November 20, 2015

#BLOGLIKECRAZY DAY 20: TEACHER'S ADVICE...

... when I teach Cosm 1010 Chemical Texture Services I always advise my students as follows:
  • regardless of the number of times you have used a chemical product, whether it be a permanent wave, relaxer or even a hair color product, ALWAYS re-read and follow the manufacturer's directions.
How does this apply to sewing you might ask?  As I mentioned in Wednesday's post, my current project is a white with black dots Colette Mable Skirt.   I've made this pattern, what?, 4 or 5 times?  It's a simple front panel knit pencil skirt with a contour waistband.  Who needs to read the directions after making it 5 times? - indeed, not I!  Or so I thought.

Can you imagine my surprise when I tried on the skirt and it was a smidgen too tight?  What the what?  It was only then that I decided to take a peek at the independent pattern's direction booklet. Doggoneit!, 3/8" seam allowances rather than the traditional 5/8" used for Big 4 patterns.  The skirt has 5 seams so when I used 5/8" allowances I decreased the size of the skirt by 1 1/4" overall (if my math is correct).  Well whether it's correct or not, the skirt is too tight!



Guess the teacher should have heeded her own advice  - even when it comes to sewing.  Re-read the directions.  Needless to say, there's a whole lot of un-sewing going on here and my skirt project has been delayed.  My new seam ripper is really coming in handy right now...

8 comments:

  1. I know that feeling. I recently made a KwikSew tunic and the seam allowance was 1/4 inch. I couldn't believe it--thought surely this is a misprint. I am so glad I didn't serge. Ahh, seam rippers, a sewist's best friend.

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  2. Sorry Miss Faye! I had the same thing happened to me in the same exact manner and yes, it is a great lesson for all

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    1. Yep, you are right I always say to myself "if you had read the instruction you would have known"

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  3. I hate it when I'm responsible for my own blunders. I guess we all are. But thanks for pointing that out. We can all use a bit of double checking with our projects. Hope that skirt is a keeper!

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    1. So right Bunny. I think it's going to be a keeper because I really do like the fabric.

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  4. What is that expression about having to learn mistakes for yourself? Sometimes it doesn't sink in til it actually happens to you. :)

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  5. You are so very right Kyle.

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