tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post4243736461021543775..comments2024-03-29T03:54:45.048-04:00Comments on Diary of a Sewing Fanatic: What's Your Process?Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88706273103867141922017-02-22T13:32:53.356-05:002017-02-22T13:32:53.356-05:00Carolyn: I think your change in approach is simil...Carolyn: I think your change in approach is similar to my approach to things now: quality over quantity. Meaning, not that your sews before weren't quality, they were :) but now it's the details, the little touches, etc. that give you joy. Cheers.Jessicathecathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18221820532693683349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-9058047935734180632017-02-21T14:54:04.523-05:002017-02-21T14:54:04.523-05:00I plan out my makes only as far as fabric, pattern...I plan out my makes only as far as fabric, pattern, and any major trims/embellishments. Many times I get almost done with a project and say "dang! I don't have a zipper" lol I'm trying to take time to slow down to at LEAST read instructions these days though :-)TheTellTaleTashahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03537226937891698569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-22597130637362655272017-02-21T08:19:50.286-05:002017-02-21T08:19:50.286-05:00I love to stop and admire the progress, so I look ...I love to stop and admire the progress, so I look forward to sewing a step or two and then going to the board for pressing. It provides an opportunity to get familiar with how the fabric is responding to shaping into three dimensions. So I suppose I'm a process sewist and not a production sewist.<br /><br />Urbanitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13082732819237189605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-39890956598152115272017-02-20T19:47:29.039-05:002017-02-20T19:47:29.039-05:00I do read thru the pattern instructions now before...I do read thru the pattern instructions now before I start, just to make sure I know what techniques I will need. Like you, I have a big stash of almost everything- buttons, zippers, interfacing- so I can just pull fabric from the stash and know I have what it takes to complete the project. I have made a lot of bag & accessory patterns lately. In some, the directions are horrible. I need to think it thru and take notes so I can fix the process and make the bag come out well. I hate being surprised by bad directions part way thru a project.TChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02456682504724814242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-45584280857322356742017-02-20T16:40:32.873-05:002017-02-20T16:40:32.873-05:00 I like to let the fabric talk to me....to tell me... I like to let the fabric talk to me....to tell me what it wants to be. I have a large fabric stash and each fabric was a treasure find. I preview patterns with an eye for pairing what I have in the stash. Sewing is my hobby and creating is my love. I recently retired so now I have time to enjoy my adventures in sewing. For me it is now about enjoying the process, being creative and having a one of a kind garmentEvelynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03502378640972473060noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-90621977791153184302017-02-20T13:37:35.832-05:002017-02-20T13:37:35.832-05:00I don't consciously plan most of of my sewing ...I don't consciously plan most of of my sewing projects, unless I have like 10-12 yards of something and want to make co-ordinates. As I sit and stitch, the pleasant trance state that such repetitive, familiar tasks induces will often push an image to the front of my brain that is a perfect solution to any problem I have with the sewing. And taking time to riffle through patterns and re-organize trims will often put possibilities together for me that I would never have reached by actively planning out a garment.LinBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18201009126846898608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-39643213148800338262017-02-20T08:54:20.001-05:002017-02-20T08:54:20.001-05:00I like to cut out multiple things at once so that ...I like to cut out multiple things at once so that when I have the time/urge to sew I can pick one and work on it. Otherwise I don't think I plan things out too much.<br /><br />I'm interested to hear how you like the vogue pattern and looking forward to seeing your finished shirts. I have it but have yet to make it up.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15367685751325062496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-66343561419010415592017-02-20T00:54:06.612-05:002017-02-20T00:54:06.612-05:00I have enjoyed the post and the comments very much...I have enjoyed the post and the comments very much. I started keeping a sketchbook/scrapbook of sewing when I was started making costumes. Most of the motivation was to keep track of the progress and the changes to keep a record of my hours and receipts. Keeping a blog about sewing means I take more photographs and make more notes about the work in progress.<br /><br />All of this means I'm taking more care and time with what I'm doing, and even though the fail rate is roughly the same, and even though I've been sewing for 45 - 50 (oh golly yes!) years (have to sit down to think about that one), it makes my work better. I just assume I will continue to improve if I pay attention.