tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post567774610857309514..comments2024-03-27T22:07:57.614-04:00Comments on Diary of a Sewing Fanatic: Can "Experience" sometimes work against you?Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-50244396692648869422016-12-07T22:09:26.750-05:002016-12-07T22:09:26.750-05:00I'm late for this (LOL) I've learned to se...I'm late for this (LOL) I've learned to sew in Home EC in the late 60's and really enjoy. But about 15 yrs ago, most of garment fabric stores closed and turned to quilting/crafts and I did also. Never thought I'd cut up fabric into small pieces and put back together. Really now enjoy doing machine embroidery. I feel that I've gotten so rusty in sewing...just now getting back into garment sewing. My job is casual and I've stopped wearing dresses, So i guess I'll start there. I read blogs, enrolled in craftsy classes and sew some of my grandchild clothes. I use my old skills/techniques. It seems my brain doesn't hold onto new things very well (LOL).I guess that means I need to practice more. I'm just going to start ENJOYING the journey, If I learn/try new things great!!!Joshhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00640305970422370674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-34573195838087716862016-11-20T17:41:31.631-05:002016-11-20T17:41:31.631-05:00The collectieve sewing experience is humbling! I h...The collectieve sewing experience is humbling! I have been sewing since I turned 15, so I've just past the 10 year mark! When I started out no-one around me had great interest in sewing let alone pattern design (what I really wanted to learn). I started out teaching myself mistake by mistake how things should be done. None of the garments I made in the first five years are wearable (although I did wear them with pride). Some education would have spared me all that wasted yardage, but on the other hand I'm gratefull that I learned to destinguish between the important rules (that matter for the result) and the traditional nit-pick rigid rules of Old school sewing teachers (that have put several girls my age of sewing at all). Every item we make has a lesson to teach, wether it's a new technique or some fashion insight about fit or style. Sewing makes you mindfull of the little things in fashion and I think experience is the only path to real creativity: to know exactly what you want and to have the ability to choose from all the experience you had and select the best possible outcome. Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01927506690859692043noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-7337058112145720742016-11-12T21:33:42.991-05:002016-11-12T21:33:42.991-05:00I have commented enough that you know my thoughts ...I have commented enough that you know my thoughts on sergers. I understand their purpose for knits but for wovens, I prefer as couture a finish as possible. Hence, what with all my health issues, I do not get much made but I am hanging on to the dream.<br />Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11926160625275737447noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-85195433652501505132016-11-11T03:11:18.528-05:002016-11-11T03:11:18.528-05:00I learned something new not long ago! I decided t...I learned something new not long ago! I decided to sew a whole garment on my rennovated 100 year old Singer Treadle. I made a lined wool skirt, and discovered for the first time, why Grandma always sent my garments home with the zipper just basted in. The 1916 Singer did not do zippers, had no zipper foot and no way of doing that close a stitch. Her sewing was fabulous, a trained dressmaker, but she never learned to do zippers for good reason! We move with the times when we can, I think. Her great skill set, as it were, was knowing how to change a fit. Her clothes and mine always fit well. We had short waists and I had long legs, long hip line. Fit is the great technique that needs a lot more attention in the published world of sewing, not least because fit changes with every decade we live and we need to be able to adapt to it. Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00117060967455371839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-14590070299661647992016-11-09T11:13:36.553-05:002016-11-09T11:13:36.553-05:00Yes. Yet we must encourage their enthusiasm, becau...Yes. Yet we must encourage their enthusiasm, because they are the ones buying new patterns and fabrics and keeping the (fewer and fewer) brick-and-mortar stores in business. Those merchants would starve if they depended on me. LinBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18201009126846898608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-83871692827688677742016-11-08T20:04:18.674-05:002016-11-08T20:04:18.674-05:00I am always open to learning new ways to do things...I am always open to learning new ways to do things but the freedom that knowing your craft gives you in creativity shouldn't be underestimated. Exploring your craft may lead to learning new ways to do something differently but it's ok if it doesn't. Nancy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02235347323004026695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-56499126111269448282016-11-08T19:44:14.949-05:002016-11-08T19:44:14.949-05:00I started sewing 54 years ago mostly self taught. ...I started sewing 54 years ago mostly self taught. After I graduated from college I started really learning to sew well and like Heather I started sewing Vogue designer patterns. The details I had to learn how to sew really helped me become a better sewer. I'd also start collecting good sewing books and not leaning on the patterns instructions for construction. There is invariably a better, and often easier way to do it. Nancy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02235347323004026695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-27699311382092950522016-11-07T23:29:15.107-05:002016-11-07T23:29:15.107-05:00The community of sewers commenting here are as var...The community of sewers commenting here are as varied and interesting as the materials and equipment that we use. I am continually amazed at how different my sewing is today compared to 50 years ago when my mother was teaching me. The resources seem endless now. I have learned so much from classes, bloggers, and