Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Sewing disasters.................

We all know I can't sew, so why, oh why, do I keep trying?  I suddenly get the need to dust off my sewing machine, find a pattern and fabric, and then disaster strikes.  I spent every spare moment all weekend making three new shirts.  

Lets take a look shall we?

Exhibit A:


While this doesn't look to bad don't let the picture fool you.  The puffy sleeves make me look like I am a five year old, nothing against five year old's mind you, it is just their clothing is not appropriate for me.  The sleeves reminded me of the Seinfeld episode where Jerry has to wear the puffy shirt on TV for an interview.  Gosh I still miss that show.

  
Having nothing to lose I cut off the sleeves and tried to make a sleeveless shirt like my last two.  I cut these three shirts out at the same time, marked then and took great care with everything, I mean really meticulous care and I ended up with two great pieces of sewn fabric, with crazy neck and arm bindings, and gatherers that were too tight.  When I tried it on I looked like I was wearing a racing back shirt, but the racing back ended up being the racing front.  I can't even tell you how ridiculous these are on.  There is no saving them, no donating them, no nothing but putting them in the garbage bin or the fabric pile where I already have a lot of materiel left over from cutting them out..  

Exhibit B:


Love the linen type fabric, cool and breezy but a pain in the you know what to sew on.  It frays, it gathers in weird places and it does not like to be serged.  But really it has to have an over-lock stitch as it frays, and frays, and frays.   Garbage bin here you go, another disaster that really was all my fault.

  I didn't even bother editing these pictures you need to see how pathetic these are in all their real glory.

Exhibit C:


Now how can three shirts cut out and marked all at the same time come out with two that don't fit and one that does?  I hate the binding, my sewing skills stink but I think I could actual wear this one if I wasn't leaving my house.  Of course I will have to get the wee bit of blood out of the neckline where I had cut myself with my rotary cutter without noticing until I saw my very red blood drop on this very white shirt.  Could I have bled on the two that made it in the garbage bin?  Apparently not.   

New Look Pattern 6891 you are officially retired.  I know you say easy in big bold letters but you simply were not that easy for me.  You tempt me with your photo and beautiful adaptations and wooed me in, yet I did not do you justice.  It isn't your fault, I take full responsibility for my sewing disaster.  Just the same I don't want to see you again any time soon.  If I was in my six grade home economics class I think I would have gotten a D on this assignment, well maybe be a C as 3 out of 5 are at least wearable even if I don't dare venture to far in them for fear someone will run pointing at me and screaming, "Homemade! Homemade!  Look people she can't sew!"

I think I need more flower pictures and a good bottle of red wine to calm my frayed nerves.  To bad I don't drink.


I think I am going to stick with playing with yarn, well that is until I am tempted again to dust off my machine and try again.  You see there is just something inside of me that thinks I should be able to do this even if I can't.  I see you all out in blogland making dresses and pants!  I mean pants for Pete's sake and I can't even make a tank top.  I am in awe of you all, and maybe just need to be happy with who I am and that is not someone who sews successfully. 


Hope you are having a more successful week than I am. 

37 comments:

Debby said...

My mother was a seamstress for Airstream. I have tried sewing and the result is horrible. I like them all and you wouldn't know that they would look like that.

Home Meadows said...

As the saying goes; "A for effort". It's hard for me to see any "errors" in your projects and the white one looks perfect to me. The flowers are lovely. :-) Have a great day, Heather

Ann said...

Eons of time ago I made all my own clothes and those of my two little boys BUT those days are long gone. The price of patterns and fabric is ridiculous now (and I've lost my mojo for sewing). But I can't knit for anything ... I've tried over the years; my mother tried to teach me since she did quite well. I remember knitting the same pair of mittens three times and they never came out the same or useable. Needless to say, I envy you your knitting skills.

Pammy Sue said...

Oh jeez, we all have those times when things just don't work out like we envisioned. I giggled a little when I read what you said because I know that feeling. You have sewn some really cute things -- especially your skirts...I love your skirts. You CAN sew! And we all know you can knit like nobody's business. Yellow roses are my absolute favorite. Yours is beautiful.

Unknown said...

I'm barely able to sew very very and when I say very I mean VERY simple skirts, I would never think of trying something like that... bravo to you for your courage, someday your sewing maching will reward you I think! : )

Unknown said...

I think it must have been the pattern! Those racer back fronts made me laugh! Maybe you could turn them into pillows?

Christina said...

I think your last exhibit looks just right. Give it a few days and try it o again. There are patterns that are just not meant to be made into clothing! Here a link to a pattern that is really easy. The gathering around the neckline is a bit of a faff but it is not tricky. There is no adaptation needed, it just has the right shape. https://www.fancytigercrafts.com/patterns/fancy-tiger-crafts/sailor-top-printed-pattern. I am just finishing mine and it looks good. Haven't tried it on yet but the proportions are right I think. In the meantime, knitting is always good fun and easier to do whilst watching the telly :) Cxxx

kathyinozarks said...

