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…
cristina s says
looks adorable. great job :)
jess says
poor sherry! :-(
it is not you, i promise! didn’t you ever see season 1 of project runway. remember how much machine drama there was??? and they were experienced sew-ers.
despair not… i have been sewing on a machine since i was in grade school & 30-odd years later, i still have whack-a-doo tension issues, mixed stitches, and yes, i too have experienced the hideous “wrong bobbin” syndrome.
part of the problem, is the brother sewing machine. not saying you didn’t do your research, & i am sure yours is well-rated, but brother is known for using plastic components and shoddy timing devices – they are truly the Edsels of sewing machines. not that i am recommending that you trade it in for a better brand (i too started out with my own brother machine) but i WOULD suggest that you go to a brick-&-mortar sewing store and ask to use their different brands… i’ve heard really good things about Janome, Husqvarna, & Bernina. i LURRRVE my New Home sewing mach (a lower-end brand made by Janome.) admittedly though, it was pretty pricey by comparison (almost 5 x what yours cost) but when i bought it 10 yrs ago, it seemed worth it considering the quanity of sewing i do.
of course, something you can always upgrade as you (hopefully) grow to love sewing…?
best of luck & great job on the flags!
RC says
I’m really happy with my basic Singer machine my parents bought me 10 years ago. It’s got so many metal parts – it’s so solidly made.
My worst sewing machine jam up was 5 years ago. I’m really bad with maintenance and after a bid of fiddling, figured out that I hadn’t oiled any parts for 5 years and they finally seized up. A little oil and everything was running smoothly again.
Alisa says
I have a Janome that retails for well over $1000 (I got it on sale!!) and it is, by far, the best machine I’ve ever used. Of course, this is my fourth machine and I’ve also used a plethora of industrial machines so it took a while to find one that works for me :) I just don’t think Janome gets enough recognition so I wanted to comment on this and vouch for how awesome they are :) I didn’t realize Janome made New Home though! Good to know!
kristin says
yay for trying new things, and way to go on the banner! it looks very cute. sewing can save you SO much money and really make things custom – totally up your alley! i started teaching myself how to sew about a year and a half ago (after watching my mom growing up) and am totally addicted. i have a brother machine too. one thing i found out early on is not to buy the cheap thread. i use guttermann thread. seems that when i get the bargain basket thread, it causes tension/terrible stitch issues.
also, once you’re brave enough to try a toddler skirt for clara, i highly recommend this free pattern from oliver + s. they do a great job of teaching you as you sew. it was the first thing i sewed, and it took me 2 hours (now i can whip one up in a quarter of the time). here’s the link: http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2008/08/lazy-days-skirt-free-pattern.html
happy sewing! :)
CarrieK says
I second using good thread! I also use Gutermann and seem to have tension/stitch issues every time I use bargain thread… or maybe it’s just my Brother sewing machine! =)
Carley Hamilton says
I feel your pain!! I am such a bad seamstress. I produce so many crooked, wrong sized, zigzagy things and hate it when the needles break, bobbin runs out or anything goes wrong. I want so badly to be good at sewing, especially because my husband owns a fabric store.. which means my options are limitless. But it takes so much patience, and is not as instantly gratifying as a paintbrush and sledge hammer, since there are so many steps involved before getting to the final product. I’m practicing frequently and slowly getting better, but may consider taking a class soon to find an insiders scoop.
I am excited to see your progress and what tips you have since I can really relate with your crazy frustrated tears.
Adorable banner by the way! I can’t wait to see the quilt!
Robyn says
You’re killing me. Seriously. I LOLed at least 5 times at this post. This is exactly why I haven’t touched my sewing machine in 5+ years.
Liz says
Hi Sherry!
I think the banner looks fantastic! Clara is one lucky little girl! Can I ask where you got your sewing machine from? I’ve been looking for one for awhile now. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s from amazon.com. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Ruth says
Blame the machine!
Actually, I do have a tip for tension problems:
Don’t even bother with the tension knob. Just set it on medium forever. Ok, maybe if you are trying to sew some kind of exotic fabric, you would need to adjust it, or if you are using weirdo thread, but for most beginning sewing, you won’t be doing that.
