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Moderated by EleanorSews
Posted on: 7/29/08 0:07 AM ET
I know the journey is more important than the destination, etc., etc, but I really would like to pick up the pace a little. It's frustrating to have simple projects like a knit shirt take me so long.
I've spent some time analyzing this, and I can see some of the reasons. I have fitting issues, and sometimes it takes me several muslins to work things out. I can't sew too many hours because I have physical limitations. I invariably make one or two really boneheaded mistakes (like sewing things wrong sides together) in every project, and ripping/doing over is very time consuming. It sometimes takes me a long time to work out which needle/thread/tension/foot pressure combo works best on my fabric, esp. knits. I could go on, but you get the idea.
Is there anything I can do here to move things along? It's frustrating to get to the point that I'm sick of a project and I haven't even made it yet in my fashion fabric! Any ideas?
I've spent some time analyzing this, and I can see some of the reasons. I have fitting issues, and sometimes it takes me several muslins to work things out. I can't sew too many hours because I have physical limitations. I invariably make one or two really boneheaded mistakes (like sewing things wrong sides together) in every project, and ripping/doing over is very time consuming. It sometimes takes me a long time to work out which needle/thread/tension/foot pressure combo works best on my fabric, esp. knits. I could go on, but you get the idea.
Is there anything I can do here to move things along? It's frustrating to get to the point that I'm sick of a project and I haven't even made it yet in my fashion fabric! Any ideas?
Posted on: 7/29/08 0:15 AM ET
In reply to dr. liz
How frustrating...
I had the same problems...sometimes still do....but if you are strving for a good fit, muslins are imperative unless you just want to wing it. Personally, muslins (cheap knits in this case)are so much cheaper than ruining the fashion fabric
When I started to learn to speed things up, I analyzed the mistakes I was making(like you have done. ie., wrg sides ....so i started marking the fabric in some way...usually I put a white headed pin on the right side fronts and a black (for back) headed pin on the back pieces. Then I knew to put the sides with pins , one white and one black together....thus eliminating sewing wrong sides together.....sounds so silly I know, but it helped me tremendously.
So continue to take some time to analyze what mistakes you are consistantly making and come up with a plan to do it correctly the first time. If you are stumped with a resolution, just ask. someone always has great ways to accomplish things on PR. I love this sight. I've been sewing since I was a kid , 48 years now. ..and I'm still finding ways to improve my sewing abilities. It's always fascinated me to find a better way.....hang in there....you'll get better and remember for all the frustration you go through and the time it takes....you'll have a great looking, fitting garment. We who are impatient won't be nearly as satisfied.
one more thing...I keep a notebook or card file...when I figure the right needle, tension prsser foot combo, I clip a sample of the fabric, and write down wht worked before...thus saving me time to do it all over again. Generally it works, sometimes i have to tweek it...but for the most part it works well.....good luck and keep us informed on how you improve. You will, I promise.
-- Edited on 7/29/08 0:18 AM --
-- Edited on 7/29/08 0:21 AM --
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I had the same problems...sometimes still do....but if you are strving for a good fit, muslins are imperative unless you just want to wing it. Personally, muslins (cheap knits in this case)are so much cheaper than ruining the fashion fabric
When I started to learn to speed things up, I analyzed the mistakes I was making(like you have done. ie., wrg sides ....so i started marking the fabric in some way...usually I put a white headed pin on the right side fronts and a black (for back) headed pin on the back pieces. Then I knew to put the sides with pins , one white and one black together....thus eliminating sewing wrong sides together.....sounds so silly I know, but it helped me tremendously.So continue to take some time to analyze what mistakes you are consistantly making and come up with a plan to do it correctly the first time. If you are stumped with a resolution, just ask. someone always has great ways to accomplish things on PR. I love this sight. I've been sewing since I was a kid , 48 years now. ..and I'm still finding ways to improve my sewing abilities. It's always fascinated me to find a better way.....hang in there....you'll get better and remember for all the frustration you go through and the time it takes....you'll have a great looking, fitting garment. We who are impatient won't be nearly as satisfied.

