Growing up my aunt and mom sewed all the time (they made all my Halloween costumes and my aunt even sewed my mom’s wedding dress) but whenever I tried to learn on my mom’s machine I broke it. Not just jammed it or temporarily messed it up, I legitimately ruined it (at least six episodes ended with my mom carting it off to the shop and paying lots of money to get it repaired). And then I wasn’t encouraged to use it quite as much if you catch my drift. I don’t blame my mom at all. I was clearly cursed.
So in an insane turn of events, I recently purchased a nice affordable beginner sewing machine of my own with high hopes of DIYing a quilt and a fabric flag banner for Clara’s first birthday (using all of the fabrics that we picked up for her weekly photo project to create them). I figured it would come in handy for things like pillow and curtain making as well.
And I specifically picked something with great ratings (4.5 stars and over 150 customer reviews) on amazon.com (a Brother XL2600I) because I wanted something good for a beginner devoid of any “natural ability” whatsoever. Of course it didn’t hurt that it was around $100-200 cheaper than most fancy machines (on sale for just $89 – down from $149 – with free shipping). You know just in case I irreparably maimed it within a week of use. Which would not have surprised me. Hence the I’m-not-going-to-splurge-for-anything-great-just-yet approach.
So it arrived a few weeks ago. It has been testing me. Oh my goodness has it been testing me. Like, walk-calmly-into-the-bedroom-and-scream-into-a-pillow testing me.
I even had a hilariously miserable and desperate text message exchange with Katie B where I basically asked her to come over and peel me off the floor and wipe away my tears and spank my disobedient machine. Yeah, she didn’t come. But she did make me laugh by comparing me to Martha. I suggested that perhaps I was Martha’s uncoordinated lesser known sister (who I dubbed Bertha) and by the end of the little iPhone fest Katie had me smiling. Gotta hand it to that girl for providing some much needed comic relief when you’re dealing with this sort of ugliness:
The actual issue was that I was having all sorts of tension problems (broken needles, loopy tangled underside stitches, etc) and then after two nights of despair and at least five solid hours of sheer misery I realized that I was using an unsanctioned bobbin. Seriously. After five hundred attempts at rethreading the needle and rereading the manual and googling around for ideas and texting my poor friends (who all had better things to do than listen to me whine I’m sure) it was my stupid one tenth of an inch too tall bobbin that was sabotaging me. But at least I got the root of the issue, which ended up being hilariously easy to fix (hilarious in that you-laugh-but-kind-of-cry-at-the-same-time-because-it’s-so-pathetic-and-embarrassing way).
But at least at that lowest ever point in my sewing career I figured it could only get better from there. So I kept on keeping on. Slowly but surely I’m getting to know “Oh Brother” (my sarcastically pessimistic nickname for the sewing machine slash bane of my existence) and I’ve actually made some decent progress in the world of novice sewing. For example, I made this little fabric flag banner for the bean’s big one year birthday par-tay using small triangles that I cut out of various weekly fabrics.
I’m not going to say that it was easy. It was harder and more annoying than The Situation’s abs. In fact, I refer to the debacle that was me attempting to sew that fabric banner as “The Real Situation.”
It took me waaaaaay too long and I probably legitimately cried ten times (we’re not talking whiny fake crying, we’re talking actual frustrated hot tears that you swipe away before anyone looks at you like you’re crazy for sew-crying). Give me a sledgehammer or a paint brush and I have no fear. But give me a robot with a motorized needle and I will show you the definition of misery. It’s just not something I can even remotely pretend to be good at. Oh well, I’ll learn. Or I won’t and I’ll get another hobby. Haha.
As for exactly how long it took, I’d guess that cutting each of the flags out took me about forty minutes in front of the TV (I used a cardstock template and placed it over the prewashed – so it was preshrunk – fabric). Then I hemmed each of the three sides of the triangle with Oh Brother, which took me well over five hours.
