Rollercoaster weekend

Dear readers, this weekend I've experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a major meltdown this morning. I woke up at 9am to get lots of sewing done, but instead I ended up spending over three hours looking for my plastic container which holds many of my sewing machine accessories...and most specifically...my overcast foot. I only realised I had an overcast foot a few weeks ago and on the day that I wanted to try it out, the whole container went missing. I searched everywhere over and over again, I screamed, I may have kicked a few things and then I cried. I'm afraid that it's gone for good, so I'll have to fork out some cash and order a new one!

I wanted this foot to finish off the inside seams of some cushion covers I'm experimenting with for my upcoming Etsy shop. Instead, I went ahead and made a couple, which I'll have to tidy up once my new overcast foot arrives. I think this morning set the tone for the rest of day, because it seemed that I even had difficulties making easy peasy cushion covers. My main issue was with sewing the zips in. I followed a YouTube tutorial which advised sewing both edges of the cushion side and leaving a gap for the zip. It seemed straightforward, but both times one side of my fabric would pucker, forcing me to rip seams and re-sew parts. If anyone has any good tips to share or knows of any good tutorials, I'd really appreciate hearing from you!

Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the final external result, but I do need to make them a bit smaller for a snugger fit on 16inch cushions. The fabrics from 'M is for make' are delicious though!
 
 
 
 
In other news, I got as far as I could with my 'homework' from my Pattern Cutting & Garment Making college course. Hopefully on Wednesday I can finish my bodice block and cut the muslin out.
 
 
I also printed out the ePattern for Casey's swing dress sew-along and it's truly intimidating. I haven't a clue of where to start, so I've naughtily put it to one side for now. I hope to give it my full attention during the week sometime.
 
 
All in all, it's been a bit of a low weekend in terms of productivity and confidence in my own sewing ability. The highlight had to be my visit to my favourite fabric stall at Leicester market. I went a bit crazy when I saw the new stock – silky smooth cotton prints galore – so I bought a fair few with more pinny-making in mind! I'll leave you with this taster:




9 comments:

  1. You poor thing. You're doing great. Cushions look fab. Do you baste your zip before sewing it on the machine? I find that essential. I tend to cheat with cushions though and I sew my fabric pieces to the zip first, then sew round all the other sides. You could always sew an envelope cushion an eliminate the zip altogether!
    I printed my Swing dress pattern off today. It looks ok. I'm sure you'll be able to tackle it once you're in the right frame of mind. I'll be posting pics on my blog when I assemble mine, if that helps!

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  2. Check this out, it may help...

    http://annabellebumps.blogspot.com/2011/01/pattern-pdfs.html

    Portia
    xxx

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  3. Hey Portia, you always come to the rescue and make me feel better! I did sew the zip in first, but I still got puckering...I didn't baste though just pinned. I will try again, but I will also give the envelope style a go as well...sounds more like my type ;o)

    I think the ePattern looked harder than it is due to the kind of day I'm having. I'm sure it'll be easier in practice, though I may well be sneaking a peak at your helpful blog!

    Thanks again!

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  4. awww bless you, even the most professional of dress makers make mistakes some times im told its part of the game so to speak and the learning. When im making cushions and clothes and i need to put zips in i get a professional made one and look at the way they have put it in it helps me its more visual that way. Looks like you have done a great job on those cushions they are lovely, and all those fabrics wow love the spots. Have fun, Dee x

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  5. Thanks for the kind words and the advice Dee!

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  6. Urgh, I get those sewing days too. If you find the solution, let me know! The cushions look fab though, I'd count that as a success if I were you! Love love love the prints and the spots. Can't believe you have such a great range of fabrics on sale nearby.

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  7. Ah, I have definitely had days like that ... at the moment, I cannot find the buttons I want to use on the dress I'm making. (Why aren't they with the rest of the buttons? Wah!) Good luck with your zippers, too! I never seem to get mine in perfect ... I've actually been having better luck since I started pinning instead of basting, go figure.

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  8. Thanks Lauren and Andrea, it's good to know we all have days like that! Onwards and upwards i say ;o)

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  9. Argh..... I feel your pain. I am organized caos.

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