I love to sew. It’s my happy time. I’m not one of those people who have been sewing since forever. I grew up listening to my mom’s sewing machine as she made magic, but she wasn’t what anyone would call a good teacher. I also went to high school in the early 70’s. Women were burning their bras so teaching Home Economics to the next generation seemed counter productive.
I never lost my desire to learn this craft, and would stop and look at sewing machines whenever I could. I found out my best friend had a machine, knew how to use it, and was willing to get me started. We got together after work one Friday and by the end of the night, I had a new pair of shorts……that I had made! I was thrilled and the next day went on a quest to buy my first sewing book.
I love to learn and I love to teach. I am a Westalee Design Accredited Teacher, Sew Steady Brand Ambassador, and Certified Quilt In a Day Teacher.
I now do most of my sewing on a Bernina 830. It is one of those super duper computerized machines that also embroiders. I LOVE IT! No matter what the challenge, my Bernina always comes through.
You should also know:
I hate to press. I have learned that one must press to produce a good quality product. So I press……a lot. I have a good quality iron. Was it a necessary expense? Probably not, but it makes the job easier. (ok, maybe not easier. I do like my iron, so I use it and that’s a good thing.)
I hate to pin. I used to pin….all the time. I sewed through pins; this is not wise. Not only can you damage your pins and needles, but when one of them breaks it can fly into your eye. NOT GOOD. I do use pins, when I think it’s necessary. I have friends that pin every seam they sew. They think I’m nuts; I think they’re nuts.
Lastly, I hate hand sewing. I respect those that do. I’m not any good at it and doing so hurts my hands. I will spend hours trying to figure out how to do something on the machine to save myself from threading a hand needle. Probably not the most productive way to spend my time, but it sure is fun trying.
I think that covers all you need to know.
Pam
5 Comments
Darn, I should live nearby… I LOVE to press and sew by hand!!
I learned to sew by hand when I was 8…you see my Barbie needed a new wardrobe. I know how to operate a sewing machine but I’m not that confident, so I’d pick hand sewing anytime! Few months ago I sew a fringe dress by hand for my best friend who dances latin.I tried to use the sewing machine but the fabric was elastic.It was a success nonetheless!
I love the idea of quilting. I have a cupboard of projects and fabric…but no quilts. The last time I tried to put together a piece for quilting with the batting and backing (I’m not sure of the language) it was a disaster. I stretched and pinned the fabrics really well, did some beautiful tacking…and then found out when I took out the pins that were anchoring everything to the floor that I’d stitched it all into the carpet as well. It took hours to unpick…
I will admit, I snickered a little at the thought of your hard work being attached to the floor. I hope this doesn’t discourage you from trying again. Your quilting language is spot on. Stay tuned to this blog for some basic instructions and a lot of tricks in the future.
My family thought it was hilarious. My mum is a quilter-smocker-patcher. I’ve picked up vocab from her, I expect. I’m looking forward to picking up some tips from your blog. 🙂