Yes, you read that right. Let’s just say there were a lot of do-overs and seam ripping and more tension issues but in the end I was left with around a dozen perfect enough triangles that I wouldn’t die from embarrassment if a teenage Clara looked closely at her beloved birthday banner (I hope the banner becomes a tradition for every b-day until the bean is too old to indulge me, so I don’t just want it to look not-terrible I want it to last for a while and look halfway decent). So although you see about 27 flags on the table above, so many of them were just garbage when you got any closer, so I picked my favorite dozen and tossed the rest unceremoniously into my rag pile.
Then in a stroke of desperation (or genius, you decide) I actually broke out some iron on hem tape to complete the project in about another half hour (for a total of 5.5+ hours spent).
It helped to lay out the remaining not-terrible flags on the floor to play around with order until I liked what I saw. Then it was just about firing up the iron and using my trusty hem tape to attach them to the blue ribbon that I already had laying around.
I’m pretty sure it would have easily been 10+ hours if I sewed each flag to the blue ribbon that I used for the top. But heck, I’m starting slow. I’m just glad I was able to sew those flags and not chuck Oh Brother out the slider in the sunroom (the problem with ranches is that you don’t get to dramatically drop things that you hate out of second story windows so you have to improvise). And iron-on hem tape is washable so it’s all good. And look at my little helpers. How cute were they to hang out in the kitchen while I tested my not-cursing-or-throwing-anything limits? They were some much needed sweetness for a pretty darn annoying personal challenge.
The banner looks fun and festive and it’ll be washable and hopefully will last for at least a decade or two, and best of all it was free except for the expense of Oh Brother (thanks to already having purchased each of the fabrics on clearance throughout the year for Clara’s weekly pics and using iron-on hem tape and blue ribbon that I already had).
But I’m still hoping that the sewing machine purchase will end up being worth it as I attempt more projects like a very very very simplified quilt for the bean and other house-related things (a few throw pillows, maybe some curtains, etc). I’m definitely going to start slow.
So there it is. The truth. I’m no Martha Stewart. I’m terrible at sewing and it makes me curse, sob, and scream into my pillow. But who knows, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with that terrifying mechanical needle. Stranger things have happened…
LEFTZ says
You did great! Once you get used to your machine you will be creating things in a flash :)
Meredith says
It WAS the machine! Blame that bobbin entirely! Keep trucking, keep doing the simple stuff and it will come. :) (I had this experience with knitting; I’m left-handed which makes it harder and I taught myself a “wrong” way and then had to learn the “right” way…it was a lot of time and frustration [and swearing and crying], but I’m fully competent. I’ve determined that it’s not for me, but at least I know how).
Amber says
I have that same machine, and I’ve called it much worse than “oh, brother”! I have a feeling that all my sewing machine problems are actually user-related…
Erika @ Blonde Moments In The Burbs says
Oh my. I am in the same boat. And to make matters worse, I am surrounded by a family of Martha Stewarts (my mom, sister and mother-in-law are all excellent sewers). I am trying to keep up and had no idea what a bobbin was until a few weeks ago!
Elizabeth says
My mother has always been a seamstress (sew-er didn’t sound right!) and my sister decided recently to learn. She has actually taken classes and really enjoyed them. I have considered it, but until I finish other things around the house I have no room to get into sewing!
I think you did a great job!
Andrea says
I am SO with you. Project Runway tricked me into thinking that sewing was totally doable, and I can’t tell you how many swear words that machine has gotten out of me. I tried to sew napkins recently… and understood completely why you would buy them instead.
Julie says
I used to hate my sewing machine too. In fact, I replaced the plate that the needle goes into (whatever the heck it’s called) three times before I realized that the dent is supposed to be there, and I wasn’t breaking the machine over and over (and over).
But now I can sew things that involve straight lines. I made an Easter dress and bonnet for my five month old baby girl! Out of tea towels I got for our wedding!! (Marimekko tea towels.) I call it the Dobby Dress. Want me to send you a photo? Just lemme know how.