That little knob is basically for fine control, and if you have a noticeable tension problem (or a huge mess) it isn’t gonna do diddly or squat. I actually have the machine you bought, and it sometimes manages to get itself improperly threaded in mid-go, after running perfectly for a while. So, the first thing to do is rethread the top, check it, and rethread the bottom if it’s still crazy.
Ruth says
Oh man, I should also tell you that I threw a full-on tantrum one time when my sewing wouldn’t go right. I screamed and threw my project across the room. There were many tears.
I eventually found out that my sewing foot wasn’t right for my machine (I had bought it for a special project). Looked like a thread tension problem but it was actually the fabric not being held well.
It’s really frustrating sometimes, but how awesome is it when someone likes your project later and you get to be like “oh that old thing? I MADE it.”
Alisa says
Is it weird of me to say how proud I am of you? It always made me a bit sad that you were anti-sewing and when you had Clara, I was hoping you’d pick it up.
My mother is a horrible seamstress and didn’t know what to do with me when I wanted to learn to sew. I started hand sewing when I was five and by the time I was in high school and STILL wanted to know how to sew, my dad taught me the basics (he did upholstery so he knew a bit). I went off to get my BFA in fashion design and am now working on my MFA in the same area. I sew all the time. And I love it. I’ve taught sewing workshops for little kids and I feel a big accomplishment when I can get kids to feel comfortable using a machine. I think that’s the biggest step before becoming an awesome seamstress so yay for you for getting started!
Jennifer Stuart says
oh Sherry, I feel your pain. I have always wanted to learn how to use a sewing machine. I gave up on my first machine and it sat in a closet for years. I signed up for an online sewing class last summer and bought another machine that I thought would be easier to use. I still haven’t made it past threading the thing and I’m 99% sure I broke it in the process, but I haven’t gotten around to taking it somewhere to be fixed. One day I really am going to figure it out. So I am super impressed with your birthday banner! Way to stick with it.
Rebecca Pearce says
Wow I really hope that my first sewing machine attempts are less stressful than yours! The bunting looks lovely though and something to be treasured for years to come.
Amy Butler says
I feel your pain, I recently was given a sewing machine and have been learning to sew little jumpers for Emily-Marie. My best advice would be to just PRACTICE on scraps of things. cut-up flannel receiving blankets work great. I’ve been cutting them into squares and hemming them to make cloth wipes (one less cloth diapering step; they just get thrown into the wash!). if you screw up, who cares? they’re just going to be covered with poop anyway.
also PIN and IRON everything. EVERY STEP YOU MUST PIN AND IRON.
i love the banner, it turned out really cute!
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
I totally thought you were fabric guru Amy Butler giving Sherry sewing advice :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s too funny!
xo,
s
Shan says
I second Amy’s advice. Although I have successfully finger-pressed some fabrics, it really is better to iron everything.
Ironing after the project is done also makes a huge difference (setting stitches, etc.). Best advice I ever got was to take home-sewn clothing to the cleaners to have everything professionally pressed after the projects are complete. Seriously, the difference between home ironing (even with a fantastic iron) and professional pressing is amazing.
MelissaG says
I love the banner, so cute….I should have warned you though. It is going to be close to impossible to keep up with all these fun things if you decide to have more kids. I used to do SO much when I had just one (and even two) kids. NOW, there’s a party. I usually make our invitations. Sometimes I make a cake. The custom/personalized coloring books/bubbles/play-doh, cookie labels, sucker-labels…..no more. Sad to say that I’m still trying to catch up all the baby books. So it goes!
(I meant the above to be funny, (although true) I hope it didn’t come a cross as a kill-joy)
Mel V. says
Good for you! That is more perseverance than I’d have. And the banner is cute.
You might check some of your local craft stores and see if they have beginning ‘how to use a sewing machine’ classes, I know the ones in this area do. Sometimes having someone experienced watch you can solve problems that no amount of internet research could.