others that have expanded my knowledge and skills in the past 10 years. I know it wil continue. Ritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15920141030806010765noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-86667612431477882092016-11-07T20:17:05.425-05:002016-11-07T20:17:05.425-05:00I am always open to change and learning something ...I am always open to change and learning something new. I've been sewing a little longer than you have and while I do have a lot of experience, that experience has taught me there may be a new way of doing things! (and sometimes it's faster and easier too!)Myrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04359520837946001668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88398263724724843192016-11-07T16:11:11.059-05:002016-11-07T16:11:11.059-05:00Hard question to answer for me. I've been sew...Hard question to answer for me. I've been sewing for about 40 years (since I could hold a needle, really), and now I'm not so much learning as I am "exploring". I don't know how much I really want to "learn" at this point - it is more interesting to apply what I know, or find a new way!mimi jacksonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09046101113822427313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-71515666172416200002016-11-07T15:54:30.186-05:002016-11-07T15:54:30.186-05:00I have been sewing for an age, and was part of the...I have been sewing for an age, and was part of the last group of kids who got sewing in junior high/high school. I learned from grandma though as the instructors weren't very good. <br /><br />I took classes recently and got up to speed on the new fusibles, and other new technology. Grandma didn't have good fusibles back when she learned or when she taught me in the late 70s/early 80s. <br /><br />Sometimes though, just because you CAN do something with a machine, doesn't mean you SHOULD. Some things are just better hand-stitched, though I know many people who simply refuse to hand-sew anything. <br /><br />So yeah, learn the new stuff, but by now, we're all a good judge of whether a little practice will make it better, or if it is just not your shortcut. Why change what works and is quick for you for a technique that really doesn't get any better results? There's always many ways to do one thing. I say find what works for you. Same with knitting. You don't have to know all the ways to hold your needles. Just the best way for you. <br /><br />Have a fabulous day!Leigh in Portland (we are not burning down)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06372544021604211747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-24139708389922020912016-11-07T15:46:13.270-05:002016-11-07T15:46:13.270-05:00Oh my goodness. The Sweet Young Thing posts just k...Oh my goodness. The Sweet Young Thing posts just kill me. Some design or technique that has SO been around for DECADES and they think they've gone and discovered gravity. Makes me smile. Leigh in Portland (we are not burning down)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06372544021604211747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-9815314248461680482016-11-07T15:14:08.096-05:002016-11-07T15:14:08.096-05:00I have been sewing for nearly 50 years also. I th...I have been sewing for nearly 50 years also. I think I do keep up with new techniques and methods. It is much easier now with the digital options. I have had a Threads subscription since year 2 or 3 and I try each new technique that is printed. Threads has also introduced me to many good authors. With each new book and many on-line educators, I look through the option for new techniques. The list of ones I have not tried is diminishing. I also watch my machine manufacturers web site for new techniques and options. Machine feet make many techniques much easier.SewBobbihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09446383899315868867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-65955179541778451002016-11-07T12:33:00.345-05:002016-11-07T12:33:00.345-05:00I am glad to have 50 years' worth of sewing ex...I am glad to have 50 years' worth of sewing experience. It means that I usually know at least three ways to solve any sewing conundrum, or know which book to look in to figure out what to do. It means that I can happily ignore confusing or outright wrong pattern instructions for all kinds of construction details -- or that I can use couture finishes on basic easy garments, to raise them from mundane to "This Will Never Be Donated to a Thrift Store, Ever" status. <br /><br />It means that, when I read a blog by a Sweet Young Thing who is so excited about a "new" technique, I can chuckle to myself at his/her excitement about something that was common practice 30-40 years ago ... and still reclaim a bit of the excitement I felt, myself, the first time that I discovered the technique.LinBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18201009126846898608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-78027958976610982532016-11-06T21:06:07.058-05:002016-11-06T21:06:07.058-05:00I get really up on my own "Im so special"...I get really up on my own "Im so special" horse, I get in my own way. Luckily I also like to take classes so I get knocked off that pony. I hope that by the time I'm much older (next week?) I will be proud of my inabilities and questioning nature. Because when I'm talking, I'm not listening.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11845855676230766529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-56087499577209482932016-11-06T18:30:22.331-05:002016-11-06T18:30:22.331-05:00Yes, I feel like you. Sewing since I was 12 years...Yes, I feel like you. Sewing since I was 12 years old, I made clothes for my sisters. Every January my mother brought the fabric for our Easter outfits that meant making four outfits. I graduated the High School of Fashion Industries and took some advanced courses. Recently I went to a local Sew and Vic that had classes for beginners. I took a few of the classes to get an idea of new techniques. While I have experience it is important for me to keep my skills current. Also, I must say I enjoy walking with you through your sewing. I am sewgrandmabernadette on FacebookGrandma Bernadettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06499139863824207038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-3559553457824760002016-11-06T16:26:40.854-05:002016-11-06T16:26:40.854-05:00I always like your "talk back post"! I ...I always like your "talk back post"! I learned to sew from my Grandmother, she bought me my first Singer sewing machine. I remember the Singer stores we had one in my home town along with other stores that sold vacuum cleaners and sewing machines. Sears did also and I have my Grandmother's last sewing machine that she bought at Sears.