Karen says
The banner turned out great!!! But I must say, this post makes me feel sooo much better. I’ve tried sewing a few times but it’s always a disaster. I really want to learn, really I do…but I am scared, because it never turns out well. Glad to know I’m not the only one who has had sewing machine “issues”.
Rebekah M says
I got my machine a year and a half ago and I cried MANY MANY times. It was super hard to figure out… but NOW I’m doing many fun things, making lots of projects and even selling things. Take heart! After a while you’ll get it! Good luck in the meantime :)
sistakt says
i’m the same way. i bought really nice material to make cloth napkins…. i attempted one and got so fed up and annoyed and gave up. they are all still sitting in the basement. i bought cloth napkins at an estate sale that work just fine. i want to be able to use a sewing machine but it just always wants to fight with me.
Katie says
Good luck Sherry! The own adage “practice makes perfect” is often said for a reason =) At least you haven’t plenty of fabric to play around with!
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas. No, not this past Christmas, we’re talking Christmas 2009. I received it from Santa, but I have yet to use it basically because I haven’t sewed since 7th grade.
One day I shall open it…
Krista says
Okay, this completely cracks me up! Here I am taking inspiration from you every day and it never occurred to me that someone like yourself wouldn’t just HAVE the sewing gene, too ;-)
P.S. I want you to know that I found a lot of absolutely fantastic DIY ideas from your wedding and used them for my own. One of the things I did was make my own table runners out of a modern fabric that brought together my teal, yellow and gray color scheme. Now I’m turning those DIY table runners into usable-for-every-day placemats!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw those sound amazing. And your casual “I’m turning those runners into placemats” has me green with envy. Someday I hope sewing is that easy for me too! Haha.
xo,
s
Nora says
I feel your pain! I too have sent my mother’s sewing machine to the repair shop more than once. I took a course when I was in elementary school using a 1920’s machine (black and ancient Singer) but I love my White denim machine. It was $200 and it holds tension pretty well. I also watched the entire video under duress but it served me well. Jo-Ann’s offers classes to teach you how to use machines for free when you buy one which can really help if you’re having trouble!
Don’t give up! Those fabric colors are adorable and they are so neat. You can definitely make a quilt!
Hunter says
Can I make a tiny recommendation? There’s a book called Stitch by Stitch: Learning to Sew One Project at a Time that I’ve heard great things about. No connection to the book on my part, just one I’ve heard lots of happy things about. Might be worth a look at the library.
And I just got done making curtains for my living room, dining room, sunroom, and kitchen (www.violentlydomestic.com/2011/04/10/ironing-now-with-more-stabbing/) so I feel your pain!
Good for you for sticking with it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! I’m definitely taking notes!
xo,
s
Elise says
I’m learning to sew right now using the book Stitch by Stitch and it’s great! I would totally recommend it to anyone! It’s so straight forward and you get to make fun things as you learn each skill. You could totally learn to sew with it Sherry!
Amy in Richmond says
I can second the Stitch by Stitch recommendation. Ck out the author’s blog – Whipstitch.
Candy from Candied Fabrics says
Sherry! I have often wondered why with all your DIY skills you shy away from using a sewing machine…and now I know why! :-)
Have you been to your local sewing machine store? (Not a section on Joanns, but the real, honest to goodness sewing machine store). They often offer beginning sewing classes (that are free if you buy one of their machines…) and are a perfect way to get to know your machine. When something happens, you have a trained professional to tell you whether it was something you did, or if the machine isn’t set up right.
I LOVE sewing, and as a fellow DIY-er, I’ve made huge decorating projects happen very cheaply because I CAN sew (slipcovers! They’ve saved many an ugly hand me down chair/couch). I know that if you get that machine figured out, you’ll love all the new things you can tackle…so stick with it! If I lived closer I’d come by and help you out!
