tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post1046952755447264614..comments2024-03-29T03:54:45.048-04:00Comments on Diary of a Sewing Fanatic: Tell me...Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic)http://www.blogger.com/profile/02204627216540667980noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-51516491781280464712013-08-12T16:32:13.357-04:002013-08-12T16:32:13.357-04:00I just finished a western shirt for my daughter an...I just finished a western shirt for my daughter and have made 2 before. This is the first time I hand sewed the piping in, before I just pinned. It turned out much better. Even though it took longer, I am much happier with how it turned out. I love sewing tools, I'm a geek at heart. I'm always looking at what new tools are out there.Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05902422449374301344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-53117825418847696082013-08-11T14:27:41.939-04:002013-08-11T14:27:41.939-04:00This is an interesting question. I've never c...This is an interesting question. I've never counted all the tools I use in the making of a garment, but when you itemize them out, it's a lot! People say I'm creative, but I think I'm more skilled than creative - I'm good at following Lego directions, but I can't build something out of the blue without guidance. Same for sewing. But I do think, in the absence of a lot of education and classes, that I'm learning as I go. Garments are much better made and fit much better than they did even 3 years ago. And you do have a LOT of skill. Practice makes perfect and putting in the hours must, too.Tia Diahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10622901192302670927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-48968075587881168752013-08-10T17:54:18.245-04:002013-08-10T17:54:18.245-04:00Off subject question: I was looking at your blogs ...Off subject question: I was looking at your blogs about your twin set cardigans, and would like to ask how you did the contrast bands. Was there a band in the pattern, or did you work it out yourself? I'm about to embark on a cardigan marathon, with sweater knits ranging from light to rather heavy, so I'm wondering about whether/how to interface, especially with those wider bands. Thank-you! -wendyWendyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01782008169878168602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-90227303494113421472013-08-09T14:53:02.478-04:002013-08-09T14:53:02.478-04:00did the epiphany about handsewing come when you we...did the epiphany about handsewing come when you were making that lace dress? :)<br /><br />i would say you are a magician, but not the kind that pulls rabbits out of hats. you'd be more like houdini than carrot top.marcy harriell | oonaballoonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07586073125331744719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-84872189962955664612013-08-08T22:16:10.760-04:002013-08-08T22:16:10.760-04:00Thank you for sharing your process. Your posts ar...Thank you for sharing your process. Your posts are very informative and inspirational. Do you plan on taking votes for your fall wardrobe name this year?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-32763743418566019232013-08-08T21:30:57.336-04:002013-08-08T21:30:57.336-04:00Your lovely garments are made with BOTH skill and ...Your lovely garments are made with BOTH skill and LOVE ... you can tell you love the craft of sewing by the end result. I envy you because you must be a fast sewer ... do you burn the midnight oil? All your outfits inspire me to hone my sewing skills. As for tools, sure, you could cook with a just pot and a spoon, but you'd soon get tired of the limitations. Same with sewing. More tools = more opportunities to build on your skills. Love your blog!Junk It Folkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01096433883621182254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-88959858771623427542013-08-08T12:28:26.543-04:002013-08-08T12:28:26.543-04:00I love your blog posts. I am not a good "sew...I love your blog posts. I am not a good "sewer" but have been trying to do better. Your blog really helps me learn new things. I am slowly getting better. Thanks!elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11892410221459163985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-74695491342853012052013-08-08T11:21:17.783-04:002013-08-08T11:21:17.783-04:00Luck is what happens when preparation meets opport...Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.... You are much more prepared with all that practice you've done over the years; so ofcourse luck favors you! <br /><br />I'm working on my preparation.Kayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04990191457997877760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-38693728001113401432013-08-08T10:04:49.332-04:002013-08-08T10:04:49.332-04:00I love hand sewing now, it is an important part of...I love hand sewing now, it is an important part of a well made garment, and very relaxing. In my teenage years I sewed a lot of items with the emphasis on quick (cut it out one day and wear it the next) and my mother did all my hand sewing for me. I cringe when I think how terrible some of the things must have looked. I have spent a lot of years since then trying to acquire the tools of the trade and as much knowledge as possible, and I hope that I am sewing on a different level now. You definitely have skill to produce such well made, well fitting garments.Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07405043264336177797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-59552163406898919482013-08-08T09:59:14.649-04:002013-08-08T09:59:14.649-04:00I think the Internet is the best tool yet. Blogs ...I think the Internet is the best tool yet. Blogs such as yours, as well as YouTube and Craftsy courses, have upped my sewing game immensely in the past couple of years. I love hand sewing! I think patience is also something I've developed in my "later years" that has greatly improved my sewing. I always look forward to seeing your latest creations! Brendahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12669968226162696566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-51416675661227223302013-08-07T21:00:14.319-04:002013-08-07T21:00:14.319-04:00I have some skills; some I learned when young from...I have some skills; some I learned when young from school sewing lessons and a TV course in the 70s. Others I learned from pattern instructions, and lately the Internet. But when luck comes by at the right time, that's great too. And I have toooooools. How i love sewing tools! I set about learning sewing step by step and very thoroughly and deliberately, pacing myself and stretching myself. And I set about gathering tools step by step too. So it was economical and i use what i buy. I don't have so much fabric stashed but notions and tools....... Oh, yes!Ruthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09170406331272601890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-50788231968805923232013-08-07T19:30:22.839-04:002013-08-07T19:30:22.839-04:00LOL- I just counted the number of measuring tools ...LOL- I just counted the number of measuring tools I used the other day when making a skirt- and it was 5! 6 if you include the seam allowance guides on the sewing machine. Crazy. Necessary for me. <br />I prefer a hand hemmed garment, I must say- but it kills my neck and shoulder as I have to keep a fairly stiff posture to see my work under the magnifier. For embellishments I feel it is a must! I do love the look.<br />Thank you, Carolyn- I really do enjoy yr blog, and your generous sharing of skill, craft and insight. Your work, especially over the last six months, has been very inspiring.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-48537603090292118092013-08-07T19:02:32.796-04:002013-08-07T19:02:32.796-04:00My experience is that very rarely it's down to...My experience is that very rarely it's down to luck when you're talking a tactile skill. Be it drilling, be it cooking, be it sewing - practice makes the difference. That's not to say you can't have lucky successes :D Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-82258277962536277572013-08-07T18:41:10.387-04:002013-08-07T18:41:10.387-04:00Deep thoughts there Carolyn. Of course I wonder. ...Deep thoughts there Carolyn. Of course I wonder. Sometimes I ask my self can I really sew? Then there times that my confidence level is as high as the moon. Guess it all depends on the garment we are making a the time; and of course the fabric choice (which can give you a fit sometimes); and of course whether or not the pattern is drafted well.Faye Lewishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02781186043996633965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-43001874850324404722013-08-07T17:46:17.863-04:002013-08-07T17:46:17.863-04:00I find myself using more hand sewing than ever - I...I find myself using more hand sewing than ever - I baste more for a long term quicker and better final result. As for a successful project being more luck than skill not so - my experience of what suits me both colourwise and stylewise combined with my life long skills development mean that 9 times out of 10 a garment or project works. Another factor is that I no longer regard making a muslin or playing with fabric etc a waste of time before the real project - it is part of the process and just as much fun.jacquiannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01877759444999296777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-84062038329010403052013-08-07T16:05:01.253-04:002013-08-07T16:05:01.253-04:00Like you, I do my hems by hand. I enjoy the extra ...Like you, I do my hems by hand. I enjoy the extra control and the monotony; it can be soothing! I have inserted one zipper so far, and I handpicked it. I was really happy with the results and will be doing that as often as possible!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-86978453736884158602013-08-07T14:40:10.245-04:002013-08-07T14:40:10.245-04:00Love this post! It's never actually occurred t...Love this post! It's never actually occurred to me how much stuff I use to make a garment. I should consider it. I do often feel like I'm flying by the seat of my pants. But, I can assure you, you are not! When I've been sewing for as many years as you, I tell myself I'll feel confident in my skills :-)K.Linehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15350615302797686048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-67519626062880119872013-08-07T14:10:59.612-04:002013-08-07T14:10:59.612-04:00I'm always amazed when anything I sew turns ou...I'm always amazed when anything I sew turns out since I've not been able to be consistent in practicing my craft. I'm sure there are angels, elves, and Lady Luck every step of the way!<br />I enjoy hand sewing hems and zippers. Yeah it kinda sucks when you want to hurry up and be done, but it's usually done before I know it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-4951970754941922592013-08-07T13:51:41.900-04:002013-08-07T13:51:41.900-04:00(1) Right now I am pretty sure my sewing is about ...(1) Right now I am pretty sure my sewing is about a 50/50 mix of luck and skill. Though I suppose it does depend on the project. Skating costumes - I have a bit more faith in my skills, but sewing regular clothes... there is a good bit of luck involved in getting out something I like to wear.<br /><br />(2) I know I use a TON of tools to make a garment. I was going insane when I had to move all of my sewing stuff out of my apartment - I didn't have easy access to a lot of my most often used tools and I felt like I was missing an arm. I recently added some new tools (pattern weights, and some curved rulers) which are quickly becoming must-use tools for me.<br /><br />(3) It is funny because I always put off hand sewing, but I actually find it soothing while I am doing it. I mostly use it for hems and linings, but I am looking forward to making an awesome coat with pad stitched hair canvas and lots of internal hand stitching. I also use it a lot for embellishments, but those are mostly on skating costumes.T. Sedaihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09684101466551796470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-52602158436813588672013-08-07T13:42:21.391-04:002013-08-07T13:42:21.391-04:00I DEFINITELY get by on a wing and a prayer. I'...I DEFINITELY get by on a wing and a prayer. I'm waiting for the day that my skills catch up with my ambition. I get lucky sometimes. You, on the other hand, are super skilled. Don't doubt that!