Friday 22 January 2010

Sew sew

Spurred on by my voyeur admiration of K-Line's sewing progress, I decided to attend to my own. I often repair and alter my clothes but I usually drop off my alterations at the dry cleaners. Viewing K-Line's dress making unfold has made me think how silly I am not to make my own clothes again.

My first step was to purchase a book. I felt I needed a prop and a refresh and this manual is clearly laid out. I can only assess its merit on the basis I do know how to sew and dress make. To my eye and knowledge it is fantastic. I love the layout and clear information.







My next move is to purchase a sewing machine and I will start off with a easy to store, lightweight and basic model. The fact is I'm out of practice and the best sewing is done after heaps of practice. Control and tension are key to a well sewn garment, so once my competency levels are back I'll see how much I use the machine and assess whether I need a sturdier model with more settings and stitching options.

17 comments:

  1. Fabulous news, I await to see what your first project will be, good luck!!

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  2. My youngest daughter is having similar ideas, except very little experience other than a bit of sewing at school! More bloody expense for me!

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  3. I'm going to buy my sister that book, she has no experience and has just wangled my mum's sewing machine which has been unused since new about 15 years ago! Goodluck with the first project :)

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  4. Excited for you!!!!!! I have Grandma's learn to sew book from the 1950s, might do a post on it xxx

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  5. I'd love to learn how to sew again. I did a Textiles GCSE where I made a couple of dresses and really enjoyed it. Now my sister has a sewing machine and I'm jealous. So will be very excited to hear all about your exploits and how it all goes! Good luck!

    M xx

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  6. wow, it looks so industrious ! clever you for being able to do it !!

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  7. I LOVE this! You are already so knowledgeable, you're going to have a new wardrobe in no time - and one that fits perfectly on your body!

    You and I are totally on the same wavelength because I just put up a post about your no frittering challenge - hilarious.

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  8. I too am a K Line voyeur and am thrilled to see your sewing endeavors are akin to mine. I just got a sewing machine and made a wall tapestry to start. It was difficult and my stitches are imperfect, but it was exhilarating.

    I'm not onto garments by any stretch; I'm going to make the requisite throw pillow in the next week or so. This pattern book looks like a pleasure, a far cry from the sanitized, frightening texts I've seen on the subject.

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  9. Please don't forget to enter the newer giveaway♥

    ♥♥

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  10. Nice job, darling!
    I would looooove to have the discipline to learn how to sew!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  11. I've never really properly learned to sew but I bodge very enthusiastically! I'm thinking of doing a pattern cutting course at Morley to give me some confidence and skills...one thing I do find is that leaving the sewing machine out and "ready to go" means I don't have any excuse NOT to go for it!

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  12. Wow, great book, how very exciting! xx

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  13. Its like riding a bike, you never forget how to use a sewing machine - check out John Lewis for their min ones for approx 50 quid. Good luck I wish I had the time to sew again.

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  14. Don't stop posting such themes. I like to read blogs like that. Just add more pics :)

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  15. I was watching Project Runway last night and thought of you. And here you are in the process of making your very own clothes. Make sure you show us your creations.

    By the way, I will post a photo on Monday of the dress I wore to my sister's wedding.

    Wishing you a lovely weekend!

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  16. What a great idea! I love sewing myself, but am not the most gifted person. (My mum judged my potential when she gave my sister a proper industrial Singer sewing machine and me a little one showing a rabbit for 'fast' and a tortoise for 'slow')... I have an old book from the 70s and it teaches me pretty much everything I need to know. Sabine x

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