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Just frustrated!
sj3663   Beginner Member since 12/2/09 Posts: 35	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/13/12 8:52 PM I've worked so hard on a few muslins to get my Sorbetto fit right and thought I was ready to sew the top. Now I've almost ruined the neckline stitching and restitching the bias binding. My topstitching just isn't up to snuff. At this point, I might have to trim fabric away (at least the neckline isn't deep to start with!) before even attempting the binding again...which I'm not ready to do yet. I'm afraid of making a bigger mess of things. Just sad and discouraged, I guess! I was sure I'd have my new top by now and be on my way to a 2nd and 3rd. I may need to work on something entirely different to get my mojo back.
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2195	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/13/12 9:23 PM I'm so sorry you're having a hard time with the binding. One thing I learned from Lynn Rowe (on the knit sew along thread) is to use scraps from your current project and sew samples. So consider gathering up the samples, and just practice binding. Start with some straight pieces and then try binding curves. You can ask specific questions here as you work (and even post some photos if you'd like). After you get it right, then you can sew the binding on the neckline of your top. I've been following her suggestion and it's helped me a lot. She had us even do samples of the stitches we planned to do on plain seams. It was a real eye opener to me. ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
sky Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 12/4/03 Posts: 500	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 8/13/12 9:29 PM Two ideas. Steam-a-seam. I just used some to hold down a sleeve placket before topstitching and it made it so easy! For the stitching, do you have an edge stitching foot? I didn't use mine for the longest time (don't really know why) but loved it once I started using it. It has a blade that rides next to the fabric so that you keep a straight stitching line.
arianamaniacs   Advanced AUSTRIA Member since 6/11/04 Posts: 938	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/14/12 3:24 AM If necessary, go one stitch at a time. I'm a practiced binder due to corsets, but I find when I get lazy and go faster my top-stitching starts getting wavy.
Baja Susana   Advanced MEXICO Member since 7/13/08 Posts: 289	Login to reply to this post In reply to sj3663 << 1 member likes this. Date: 8/14/12 3:35 AM It can be so frustrating when you cannot master a technique. One thing I have been doing on bindings is using a decorative stitch on the binding, that way I can place it right where I need it on the front and know I will catch the back in the wider stitch. And if I am using a straight stitch, I just sew slowly. Susan in La Paz ------ Baja Susana www.susansewsdaily.blogspot.com Sewing on the beach, what could be better?
sj3663   Beginner Member since 12/2/09 Posts: 35	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/14/12 8:02 AM Thanks for the replies! I was so down but feel better now. I've got scraps, so I think I will work up something that will let me practice curves on the edge. I just need lots of practice... I have steam a seam...will just have to cut it narrower...thanks for that idea! I never thought to use it. Maybe the stitching will go better with needles out of the way and the binding pressed smooth. I'm going to look into that edge stitching foot, too! I have a 1/4 piecing foot I use for quilts. Didn't know there was an edge foot option...yay! That might be the ticket. Thanks so much for every reply! Feeling better! Looking forward to getting home from work and practicing.
jannw   Intermediate WA USA Member since 9/3/06 Posts: 7392	Login to reply to this post In reply to sj3663 << Like this post Date: 8/14/12 8:22 AM Quote: I have a 1/4 piecing foot I use for quilts. Didn't know there was an edge foot Take another look at your 1/4" foot. Mine has a blade on the edge, so I have been using that as an edge stitch foot! Works a lot better than trying to eyeball it. I've been able to use it with the blade in the seam ditch as well as a guide for the edge of the fabric. Good luck with your top! ------ 2009-113.25 yds 2010-115.5 2011-80.25+30+donated 2012 86.3 yds.. 2013 21.0 Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987
Kelly D.   Intermediate CA USA Member since 4/24/05 Posts: 84	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 8/14/12 2:09 PM My edge-stitching foot with the metal blade to guide the fabric is absolutely my favorite foot. People are constantly asking me how I get my top-stitiching so even and so close to the edge and I do it with that foot and my re-positionable needle. I hope there is one available for your machine, but if not, a good second choice is using an adjustable quilting guide (if you have one) smack up against the right edge of your regular foot and positioning your needle as far to the right as you can. I can't get quite as close to the edge with that set-up, but the stitching, while not as close, is at least a uniform distance away from the edge.
LauraTS   Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 7/10/06 Posts: 1952	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 8/14/12 5:14 PM For some reason a lot of beginner patterns use bias binding but I never found it that easy to do, especially if your machine is on the cheaper/fussier side. There's nothing wrong with hemming in a different fashion instead of using bias binding. One option for the Sorbetto, if you're making it from a lightweight fabric, is just to fully line it, sew the layers together at the neckline, and turn right side out. (There's a funky cool way to do both the neckline and armholes that way in a sleeveless top or dress by leaving the lining sleeve seam undone, pulling the whole thing right side out through it, and then slipstitching closed.) ------ I've moved! Visit my new sewing blog at http://chiralcraft.wordpress.com Do you sew from KnipMode? Join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/knipmode_english/
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5411	Login to reply to this post In reply to LauraTS << Like this post Date: 8/14/12 5:35 PM I'm with Laura on this. Binding is HARD! I stay as far away from it as I can. But steam-a-seam, wash away wonder tape and good old white school glue are fabulous aids if you really, really need to do it. Good luck! ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.

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