<br /><br />liza janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16916364137307894200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-48778224009667369302013-08-07T13:12:04.669-04:002013-08-07T13:12:04.669-04:00An expert is "a person who has extensive skil...An expert is "a person who has extensive skill or knowledge in a particular field." When you've been sewing for years and years (40+ in my case), you tend to pat yourself on the back when things go right. With a hearty "Damn, I'm good," thrown in. LOL Sometimes it's luck, but most of the time it's skill we take for granted. Hence why we question ourselves sometimes.<br /><br />I never thought about the number of tools I touch in a project, but the number of times I'm headed to the ironing board is noted.<br /><br />I too use to HATE hand sewing. I have garments hanging in my sewing room now that need a simple button sewn on or a hem stitched down. Which is weird because I do enjoy the relaxation of hand sewing. Though I do tend to stress over getting the stitches the same length and the thread not showing from the right side. Every July in our Couture group we have Hand Stitching 1 and 2. I've learned all kinds of cool stitches. Now I need to put them into practice.Jeanettechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05293391072725637337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-1453963017400690382013-08-07T12:53:07.567-04:002013-08-07T12:53:07.567-04:00But isn't it experience that provides one with...But isn't it experience that provides one with the skill that enables one to pull the rabbit out of the hat? Isn't that what skills are? An ability gained and perfected with experience? So, yes, you are skilled and yes, you do skate on a wing and a prayer because you are always expanding and improving on your skills by trying new things. And dayum woman, you are GOOD! so wonder no more.Teresa aka MarieSewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10633130424915637147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-10996125291421178892013-08-07T12:10:19.442-04:002013-08-07T12:10:19.442-04:00You've got skills, my friend. There's no d...You've got skills, my friend. There's no doubt about it, and not just "dumb luck". Your garments look amazing because they're expertly made, making YOU the expert! As for tools, I saw a marked improvement in my garments when I started using the right ones. It's funny to think of, but you're right, we do touch/use quite a few in the process! And finally, in regards to hand-stitching... once my stitches stopped looking like a 4 yr old made them, I didn't mind doing it as much. And, I got faster at it, so it didn't take me as long to do as it used to!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08126043161321731207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-81255082625460479772013-08-07T11:59:34.341-04:002013-08-07T11:59:34.341-04:00"I wonder if I'm actually skilled or if I..."I wonder if I'm actually skilled or if I've just walked this road so many times, that my experience pulls a rabbit out of a hat when I'm in a sticky situation?" Aren't these the same thing? And really, wasn't it luck (bad) that got you in that sticky situation and skill ("...my experience pulls the rabbit out of the hat...) that got you out?<br /><br />I've been sewing for a little more than 50 years, but it is only in the last 10 years that I have really improved my skills. I've always sewn to improve fit (as a young teen because I was too tiny to find stylish clothes that fit, and now because I'm too large and odd-shaped). But it's only in the last 10 years that that I've learned other-than-slapdash techniques for doing alterations such as FBA. I've also improved my interior finishing considerably. That said, my garments never look as good inside as yours. I have used your blog for both inspiration and instruction.<br /><br />I always kept my ironing board out when sewing, but it was not until I read the Pressinatrix that I really understood how to use them to get a more professional look. I almost always use my ham, often use a chunk of wood I stole from my husband's scrap box as a clapper, and use my (cheap, inadequate) sleeve roll, and have a wooden combo tool my husband made me that I don't really know how to use properly. It has a point presser that I really don't understand, and lots of curves and shapes that are useful, but hard to get to. I know if I used it more often I would get more comfortable with it. I guess that will be my next challenge. <br /><br />I've always done most hems by hand, just because I think they look better. I've begun hand-basting more often, especially where seams intersect, in order to get more accurate placement. Do I enjoy hand sewing? Eh, I neither like nor dislike it. I do enjoy many aspects of sewing, especially the brain-work of turning 1-dimensional fabric and pattern into 3-dimensional shapes as I choose, but there is always a utilitarian aspect for me. It is the finished object, always the result of solving a 3-dimensional puzzle, that gives me the greatest joy. I forget who I'm paraphrasing, but I don't enjoy sewing as much as I enjoy having sewn.Kayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08636722923735228804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20705637.post-58167913580586128022013-08-07T11:35:53.185-04:002013-08-07T11:35:53.185-04:00I think that what I call "luck" is many ...I think that what I call "luck" is many sewing struggles and learning experiences finally coming together. It's such a nice feeling when that happens! I enjoy a hobby (more of a passion) that has so many learning experiences available. I do remember that feeling of total frustration that I had when I started sewing. The feeling comes occasionally, but passes quickly now. I never thought about how many tools I use in a garment. It really is amazing. I use your tool list and would add an awl, a seam ripper, and probably more. I'll have to pay more attention!! As for hand stitching, I did consider it a four letter word. Now, I use hand stitching more and more as I attempt to improve the quality of my garments. I use the stitching time to catch up on TV episodes or movies. Rosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08501837896957263739noreply@blogger.com