you will inevitably come across techniques that work for you and some that don't and styles that you just don't like (clothing trends, color trends, traditional vs modern in the quilting realm, applique, embroidery, etc). i am giving you permission (hey, sometimes it helps to have somebody say that it is ok because you really don't need my permission) to not like something. personally, i think there SHOULD be things that you don't like, and you should be free to say so as long as it is not illegal to do so. in the end, there isn't anything that is preventing you from changing your mind later.
even if you don't like something, it is possible to find something redeeming in the work so that if somebody asks you what you think, you can give an honest answer without rudeness. if it isn't your style, you can still appreciate the time and effort that went into it. if the dreaded question arises, you can simply state that it isn't your style, but wow, that person obviously spent a lot of time and effort on it.
if the issue is that you aren't in love with a specific technique (embroidery, applique, quilting, garments, hand sewing, etc), have you thought about taking a class on how to do it? maybe you just say that don't like it because you are embarrassed to say that you don't know how to do it, or maybe you really just don't like it.
another story for you... i am not a fan of applique. i generally understood principles of how to do machine applique, but i decided that i should take a class so that i could really learn how to do it. the instructor was fabulous, the project we worked on was interesting, and i unexpectedly got to reconnect with a person i had met months earlier at another class. after spending several hours doing applique, i still don't like it, but i know how to do it. it is another skill/technique that i can add to my mental toolbox to be potentially utilized at a later time.
so here's the truth of it all, i like what i like. you don't have to like everything i do (to be entirely truthful, i'd actually prefer if you didn't). if you don't like that i don't like them, that's your issue.
Monday, January 6, 2014
truth #4 - yes, you might need another ruler after all
and so i return to the blog after a bit of a holiday break with truth #4 which helps to answer the question about whether or not you really need another ruler.
the short answer is maybe you do, maybe you don't. you probably do though. clear as mud? good. my work here is done.
it seems that i have a bit of a problem when it comes to rulers because i just keep buying more and more of them. when i get a supply list for a new class that i've registered for, of course it will require a new ruler. in some cases, 2 or more! i have heard people question the need for more rulers (including myself upon occasion), so i wanted to share a bit of truth with you. i am going to split this into 2 categories - specialty rulers and "regular" rulers
specialty rulers
i have bought rulers just because they looked cool and because i might want to use that type of specialty ruler someday. have i used most of those? eh. a few of them. i also have bought rulers because they were recommended to accompany a pattern that i was preparing to make. have i used those rulers? yes, and i can't tell you enough times how glad i am that i did so.
lots of the quilt patterns that i have in my pattern stash instruct you to either trace the template included (usually onto template plastic) with the pattern or to use a specified ruler. i always buy the optional ruler, and here is my reasoning:
- i suck at cutting out things with scissors. i blame being left handed and learning to cut with right handed scissors for most of my life. buying true (blades reversed) left handed scissors has made a world of difference, but i have to undo 30+ years of bad cutting habits.
- i suck at tracing things. i don't have a steady enough hand to get a perfect line and then we're back to the scissor issue anyway.
- i don't keep a bunch of template plastic laying around. it's clear (or translucent), flimsy, and a pain to store as seemingly every flat surface in my house has other stuff on it.
- i would have to rely on a ruler for use with my rotary cutter anyway so i don't ruin my poorly traced and poorly cut template that will have to be re-made shortly.
with all of the previously mentioned reasons, why not just cut out all of the other stuff and just get down to the business of cutting up my beautiful fabrics. i'm sure we've all heard the expression that time is money, and i know that my time is better spent if i can jump right into the project.
to provide a recent example of why i am pro-specialty rulers: i just finished a quilt that required me to cut 210 triangles and 210 half hexagons to a specific size. that is a pretty good amount of pieces that would need to be cut with templates (especially for a lap size quilt). by using the recommended ruler, one made by the pattern designer for use with a number of her patterns, i know that i saved myself a lot of time, energy, money (bad templates mean that i screw up cuts which means i have to buy more fabric which costs me far more than the ruler in the end), and frustration. so, that ruler is worth every single penny that i paid. my absolute favorite ruler (it's more of a template than a traditional ruler) is one that helps me get a perfect join for the ends of my quilt binding. once i figured out the secret to using it, i wouldn't want to be without mine. speaking of which, i should buy a spare... just in case...
to provide a recent example of why i am anti-specialty rulers: i watched a video of how to make a dresden plate quilt, so of course i needed the rulers (yes, 2 of them). have i made one yet? nope. don't buy it if you aren't going to use it (or unless it is at a crazy good price).
on the garment sewing side, i love my small curve ruler. it has been perfect for re-drafting armscyes and necklines. i don't think i would use one of the giant size ones though.
"regular" rulers
i would categorize a ruler that either square or rectangular, isn't designed for a specific pattern, and has only standard markings (1/8", 1/4", 45 degree line, etc). i have quite a few of these little darlings in varying sizes and brands.
why buy so many? different brands have different qualities which may include different colored lines or a non-slip surface. these qualities can make a ton of difference depending on the fabric (type and/or color/pattern) that you are trying to cut. i would guess that i make the greatest use of my 6" x 24" ruler because i cut a lot of strips and it is wide enough to span the width of the fabric when folded like it came off of the bolt. the problem with the ruler is that it tends to be a little unwieldy, especially when i am cutting something that is less than half of that length. in those times, i turn to my trusty 6" x 12" or 4" x 14" rulers. even my 1" x 6" is invaluable.
i do admit that i don't use my square rulers with the same frequency as their rectangular friends, but they do have their place. it has been a huge time saver to pull out my 6.5" square ruler when i need to trim a block down to that size. no real measuring required. i just center the ruler on my fabric and cut around all 4 edges. no shifting the ruler around and having to start measuring each side from the very beginning each time. do you still have to pay attention? yes, you want to make sure the ruler hasn't shifted but not having to fuss about so much makes it a good buy in my mind.
so, that's that. do you want to buy rulers just for the sake of buying them? probably not. is it really worth it to buy a ruler for a certain project? for me, absolutely. can you live without them? yes, you can certainly use templates and/or make do with your regular rulers. buy them or don't. it's up to you, but now you can say that you know the truth about all of those rulers.
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