YoungHouseLove says
I would love to take a class soon! It’s definitely on my to-do list. It can’t make me any worse. Haha.
xo,
s
Erin C. says
haha oh, Sherry.. I’m sorry you had such a rough time. I DEFINITELY know the feeling of being in tears over a project.. it happens to me a lot actually- it feels like I can never do ANYTHING RIGHT, but especially hang curtain rods and frames– still, I keep trying, and my husband keeps finding me all red-faced and snotty gripping a hammer/drill. I bet sewing will get easier and easier for you..and hopefully leveling rods and frames and not putting huge holes in our plaster walls will get easier for me.
Lexie says
Aww, I feel your pain! I’ve had several of my own tear shedding moments fighting with my machine…my only advice is to keep trying, and reading online tutorials. I’ve learned SO much from the kind folks in blogland I am sewing a ton more, and way better! If you don’t already have them, a rotary cutter and mat are a HUGE time saver when it comes to sewing projects. Good luck!
Sara says
Ooooh, I feel your pain. Glad you got it all figured out! And don’t feel bad about the bobbin trouble; I’ve been sewing nearly my whole life and just figured out my gnarly thread messes were due to a cheap WalMart bobbin instead of the “official” Singer bobbin. They really should make these things more obvious for those of us (speaking only for myself, of course) whose children have rendered us mentally incompetent to pay attention to details like that.
Ames says
Oh my gosh, I totally get the frustration tears. I am so bad at sewing! You did a really great job, and I am sure Clara will love it forever!! It will mean much more to her because of the effort you put into it :)
Britt says
Wow! Sherry, I was just recently wondering why you didn’t sew. I feel like it’s so economical and easy! I recently tried it for the first time and I love it. Hope things get better for you!
ginai says
awww, very sweet! NOw take all those little triangles, sew them together, and make a QUILT to keep as a keepsake of all those weekly photos and then U have it mastered! ((:
Clara is sooo lovely((: Burger too!!
kah says
Nicely done! The garland/banner looks great, and I’m already giddy with anticipation over Clara’s birthday party photos. Also fell in love with the fabric ABC magnets on the fridge. Have you already showcased those beauties?
YoungHouseLove says
Those are from Etsy. Aren’t they sweet? More info here: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
xo,
s
Jamie says
Sherry, I promise it will get better. Someday you will look back on this and laugh.
Katherine O says
Love the banner. These are really popular right now!
I love to sew – but I still get INCREDIBLY frustrated with the sewing machine and have known to yell out some kid-approved ‘curse’ words when the stinkin thing eats my thread.
http://www.katherineoliver.com
Rosalyn says
YOU DID IT!!! I am so proud of you!!! Just keep on doing easy projects and eventually you can tackle the chair covers. ;o)
almk42 says
Poor hon. I always wondered why you bothered with hem tape when you made curtains instead of just sewing them.
I’ve been sewing for almost 15 years, and I still can’t get my machine’s tension and bobbins to behave right. I think it’s just part of the game. I made up a motto back in college: “I may be a seamstress, but I curse like a tailor.” I love sewing more than any other craft, but even I can only take it in small doses before my blood pressure gets too high and I have to give up for the day. :)
Deb D. says
Great job and cute idea! I started sewing about a year and a half ago (at the young age of 39) and am addicted. Seriously. Have made clothes for the kids and pillows for the house and even some American Girl doll clothes (that right there saved me hundreds of dollars!!). Once you and “Oh Brother” become simpatico, you might actually enjoy it, too. Hang in there!
Larisa says
May I suggest that you machine piece the top of the proposed quilt and then tie it, rather than quilt it with the machine? You may find more success with a tied quilt than a “quilted” quilt. Just saying… Your banner is adorable, and i kind of wish I had kids so I could steal your idea with the pictures and the fabrics and the banner and the quilt…
danyelle says
I too want to get in to sewing, but a little fearful! Good for you for jumping back into it! For my baby’s b-day I made the same thing except I used zig-zag scissors instead of sewing. I like the effect.
Sara says
Now you’re speaking my language :) Home decorating and projects, I’m learning but sewing I know! The more you sew the better you will become! I love, love to sew, just last night I made a cute little tote bag for a friend from an online tutorial, finding tutorials online has made sewing less scary for me than actually buying a pattern and having to cut pieces. It’s very relaxing.
