Friday, February 10, 2012

still not a seamstress

I had quite a few readers ask me to keep posting about how I'm using my new serger. I've had fails and successes. First up, the fail:

FAIL


I did try to make that 90-minute shirt from MADE. The issue wasn't with the tutorial, which is great, but with the pattern I drafted from one of Cooper's old onesies. Let's just say boatneck tops are not his thing. He's saying "cheese" in the photo but had previously yelled, "No Mama! No, no, no!" when I put it on him. I've since tried the raw-edged raglan shirt from Sewing for Boys, with some success up to sewing on the neckband. Problem is it uses only a sewing machine! No serger! Next try will be the envelope tee pattern from Growing Up So Liberated. And I'm going to do some simple flannel pajama pants for the girls.

Next, a success:



I'd say more about this project, but I've recently learned that Claire and her friends sometimes read my blog during computer lab at school. I don't think they'll have a chance again until next week, but I don't want to ruin any surprises. I'm working on Valentine's gifts for the kids-- and the serger was so dreamy for finishing off some edges in the construction phase. I'm still in love with the turquoise thread too and might never change it out.

So I've had better luck with projects of the non-clothing variety. I'm definitely going to keep trying though! I do love my serger.

I hope you all have a great weekend!

6 comments:

Jennie {Clover and Violet} said...

Love the "cheese" face...my little guy's smile looks like an angry face. Your Valentine's project is too cute too, and how sweet that your daughter reads your blog! Have a great weekend!

Heidi Grohs said...

You are tempting me to get mine out....but I have to see the finished project!!!

Alli said...

Hahahaha! I your boat neck shirt is adorable. Might be the model. :D

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Such a cute little guy...he is adorable. Have you looked at the videos on Sewing with Nancy. Also check out the you tube videos. Just a suggestion, we found a few helpful tuts on those places.

The valentine gifties are great. Love the colors! Ps. I am not a seamstress either. :0)

Pam said...

If you have a sewing machine center in your area, see if they have a basic serger class. If not, find a simple serging book, such as http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Serger-Handbook-Chris-James/dp/0806998075/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1328924514&sr=1-1. Here is a link to a tute for neckbands, http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Serger-Handbook-Chris-James/dp/0806998075/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1328924514&sr=1-1 you can put tjis type of neckband on any knit type t-shirt. The biggest thing is to not stretch the fabric too much as you sew, let the differential feed do it for you. Just stretch the neckband enough to evenly match the shirt opening, as the neckband should be smaller. If you are sewing a pattern for the first time, it sometimes helps to actually sew up the basic seams to check for fit, then serge them, and don't forget it's still a 5/8 seam. I wish i could spend an hour or two with you, because once you learn a few tricks, you will be zipping up clothes for your kids left and right. I cut out many pairs of jammie bottoms, serge them all, then hems and elastic waists. It takes longer to cut them out, lol. I hope this helps a little.





http://girlsinthegarden.blogspot.com/2010/02/knit-neckband-tutorial.html

Leslie said...

the shirt and that little face are too funny! i love the projects you are working on. how cute that your daughter shows off your blog to her friends.