(When I was first learning to use a sewing machine – and I still really can’t do much with them – my mom had me take a single large, relatively heavy piece of fabric and just practice sewing straight lines across it. I found that it’s easier to make long straight lines than short straight lines, mostly because you can get the machine running at a decent speed. Trying to get a machine to sew slowly is like trying to bike slowly. It’s counter-intuitive, but it’s actually easier to keep your balance when going at a decent speed.)
susan says
That machine may not have been the best for you to start out on. I always check the negative reviews since the positive ones can be skewed. One of the things mentioned was the inability to fine-tune your sewing speed. That alone would be enough to send it flying out the window in my home and I’ve been sewing for decades.
The absolute best machine I ever had was my first – an old 1960’s Singer that only sewed a straight seam. No fancy stitches *but* you could really fine-tune the stitch length and the speed was extremely variable depending on how hard you stepped on the pedal. Unfortunately I sewed on it until it couldn’t be fixed anymore and have been on the search, unsuccessful so far, so something simple yet reliable.
Doing that banner should not have been that difficult and the fault may not be yours alone – it could well be issues with the machine. Something to think about.
Kristi says
I could have written this post, lol! My mom and grandma also did a lot of sewing, but I was never allowed. So I asked for and received a beginner’s sewing machine for Christmas-and promptly broke it just trying to set it up! Luckily the store exchanged it for me, and that my mother gave me some lessons on getting it set up. In the end I made 4 gorgeous pillows for my new couch! I’ve also made quite a few dog toys with leftover stuffing for practice doing shapes(circles, rectangles, octagons. Maybe Burger could use some funny shaped play toys?
georgia says
The bunting looks fab !!!
Well done :)
You had one heck of a birdsnest going on there with the thread… I was like Ohhhhh that would make me cry! Haha – I always remember how to thread the machine from textiles at school, but can’t remember anything else and I always get this fear of sewing my finger… Ughh!
I think you could always sew over the tape onto the ribbon ‘incase’ it ever came off… Could be good practise :)
Also I think you should measure burger up for a little t-shirt or summin… Hehe
Stephanie says
Oh Sherry, I feel your pain! I broke my first sewing machine last year trying to teach myself to sew and I bought another one. That one’s been sitting in it’s box now for months. I’m so scared!
Christine says
It will get better. There have been many frustration cries over sewing at my machine. Just walk away and take a break. Cutting will go much faster if you get a rotary cutter, self healing mat, and ruler. You can also buy sheets of plastic to make templates. Oh and the seam ripper is your friend. I am currently ripping out all of the sashing on a baby quilt because I decided after I was done piecing that I didn’t like the fabric.
Emily says
I can’t emphasize enough how much a sewing class (fabric store, community college, private studio) could improve your experience! Having a well-seasoned and patient sewer available to ask questions of makes all the difference. I took my first class about two years ago and have been making curtains, pouf/ottomans, and even clothing ever since, with limited cursing and tears and lots of pride.
liz @ btb says
Sherry, I totally suck at sewing on a machine. Don’t feel bad. I usually get half way through the first seam when the machine gets jammed up. Then I flip the fabric over and find a giant nest of thread. It’s so frustrating. I learned on an OLD olive green metal Singer sewing machine that had a swinging knee level instead of a foot pedal. All the new machines leave me totally frustrated scratching my head.
at least your bunting turned out beautifully!
Cait @ Hernando House says
That sounds sort of like the machine I tried to learn on! Although my mom’s was tan. Every time I flip the fabric over there is a giant rats’ nest on the backside.
Good job, Sherry! And too funny about “Oh Brother”! My Singer certainly does not make me sing with joy, but there are no awesome nicknames yet.
Liz says
The (oh) brother! I bought the same machine a couple of months ago with similar fears of total meltdown. A few dramatic moments, but on the whole, all has gone well with my first real project completed this weekend with the help of Lotta Jansdotter’s book ‘Simple Sewing’ (I made the picnic placemats – good gift). She also has a cute baby projects book. Hang in there. You’ll be making Clara’s Halloween costumes before you know it!
Elizabeth says
You can do it Sherry!!! That bunting looks great! I just started sewing last month and made a bunting similar to that one! Thank gosh I could use grandma’s machine and she kept repeating to me, don’t touch the tension.
