In the past I used to flit from one project to another. Perhaps the first wasn’t turning out as expected or didn’t fit properly. Disappointed, I would put it to one side and start another project. I think that was my inexperience and not knowing how to tailor a garment or work around problems finding solutions. Experience in sewing does count for a lot. I have learnt many more skills in the last 12 months, having tried different fabrics and sewing projects. Thank goodness for YouTube. If I have a problem there’s always someone who has had the same issue and posted a video with a solution.
Patience is a virtue and especially in sewing. Hand stitching satin bias binding around the outside edge of a poncho takes time and patience. I contemplated machine stitching it in place for speed but it just wouldn’t have had the professional look I wanted. Therefore I settled back, needle and thread in hand with my favourite box set on the iPad.
Two projects that had been left to one side for years. A cotton tunic lined with broderlie anglaise lining that didn’t fit, wasn’t finished off and the zip was inserted poorly. This was easy to alter and fit, all sorted in a jiffy.
The second project was a silk dress made from jade silk I purchased over 20 years ago in Thailand. I had made a simply shift dress with a slightly off the shoulder neckline.
Pulling the dress from out from the bottom of the fabric basket I assessed the problems. The neckline didn’t fit well, the underarms stuck out and the facings around the arms and neck looked awful. The silk is a light weight fabric and I decided it would be best if the dress was fully lined to add body and avoid having to wear a slip underneath. Lining is essentially another dress inside the first dress and as I still had the original pattern pieces, I cut out the lining in black fabric. The advantage of lining a dress is that any raw edges (and silk frays dreadfully) are enclosed to give a clean finish. After stitching the lining to the armholes and neckline, finishing the hem and turning the dress the right side out, the last job was to hand stitch the lining to the zip edges
From a disregarded project to a beautiful dress I will be proud to wear. It just takes patience and a positive ‘can do’ attitude. I think this comes with age and experience, and life with children and dogs. On your sewing projects take your time, double check things and above all enjoy it.
Terri
Jay Dog Designs 