View Full Version : So, anyone sew?
I FIANLLY broke down and bought a sewing machine. I've been hand quilting for YEARS and salivating over the clothing patterns at the fabric stores forever too. I knew I could never sew clothes by hand and this will make quilting faster and neater too. Anyone here handy with a sewing machine?
http://www.sears.com/data/product_images/appliances/standard/02015516000-dv.jpg
wendy
08-04-2003, 04:44 PM
I got my first sewing machine when I was 8. ;D Mom sewed nearly all my clothes through elementary school. Now I have my mom's old (but still working) sewing machine and she has my 7 year old sewing machine. I'm still trying to figure out how that happened....
Too bad I don't really have time for it anymore.
I've always wanted to learn how to sew.
Well, I used a sewing machine when I took Home Ec in junior high school. SInce then, nothing but hand quilting. I DID get a pattern for kid's pajamas. The one I'm going to make is just simple, straight leg pants with an elastic waist and a v-neck t-shirt. I have a set of old sheets for a king size bed, which we don't have anymore. I'm going to try this first VERY simple pattern with the sheets and see how it goes. It's going to take me a little bit to figure out all the functions on this machine though. :D
I got a killer deal on it, I went to buy one, but ended up buying the floor model of this better one instead, for about $80 off retail.
Observer
08-04-2003, 06:01 PM
I do a lot of sewing... mostly modifying tactical gear. I don't think I have had a piece of equipment in 25 years that I have not modified to fit my particular needs.
When I sew something, it may not be the most cosmetic job in the world, but it will NEVER come apart. ;D
wendy
08-04-2003, 06:08 PM
I'm going to try this first VERY simple pattern with the sheets and see how it goes.
It's really not difficult. I wager I could teach NorNec to sew if it didn't require being in close proximity to him. ;D
Once you learn the "language" you'll be fine.
wellkeptsecrets
08-04-2003, 07:51 PM
I've always wanted to learn how to sew.
So what is stopping you? I've been sewing since I was about 9 years old...and used to do it for a living. Made lots of things for my kids when they were little. I hate it now but it's not that hard to do.
So what is stopping you? I've been sewing since I was about 9 years old...and used to do it for a living. Made lots of things for my kids when they were little. I hate it now but it's not that hard to do.
I'm not sure what's stopping me. I guess I'm not THAT interested. Some of the sewing machines out there are WAY cool in what they do. I'm just not sure I could put it to good use...besides, I've got too many irons in the fire as it is.
I'm not sure what's stopping me. I guess I'm not THAT interested. Some of the sewing machines out there are WAY cool in what they do. I'm just not sure I could put it to good use...besides, I've got too many irons in the fire as it is.
Tell me about it, it took me forever to figure out which one I wanted. If I get good and stay interested, I may get one of the computerized versions. They do all kinds of embroidery, you buy software for all the patterns. OR, you can get one of those that does surging. Very cool stuff. BUT, I just got a simple Kenmore that has a bunch of different stiches and a one step button hole function. I still need tobuy a zipper foot though.
wellkeptsecrets
08-04-2003, 08:01 PM
I'm not sure what's stopping me. I guess I'm not THAT interested. Some of the sewing machines out there are WAY cool in what they do. I'm just not sure I could put it to good use...besides, I've got too many irons in the fire as it is.
Perhaps when you retire and don't have so many irons in the fire as you say you could take it up as a hobby... and make baby clothes for your grandchildren. ;D
I'm in the process of learning actually. I've already made a very simple Victorian style skirt. I also have a bustle crinoline that I started packed up in an old friend's crap since she's moved twice since the last time I saw her. I also have the pattern cut out for a very simple ritual gown based on the Empire style.
I do a lot of sewing... mostly modifying tactical gear. I don't think I have had a piece of equipment in 25 years that I have not modified to fit my particular needs.
When I sew something, it may not be the most cosmetic job in the world, but it will NEVER come apart. ;D
That's my experience with sewing/mending. When I put a button back on they'll find that piece of cloth with that button attached 10,000 years from now.
