WIP 6/24

[cam]

What are you working on? What have you finished? Anything you are stuck on? Feel free to share all the photos of course.

[cam]

I started on a skirt. I am maybe halfway through it as a rough estimate. I also started a pair of customized towels for someone and am almost done with those. I started yet another dish cloth (and finished the previous one) and some more mending (finished a few have 5438315 more to go). I picked up some fabric for redoing a chair, a loveseat, and some bench cushions but only barely got started laying those out. Trying to find inspiration for a cover for our comforter on our bed; no idea what I want at all.

[cmeon]

I sewed up dog toys, finished DD's new PJ shorts, and nothing else. I did order a bunch of new zippers on Amazon, along with some off-brand WonderClips- cheaper and good reviews, sold! I use loads of them, they're awesome.

ETA: Since you reminded me, cam, I did finally tackle sewing buttons onto a stack of DH's shorts. Some of them have the cheapest damned buttons, the middles just fall out of them (even on non-high stress areas). I mean, it barely takes any time, the guy is awesome so of course I'll do it, but, it is NO fun.

[amparo1981]

Another Amazon zipper-orderer here. I use them for DDs dresses.

Last project:

If you don't know what that's supposed to be, no worries. Neither do I. DD "helped" too much. Once I have a day to myself, I'll try to make lounge shorts out of the fabrics. ?

[cam]

Jun 24, 2015 16:27:41 GMT -5 cmeon said:

I sewed up dog toys, finished DD's new PJ shorts, and nothing else. I did order a bunch of new zippers on Amazon, along with some off-brand WonderClips- cheaper and good reviews, sold! I use loads of them, they're awesome.

ETA: Since you reminded me, cam, I did finally tackle sewing buttons onto a stack of DH's shorts. Some of them have the cheapest damned buttons, the middles just fall out of them (even on non-high stress areas). I mean, it barely takes any time, the guy is awesome so of course I'll do it, but, it is NO fun.

Sewing buttons is about the same amount of fun as reinforcing the top corners of rear pockets on jeans, which MH needed/still needs on pretty much every pair of jeans he owns. Quick and easy but soooo boring and monotonous. That was most of my mending from this past week. I should just start doing it as soon as he buys them so I can keep them in check before they get bad. Lol.

As far as the clips, so glad you guys suggested I get some. I have used them a ton already, and they will really come in hand on the love seat project.

[roastytoasty]

Hi guys! I've been totally absent lately. My crochet time has taken a major hit with summer and online classes. This is very bad, because I have one month to finish a blanket for a wedding gift. Yikes!

The bride and groom are very country chic (well, she's chic and he's country, lol) so I'm doing a quilt inspired granny square blanket in their wedding colors. I had originally envisioned a matching pillow, but I won't have time. I still have 25 squares to go, plus the border. Crunch time!!

[nemomof2]

I am just finishing up a Corner to Corner crochet blanket that I have been working on for the last 3 months. Next up is a bunch of shirts and skirts that I have had the fabric for, for months. I would add pictures, but DD dropped my phone a couple days ago, so it is getting repaired.

[craftcrazymama]

Finding time to craft is still like digging for gold right now but I have managed to do a few wee bits.

I am nearly finished on knitting my 2nd sock for my Rose City Roller socks. Can't wait to get done on them so I can enjoy them in the freezing weather we are having.

Also finally made the effort to test out my Silhouette. I've had it for a few months but barely touched it.

Made this decal to fancy up my laptop



And have been busy designing wall art and jar labels for my new wet room/laundry.

Only fail I've had so far is not thinking about the fact I would need transfer tape for my vinyl application. I managed to do the laptop without it but don't really want to attempt the wall art without it. I've read you can use contact paper instead. Anyone tried it?

[cam]

craftcrazymama, glad I am not the only one who takes forever to play around with the "toys" I buy. I turned on, tried out a few buttons, and threaded my sewing machine a couple of weeks after I got it, but I just finally sewed with it this week (got it Mother's Day weekend). Life got crazy, so the sewing I did between then and now was all on a time crunch, so I stuck with the old sewing machine until I had proper time to figure out all the fine tuning of the new-to-me-one.

[nemomof2]

I also think that I am finally going to learn how to knit. Any one have any pointers or favorite knitting items?

[sunfrogger88]

Ugh sorry I have been mia!

Just been busy with life but we just found out we're having a girl and now I can go to Joann's and buy all the girly things. I still have to finish my tree skirt and tshirt quilt but I'm hoping to get to some of that today (famous last words)

[inthewoods]

craftcrazymama, I use contact paper all the time it doesn't release quite as nicely but it's cheap!

I worked on some thank you cards today getting a jump start on baby gifts. (This is my intro, hi! I'm a paper crafter who dabbles in seeing and machine embroidery)

[craftcrazymama]

Yes cam. I got an over locker nearly a year ago and haven't even threaded it! I think that's out of sheer fear of the thing though. It all just looks so complicated.

inthewoods - I ended up using lint removal strips (another tip I read). I made them a little less sticky first with a couple of presses on some brushed cotton and they worked well. I was able to do 6 transfers with the same single strip too so not bad at all.

[cmeon]

Jun 30, 2015 4:37:26 GMT -5 craftcrazymama said:

Yes cam. I got an over locker nearly a year ago and haven't even threaded it! I think that's out of sheer fear of the thing though. It all just looks so complicated.

inthewoods - I ended up using lint removal strips (another tip I read). I made them a little less sticky first with a couple of presses on some brushed cotton and they worked well. I was able to do 6 transfers with the same single strip too so not bad at all.