<br />And again, this has been a great read. You ask wonderful questions!SJ Kurtzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04871599515352715171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-78225336179089060892017-02-19T21:58:14.193-05:002017-02-19T21:58:14.193-05:00I need to have a mental map of where I am going be...I need to have a mental map of where I am going before I start. It's especially important so I can plan where I will deviate from the written instructions. I learned the hard way that winging it can bite me in the @ss. <br /><br />There may be course adjustments along the way. In the satellite world, we call it OBE, overcome by events. We don't send rockets up without a plan and I don't start sewing either. ;-)<br /><br />The only time I start before having a clear idea of how it all fits together is with Issey Miyake patterns. Even if I read the instructions several times, I sometimes still can not visualize how it works. For IM, I use inexpensive fabric the first time, mark well and trust that the instructions will make sense when I get there.badmomgoodmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11569728075698885020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-89023272651749484082017-02-19T21:11:47.679-05:002017-02-19T21:11:47.679-05:00It all depends... Sometimes I cut a few things an...It all depends... Sometimes I cut a few things and zip through the sewing, and if they can all use the same thread colour, so much the better. That would be things like plain old t-shirts. And then there are those projects that are planned, revised, thought about forever, and finally start moving forward. I usually have a few projects on the go so that whatever the mood, I can move ahead on some project at least. And then there's another whole category in my life - class samples. Even though these all (mostly) end up in my closet, there's a deadline, and everything else stops and I sew as fast as I can just to get it all done in time. (That takes all the pleasure out sewing, by the way.)Irenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13960310379822122045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-71127668716141817852017-02-19T07:20:37.102-05:002017-02-19T07:20:37.102-05:00I am not so much a garment sewist, but a quilter. ...I am not so much a garment sewist, but a quilter. I know, two different genres of the same passion. I can definitely sew like a mad woman with a deadline, but I find that the older I get, the more I enjoy the process. I have had a quilt that I LOVE in progress for 6 months. Within that time frame I have also made a quilt for a friend, and made a couple cardigans for myself (Hello, Snapdragon Studios Lemon Squeeze Cardigan!). Cathrynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13003983542358714609noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-29593093540186973442017-02-19T04:55:24.807-05:002017-02-19T04:55:24.807-05:00I sew very slowly. I enjoy the process and I alway...I sew very slowly. I enjoy the process and I always find a way to make "it" work. Although, I only sew 1 project at a time. I normally have 2 or 3 projects that are prepped and ready to start. I will have all fabric and notions on hand before starting.<br /><br />Generally, I use a pattern at least 3 times, using fabrics to make each different. I also focus on making items that I will enjoy wearing, not on making as many as possible. Audreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16526325745976368589noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-17181518208328772782017-02-18T19:32:22.728-05:002017-02-18T19:32:22.728-05:00I am definitely a plan and process person, one pro...I am definitely a plan and process person, one project at a time. I am in no race and don't ever hope to be. Sewing is something I savor and doing it fast, for me, means doing it more poorly. I do read and re-read the pattern several times until I am sure I fully understand it. Once I feel I do I often rearrange the sequence. Sometimes that is to make things easier, or to make it fit better, or to have access to certain parts later on in the process. The first time I make something, however, I usually follow the sequence unless there is really good reason not to. I also like to make the same pattern over and over but with different looks. That is really enjoyable. But I don't relish sewing multiples at the same time. I do it but only if there is good reason to. No speed and lots of processing pleasure for me!Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-18348539081121831722017-02-18T19:21:46.568-05:002017-02-18T19:21:46.568-05:00When I get ready to see I try to cut the pattern o...When I get ready to see I try to cut the pattern out one day, read the instructions on the pattern guide that same day, then begin the next morning on my project. Sleeping on it helps me organize my thoughts and mentally make changes to the pattern or the order of how I want to put my pattern together. I love vintage buttons, beautiful lace, and quality fabrics. Rummaging through old shops for fantastic finds from the past delights me as well. Sewing is my passion whether it's formal wear, home goods such as duvet covers and drapes or a BBQ cover my hubby wants made! All sewing inspires creativity in me! I find I get lost in the making of things and forget to eat or stop till I am done. bjhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09395593345710157793noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-474906125880849332017-02-18T18:33:06.687-05:002017-02-18T18:33:06.687-05:00You are sewing slower and enjoying the process, I ...You are sewing slower and enjoying the process, I am trying to sew faster by using some of the methods you used to use. I love sewing, but I really love the process, especially pattern work. I enjoy changing patterns and have used your example of having tnt patterns to change. <br />I like your new blouses. I am looking forward to seeing them on you. Nancy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02235347323004026695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-74290778502674351182017-02-18T14:15:18.485-05:002017-02-18T14:15:18.485-05:00Slow sewing for me. I like to enjoy the process......Slow sewing for me. I