I just came here to see how many other guys had to do their own sewing/mending. Welcome to the 21st century hey?
My husband can do his own buttons. :D That's about it though.
Poppa Bear
08-06-2003, 12:43 PM
I don't really know why I am on this thread except that it is here but I learned to use a sewing machine while I was a kid.
My mother made dance costumes, wedding dresses, formals and all sorts of other things and she tended to get the entire family involved.
I was never very good but I can do a little more than sew my buttons on. ;)
kathleen
08-07-2003, 09:21 PM
I do.
I'm not very good at it but I have fun doing it when I have the time.
My skill level makes me fine for making curtains and hemming skirts/pants etc or other basic mending but I don't make actual articles of clothing, at least not yet (maybe when I'm retired). ;D
I also do cross-stitching and other embroidery. I did this complex wall hanging of a little girl petting a cat in a field of wildflowers once - took me years to do. I think I left it when I left my ex. Pity. :(
CaptainKirk
08-07-2003, 09:37 PM
I do a lot of sewing... mostly modifying tactical gear. I don't think I have had a piece of equipment in 25 years that I have not modified to fit my particular needs.
When I sew something, it may not be the most cosmetic job in the world, but it will NEVER come apart. ;D
Top,
Ill bet you did....I still wear BDU's alot, esp the Tiger Stripe Pattern......prob is that the pockets are so poorly made, that after they carry a wad of keys for several trips the seam and pocket both tear and the keys fall down your leg and out....
really really pissed me off..The other day I bought one of those handy stitch miniature sewers (AA battery operated)..and after the obligatory " familiarization period"......I sewed the bottom of the poket shut with 4 parallel lines.......really wasnt a # 1 job as the volume of the pocket decreased by 30%......
On this job I used regular thread, but if it opens again, I have lots of used Kevlar or Spiderwire fishing line up to 50 lb test that has fastened buttons in the past.....
thats the next frontier.
I do.
I'm not very good at it but I have fun doing it when I have the time.
My skill level makes me fine for making curtains and hemming skirts/pants etc or other basic mending but I don't make actual articles of clothing, at least not yet (maybe when I'm retired). ;D
I also do cross-stitching and other embroidery. I did this complex wall hanging of a little girl petting a cat in a field of wildflowers once - took me years to do. I think I left it when I left my ex. Pity. :(
I cross-stitch also, and I'm learning to spin, even bought two drop spindles and an Ashford Traditional wheel, I'll have to put a picture up once I get it fixed, my cat chewed the end off the tensioner.
Observer
08-07-2003, 10:17 PM
Yeah, Cap'n... Everything from Holsters to Load Bearing Equipment to Rucks to Knife Sheaths to Tac Vests. Either the pockets are in the wrong places or at the wrong angles, or the stuff just doesn't hang right, or there aren't enough attachment points... Always something. Too much of that stuff is designed by guys who never have to use it.
Sometimes it is amazing what you can do with a little monofilament fishing line and some patience.
Yeah, Cap'n... Everything from Holsters to Load Bearing Equipment to Rucks to Knife Sheaths to Tac Vests. Either the pockets are in the wrong places or at the wrong angles, or the stuff just doesn't hang right, or there aren't enough attachment points... Always something. Too much of that stuff is designed by guys who never have to use it.
Sometimes it is amazing what you can do with a little monofilament fishing line and some patience.
So much of it is designed for people who wear it for the look instead of actual use.
ponygurl
08-08-2003, 09:09 PM
I CAN sew.. but Mom still has her eyesight. ;D
kathleen
08-12-2003, 09:15 AM
So much of it is designed for people who wear it for the look instead of actual use.
That's what bugs me most about the industry.
Sportswear has become fashionable and therefore cheap and badly made.
A few years ago we went shopping for outerwear. The women's jackets were more expensive than the men's and came in gaudy colours like yellow and pink. There's no way I want to wear such things out in the bush. So I ended up getting a small men's jacket - grey, 4-seasons, detachable shell, breathable fabric, fleece liner, hood. Perfect! ;D
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