Melissa says
I have a similar history with sewing machines. I also bought an inexpensive Brother machine and am in the process of making a baby quilt out of this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Guide-Patchwork-Basics-Quiltmaker/dp/1607050080/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272992031&sr=8-1
I really like this book, it has easy to understand instructions and plenty of pictures.
Good luck, I can’t wait to see your finished quilt.
Megan says
Good for you! I’m a new sewer too and I can relate. When someone set up my machine with all the tensiony things right I did great. When I had to move some of dial and knobs and rethread the bobbin I bombed- for a little bit. You would not believe the number of needles I’ve broken! Get back up and try again, right?
I am so glad it was the wrong sized bobbin and not a genetic predisposition to non-sewingness!
stacia says
sewing machines can be very fickle. It’s one of those things where going it alone in the beginning, you realize how dependent you are on knowing the ins and outs of the machine before you even get to the creative part. Find a beginner sewing class in your area. It will more than pay for it’s self in relieving some of the frustration, and you’ll get some fancy new throw pillows or tote bag out of it too. Great job with the perseverance and the bunting. love the colors.
Sherri says
Machine problems are my #1 issue by far!!! I also personally have heard nothing but bad things about Singer and Brother sewing machines. I have a Husqvarna Viking and I LOVE it. Never had a single issue (that, er, wasn’t user-error, that is). Sorry your first attempts haven’t been as easy going. let me know if you ever want to commission a quilt. ;-)
Carla @ http://hammersandhighheels.blogspot.com says
Hi Sherry! I totally can relate to you on this post! Haha! I have to say that I went to school for textile and apparel studies and have sewn A LOT, but no matter what I always feel that frustration that you expressed quite well in this post :) My husband always gets scared when I pull out my sewing machine and say “oh no, I have to get out here”, I always end up swearing like a trucker and getting all flustered when I sew! In the end, Clara’s banner looks adorable and will be a perfect touch for her birthday- and a good story for your guests :)
Martina says
I’m sorry to hear about your sewing machine debacles but I found this post to be seriously amusing. Well written. :) And the banner looks great.
Kimberly says
Oh girl, I know EXACTLY how you feel. I received a Brother sewing machine for Christmas from my husband. Since then I’ve made a few small ruffled zippered pouches (first one took me 12 hours because I SUCK). Then I made a ridiculously large quilt for my Dad for his birthday. Last quilt I will make for several years. My husband had to give me way to many pep talks to get me to keep going. It was huge (80×60) and if any sewing maven looked at it, I would be so embarrassed. It is full of “character,” which is what I like to call my little mishaps.
I would recommend not machine washing the banner ever. Always hand wash that baby or you will end up with more tears. I made the mistake of machine washing my quilt before giving it to my Dad (stupid quilt book told me to), and ended up with little rips everywhere from the center agitator (although y’all won’t have that problem). Let’s just say that was another night of crying. In the end, it was all worth it to see his face. He was speechless.
Keep sewing girl. You’ll eventually love it. It takes practice. I had to make 4 zippered pouches before I started liking how they turned out, and went on to adding ruffles. You can do it!
Tracy says
Sherry, do you think the Brother is just a bad machine? I’d like to get a beginner machine for my daughter and I’m wondering whether I should consider this one or not.
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, it has amazing reviews from over 150 people on amazon.com (4.5 out of 5 stars, which is one of the highest ratings I’ve seen for even things twice as pricey). It’s me. And that darn bobbin. But I don’t think it has anything to do with the machine at all. User error is definitely to blame. Haha.
xo,
s
Alisa says
I got that machine for my sister for her wedding and it’s a great beginners machine! She just uses it to make curtains and aprons and stuff, but she loves it!
Cait @ Hernando House says
Oh Sherry! The darn bobbin is totally my issue, too! Something about how I wind it, I guess. Or maybe the thread tension. UGH.
Sigrid says
Tracy, I wouldn’t get this machine. I bought it because of the good reviews on Amazon and had a terrible experience with it (very similar to the tension issues Sherry described). I returned it to amazon and spent a little more on a Threadbanger TB12 and am very happy with it. I think it’s a better bet for a beginner! I’ve heard very negative things about Brothers and the lower end Singer models from all of my friends who have tried them. :(
amy says
The bobbin issue…were you using one that came with the machine? I’d call the company to let them know the bobbin they supplied you was in the wrong size, caused hardship, etc.
