Recent sewing projects have been for my daughter. She wanted more dresses and selected three Burda patterns. Her tastes are very conservative for a 21 year-old. (I wonder where she got that from?). She has no interest in the sewing process - only the finished garment. So, I selected several patterns I thought she'd like and printed them out. Instead of searching through an entire pattern catalog, she had to search through only a few pages.
Just when I thought my mojo was back, I started working on an outfit that will be totally inappropriate for the season by the time I finish it. I ran into a little problem. I'm using a soft, sheer fabric I bought during at Fishman's Fabrics during PR Weekend. It's so soft and sheer, it bunches up under the presser foot and a glop of thread forms on the underside. According to Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide, I should be using a small hole needle plate on my sewing machine. I don't own a small hole needle plate, so a trip to my dealer is in order. I was disappointed when I couldn't work on the blouse. My mojo tried to come back to me but was prevented from doing so because I didn't have the right equipment. I'm sure the trip to the sewing machine dealer for a new throat plate will be inspiring and my mojo will come back home where it belongs.
I guess I shouldn't let my sewing motivation hiatus get to me the way it does. It's just that it's such a relaxing stress eliminator for me. Glad that you handle yours so well. And congratulations ahead of time on your retirement.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear that your mojo is on vaca. Regarding the sheer fabric, do you have a teflon foot? It really helps feed the fabric through and prevents bunching.
ReplyDeleteWhen I sew something for my dd I have to hand pick the patterns as well. It's too confusing to look through all pictures herself. Of course she never gets the idea from my binders of technical drawings either. I like the ones on the left and right best. But, gee she really is conservative for a college student!
ReplyDeleteI've sort of got my mojo but no mojo for posting to my blog. Soon, maybe.
At least you get to retire at the end of the year. Do you have plans for your retirement?
I like all three dresses you selected for your daughter. Good luck with your last year of teaching, maybe you can think of it as your last first day, etc. I think we should hunt for our mojo together, I have been working on the same jacket for 2 weeks now. Can't seem to get motivated.
ReplyDeleteElaray, I'm sure you thought of this, but just in case you didnt'. Did you try starching the seams or using tissue paper between the presser foot and fabric? Oh, and at least your daughter still wants you to sew for her!
ReplyDeleteMelodye
melodyesneedlenotes.blogspot.com
When I was in late high school/early college I sewed dresses like the middle and right ones. :) One of them was Tweety Bird fabric, another was ivory eyelet. Oh, and there was a blue gingham one, and a yellow calico one....
ReplyDeleteIt's just the nature of mojo for it to disappear from time to time. Fear not, it will be back!
Lee,
ReplyDeleteSeems like lack of mojo has been going around a lot!! I am getting mine back now that my knee is better. I think getting back to work at Viking is helping. Retirement--sounds lovely and I know you will make good use of your new freedom.
Ernestine
Did you try a size 70 or smaller Sharp needle?
ReplyDeleteAlso, maybe try sewing with tissue paper underneath, which you can then tear away. Good luck!!