I decided to give my needle-pricked fingers a break and switched over to making a little baby dress. I am the first person to admit that I am NOT a seamstress so it's a struggle to figure out all the terms and how things go together. The pattern I'm using is THIS one and it's *supposed* to be beginner friendly. Hmmm.....is there a category for somebody who is a pre-beginner I wonder? If this is a beginner pattern I hate to think what a more advanced one would involve. I'm making the 3-6 mos size so everything is rather itty bitty . Next time I'll make the larger size and hope it goes together easier.
- I came across something that points to the fact that quilted jackets/coats are currently a 'thing' (again) and thought perhaps you'd enjoy a scroll through THESE. Take note of some of the prices!!!!
- THIS is an interesting concept that would be fun to try.
- If you've been curious about sashiko embroidery, perhaps you'll find THIS of interest.
- Warning! These links are going to suck you down the rabbit hole. Better pour yourself a cuppa and have a snack or two handy... if you're a knitter, enjoy losing yourself in all the free patterns THESE sites have and if you're a crocheter, go HERE.
Today's quote..."Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't"
I think sewing is largely a matter of practice and experience. And getting your skills back if it's been a while. The dress will be fine.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right in saying it's a matter of practice - and that's something I'm short on when it comes to sewing clothing of any size.
DeleteYour little dress looks adorable Mary Anne. Have a lovely weekend! Christine xx
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing her wearing it - provided she doesn't grow out of it before it gets to her!
DeleteOh I wish I could be around to help you sew. Gathering can be rather frustrating and time consuming.
ReplyDeleteThank-you, thank-you for the quilt jacket site!
Also, I was invited last week to a crochet group because of my interest in hand stitching hexies along with another that did slow stitching. They want to change the group to Hook and Thread to include any kind of hand fiber work. The sites you have been sharing will be very helpful.
I wish you could be here too - heaven knows I need all the help I can get. As for gathering, I learned years ago (can't remember why/when) that if you zig zag over dental floss gathering works much easier and it does.
DeleteNice to be invited to be part of a group and even nicer that they will change their name to include all fiber arts.
Prices! Those quilted coat numbers highlight the sad side of ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteI agree, beginner sewing patterns don't always grip what beginner really means.
Some of the prices seemed reasonable but there were a few that were definitely outlandish.
DeleteAs for beginner sewing patterns, I guess I'm learning by doing (and reverse stitching!)
Love the little dress, such a sweet print; sorry it's giving you fits. I had to force myself not to look at the knitting and crocheting links...don't have time for the rabbit hole right now; but might swing back later. Good of you to share. Spotted you on a mutual friends blog and thought I'd pop in for a visit. It's always fun to meet new bloggers.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the pattern that's the problem - it's me. I haven't sewn enough clothes to have a clue what I'm doing.
DeleteThank you for coming by for a visit! (and yes, those sites are definitely rabbit holes)
It's a sweet little dress. I hope it comes together for you and, in the end you feel inspired to make a larger size. It looks like it would be a cute design for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThe pattern has multiple sizes so it should work for awhile. After I put it together once hopefully any further attempts will be easier.
DeleteThe pattern says “beginner Friendly” however I find PDF patterns very difficult to follow and actually sew. I began sewing a very long time ago and I prefer real patterns with tissue parts to layout and cut. And full instructions for how to actually sew them all together. Yes, I am a very old dog! Your little dress will be adorable dear. I have done Sashiko and really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThe previous dress I made was a McCall's pattern and it was a struggle from start to end. The pictures you are supposed to use as a guide were so small and it was almost impossible to see what they were wanting me to do. I thought I'd try a PDF printable to see if it was any better and it actually was. It has several size options so I think I'll continue to use it for a few more dresses.
DeleteSewing small items is always much harder than larger items I find. You seem to have done a very good job.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Ooops - just occurred to me that some people think this photo is of the finished dress - no, it's the work in progress. I'll show the finished dress on Monday.
DeleteMagpie: It looks like an adorable dress, I like the printed fabric you chose, so sweet.
ReplyDeleteI will be looking for old building to take photos for you this week, i need to get out and enjoy the beginning of spring.
I am adding you to my blog follower roll.
Catherine
Hi Catherine - welcome to my little corner of the world!
DeleteThis photo isn't the finished dress (have a peek at my post tomorrow to see that).
Next 'up' on my needle dance card will be a landscape - just have to decide which one inspires me.
I can’t imagine there’s anything with needle, thread, and cloth that you can’t do well. I know you are going to have fun with these little dresses.
ReplyDeleteOh there's all sorts of needlework that I haven't a clue about! Sewing clothing is out of my realm of knowledge so it's most definitely a learning curve.
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