I’m obsessed with fabric too, I see prints that call my name and have to stop myself because I have a stash that has no plan yet. I have more ideas than time! Good luck with your projects!
Kate B says
My mom is a quilter… so she was devastated when, after making my own quilt in 2nd grade, I decided I didn’t like it. I’ll still occaisonally do something, but usually I just call my mom and ask her for help.
Casey says
Sewing machines are all evil. There is always a problem when using them. :o) However, as someone who can now manage basic sewing projects (and has even taught a couple sewing classes), I would highly recommend some professional help. Do any of your fabric stores offer basic sewing classes? Or maybe your community center? Or your local Girl Scout troops?
But, hey, the flag banner looks great! Kudos to you and your perseverance.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I plan to take some local classes to get my bearings. I definitely could use a little help! Haha. Hi to Kevin (and Boston)!
xo,
s
Carolyn says
So would you say this sewing machine is a do not recommend purchase? If you had had the right bobbin all along how long do you think the project would have taken?
YoungHouseLove says
I am 100% convinced that the machine is great (the reviews are great and a friend of mine has it and loves it). It’s user error. Haha.
xo,
s
Ever - The red house by the lake says
You did an amazing job!
I totally recognize that fear of sewing machines! I used to be good at it as a child, but some years ago I broke a sewing machine (and it destroyed a lot of my projects before I accepted that it was in fact broken) and have been reluctant to use the new one ever since.
Ashley says
Bless your heart! My mother is a seamstress who has whipped up curtains for the Queen of England when she visited Williamsburg, sewn yards of exquisite curtains for the Governor’s house in Richmond and taught me how to sew as soon as I could reach the peddle! All throughout my childhood I sewed Sunday clothes and summer dresses. At age 23 I begged for my sewing machine back, a vintage Singer from the 70’s, and thought my talent would automatically replenish itself, I was wrong. I just wanted to make a simple tote bag but the devil possessed me and I threw out so many obscenities it would make a sailor blush! I shouldn’t even bring up the time I tried making a dress by following the ambiguous directions of a Simplicity pattern and then ended up cutting a big gash in the dress while cleaning up the hem! In the end, my tote bag will never fall apart and I’ve gotten multiple compliments on the handful of dresses I’ve made it. I look back on all those times and laugh, stick with it, it’s worth it!
Bethany Bryant says
You have my sympathy! Our daughter turned 1 yr last month and I, too, have NO SKILLS at sewing. So I just made my birthday banner out of scrapbooking paper and watercolor paper. We’re planning on breaking it out every year, too :) Great minds think alike! Here’s our “Beary Happy 1st Birthday” themed mantle: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d7cSced6739N5TpzpV-cf-vVc61Z-kpAiulKzOB115I?feat=directlink
YoungHouseLove says
Cute!
xo,
s
Kristin says
“Sew-crying” Hahaha! I had many episodes of sew-crying when my mom tried to teach me to sew (she’s an amazing seamstress – made my wedding gown and everything!) She finally gave up trying to teach me herself and paid someone to teach me…and then quickly realized that was a waste of hard-earned money. It wasn’t for lack of trying on my part -I’d actually love to be able to make my kiddo some cute clothes, but alas, it ain’t gonna happen. Thank goodness for Grandma! :)
Bonnie Ramsey says
Don’t worry too much – this is one of those dreaded moments in life where the investment is worth it. I have been sewing since I was 4 or 5 – not QUILTING, mind you, but I’ve made the odd sundress, as well as every curtain and nearly every pillowcase in our home.
I learned to sew on a grumpy Singer machine, I purchased (and immediately quit sewing) on a budget-friendly Brother bobbin-ingesting monster. I have since borrowed my darling MIL’s 1970’s model Bernina 930(which she received from HER MIL). It sews through dozens of layers of denim, through multiple different textures, and more times than I care to admit, the stuffing spilling out of the bottom of a pillow.