Is it a brand new in the box serger- or one that's been used? New ones generally come pre-loaded with a length of thread in each path- you can just tie your new threads onto the ends of those, lower the tension (on mine you just lift the pressure foot- you may need to adjust each, though) and pull them right through. Learn to thread when you've snapped a thread- heh.

Honestly, though- don't let them scare you, it's not nearly as bad as you'd think and so worth it!

[cam]

Jun 30, 2015 8:24:06 GMT -5 cmeon said:

Jun 30, 2015 4:37:26 GMT -5 craftcrazymama said:

Yes cam. I got an over locker nearly a year ago and haven't even threaded it! I think that's out of sheer fear of the thing though. It all just looks so complicated.

inthewoods - I ended up using lint removal strips (another tip I read). I made them a little less sticky first with a couple of presses on some brushed cotton and they worked well. I was able to do 6 transfers with the same single strip too so not bad at all.

Is it a brand new in the box serger- or one that's been used? New ones generally come pre-loaded with a length of thread in each path- you can just tie your new threads onto the ends of those, lower the tension (on mine you just lift the pressure foot- you may need to adjust each, though) and pull them right through. Learn to thread when you've snapped a thread- heh.

Honestly, though- don't let them scare you, it's not nearly as bad as you'd think and so worth it!

Maybe a stupid question, but what is the advantage of a serger over just using the overlock stitch on a standard sewing machine? I have wondered if a serger is something that should be added to my list of future wants (I always struggle with my Christmas list - this year will NOT be a problem at all! ).

[cmeon]

Jun 30, 2015 9:34:43 GMT -5 cam said:

Maybe a stupid question, but what is the advantage of a serger over just using the overlock stitch on a standard sewing machine? I have wondered if a serger is something that should be added to my list of future wants (I always struggle with my Christmas list - this year will NOT be a problem at all! ).

SPEED, OMG, SPEED. You probably won't "get this" until you use it, but, seriously, sewing machines are so stupidly slow!

Sergers also cut the fabric as they stitch, making nice, neat, even seams. The sewing machine is also just a two thread stitch (assuming you aren't using a twin needle- and you wouldn't for an overedge stitch)- no where near as strong and stretchy as a 3 or 4 (or more) thread serger stitch. And that overedge stitch really chews up bobbin thread, doesn't it? You *probably* aren't winding bobbins from much more economical cones, either- so it's a lot more expensive in the long run, too.

It's great for doing rolled edges to finish ruffles- I wouldn't even attempt some of the ruffley dresses I've made for DD without one (hemming ruffles is for suckers)! Sergers really shine with knits, but, even if I never sewed with knits at all, I'd still put it near the top of my toys.

[MsNicole06]

Jun 30, 2015 9:49:14 GMT -5 cmeon said:

Jun 30, 2015 9:34:43 GMT -5 cam said:

Maybe a stupid question, but what is the advantage of a serger over just using the overlock stitch on a standard sewing machine? I have wondered if a serger is something that should be added to my list of future wants (I always struggle with my Christmas list - this year will NOT be a problem at all! ).

SPEED, OMG, SPEED. You probably won't "get this" until you use it, but, seriously, sewing machines are so stupidly slow!

Sergers also cut the fabric as they stitch, making nice, neat, even seams. The sewing machine is also just a two thread stitch (assuming you aren't using a twin needle- and you wouldn't for an overedge stitch)- no where near as strong and stretchy as a 3 or 4 (or more) thread serger stitch. And that overedge stitch really chews up bobbin thread, doesn't it? You *probably* aren't winding bobbins from much more economical cones, either- so it's a lot more expensive in the long run, too.

It's great for doing rolled edges to finish ruffles- I wouldn't even attempt some of the ruffley dresses I've made for DD without one (hemming ruffles is for suckers)! Sergers really shine with knits, but, even if I never sewed with knits at all, I'd still put it near the top of my toys.

I have to agree with all of this. I love my serger and serge everything.

[cam]

Jun 30, 2015 9:49:14 GMT -5 cmeon said:

Jun 30, 2015 9:34:43 GMT -5 cam said:

Maybe a stupid question, but what is the advantage of a serger over just using the overlock stitch on a standard sewing machine? I have wondered if a serger is something that should be added to my list of future wants (I always struggle with my Christmas list - this year will NOT be a problem at all! ).

SPEED, OMG, SPEED. You probably won't "get this" until you use it, but, seriously, sewing machines are so stupidly slow!

Sergers also cut the fabric as they stitch, making nice, neat, even seams. The sewing machine is also just a two thread stitch (assuming you aren't using a twin needle- and you wouldn't for an overedge stitch)- no where near as strong and stretchy as a 3 or 4 (or more) thread serger stitch. And that overedge stitch really chews up bobbin thread, doesn't it? You *probably* aren't winding bobbins from much more economical cones, either- so it's a lot more expensive in the long run, too.

It's great for doing rolled edges to finish ruffles- I wouldn't even attempt some of the ruffley dresses I've made for DD without one (hemming ruffles is for suckers)! Sergers really shine with knits, but, even if I never sewed with knits at all, I'd still put it near the top of my toys.

Sounds like it needs to go on my list. I am really getting into making clothes. I will also likely take over as family seamstress sooner than later, so all the more reason to have all the toys.

[craftcrazymama]

cmeon - It's straight out of the box. And onto a shelf. Lol!

But reading your reasons for serger over sewing machine are making me think I just need to get on with it. I was so convinced I needed it when hubby bought it for me but got daunted once I saw it.

It might have to be this weekends project to figure it all out. Hate the fact that the purchase is being wasted just sitting there.