I can feel your pain-so sorry about this-did the pattern had choices-cause I do really like the third one much better-can you modify the first two with that same neckline instead of all those gathers?
good luck-check online for some sewing classes-pinterest has lots and so does craftsy too

Anonymous said...

I totally agree and making clothes for myself is a massive " no,no" I hate and have hated everything I have ever made for myself!

Unknown said...

Why can we knit but sewing is so frustrating??? I totally feel your pain although I can sew non-clothes things like bags or Christmas stockings. Thanks for the flower pictures, they are beautiful!

Laura from beautiful West Michigan

CJ said...

I know what you mean about a bottle of red wine. I don't drink either, but just sometimes I have a day where I think a stiff gin would be just the job. Failure is a good thing, I listened to a series of programmes on that a while back. You've made some lovely skirts don't forget. When the trauma of this has receded a bit you should get back on the horse. I know you'll perfect it one day, it's impossible to be such an amazing knitter and not be good at the other stuff too. CJ xx

Amy at love made my home said...

Oh dearest! I feel so much for you. I am so totally not a sewer (sewist?) and I know therefore how hard it is, but hey good on you for keeping on trying and for doing so well on number three! I wonder if it is the fabric that was at fault not you, because if you made one that is perfect and the others were not it makes me think the fabric is at fault!! Perhaps it stretched in the wrong way or something? Anyhow, I love all the fabrics, I especially love number three, well done for keeping on trying - because I gave up a long long time ago - and you know that you make the most lovely and yummy yarny things so just remember that!!! Plus what about the gorgeous skirts that you made last year!!! Big hugs. xx

Gracie Saylor said...

While I am sorry you are displeased with your efforts, I admire them as they appear on my computer screen, Meredith. However, I remember the few pieces of clothing I made and their various imperfections that made them uncomfortable to wear, so I can appreciate your plight. I donated a stack of material including cut out pieces of a pattern on the chance that someone might find them as treasure to be enjoyed, but knowing that if no one did, the organization had a place they could donate the material to be used as rags....which helped me feel a little bit better about my unsuccessful effort in sewing.
Thanks for sharing the photos of the beautiful flowers!
Wishing you peace and joy xx

Anonymous said...

I wish I could sew. The hubs bought me a Singer machine our first Christmas married and I had every intention learning. I made a quilted pillow top....and that's it. I've hemed some pants, and made curtains out of sheets (straight line sewing is all I can do). The machine, which I wouldn't part with for a mint, sits in my closet collecting dust. I'm more geared towards the yarny kind of making.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

You crack me up Meredith. Your sewing looks pretty good to me. Heck, I can't sew at all. Not even a button. But when I saw the second picture, I knew exactly what you meant about it fitting like a racing tank the wrong way around. I had a good giggle out loud and my son thought I was crazy. The last one looks nice, I like the material. I'm going towards solids now that can be mixed with everything rather than patterned material. Have a good rest of the week. Tammy

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

What a disappointment. I'm sorry. I'm not much of a seamstress either. I sew curtains (straight lines!) and used to sew Halloween costumes for the kids (worn in the dark!). I wouldn't even attempt to sew clothing for myself.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Oh Meredith! I can't sew at all and my stuff turns out awful and unwearable so I no longer try!
hugs!!!

Linda

Vicki Boster said...

Dearest Meredith--- is it ok if I'm laughing??? Finally-- there is something you "can't" do-- lol!! Bless your heart-- you sure do get an A for effort. I use to sew -- many years ago-- but I don't think I could do it now at all. Let's just stick to yarn!!

Xoxoxo
Vicki

Claudia said...

I can't make a piece of clothing to save my life. Believe me, those cute tops look far better than anything I could come up with.

Jill at emeraldcottage said...

Homemade! Homemade! Too funny Meredith :)
Jillxo

kathy b said...

I cannot sew. I tried taking classes one summer from a nun at my grammar school. I failed miserably.
I Love your flower at the end of the post.
I wish I could sew. I would just sew pillow covers and be happy. I swear I would. I don't even sew buttons onto knitted things. I am terrible at sewing!
Someday" I'll spin. Someday I'll raise alpaca bunnies. I don't suspect I'll sew.
I can make homemade bread...does that count

Chris said...

Sometimes the easy patterns are not easy and are ....crappy patterns. They take too many shortcuts. Now if you want to get the blood out , believe it or not, spit on it and rub it in before you wash it. Each persons spit has the enzymes to break down their own blood, but only theirs. No tradesies on spit!! Might just feel good spitting on it, if nothing else. Just sayin!! Nice thing about yarn is you can just pull it out and try again or do something different, no hacked up pieces. Hang in there buddy!

Rose said...

