Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Things I have learned from sewing......


There are several thing I have learned from my sewing experience and none of them are pretty.  For all of you out there who sew, I take my hat off to you and give you a bow.  You are amazing. Yesterday I hurried up and did my cleaning, started my laundry and took Max for a walk.  I was ready to get my two dresses going.  They had been pinned, cut out and I had read the directions, I jumped right in.  So these are a few of the things I have learned from my sewing experience yesterday.

* I can not sew.

* I can not sew a straight seam, it does not matter how fast or slow I go, they are not straight. 

* I can not read a pattern.  Knitting and crochet patterns are so easy to read.  Really if you take it line by line eventually it will all make sense.  Sewing patterns not so much, they give you diagrams and sort of tell you what to do, and I think they assume you are awesome at sewing so they leave the rest to your imagination.

* Working on two of the exact same dresses at the same time makes my already muddled brain more muddled.  Even following this simple direction, "Sew bodice front to bodice back at the sides." Left me confused.

* No matter how hard I tried, and read and re-read the directions I ended up with my sleeves sewn in upside down, on BOTH dresses.  I wish my arms grew out of my body in a different direction but they don't.

*  When working in a gauze type fabric it is best to just throw it out if you have made a huge mistake (see above) because there is no way I am ripping out two seams sewn, 1/8 of an inch apart and a serged seam, without creating big gaping holes in the fabric.

* Decide to throw out the other dress top also because I have more fabric in this color and it is much faster to just start over on the whole darn thing.

* After cutting out new top and sleeves, put all of this away as I have had it for the day, sewing and sewing mistakes can leave you exhausted.

* Decide to clean the tile and grout in my shower because this is something I actually can do, and will give me almost instant gratification, unlike sewing.

* Spend extra long time in shower after it is clean, trying to get rid of headache I already had before I started the sewing fiasco, and try to relax.

*  After shower go outside with a late lunch and read Knitter's Magazine when my youngest son comes out to chat and tells me that my, "feet are gross and look old, and so do your hands."  

* Wish darling son, who is generally very quiet and sweet, would go upstairs and leave me alone.

* Now I have had one son discuss my aging feet and the other mention I have more wrinkles than any person he knows (which would include his 94 year old Grandmother).  Feel that like I did something wrong raising these two monsters, which would normally make me feel a bit sad, but yesterday just irritated me even more.

* Go inside to put the tea kettle on to make some calming tea, quickly put lotion on offensive feet and hands to counteract the aging process, when I notice sesame seeds all over counter and floor, from husbands lunch.

 * Wonder for the one millionth time in my married life why my husband or children can not wipe up the freaking counter after they make something.  The excuse, "I don't see it," doesn't seem to be working for me right now.  Try to remain calm and blame bad mood on sewing disaster, but know deep down inside sewing has nothing to do with the mess in the kitchen.

* Sit down with calming tea that I have made in a extra big mug, take some Tylenol for now enormous headache, pick up knitting and finally start to relax.  Working with yarn is where I belong.

*  I will try again today to make this super, simple dress, because if nothing else I am stubborn.  Keep your fingers crossed I can put in the sleeves the right way this time.


37 comments:

Clicky Needles said...

I'm laughing and laughing.

Take deep breath, I'm sure your hands and feet are lovely.
Sending a *hug*.

CN x

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Oh Meredith, you have me in stitches! (hahaha) I'm still smiling from your descriptions of sewing disaster, messy guys, and aging feet!!!! First of all I love your feet and I have never seen them, guys will be guys, unfortunately, and sewing well, you are a yarn girl, some people can't do that!!!!!! Breathe, relax, and sip my friend AND click click click.
xoRobin
Wine works too : )

Plain Jane said...

Hm - bad day huh? Just think of how gratified you'll feel when (yes - when!)you are wearing beautiful dress, with your arms facing the right way, and everybody is saying 'what a wonderful dress - it must be designer'. Kids are great for putting us in our place too - I thought you were going to tell us about the sesame seeds sticking to your newly lotioned feet! Thanks for the giggles x Jane

kathyinozarks said...

don't give up sewing-hugs

linda said...

I feel for you Meredith I really do, that could be me with the sewing! I bought a new sewing machine a few years ago determined to start sewing again, things I discovered much the same as you plus I can't see properly to thread the needle..pretty much a non starter don't you think haha. I have every confidence in you your determination will get you there but why are you doing too at once? that I think is a very big undertaking!.... All men/boys are the same take no notice of the comments and do they ever clean up properly? Good luck for today!xx

Tanna said...

I'm laughing WITH you, Meredith!! Sounds just like hubby and I's conversations following our golf lessons! We both craved getting back to things we were actually successful doing... but, we will all return to the scene of the humiliation and frustration to only try again. Hopefully, we will all have more satisfaction on our next attempts! HUGS ~ tanna

Lillie and Moss said...