one more thing...I keep a notebook or card file...when I figure the right needle, tension prsser foot combo, I clip a sample of the fabric, and write down wht worked before...thus saving me time to do it all over again. Generally it works, sometimes i have to tweek it...but for the most part it works well.....good luck and keep us informed on how you improve. You will, I promise.
-- Edited on 7/29/08 0:18 AM --
-- Edited on 7/29/08 0:21 AM --
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Lorri
Posted on: 7/29/08 5:47 AM ET
Idea #1: TNT patterns. Ok, it's not an instant fix. You first have to get a TNT pattern. But I just made 4 knit tops within a month using my fav pattern.
Idea #2: quality, dynamic fabrics. Use these with your TNT patterns that are in classic styles. A good fabric can make all the difference in the world, and can make the same style look different.
Idea #3: simple design changes on those TNT patterns. Think about the 'one pattern, many looks' contest(s) that have been on PR. Even with my ultra simple pull-over shirt pattern I could make a number of variations in it's look that are simple and don't take long.
Idea #4: This is really just a variation of what I said above, but cultivate a style using 'classic' designs vs 'trendy' designs.
Idea #5: When you make muslins, be sure you are aren't finishing them up - skip the whole wearable muslin concept. Write on the muslin fabric, keep the edges unfinished, etc.
Idea #6: As Lorri suggested, take a few moments to do good marking on your fabric and it will save you heartache later. I really like her sample of fabric & settins that work idea as well.
Idea #7: a pattern program such as Pattern Master Boutique or Bernina My Label. I don't yet know how this idea will work out. I just bought PMB, and so far have just made a pair of pants. I then went on my shirt making jaunt before I get back to the program.
Idea #8: throw in a quick project before you get back to that one you are tired of. Mental health break, so to speak.
I'm slow as a glacier in sewing as well, so I know exactly what you mean. It does get annoying sometimes!
------
Idea #2: quality, dynamic fabrics. Use these with your TNT patterns that are in classic styles. A good fabric can make all the difference in the world, and can make the same style look different.
Idea #3: simple design changes on those TNT patterns. Think about the 'one pattern, many looks' contest(s) that have been on PR. Even with my ultra simple pull-over shirt pattern I could make a number of variations in it's look that are simple and don't take long.
Idea #4: This is really just a variation of what I said above, but cultivate a style using 'classic' designs vs 'trendy' designs.
Idea #5: When you make muslins, be sure you are aren't finishing them up - skip the whole wearable muslin concept. Write on the muslin fabric, keep the edges unfinished, etc.
Idea #6: As Lorri suggested, take a few moments to do good marking on your fabric and it will save you heartache later. I really like her sample of fabric & settins that work idea as well.
Idea #7: a pattern program such as Pattern Master Boutique or Bernina My Label. I don't yet know how this idea will work out. I just bought PMB, and so far have just made a pair of pants. I then went on my shirt making jaunt before I get back to the program.
Idea #8: throw in a quick project before you get back to that one you are tired of. Mental health break, so to speak.
I'm slow as a glacier in sewing as well, so I know exactly what you mean. It does get annoying sometimes!
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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
Posted on: 7/29/08 7:57 AM ET
the only thing I do that I would add to these great tips ...
I have a muslin cutting day...and I take out 3 or 4 patterns of things I want to make...cut them out...baggy them and then when I am having a better day...I can just start the sewing process... I have fibro and short spurts are better for me...
I have a muslin cutting day...and I take out 3 or 4 patterns of things I want to make...cut them out...baggy them and then when I am having a better day...I can just start the sewing process... I have fibro and short spurts are better for me...
Posted on: 7/29/08 8:26 AM ET
You have gotten some good tips.
What I would add is if you make something that you like, immediately make another one. The process will be fresh in your mind and making another similiar garment style will be easier and will reinforce.
