Lots of fun at Swap-O-Rama-Rama!

I had a great time at the SORR booth at the Green Street Fair. As always it was fun to be around others who were interested in sewing. I took a picture of the booth at the beginning of the day and promptly forgot about my camera. Sigh... I hate when I do that...

Anyway here is how it looked before the fair officially opened:


There were half a dozen sewing stations and a bin of reusables on both ends. The machines are the Singer 3116 Simple Sewing Machine





I really have mixed feeling about them. On the one hand, they are a reasonably priced, lightweight, multi function sewing machine and operate at a slow speed. I think it would be a good machine for a young person just beginning to take an interest in sewing, especially if you weren't sure that the interest would continue. On the other hand, they had some trouble with multiple thicknesses and their lightness could become a problem quickly if the interest did proceed quickly. They would be good mostly for quilting fabrics or other lightweight materials. And larger projects could be a problem because they might drag on the machine. So you see my indecision...

I still enjoyed myself. I spent about 4 hours in the tent. I helped to make a shawl, turban and some tote bags. I hope to have another opportunity. I'll keep you posted on local swaps as I find out about them. I'd love to have a permanent swap with a huge pile of recyclables, sewing machines and interested stitchers!

Tutorial: Redo a worn out elastic waistband

You know you are getting old when you hear that crackle of elastic that has stretched its last stretch. Or hey! Maybe you aren't old, but you love a good thrifty find or vintage garment.

I've got a favored pair of pants, I bought them at a yard sale in 1995, for a dollar, I can remember the rack on the porch in Royal Oak, MI where I found them. Isn't that strange, that I can remember? I've called them my elephant pants, but I always get compliments when I wear them.

The old elastic is overlocked (serged) in and stitched down. I'll be redoing it the same way, but I'll offer suggestions for sewing if you don't have an overlock machine:


Click on any picture to see a larger photo.
Find a thread to clip in the right side, I use my Fiskars Softouch
clips, but you can use a seam ripper.
Clip between the layers, gently pulling apart, 2 to 4 threads at a time.


I secured the pocket with a pin because it doesn't go to the top of the waistband and because I don't want to waste time later figuring out which way the pocket goes.



Next cut the threads on one side of the elastic, then separate the layers again, slightly pulling and cutting a small amount at a time.



Old elastic-New elastic. My new is a little thinner, but that is OK because I plan on cutting a little of the fabric off with the overlock to have the stitches in securely. It is a good idea to replace the elastic (braided 1'' wide) with as similar as you can so you aren't changing the way the garment fits or changing the seam allowances.



Just wanted to show here that I switched the direction of the pin so it wouldn't have to be taken out while overlocking.


I don't have a good and fast rule for elastic length, only that whatever you use needs to be shorter than you think. Elastic grows every time you sew through it. If you know of a good chart I'd be happy to see it. Another suggestion is to look at a commercial pattern that has the same kind of waistband you are doing and use your corresponding measurement.

First butt ends together, extra secure. I'm using my Bernina 950



I mark the elastic with a pen in 1/4 before sewing.


Next using my Juki MO644D to overlock the elastic to the pants. I match my pen marks to the side seams and center front/back. I'm also taking off about 1/4" with the knife blade. (I should have pressed the waist before sewing, but what can I say :D) If you don't have an overlock, finish the raw edge at the waist with you preferred method and sew with a straight stitch or zigzag to secure the elastic and the following step works the same way.



Finally stitch the elastic down with a straight stitch, you can do right side up too, I just wanted to make sure I caught the pockets.



Finished!

Time to Enter: Passion for Fashion Challenge 2009

The American Sewing Expo, in Novi, MI, is now accepting applications for the 2009 Passion for Fashion Challenge! Head on over to their site and print out the entry form for the Design and Sewing Competition. Entry garments must be postmarked by July 1, 2009. I entered my skirt, had a blast last year and won 2nd place! I'm not sure yet if I'll do it this year, September 25 and 26, 2009, but if you'd like to enter it is only $25.00.
Prizes will include but are not limited to:
First-An exciting trip to New York with the ASE tour and a Baby Lock Aspire Sewing Machine
Second-Baby Lock Imagine Wave Serger
Third-Baby Lock Decorator's Choice Sewing Machine
Good Luck!

Swap-O-Rama-Rama in Plymouth, Michigan

Handmade Detroitis sponsoring a Swap-O-Rama-Rama in Plymouth at the Green Street Fair this weekend, May 1 to 3,2009. I'll be in the tent offering help to aspiring designers Sunday morning. It sounds like a load of fun, so stop by, bring some unwanted clothing and bring home something new!

Issues with Commercial Patterns

I just made some robes from this pattern. For a church ceremony.

Simplicity 4213


I only made view 1, and it had to be finished quickly so I didn't take pictures.

But here is the issue:


The bottom of the sleeve is drafted to be too small to fit the fold back hem. It is a simple fix, I extended the line so that the hem now will fold back easily.

The problem with this is that someone who can't see that this fix needs to be made will automatically assume that the problem is them and that they can't sew. The pattern overall was great, but this affects the final product. I understand how something like this could happen, whenever I need to make alterations to a pattern or something I'm working on, I have to step away so I can think about it. The pattern companies need to be more careful. This was a simple mistake, but has the potential to cause great frustrations. And frustrated sew*ers stop trying!

A good source for pattern reviews is here. I'm on it too.

The Value in Quilting

Whether you are just starting to sew or you are a pro, don't under estimate the value in quilting. Quilting is a good way to get to know your sewing machine*, become comfortable sewing without pins and become a faster sewing machine operator.

I took a quilting class many years ago and we used the Make a Quilt in a Day : Log Cabin Pattern book. This is how I quilt. First I cut 2 1/2" strips with my Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat. Then I do minor planning and just happily sew away!

An added bonus is choosing beautiful Designer Quilting Fabricsand other Quilting Fabric at Joann.com And you don't have to have much of each to make a small lap quilt 45" X 60"! Just make sure one style has enough to do the back. I'm always surprised at how wonderful they turn out, even if I'm not sure of my fabric choices.

I've been making some quilt tops for the Prayer Blanket Ministry. Its my way of giving back. One a month is the current goal. Another person is happy to finish them so it works out for both of us!

December 2008:

January 2009:

February 2009:

March 2009:

Sewing Lessons in Memphis, MI

So, I'm thinking about offering sewing lessons or tutoring in St Clair or Northern Macomb county. I'd have to rent or buy space somewhere.

I'd maybe do a Saturday class or after school class or daytime class for Homeschoolers. My question to YOU is how many would be interested or willing to drive to 48041 zip?

I could include my fabric and pattern stash in the cost of the class, I could do beginner to advanced. I could become an instructor for Islander Sewing Systems. We could make your design or use a pattern.

I'm still in the early stages of thought on this, I have been sewing with my cousin, a beginner, and had a great time.

If you read this and think it is something you would do, please, please comment or write to me at diane[@]thoughtsfromaseamstress.com