I am sure none of it was funny to you, but....you are hilarious! Your sewing mishaps really got me going. Taking a break from it was a good idea, start it back up once all is calm again . I sure can relate to the kitchen messes...that is a everyday thing around here to!!! I will keep my fingers crossed for you for I am sure your dresses will come out just lovely, Everything you make always comes out so pretty!
Hugs, Shari

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

I so wish I were near by, I'd pick you up and we'd head off for a nice cup of tea, some knitting/stitching and leave all your worries behind.

I am wishing you a much better day today...and don't worry about the sewing, I know you can do it, you can do anything because you are awesome! :)

Hugs and blessings always dear friend.

Anonymous said...

Oh my...all that is not good. Why is it kids think they can just say whatever it is that rolls through their minds????

serendipity said...

Oh dear, I hope you manage to get your dress made properly. Tell your family that if you didn't spend your life clearing up their mess you'd have more time to pamper yourself! It's usually muesli crumbs all over the worktop in my kitchen that drives me mad! xx

The Faerie Factory said...

Well tomorrow is another day and the sewing may go better. But having a son and a husband I'm sure the crumbs will be there and the unintentional insults... men!!!! Thanks for the giggle and sounding just like me when I'm in a fug!!!! Sarah x

Unknown said...

What a fun read. So enjoyed catching up. I've been away for what seems like ever. Now that Scott's back to work, I can try and catch up. By the way, I have so missed that Dunedin Shop and have been there many time. Oh, well, next time for sure.

Babajeza said...

Oh Meredith, poor girl! I'm with you in this. Last week I thought that I had never imagined myself cleaning up behind my family for 30 years. This is not the life I've wanted. However, I don't want to live in a mess either. What to do?????
You might want to use a larger stitch when sewing with the machine. If you have to rip a seam, it, it's a lot easier. I also sew parts together by hand using a basting thread when I am not sure if I do it correctly.
Wish you luck! Big hug. Regula

Kris said...

Oh my gosh Meredith, I am sorry to be laughing...but I am laughing!!! I am terrible at reading patterns of any kind. Sewing, knitting, crochet, directions to make something, anything....awful!! I am a bit dyslexic and I just don't process things that way. But, I can see something at a store, or craft fair, and go home and make it my way, with no directions usually. Not for sewing, but for crafting.
I feel your pain.
Love ya,
Kris

elns said...

Awesome post. I started reading that list, and just started laughing. I know that feeling, all too well. Two of my besties are incredible sewers. One a former fashion industry gal, and when it's sewing project night, I just sit back with a wine glass, and maybe knit a few rows leaving the pinning and seaming to the pros. Did I mention this was a great post? Thanks.

kathy b said...

YOWCH. What a day! Why doesnt our family have the radar we have to give others a break some days????
Just keep knitting for a while Mere......its a sure remedy

Unknown said...

WOW! What a day! Take a deep breath and BREATH! Don't try to sew if you feel stressed aout it or you will have problems. Try to relax and I do know that is easy for me to say. I can't do anything if I am stressed out. Great post.

Betsy said...

Oh my goodness Meredith. This must have been so frustrating for you-yet it IS funny! The sewing was bad enough but your boy. Well, obviously he hasn't seen MY feet! Take a deep breath and realize that nobody says you have to do everything. You can just toss the sewing and do what makes your heart sing.
Blessings,
Betsy

Teresa Kasner said...

I can SO relate! I admire you for trying, but sewing is one craft that I just don't even want to tackle. The little bunny dress took it out of me. I'm glad I got my little Minnie Bell sewing machine, but only for things such as a curtain or repair or a doll dress. You need to talk to your boys about adding a filter to what they say to you.. :-) ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

* said...

I right there with you on the whole sewing thing, I've always wanted to be good, but as much as I try it's always bodged somewhere, just as I think, I may have made something good this time, I end up with wrinkly seams, wiggles...you name it. I too am stubborn so tend to plough on regardless, it is what makes you better even if it's a slow process!

I happened to notice your feet in your previous post and I think your son is clearly on the wind up...I say poke your Tongue out, stick your fingers in your ears and sing at the top of your voice 'I can't hear you'....it'll make you smile...now why are you sitting reading the comments, get on and do that sewing!

Mrs. C said...

Ok...deep breath.... it will be ok! First , don't give up. Its like anything else, after you make a few mistakes you figure it out... I have been sewing for years and I still screw up the directions! There are times I read them and re-read them because i can't figure out for the life of me what they are talking about! And then i just do it my way... and ignore said son's comments...they're guys...stuff just falls out of their mouth and they have no idea that it was wrong in many ways! Oh and my husband leaves many, many crumbs after making a sandwich too...he also leaves puddles after pouring his coffee...how? and why doesn't he wipe them up?!?! :)

andamento said...

I can't sew either so I know exactly how you feel!

I think my hands look old, no matter how much cream I use. Fortunately none of my children have commented on this, yet!

Your post made me chuckle, thank you! I hope all goes better for you tomorrow...

JCDiTaranto said...

You turned a bad string of events into a hilarious post! Foibles provide excellent fodder sometimes! Hope things got better (but no less funny!)!

