Sunday, May 09, 2010
Unconventional Sewing
Although I began as a garment sewer, I've evolved into a quilter. I'm far more familiar with rulers and rotary cutters than scissors. As a computer geek I'm always looking for ways to use my computer to make my processes easier. Maybe not always easier but certainly more fun for me!
When I started to lay out the pattern pieces for my grandson's baptism outfit I quickly remembered how much I dislike fluttery pattern pieces and cutting with scissors. I decided it would be easier to make copies of the pattern pieces onto freezer sheets, apply them to the fabric with a quick swipe with a hot iron, and then cut out the pieces. My tools are here: my freezer paper pattern, ruler, pattern weights (an essential tool for sewing!) and rotary cutter. I was able to cut out everything except the pants legs this way. I still used the rotary cutter and ruler with these, along with judicious placement of the pattern weights.
If you're making baby clothes, doll clothes, stuffed animals or other items with small pattern pieces, consider this method. You may find it a new useful technique!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Spring Cleaning
After several years of heavy use (and of Sargeant and Miz Paws using it as their favorite snoozing spot) it was time to replace the canvas top of my cutting and pressing center.
Rather than the heavy canvas I had used on my original cover, I chose to use a heavier cotton that has a sewing theme. I removed the staples and tossed the canvas. The Insul-Brite padding looked like new. No need to replace.
A few minutes with the staple gun and I had my new cover! I'm not sure it will hold up as well as the canvas but it's a nice change.
I've also learned that when I am fusing to put a piece of muslin on the surface. "Oops!" happen no matter how careful one is with fusing and the muslin saves the cover and saves time.
Now it's time to start on spring cleaning the stash that overfloweth!