All this said:
1) Great call on the iron-on hemming – seriously lifesaving stuff!
2) E-bay or craigslist a vintage Bernina. They are workhorses and well-worth the investment for a determined DIYer like yourselves!
Amy says
Hi Sherry! I am not sure if you read these comments or not, but wanted to pass this along to you. =)
I LOVE your banner! I can sew, but usually straight line things. (Nothing with a pattern or “fancy shmancy stuff”. Ha! This link was featured on the TomKat Studio blog: http://myblondeambitions.blogspot.com/2011/02/double-sided-bunting-tutorial-for.html It is how to make a banner with less sewing. I have made several since seeing this (I don’t do the balled ribbon thing – just the plain ribbon) for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, etc. It is a fun, cheap and easy way to decorate, without screaming holiday. I made a bunch of pink and green ones for a bridal shower, and can now re-use them for my daughter’s 3rd birthday party next month.
Good luck with the sewing – it gets easier! I promise!!
Amy
Tara says
I’ve been there with a cheapo machine, and it’s incredibly frustrating. If you have any ambitions of really sewing, you are going to have to upgrade. Sewing machines are one of those “you get what you pay for” kinds of things. A bad and/or cheap machine will make you really hate sewing. This project would have taken you two hours max with a good machine.
I have a bottom-of-the-line from one of the best brands (Bernina), which ran me probably $800 about 7 years ago. But I love it, and it makes me want to sew!
Emily Anne says
Oh my, I have the same reaction. Nothing can get me frustrated faster than sewing! And I know all about the hot mad tears…What is even worse is my mother is an incredible seamstress. Me, I got nothing. At least we try :)
Vonda says
I have a hand-me-down OLD school machine in the machine table. I mean so old I think it’s the next step up from the one w/the manual pedal. I have the excuse of having our flat screen on top of it in our bedroom now so I can’t break it out and try it!
If it makes you feel any better, my mom and both grandmas sew and I had to do it in home ec and got a ‘D’ on my simple shirt project. (Needless to say I never wore it!)
I think it’s safe to say Sewing is NOT hereditary!!
Good job on the banner. It’s adorable!
Desi says
Oh My Goodness. The fabric banner looks amazing even with all of the frustration it caused. You really did do a good job, if you hadn’t included the thread picture I would have thought you were being overly dramatic.
Here’s hoping that each and every sewing project that you do is easier than the last.
holly says
you are not alone. that picture of the white thread all twisted and matted up? that’s also me. sigh. it’s been more than two years since i last tried. maybe i’ll give it another go? we can suffer (and maybe, just maybe succeed??) together.
Deanna says
I feel your pain-me and sewing machines do not mesh!! On a happier note where did you get the adorable magnetic letters on the refrigerator??
YoungHouseLove says
They’re a fun Etsy find from a few months back. More info here: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
xo,
s
emily @ the happy home says
i cannot sew, either. neither can my mom– all of my halloween costumes as a kid were made of felt, because it doesn’t require hemming and you can glue it.
my mother in law, on the other hand, is just amazing. she quilts as a hobby– like, for fun. so does her daughter. and the grandmothers. i’m entering a family of seamstresses.
help me breathe into a bag, sherry. it’s going to be hard.
Lili says
You are a braver woman that I. I still have no idea how to sew… anything… with or without help :(
Amy says
Sorry, but I actually snickered when I saw the mess of thread. I feel your pain since I was once in your shoes and have slowly progressed over the years and I believe you will too. It just takes (lots) of practice with little projects here and there. Quick question, where did you get the alphabet magnets? They look homemade and it’s something I would like to try to make for my little one.
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Those are an Etsy find. More info for ya here: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
xo,
s
almk42 says
OMG, also, I was catching up on Ohdeedoh, and look what they have posted. It looks just like your party bunting (and no sewing required):
http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/bunting-paper-lantern-diyfrom-you-had-me-at-bonjour-145199
YoungHouseLove says
I love that! I think I even have it pinned on Pinterest!
xo,
s