Pammy Sue said...

Hahaha! I know it wasn't funny at the time, but ....

That's exactly the way sewing and I go together...they don't. I cannot sew at all, nor do I want to. Who needs the aggravation?

I hope your next try goes smoothly and it whips right into place. Have a good week.

Julie said...

Oh Meredith, I'm sitting all alone in my bed, laughing out loud. Now I am the opposite. I can sew but knitting - still struggling and I'm not even trying to read a pattern yet. Just making simple scarves from my own made-up patterns. Haha - send me your fabric and I'll send you my wool! J

Elisabeth said...

Meredith I'm laughing so much with this post :) I compleletly understand so many of the things you said too....sewing is hard for me too and the patterns are sometimes impossible to read yet with a crochet pattern I can understand it in any language! My husband does exactly the same leaving stuff on the kitchen counter too. I hope you're having a great day xoxo

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Meredith. Thanks for the wee giggle this AM.. If one does not succeed try and try and try again. LOL I give you lots of credit I would of thrown it in the bin. LOL I look forward to seeing this new dress. VBG Hugs Judy

Melanie said...

I had to chuckle at this too...I am sewing challenged too! I can make a skirt with an elastic waist, but beyond that I am very confused! :) Best of luck to you as you work through it...I'm sure you will get it figured out!

RURAL said...

Ah sweetie...just tackle it on another day. The very first thing I learned when I was little and starting to sew was YOU GOTTA BE IN THE MOOD. And it is still true...if I am not in the mood, I will not do a good job of sewing anything.

I've been sewing since I was 6, started on doll clothes, and in high school I made almost all of my own clothes...I don't sew that much anymore.

But and here's a big BUT. I made a jumper in grade 8, and sewed the front panels to the back parts over and over at least 5 times....and then had to rip out the seams every time, so yes most of us make mistakes.

Now I take a bit more care...and if this makes you feel better....I still can't really knit, or crochet. Can't follow those funny abrv. to save my life.

Put it away for a day or two...it will sulk, and then when you feel better about it, give it another try.

Jen

Toni said...

OH MY!!!!! What a horrible day! I do sew, and I feel for you on every one of those. And I can promise you that some sewing pattern instructions MUST be written by sadists who have never sewn and do not actually understand English. I was in sheer frustration last week because I couldn't for the life of me figure out the instructions for a dress-- It's been my experience that if the sewing pattern says "easy," or worse yet, is one of the "special" lower-priced "quick" or "easy" line that they all seem to have, it would be more fun to just run the sewing machine over my fingers repeatedly--and probably just about as productive. Do not even get my started on the horror that is sewing with gauze. I have some in my stash, and love it as clothing, but I still haven't recovered from the emotional scarring from the LAST project I made out of the horrible stuff. Hugs!!!!

Rebecca said...

This post made me giggle! Good luck xx

Lene said...

Good luck with the new dress, stubbornness is good when learning new things...
There is nothing more soothing than coming back to knitting after venturing into unknown territories, if nothing else, homecoming feels so good.
Lene

Rose Red said...

Oh dear! Too funny, and too frustrating!

I'm sorry about your son's comment though - my husband told me a few weeks ago that my grey hair makes me look like I'm 55 - a good deal older than I am! Grrrrr. I was so cross. I felt a bit better after a friend I trust to be honest told me I definitely did not look even my actual age!

Tammy said...

I've been feeling just like you ... was thinking today, why can't everyone go somewhere and leave me alone, just for a while? Just a little while.

I tried sewing on a machine once in 1989. That was the end of that. I know it would not make sense to me. Tried knitting but didn't get it at all. Crochet I can get by with though I don't understand all stitches or patterns. I have no doubt you will finish what you started.

:) Hugs, Tammy

Karen said...

Oh, Meredith, I wish we were neighbors! You could come clean my grout and I would sew you all the dresses you could ever want. And then we could go to a spa and have our feet done, because my son says exactly the same thing about my feet!

Suzan said...

Such a nice assortment of various flowers!! I use to sew - long time ago when I had young daughters. I would sew almost everything they wore - then I went back to work. I use to love to sew - now I'm lazy!! Sewing is good!

Anonymous said...

I've so enjoyed catching up with your blog posts Meredith. You've been feeling a bit like me lately. I told my sister just the other day, that I mostly just feel like staying home and puttering.

I love your top. It reminds me alot of the smock like tops my friends and I made and wore when we were in high school in the 70's. With our jeans and Wedgie shoes. Silver hoop earrings. That was the look. I wish I was as tall and thin as you. I'm only a tiny bit over 5feet 3inchs, and I'm not thin any longer. Cute things like this wouldn't look so good on me these days. Just the other day, Beth and I were talking clothes over the phone, and I said I'm definitely preferring a simpler and more classic look. She said she is too. I wonder if we'll be seeing a new fashion trend in that direction? 'Course, if its new, can it be classic too? LOL! Truly, your top turned out lovely.

xo