A few things...

10:19 AM 15 Comments A+ a-

1. Every woman should own a sewing machine and know how to sew a seam, in my opinion. Case in point... I bought this dress (and it's sister in navy & white) at Walmart on the clearance rack months ago (lets be honest, probably over a year ago) for something like $5. Unfortunately it was about 2 sizes to big but I really liked the print and I firmly believe that a girl can never have too many knit wrap dresses. (Particularly a girl like me who literally gets out of bed 30 minutes before she has to be at work and needs clothes that are EASY) Anyway, all I did to this dress (and it's sister) was to take it in about 2 inches all the way down the side seams. I didn't even adjust the sleeves because they weren't baggy enough to bother me and I'm pretty lazy. Literally took maybe 5 minutes per dress and I've gotten so many compliments when I've worn them these last few weeks! Everyone should be able to do this, particularly if they're on a budget. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but I'll make this my life mission. Sewing machines for all!

(Now lets not talk about the fact that I've had these dresses for months a year and just got around to doing the 5 minute alteration...)




2. I spent all Sunday adjusting my Clover muslin, transferring the adjustments to the pattern, then because I'm cheap and hate wasting fabric, picking apart the original muslin, ironing it and recutting based on the pattern adjustmensts. Luckily after all that the fit was decent enough for my non-perfectionist self, so I spent last night making Sallie Oh's trouser modifications to the pattern, then I cut everything out. Now I'm a little too scared to sew it together. What if after all this time and effort they don't fit? What if they look terrible on me? AHHH! I'm going to try to bite the bullet tonight and put them together. Hopefully they'll fit perfectly, look fabulous and make all my dreams come true. Stay tuned...




3. I have been wanting to make a black circle skirt for 100 years but I can't seem to make myself do it. Circle skirts are pretty simple right? Like I could do this in a night? (minus hemming since it has to hang for a while...) I might need something easy after these crazy pants...



4. Enter my blog birthday giveaway! You have until next Monday! Go go go!

15 comments

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Sue
AUTHOR
February 28, 2012 at 11:40 AM delete

I'm TOTALLY with you on #s 1 and 3. I'm trying to make all my friends get sewing machines and I've been "planning" to make a black circle skirt forEVER. Maybe if I see yours I'll finally get my act together!

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Ginger
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February 29, 2012 at 11:20 AM delete

The dress looks great! It's so funny-- I'm more likely to dive into a big project (say, knit a cabled sweater) than to sew on a button that's fallen off a shirt. I don't know what it is about alterations/mending that's so unexciting, but it's hard to motivate yourself to do something "boring".

Circle skirts are so pretty-- make one!

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Anonymous
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March 5, 2012 at 10:36 PM delete

As I was growing up my mother and grandmother would sit us next to the sewing machine as they sewed. They would tell us that as long as we could sew our family would never go unclothed. I learned to sew early and have been making clothes ever since (I am 54 now). Even if you don't have a machine you need to at least be able to sew by hand.

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Unknown
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March 5, 2012 at 11:21 PM delete

I actually started sewing so my daughter would have some domestic skills growing up (which I was not taught). I think it's awesome that you are a proponent of what used to be a dying skill. I think it's coming around and women like you are helping!!! Thanks for the inspiring thoughts!

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Anonymous
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March 6, 2012 at 2:05 AM delete

My sentiments exactly. I will make you anything from scratch before I will repair or sew a button on. If you had made the item yourself, it would not be falling apart. I have loved sewing for the past 57 years and cannot fathom people not loving it. I sew, quilt, needlework and will do anything involving fabric, needle and thread. The joys of sewing are like no other accomplishment in your life (except being a mom).

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seamstress
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March 6, 2012 at 3:16 AM delete

I have been sewing for years, I can remember wanting to use Mum's electric machiune and her saying no too dangerous for me ( I think I was about 7 or 8 but then my aunt let me use her treadle (fantastic) and shortly after I was allowed to use the electirc and have been sewing ever since (about 50 years) and I now make historical costume and all sorts. My daughter also sews and does costume and my 9 year old grandaughter wants to sew too.

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Beth in NEPA
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March 6, 2012 at 5:33 AM delete

A circle skirt is easy to make. At least it was when I was in high school in the late 50s. I made a number of them because they were in style at the time. Also I had a dad who gave me a generous allowance for clothes "IF" I made them!

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Treadleworks
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March 6, 2012 at 6:06 AM delete

Well, here is my two cents worth! Not everyone has the apptitude for sewing. WE are all given talents to do what we do, just not everybody has the same talent.
I am a full time seamstress, but I would not let just anybody help me. Some things are just meant to be.

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Anonymous
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March 6, 2012 at 6:10 AM delete

I totally agree im 29 and got my first sewing machine last year love it and i know i havent even begun .I have made a couple of dresses for my daughter ,baby shoes,im now just making baby kimono slippers from crafty.com by lena .I want to make a career out of it cant get enough it should be taught in schools from an early age for both boys and girls my partner has been eyeing my machine lol. rachel x

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March 6, 2012 at 7:54 AM delete

I have been trying to spread the love of sewing around for quite some time now. Some people are interested for a time and some never will be. I have been sewing since I was about 5 yrs old and I kept begging my mom to let me use her sewing machine. She finally let me after I could hand sew the tiniest stitches possible.

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wed
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March 6, 2012 at 7:55 AM delete

I love to sew or do anything with textiles.I' been at it for fifty years. And own a couple of machines. Sewing was taught when I was in school. My sons have all been taught. The basics.some people have sewing as their gift some have a loose button.

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Anonymous
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March 6, 2012 at 8:07 AM delete

Not just women! All my sons sew, too. And one makes a good side living making reeactment stuff, like uniforms. Sewing machines for EVERYONE!

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Anonymous
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March 6, 2012 at 10:09 AM delete

I feel the same about thread, fiber and fabric!

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March 6, 2012 at 2:18 PM delete

Oh circle skirts are fun! I've felt like I needed a bit of a sewing break and so I'm looking for an easy skirt project that I can just MAKE without all the headache - I was going to do a circle skirt but I actually feel too fatigued for even that! Thinking I might just do a drindl skirt and call it a day! Haha!

Good luck with your clover trousers! I hope they turn out okay and you love them!

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Meg the Grand
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March 6, 2012 at 2:48 PM delete

I agree - everyone needs a sewing machine!! It's what I've been telling my "students" but we'll see if they listen :)

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