Also, there is a couple of Nancy Zieman books on sewing simply and sewing in 10-20-30 minute increments. These books have some helpful hints.
What I would add is if you make something that you like, immediately make another one. The process will be fresh in your mind and making another similiar garment style will be easier and will reinforce.
Also, there is a couple of Nancy Zieman books on sewing simply and sewing in 10-20-30 minute increments. These books have some helpful hints.
Posted on: 7/29/08 8:30 AM ET
Your post sounds like something I would have written. I used to sew a lot every day. I had energy and a good back as well as only needing to do some length or side seam adjustments at best before cutting out things. My children are adults and no longer sewed for except rtw alterations,my back starts to hurt if I even trace a pattern or cut out something these days. A new pattern is a major commitment in time as getting a fit or something I will like or even wear is like shooting at fish in a barrel. If I get anything that is even close to a tnt, it appears summer and winter repeatedly with different sleeves otherwise I get discouraged after sewing and only getting muslins to trash - no wearable results. I read a lot on here and the blogs and invested in a couple of sewing books as I am determined to sew for me and not others as I have done for most of my life although I will make pjs pants for the men in the family and embroider rtw tees for the little ones. There has to be light at the end of the tunnel and speed as well I would think. I do know that I am learning about the fit adjustments I need so it has to get better- couldn't get any slower or worse.
Posted on: 7/29/08 9:33 AM ET
In reply to mssewcrazy
Wow. Even long time sewers get the blues!
The tips are great, and thanks for the encouragement. So far I've been focusing on preventing mistakes, because that wastes a LOT of time. And they are becoming less frequent, or at least less stupid. I do save swatches with my machine settings on them, but I haven't been keeping them in a notebook. That's a great tip.
Next biggest time-consumer are the multiple trial runs/muslins. Still working on that one...
The tips are great, and thanks for the encouragement. So far I've been focusing on preventing mistakes, because that wastes a LOT of time. And they are becoming less frequent, or at least less stupid. I do save swatches with my machine settings on them, but I haven't been keeping them in a notebook. That's a great tip.
Next biggest time-consumer are the multiple trial runs/muslins. Still working on that one...
Re: Lining a skirt with fold over waistband. (posted on 7/29/08 10:02 AM ET)
I am about to make Loes Hinse Swing skirt and would like to include a lining. The fact that the elastic is sewn to the top of the skirt and then turned over to create a waistband puzzled me regarding lining insertion. Do you simply attach the lining to the top of the skirt and include the lining in the waistband? Doesn't this add extra bulk - or is it not enough to matter? Is there another way to insert the lining short of converting the skirt to have a separate waistband?
Thanks.
Linda
Thanks.
Linda
Posted on: 7/29/08 10:06 AM ET
Sorry - I guess I posted my question in the wrong place. First time using these boards. I'll post it in the proper place. Great tips here - I am a slow sewer and fret a lot about everything which is what takes me so long to get anything done.
Posted on: 7/29/08 10:12 AM ET
In reply to dr. liz
It sounds like you are making progress. Preventing mistakes is the fastest way to get things done. You will still sew things wrong side together, just less often when you get more comfortable with what you are doing. It really will become "old hat" before you know it!
Once you get a few well-fitting TNT patterns, you not only sew those patterns with new design elements, but you can also lay those patterns over new patterns to compare size/angles/fitting to get a good idea of some of the fitting changes that can be done up front and cut down on the number of muslins.
Good luck and you know that you can always have a good source of tips and encouragement.
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Once you get a few well-fitting TNT patterns, you not only sew those patterns with new design elements, but you can also lay those patterns over new patterns to compare size/angles/fitting to get a good idea of some of the fitting changes that can be done up front and cut down on the number of muslins.
Good luck and you know that you can always have a good source of tips and encouragement.
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http://beccabeckstuff.blogspot.com/
Damn the muslin, full speed ahead!
Damn the muslin, full speed ahead!
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