I agree with Chris; the Easy patterns leave out the shaping details that make garments flattering! And I love the crocheted top you made, it's absolutely stunning!

Regena Fickes said...

I agree with Chris. Those "easy" patterns are not easy! Try a pattern that is not touted as easy. Bet you that goes much better. I have sewn for years and when I tried a childs dress that was marked "easy", I understood why my friend gave up trying. However, I could not knit anything if you held a gun to my head! Just in awe of the magic you create with needles!

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

yes, sewing can be a pain. I've not sewn anything for myself lately. The last thing I made didn't fit me and it maybe gone now...sent it off somewhere that somebody can put a button on the back of the jumper and wear it. I have made a couple lap quilts. Need to make one for my granddaughter's Christmas gift..soon and then one for her brother, later! Sigh! Yeh, knitting can be easier...don't stress over it....go smell another rose and be happy!! :0}

ellen said...

Oh, bummer drag!
I agree with many of the comments..it's most likely a combination of a crummy pattern and the fabric. Some fabric is just impossible to work with.
I've been trying for a long time to master the art of knitting with double pointed needles. I am still failing. I compare it to herding cats.
xoxo, E.

Joyful said...

They do look nice. Too bad that two of them didn't turn out. You are a trooper for keeping on with trying to sew. Just like me and knitting ;-) Have a great weekend my dear. xx

Elizabeth said...

I have not done any sewing in years. Yours does not look bad at all! Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog!

linda said...

Oh Meredith what can I say you really make me smile, but even if these didn't turn out as nicely as you expected you can sew, I have seen lots of your lovely sewing makes so don't you be giving up! I'm useless and have never made anything that I could wear. Beautiful flowers I love that yellow rose. :) xx

Mrs. Micawber said...

Oh gosh Mere, what a great post. Every sewer has these horror stories and it helps if we can laugh about them. You really chose some lovely fabrics, and I'm sorry the projects didn't all work out for you.

I hope you won't mind some constructive suggestions. (I'm not the world's best seamstress but I have done a lot of sewing in the past.)

- Flutter sleeves: I don't know if any woman past the early 20s could carry them off well. Also, that beautiful fabric was just a little too crisp for those sleeves - a soft knit or drapey rayon would work better and give less of a Shirley Temple look. :)

- The racer fronts: honestly I think the gathers were too tight on the first two tops. You can see the difference between them and the third top. Pulling the gathers more tightly pulled the armholes in towards the center. IF you wanted to, you could unpick the binding (I know - ugh), release the gathers, and re-apply some longer binding. I think they'd be perfect then.

Your binding: why do you hate it? It's really pretty good. The topstitching got a little off on one armhole, but honestly I think you've nailed the skillset. It's okay to unpick your topstitching and redo it if you don't like the way it comes out. (Using a slightly longer topstitch helps too. One step down from basting-stitch size is good. I can't quite tell from the photos what size your topstitches are.)

Blood spot: spit on it. Your own salivary enzymes will work on your blood - a lot of times the stain will just fade out while you watch. (Whatever you do, don't apply heat to the blood or you'll set the stain.)

That's all for this week's Sewing Tips from Sue. Join us next week as we tackle bias construction and welted buttonholes....

NOT! :D

Those really are some lovely fabrics.

Mrs. Micawber said...

P.S. Forgot to say you don't need to publish my encyclopedic comment! I should have emailed you instead....

Neighborhood Watch said...

I admire your tenacity 100%!

Lynne said...

Oh gosh I've been there, spending all that time and it doesn't turn out like what was in your head. I do like your fabric, very pretty!

handmade by amalia said...

You get full marks from me for trying! Don't put yourself down.
Amalia
xo

Judy S. said...

The white one looks great! Maybe it was the fabric that was the problem in the other two? Get your revenge and turn them into napkins! The fabric is too pretty to just dump. Or maybe it's the pattern. Don't be so hard on yourself! I think you did good just to finish them.

Kris said...

I have three posts to comment on. First, Little Buddy is so precious I can hardly stand it. God made YOU to be his parents, and that is for certain!
Pammy Sue is amazi.g with those doilies! I thought it was gorgeous too. What a treasure to have it. She sent me one a while back too, and I adore it!! She is a special lady, and I love her to bits!
Your tops are cute!!! But I know how you feel. As much as I sew, I do not really sew many garments. That is always a challenge for me. But keep at it. Your skirts last year were darling!
Now, that snake! Ewwwww! You were brave!!
We are off in a few hours. Talk to you soon
Oh, gosh, so sorry about those migraines too. How awful! Feel better!
Hugs
Kris

Toni said...

Oh, those "Easy" patterns are horrible--especially the ones sold in racks rather than the old search-by-number drawers. The only part that is "easy" about them is apparently writing directions, because it is not required to include all the steps nor to know how to sew nor to even look at what the blazes one is trying to make. Really--I have had NOTHING turn out from "easy" patterns.