August 31, 2018

If I Remember Correctly First You Cut, And Then You Sew...

...it's been so long since I've sewn a productive stitch that lead to an actual wearable garment.  I think that I remember the order of all things sewing - first you cut, and then you sew.  Seems like an easy enough process.  But what about all of the necessary fitting effort that proceeds all of this cutting and sewing?  Back when I was long and lean and skinny (yes there was such a day) making nice garments was so simple.  Back then I thought I'd never develop a curve, and sewed straight out of a single size pattern envelope - life was so simple.  It's been hard getting back to what I love but with the Fall Season on the horizon I need to quickly get back to stitching.
Although the pickings were slim I managed to force myself into buying a few new fall fabrics from Joann's.  (Several bottom weight wovens, a cut of lining and one jersey knit).  I quickly serged the cut ends to prepare it for pre-washing so I could get to work.  Sewing around my work schedule seems harder than usual, but I did manage to get one pair of pants finished this week.  Maybe I'll be able to pick back up to my normal sewing speed as time goes by...

26 comments:

  1. Okay Imma have to give you a private lesson in fabric buying online...cause NO sewist should be limited to just Joann's fabrics...*sigh* Happy fall sewing!

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    1. Please do. I'm so intimidated of buying online.

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  2. LOL! I so agree with Carolyn!!! Welcome back to sewing Ms. Faye! I’ve missed you so much! Nice fabrics you got there! Question...I’m sure I missed something somewhere along the lines, but what does serging end cuts do before washing?

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    1. Thank you Myra. I serge the cut ends of woven fabrics to eliminate unraveling. I sometimes end up with bird nests of raveled threads after washing fabrics.

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  3. Unfortunately, we have to shop online more these days. Joanns is nearby, but the best stores are 45 minutes from me. All else is purchased online.
    Can wait to see what you're creating!

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    1. Hi Carrie. I have a small Joann's in my town, but fashion fabrics are so limited there. There is another store in the next town (takes me about 45 minutes to get there) and I've made a lot of wasted trips there too due to their selections.

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  4. It is good to see you back at it! I'm sure your pants are great...can't wait to see them. I only shop Joann's when I HAVE to, lol! I shop mostly online, and have been going to Fine Fabrics more frequently as the store near me.

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    1. I'm planning on coming to Fine Fabrics in late September/ early October. It would to wonderful to see you there.

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  5. Lovely to have you back in the fold Faye! Sewing is like riding a bike, you never forget how ;)
    I agree with the others too...get online lady!There is so much choice online. Start with buying fabric types that you're familair with in a can't-go-wrong colour.You'll soon get the hang of it.

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    1. Work just kind of took over my entire summer Diane. I got plenty rusty, but it feels so good to be back.

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  6. Glad to have you back. Yes, sewists are now needing to buy fabrics online. Try Style Maker Fabrics. They have a nice variety with reasonable prices and an easy to follow site.

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    1. Thanks for this online fabric store tip!

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  7. I can’t wait to see your pants!! I think Marcy Tilton fabrics does a great job of describing their fabrics and what they’re good for. Once I fell in love with a printed linen for a skirt, and I wanted to get a soft knit to make a matching t-shirt. I called, and they talked me through a few options, then sent me the linen along with some swatches when I couldn’t make up my mind. Super friendly and helpful!!

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  8. I'm with Carolyn, definitely move away from Joann's! I buy almost all of my fabric online and the choices are superb. You will be much more inspired to create again.

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  9. Faye, I can just imagine the things you would make once you start accessing some of those great online vendors out there. It has it's downsides but it is where we find choice and availability. It seems to me the only way to get quality fabric anymore. Go take Carolyn's class!

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  10. So glad to see you sewing again Ms. Faye. Online is definitely the place to go for great options.

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  11. Nice to see you back Faye. I have to get myself back in to the sewing room as well :)
    I also serge my woven fabrics before washing....definitely stops the fraying..no birds nest :)

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    1. Yes, lets get back Ann! Serging certainly stops the bird nests.

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  12. Welcome back! Another voice encouraging you to shop online!

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    1. Thank you Sharon! Yes, I am going to have to bit into online shopping!

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  13. Yeah, you are back! I always enjoy seeing your finished garments. I like several who commented have learned to purchase online. Some purchases have been fantastic and others were not. That has happened with me with JoAnn's as well. I don't even have a JoAnn where I live now and I could always go there for patterns, button, other notions. So now will miss them. Look forward to seeing your new garments.

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    1. Thank you Linda! Love your new Kalle dress. Yes I am going to have to shop online. I always feel that I have more constraint when buy in person. It's so easy to pile those shopping carts high. I have to watch credit card spending because I have real shopaholic tendencies. I am going to have to create a fabric budget.

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