<br /><br />We had Belk's and Thalhimers department stores that had a floor dedicated to patterns. notions and fabrics. I also had to take Home Ec where we sewed a blouse and a skirt. The instructor was not that good. After getting married I sewed a lot of clothes for work. I really did not learn a lot about fitting though until I had been sewing for several years. Lucky me that I could cut out a size 8 or 10 and it fit out the envelope. Learning how to make fitting adjustments really pushed me to sew more and better. I have learned a lot over the years and willing to try some new fabrics and sewing techniques. I am still hung up on sewing pants after 50+ years of sewing. I attempted jeans with the Jalie Eleanor pattern and the outcome wasn't bad though I need to make some tweaks;and I basically know what I need to do to get a better fit. I think one does get comfortable sewing similar projects but I am a true believer that you can teach "an old dog new tricks." Linda Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12655695696943452993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-49191907314865324502016-11-06T14:49:40.209-05:002016-11-06T14:49:40.209-05:00I was taught sewing by my mother and took a home e...I was taught sewing by my mother and took a home economics class that touched on the subject. I made all of my maternity dresses, then hand sewed for many, many years. Going on two years now, I have been machine quilting.<br />http://thriftshopcommando.blogspot.comTami Von Zalezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11065017061040785838noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-45614459377216275192016-11-06T08:01:08.925-05:002016-11-06T08:01:08.925-05:00Your comment is so true - a new technique is mostl...Your comment is so true - a new technique is mostly quickly forgotten unless used at least a few more times.Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095407804481638515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-72371394254629023732016-11-06T07:58:55.400-05:002016-11-06T07:58:55.400-05:00I try new techniques when the pattern or fabric I ...I try new techniques when the pattern or fabric I have chosen require me to, for the sake of a good result. Otherwise, I am pretty happy just to have the opportunity to sew, given life's other major focus, making a dollar to pay the mortgage. I borrowed a book from the library on how to get the most out of my machine's feet, and I purchased a few new feet. That was inspiring for a few days as I contemplated all the prescious makes I could create, but then I fell back into what's practical and needed. I would like to borrow that book again and challenge myself by producing some very specific projects from it on the next go-around!Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095407804481638515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-28647793355758298322016-11-06T05:58:49.324-05:002016-11-06T05:58:49.324-05:00I've been sewing since the early 80s. I'm ...I've been sewing since the early 80s. I'm a technique junkie. I'm not married to any one way of doing something, I'm always open. I'm basically like this on every aspect of my life. Always open to change.Erica Bunkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07023668349294387098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-19881810092342744252016-11-06T02:56:06.458-05:002016-11-06T02:56:06.458-05:00Vogue designer patterns from the 70s will stretch ...Vogue designer patterns from the 70s will stretch your sewing skills, and many look very current. They are beautifully drafted too.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02573558054295759199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-61257605260245039942016-11-06T01:24:29.550-04:002016-11-06T01:24:29.550-04:00I learnt to sew at school then fine tuning from a ...I learnt to sew at school then fine tuning from a wonderful seamstress neighbour. Made my wedding and bridesmaids dresses, etc. etc, then baby, toddler, girls clothes including the 'new' stretch sewing with my first overlocker (serger) 36 years ago. Now back into sewing using the internet to guide my making of beautiful silk lingerie - I deserve it but can't afford to buy it - if you can even find it! Love reading yours and others blogs too. <br />Cheers Sam the AussieSam the Aussiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03073135202039701359noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-46065477462346954532016-11-06T00:08:50.377-04:002016-11-06T00:08:50.377-04:00Learning new skills or techniques help keep my bra...Learning new skills or techniques help keep my brain nimble (I hope) but I am more concerned that he results I get for the time spent be excellent. That means the best tools I can afford - not always the latest or with the most gadgets, but steady & reliable. Also the best fabrics and notions - whether new or old. And that means searching out the right skill or technique for each task - sometimes what I have used for years, something learned from a current class or workshop, or found in one of my books or on line. In the end, the results and the process matter more that whether I am learning a new skill or perfecting an old one. Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15999188319591577394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-47234774624287469422016-11-05T20:58:10.632-04:002016-11-05T20:58:10.632-04:00It's easier nowadays to learn new things becau...It's easier nowadays to learn new things because of the internet and like you who shares her experience to fellow sewing fanatic.<br /><br />Kat<br /><a href="http://www.calicolaine.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.calicolaine.co.uk/</a><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11074625649425048297noreply@blogger.com