like to enjoy the process......if I am going to take the time to make something then I want my time to matter and be enjoyable. That being said, when I was younger I was sprinter...with sometimes slip-shod results...mzjohansenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-24063638109727819072017-02-18T14:09:32.180-05:002017-02-18T14:09:32.180-05:00Since retiring I am very much into slow sewing and...Since retiring I am very much into slow sewing and I have a stash of fabric that encourages me to sew more. I start with fabric and pattern, do my fitting and read the instructions first (Burda pattern mag) and make notes while test fitting. I don't always follow the instructions completely, my notes are what I follow. Sometimes I mashup more than one pattern or change details that suit me better. I always start with all of the notions I need sometimes testing more than one for the look I want.<br />One thing that is most important is the enjoyment I get during the process and the final product. Time I have.AnnetteAKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03944902639007249151noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-23621377323420575812017-02-18T12:04:31.014-05:002017-02-18T12:04:31.014-05:00Totally connected with your comment about enjoying...Totally connected with your comment about enjoying the process. I've become the same way, is it aging? At any rate (no pun...), I think my work is better. This is my first time commenting so also must say how much I enjoy your blog; your talent INSPIRES.<br />Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07674700716835807267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-17215987314344672792017-02-18T11:27:47.355-05:002017-02-18T11:27:47.355-05:00theresa - I understand that sewists have different...theresa - I understand that sewists have different results, personally I love a side dart and princess seams. I'm glad that you're having excellent results with B5924, that's great! And I'm sure your sister is happy too since she's getting a me-made from you.Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-51195136673566129022017-02-18T11:24:03.583-05:002017-02-18T11:24:03.583-05:00Sandra - I use to purchase fabric in 5 yard lots b...Sandra - I use to purchase fabric in 5 yard lots back when I worked in a professional environment. That way I could make a dress, skirt and pair of pants from one piece. Now it varies, denim is purchased in 5 yd or more pieces but everything else is a basic three yards. I always want a little extra just in case.Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)https://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-36027626438757462832017-02-18T11:09:17.523-05:002017-02-18T11:09:17.523-05:00Thanks Carolyn! It does help and I will continue ...Thanks Carolyn! It does help and I will continue on my journey. Funny enough, the most interesting clothes I have made have happened when I set out to use a certain fabric and I don't have enough of it. I have to use it so the hunt is on to find fabric for sleeves, bands, hacked up fronts or backs, etc.! Thanks for the pattern talking part, I get that and will look at my patterns that way now.paulastrid32https://www.blogger.com/profile/12700813465310565837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-24372739830676579542017-02-18T09:27:55.089-05:002017-02-18T09:27:55.089-05:00Carolyn, the Butterick 5678 you used for your mash...Carolyn, the Butterick 5678 you used for your mash up just was not working for me but I found the Butterick 5924 very nice. My third make was the plaid version with the bottom half of the shirt cut on the bias. It turned out great! The shirt is semi-fitted, nips in at the waist and has a two part back which means you can tweak an even better fit. I liked it so well I sized up my pattern and am making a shirt for my sister. Gotta love a great pattern.<br />Theresa in Yucsontheresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13871779245121626075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-59186935277215011992017-02-18T09:25:03.928-05:002017-02-18T09:25:03.928-05:00I am so different from you in that I only sew one ...I am so different from you in that I only sew one garment at a time - maybe two or three items a year. I guess I am into "slow fashion" as I enjoy the process and take my time. I do this with knitting, too. I often see so much online about speeding up the process (of anything really) and I ask "why?". I like to savor the time that I get to be creative. You inspire me always so my next project may be a button down shirt!!Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17899896728363922575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-27221144739584058452017-02-18T07:07:38.377-05:002017-02-18T07:07:38.377-05:00I also used to sew to get things done as quickly a...I also used to sew to get things done as quickly as possible since I was sewing for my three little ones at that time. Now like you, I want to concentrate, as you say, enjoying the process and being pleased with all aspects of the sewing journey, fitting, prepping and sewing.<br />MarieUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14611908083758262366noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-56587563008658403372017-02-18T06:48:12.212-05:002017-02-18T06:48:12.212-05:00Very interesting post. I tend to plan my projects...Very interesting post. I tend to plan my projects. I do follow the pattern instructions when it is something I haven't made before but, if I have sewn it before I pretty well know how I want to proceed. I do like to have buttons, thread, elastic etc. with the fabric so that all is at the ready. Question: Carolyn, when you are buying fabric, how many yards do you buy of each at a time?<br />Sandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17064966730984121887noreply@blogger.com