Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Teaching Myself to Sew....

from books and what I remember of a long-ago 8th grade home ec. class. I remembered to lock my stitches and how to sew a hem. That was about it.

I've made a couple of t-shirts, and even adjusted the pattern. That wasn't hard because it had a line saying "add length here" which is what I needed! The one I chose also has three choices for collars and sleeve lengths - which makes it very flexible. The shirts I've made are comfortable and look good. None have sleeves yet, because when I tried to add them I found out they won't fit me without adjusting the pattern. While I do have a book that tells me how to do it, I haven't been that brave yet!

I've also modified pillow cases, made a couple from an extra sheet, and done some basic repairs. If it's fixable and not something I'll be heartbroken to loose, I'll try fixing it and count it no-loss if it doesn't work. So far, so good!

Have you tried to teach yourself something new?

2 comments:

  1. My mother was just saying yesterday, "With everything you've been doing and learning, why aren't you learning to sew?" I have nightmares from Home Ec days - I was absolutely awful and I don't remember learning a thing.

    So I envy you. I want to learn how to sew.

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  2. I remembered how to sew a seam and that was about it! I'm using books and websites for the rest. I use two together - "How to Use, Adapt and Design Sewing Patterns" by L. Hollahan and "The Perfect Fit." "Fit" has you make a paper guide so you can see where you're off the 'standard' measurements and how to fix your clothes; the other one helps you design clothes and has a chapter on basic sewing techniques - it's worth the cost just for that.

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