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, I had one already threaded with white thread in my sewing box (stolen from my mom, haha) so I just popped that in and assumed it was correct since it fit. Not so much. Haha.
xo,
s
Gina says
Uh Oh…I asked for a sewing machine for mother’s day. You guys usually have an easier time with DIY things than I do, so if this is any indication of things to come, maybe I should have asked for sewing lessons first…
Sherri says
Oh – and just wanted to add – the Husqy I have is the lowest end model – I paid $300 (on sale from $400) for it, but it’s more than paid for itself many times over for me. Cheap enough too that I think if you get into sewing pillow covers, curtains, (possibly even some Clara clothing!) that it would pay for itself quickly.
Liz F. says
Bertha Sharnold Petersik, you are a glutton for punishment.
YoungHouseLove says
That has a nice ring to it I think. Haha.
xo,
s
Kathleen says
where are those magnetic cloth (?) letters from? they’re so cute!
YoungHouseLove says
We found them on Etsy. More info here: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
xo,
s
Angie @ The Country Chic Cottage says
First of all, you CAN do it! :) And second of all, I am glad I am not the only one that cries when things go horribly wrong!
rachael says
Awww!I feel for you, Sherry!! I also have issues with sewing, my mother does it, her mother did it, everyone I know can do it, except I always end up screwing up the machine and crying in frustration!! I have not been able to pick myself up off the sewing room floor to try again, but this has given me inspiration to try!! Good luck!
OH, and love the banner!
Rachel says
I think that’s the sewing machine I bought about two years ago when I wanted to start sewing. I didn’t want to invest too much money only to find out I didn’t enjoy it. And that is SUCH a frustrating machine to sew on, especially for a beginner. I shed many sew-tears myself. I went through exactly what you did, constant tension problems, bad stitches, even though I was following every instruction I could find. (One tip I learned is to not use old thread, or cheap thread, because it breaks easily.)
Despite that stupid stupid sewing machine, I found I really enjoyed sewing when the beast was cooperating. So last year I bought myself a Bernina, gave the Brother machine away to some poor soul, and never regretted my investment. It sews like a DREAM every time. So if you find you do enjoy sewing, just know that you don’t have to sew on the beginning machine forever. And you will appreciate it so much if you invest in a quality machine, that you could then pass down.
Barbara says
For all those issues, it sure did turn out beautifully!
Callie says
Hang in there, Sherry! It will get easier, I promise. Sewing is all about practice… hours and hours of practice. My first “big” sewing project, pajama bottoms and and top (with a collar and sleeve) probably took me about 10-12 hours total. The pattern said it would take 2-3. Seriously.
Also, I’d say 9 times out of 10 the frustrating problems that you can’t seem to figure out when it comes to the machine are things that are ridiculously easy to fix, which can make it even more frustrating. But you aren’t alone!
Your banner looks fantastic! And it’s probably a really good thing that you didn’t try to sew the flags on because ribbon tends to be really slippery and narrow, and difficult to sew with.
Great job! :)
Meredith Olson says
Sherry, I love your banner! Great job!! It’s so pretty!
From one sewing novice to another, I think you’re doing fabulous. Tension and bobbins and threads are so annoying at times, but when a project finally turns out it’s worth the trouble! I love practicing my sewing skills with charm packs of fabric…it’s so easy to make a patchwork pillow when the fabric is already perfectly cut and coordinated! Keep trying!
I heart your blog too!
Meredith
Meredith says
Yay!!! Slipcovers for the conference center/front room can’t be too far behind!!
YoungHouseLove says
Woah there Meredith, lets not get overconfident. Haha.
xo,
s
Kristen says
I hear you on the sewing struggles! I’ve recently had my own swearing and crying issues with a few sewing projects and now that they’re finished I’m giving myself a sewing time-out!
