Planned Insanity - the best kind

I sew. As long and as much as I have knit. I was taught when I was twelve by a great aunt who recognized a teachable moment when she saw one. I still remember that first dress, sleeveless yellow gingham A-line with a standup collar and an invisible zipper. Once my friends found out, I was making them all mini-skirts. In high school I sewed costumes for the drama department.

Being tall and having long limbs, it was hard to find store-bought clothes that fit sometimes and sewing allowed me to fit myself. As a young mother I sewed clothes for my daughter. She chastises me in adulthood for the humiliation she endured from having to wear Little House on the Prairie dresses to school as a kindergartener. McCalls came out with about 4 different patterns inspired by the popular TV show at the time. I bought every one. I don't know what she is complaining about, she looked adorable in that bonnet and pinafore. The knickers might have been a bit devious of me though. At one time I worked in a sewing factory. It was an interesting experience. I have worked in fabric stores and as a private seemstress. I have made prom dresses, wedding gowns, cruise-wear, curtains and drapes, even a cape for an Elvis inpersonator. I also made a couple of men's suits, but I won't be doing that again. Whatever price the store asks for a man's suit - pay it. It's worth it.

So, for the month of June 2007, I plan to make a garment (or accessory) a day. Some are for Abby and some are for me and a couple for Kandis.  Weekends will see more substantial progress because I still have a full time job. The big impetus for this project is that my cutting table has been up in my kitchen for a couple of months now and I'm tired of it being there reminding me that I have work to do. A couple of months ago, JoAnns had pattern sale on McCalls - that's when I buy patterns. NEVER pay full price unless it's an emergency (sewing emergencies do happen) or you have more money than good sense because they are always going on sale. BUT, $1.99 per pattern is a fabulous sale and I had several that I had on my wish list and they varied between 14.95 and 17.95 each. Well, I stocked up. And there were others in my pattern stash.

Now I also like to find bargains on fabric and the end of the season is the time to do it. Also if you browse frequently you can snag some real finds. Even Walmart (yeah, I know) has a few goodies on the Dollar a yard tables. You have to dig and be open-minded. It helps to know fabric by it's feel because they don't always disclose the content if they are giving it away for a buck. The plan is to sew and post photos and maybe along the way share some advice or suggestions. I have learned a lot of tricks after sewing for some 30+ years. And I have some favorite tools and techniques.

To start with, my sewing machine is an older model Bernina, electronic, but not computerized. Margene posted hers the other day and I think mine is a bit newer, but not a lot. I don't require an expensive machine, this one was gifted to me by my mom when she learned someone had one they weren't using, she bought it. I have used up a Kenmore and a Brother. I just kept putting new motors on them when I burned them up. I prefer simple machines that don't have a lot of hooha on them. I do mostly construction and not decoration so simple is better. There is a trick to keeping a machine working well for you - it's simple too, learn your machine, get cozy with the tension and KEEP IT OILED. Get out your manual and follow the instructions on oiling it regularly and it will preform for you for years.  Kinda like a car - my dad always said, "oil is cheaper than metal", of course, he didn't live to see 3 dollar a gallon gas, but I think the principle still holds up.

Now, lest you forget that besides sewing and knitting, I am also a naturalist and our office borders a state park and well, sometimes wildlife likes to kinda hangout with us.  This guy is a wild tom turkey.  He likes to strut up to the glass windows and puff himself up and display for that fella he sees in the window.  Makes for a fun place to work.

Comments

[chris]

Yeah, the "Little House on the Prairie" dress and bonnet . . . I was forced to wear that, too, in 1st grade or so, maybe 2nd. And yeah, I am with Kandis -- it WAS humiliating.

Anyway, I think it's great that you're sewing! My poor sewing machine lives in the bottom of my craft closet, abandoned and lonely.

[caro]

My mum used to sew things for me too. Corduroy bell bottoms, velvet dresses and all manner of polyester everything (it was the 70's afterall.) At the time I thought all moms did that, but now I know it was only the good special moms. ;)

[Catherine D.]

I think that tom was hanging out in my backyard recently :) Turkeys have made a big comeback all around here. I have to be careful driving up to the barn because an inordinate number of them seem to wait for me and then cross the road, usually at the steepest point of the hill ...

[Nancy]

(sigh) I know you've graciously offered, and I will take you up on specifics if they come along, but I would so love to have you around for my first clothing efforts just for support. I've been collecting patterns (like you, on sale whenever possible) and finally signed up for a simple skirt class in July just to break the ice with paper patterns.

Congrats to the graduate! Hope you're enjoying the summer.

[Vicki]

I am really looking forward to your posts and to see what you accomplish. I've already learned a few things! (Will be oiling machine before sewing one more seam!)

[Liz]

I liked reading your "sewing history." Things like this always make me wish I'd learned how to operate a sewing machine, though. I'm one of the ones with the fear of getting my fingers sucked under.

[Teresa C]

Oh, you are taking me back! I made so many clothes for my girls when they were little. I love the little shorts and tops and the sundresses. It was too much fun.

I love your Bernina, one of the all metal machines! I have an older (buy possibly newer than yours) bottom of the line model that is all metal and works like a dream. I have upgraded (mostly for the bigger motor-it zooms), but I hardly use all of the things it can do. I can't say enough about those machines, my mom has one that is probably a lot older than yours and it works so well. And she beat on it. I want that machine!

[Susan]

I'm glad you're finally getting through the sewing pile-up. THat will be such an accomplishment to clear that table! You don't understand the concept of "down time," do you?

[adrienne]

wow, you have a stash! Have fun working with everything!