Not-So-Haute Couture

The sewing table skirts are finished; they make such a difference! See before & after shots in my completed projects page, and read the review here . I think dh is getting used to the idea of a serger. I've decided on the White 2000ATS, since there are such good deals for it on ebay right now. From $287 to $340, depending on how many accessories come with it. I showed him the Joann's ad for the 1934 model, regular price $499, on sale for $399. On ebay I can get the top model for $100 less than Joann's sale price for a lesser model! Who could defy that logic?

Just about finished with the sewing skirt panels. Picked up the tension rods I need for the 2nd table, too. After spending $50 on rolled hem presser feet (2, each of a different width), I realized that this is a quickie home dec project and there is no need for fine couture techniques, or even amateur-looking rolled hems in this case. I could just zig-zag the raw edges and turn the hem as I sew. So that's what I did. I only press at the end, after all the edges have been finished and turned, and the panels look great. I'm returning the presser feet and putting the $$ towards my serger fund. This project would've gone a lot faster with a serger and if I have a serger I don't believe I would need rolled hem presser feet for my sewing machine, since I'd do that on the serger. Now that I've got one table skirted and can see how nice it looks I realize that I need to alter the press-table cover to fit so it looks neater and then make a sewing machine cover. ...

I've started my sewing table skirts. Got one panel done; 10 more to go, for 2 tables. The one I've finished looks very nice. After turning under and pressing several yards of the fabric to finish the edges of just one of the panels I have decided that now is the time to by a couple of hemming feet for my sewing machine. One to finish the edge before turning down to form the rod pocket, and another that turns a wider hem for the bottom edge. Now that my contest entry is complete I want to have a cutting marathon and cut out some of the patterns listed in my Works in Progress . Time to try out my new rotary cutter! Also, not on the WiP list is another 1 or 2 casual dress shirts for Darren. I have fabric planned for 2, but I think I will make one out of the same pattern I used for his first one, and then later make a 2nd, nicer, long-sleeved shirt, with cuffs and everything. I want to get David Page Coffin's Shirtmaking: Developing Skills for Fine Sewing book befor...

My entry for Pattern Review's plus size sewing contest is done! Check my completed projects link in my sewing room to see them. My pants pattern from Unique Patterns that I got free with my bodyskan came yesterday, right on time. Now I have both patterns I ordered from them. The next step is to cut 'em out and sew 'em up. When that is completed I may post my whole Unique Patterns/bodyskan story on Pattern Review. I told dh I'm considering a serger. "Why would you need more than one sewing machine?" he asked. "Why do you need more than one tool, or one gun?" was my clever reply. I assured him I was looking at lower end and used models. That helped a little. I did get permission to buy off ebay if I got a good deal. I don't mean to make my ddh sound like a meanie, 'cause he's a real sweet man. But I tend to move fast when I get ideas and he ends up feeling railroaded. I have to move slowly so as not to overwhelm my sweetie.

Now I want a serger. How am I going to explain this to dh? I've done my usual round of comparison shopping (thank you, God, for the world-wide web) and have decided upon the White 1600 because it is in my price range, it has most of the features I want, it got good reviews on the Jojos website (there weren't any reviews for this machine on patternreview and only a small, but positive mention of it on sewingworld) and it is on sale there for $229. I could get it at Allbrands for $199 plus shipping, but then I'd have to wait . I'm still going to have to wait because I have to ease dh into this verrryyy gennnttly. I do have the money in my little special account, so as soon as dh gets used to the idea I will go get it. But he has to get used to it by October 2nd, because that's when the sale ends. I want it for dh's polo-style work shirts and for Kim's wedding veil. Plus I think the serger is a lot faster than a sewing machine.

Well, Jojos had a sale, Olfa rotary cutting supplies 40% off. So I bought me some. I have never rotary cut anything in my life, unless pizza counts. I heard it is faster. Anything to speed up my slow-sewing. I am soooo close to being finished with the blue skirt. The final fitting revealed that the waist needed to be taken in, the skirt pegged a little more and the darts may need a little work. So I did the waist and the pegging, then machine blind-hemmed it. Parts of that look a little funky. I'll fine-tune the hem and possibly the darts, give it a final pressing and be done!

I now have a website and 2 blogs. This blog is especially for sewing.