Your banner turned out wonderful though, and at least you’ll have a story to tell people about it! :)
Natalie says
Hang in there Sherry. My friend has the same machine and I invited her over to teach her how to use it and sew a project. Well by the end of the day she was planning on giving them machine away. We had a time trying to get it to work properly as well, tension, etc! I just started my first quilt that was on hiatus due to tension issues on my machine as well. Send it over to my dad who cleaned, oiled, etc. it and hopefully I’ll be up and running again. Hang in there!
Jill says
Oh, sweet girl. I feel your pain. Great job on sticking with it and completing the banner. Triangles are not easy to sew.
Besides, you’re pretty much acing everything you try!
Leah says
I can totally sympathize. I have tried I don’t know how many times to use the sewing machine and it hasn’t worked out for me yet. I love the idea of making my own curtains or pillows and keep thinking, “How hard can it be?” OMG, impossible. The last time I brought it to my aunt to fix I apparently had somehow set it on button mode. I didn’t even know the stupid thing had a button mode. I think it just hates me.
However, your banner is super adorable!
marianne says
I can’t sew either…my closet is home to my barely used broken machine. It is a shame too, because my grandmother and great grandmother were seamstresses for the public for 50 or so years. I just can’t get the hang of it at all! I totally understand your frustration. It looks so simple and I am a smart person, but I don’t have the sewing gene I guess.
Carol N. says
Just so you know, you can quilt by hand if the machine ends up in a ditch somewhere outside. I’m a sewer and a hand stitcher, quilter, all-things-with-a-needle person but if you don’t have the gene, you just don’t have it! The banner looks great though and I’m sure it will last for years and years.
Chaucea says
*hugs you fiercely in commiseration* Ohhhh man can I relate to That Hell Which is The Sewing Machine!!
My grandmother was a master seamstress. She had this like… amazing symbiotic relationship with The Sewing Machine. It definitely skipped a generation (the temper tantrums I’ve witnessed coming from my mom are still etched in my memory.) And I’ve had my *cough* “issues” with my sewing machine, but… (and here is the GOOD part) it DOES get better!! It really really really does get better. AND, the more you do the better you get at it and the more empowered you become and you WANT to do more! Really, I promise! :-D
But yes, getting there… can be hellishly traumatic. I know. Ohhh do I know!
I actually just started sewing again this last month, after several decades of not touching a sewing machine, so I’ve been experiencing my Very Own Sewing Machine Hell Revival… but I’m getting through it. Although, I do admit I am a lazy sewer, which is antithesis to being a *good* sewer…something I’m pushing myself to overcome. ;-)
Anyways, the very best of luck to you on your new adventure–once you get over the first few hurdles you will LOVE being able to make all kinds of neato stuff on your own and it will become a whole new amazing and awesome tool in your DIY toolbox. This is goina be fun! I’m excited for ya. :-D
Kt says
As soon as I saw the photo of the thread mess I thought “Uh oh, tension issues!” Been there, done that. I can hand-sew well, but sewing machines and I don’t always get along either.
The flag banner is adorable! Have you thought about checking out beginners classes at a local quilting shop? Or seeing if there’s one that will let you rent a store machine hourly and get some help on the quilt project? That might be helpful for getting started. Good luck!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I’d love to get some help with Clara’s quilt thanks to a local class or two. Will keep you posted!
xo,
s
Sherri says
Great idea! This could be a great resource Sherry!
http://richmondmqg.blogspot.com/
Vikki says
Lots of cities have fiber and quilting guilds where you can learn all kinds of skills that making crafting easier and more fun. (I’m a member of a fiber guild in my town and it is great having these more experienced knitters, spinners, and quilters to ask questions when I’m stuck.)
Cristy says
Bless your heart! My husband bought me a sewing machine 2 years ago for Christmas and I’ve been teaching myself to sew too. Keep it up, you can do it! I made my 3 girls’ Easter dresses + a skirt for myself this year, all in under 3 days (not 72 hours, just 3 days in which the sewing took place… totally do-able!)…
If you need help w/sewing a very simple (but looks difficult) quilt, send me an email. I made one for a coworker, and seriously it was super easy… long straight lines only!
Your penant banner looks great!