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…
Heidi@recklessbliss says
I am a complete disgrace in front of a sewing machine too so you are not alone. My mom, my mother-in-law and my best friend are whizzes on it but the only thing I’ve ever made was balls of tangled thread and fabric. My mother-in-law gave me a starter one (suppose to be meant for kids to learn on!)and even then I was a disaster and still am. I decided it could taunt from a shelf for awhile because I needed a break. I’ll conquer it one day though. Kudos to your courage. One day we will overthrow those cocky machine! ;)
Gina says
p.s. I did all my sewing on a cheap Sears Kenmore machine bought in the 80’s :) Your cheap machine is probably infinitely better than the top of the line machine from that era, so quality of a machine is all relative.
If you can master the tension (practice sewing on scraps) then the rest is easy. Also, heavier fabrics need a heavier-weight needle, and light weight fabrics need a finer needle.
Natalie says
Well after all of the tears, the banner looks great, Bertha! ;)
Dani says
You did a great job on the banner – it looks so festive!
If you ever decide that you would like a quilt made out of the leftover fabrics, sewing is what I do for a living! I make all kinds of custom quilts and other sewn pieces. I’d be happy to help! (and I am reasonably local – just in Roanoke!)
Kristie says
You have perfectly described every experience I’ve ever had with sewing from the time I first attempted it in 8th grade. It has never gotten better. Every time I take the stupid machine out, I end up with a pile of tangled thread to the side identical to the one you’ve pictured. Some of us just aren’t meant to sew. But if you want your toilet replaced, I’m your girl. :o)
Thelma musser says
maybe someone said this somewhere before, but honestly, it might be your el-cheapo sewing machine. sometimes you get what you pay for, and a cheap sewing machine prly isn’t as fine-tuned as a higher end one.
if you ever get your hands on a bernina, even just to borrow it, you might notice a huge differance in the way a good machine operates.
anyway, for whatever, it’s worth.
Also, another cheaper option, sometimes, old school machines function so much better then the newer, plastic ones. Like the old singers. You can’t kill them for anything, you can pick them up for a song, once you take them and get them cleaned and tuned up (not saying this is true for every old sewing machine) but IMO old is sometimes better.
Julie says
I’ve definitely cried many, many times while sewing. My husband usually looks at me like I’m insane and asks why I don’t purchase pillow covers from a store like a normal person. I’m not sure how he survived my wrath the first couple times he asked this, but now he knows better just to stay quiet.
Anne says
Please don’t give up on sewing. I know that you love a good bargain, but I really agree with the comments that say ” you get what you pay for.” I sew on a limited basis, but I have a good basic Bernina machine that was $600 over 15 years ago. That was a lot of money back then, heck that is a lot of money now, but the quality of the machine DOES matter. I would never consider buying a $150 machine.
Also when you purchase a good machine, you can get sewing lessons at the same place. Also when you get a good machine sewing is a pleasant experience, not the painful experience you have had.
When you purchase from a sewing store ( not a big box store or a internet store) you get customer service because they want to keep happy customers.
Also since you have a girl, you can have fun sewing for her and with her….
Good luck.
Jessica J says
Oh lawdy! I’ve been wanting to dive into the sewing deep end ever since I had my daughter two and a half years ago! I could never figure out what beginner machine to buy, what resources to tap for a lesson or whatever….you’re my hero on this one. :) Can’t wait to see more sewing from you!
Erika says
I started with a cheapo Brother from Walmart too and it got me through nearly 20 years of sewing. Literally from high school fun “fashion” design to a college alterations job that bought me my second car and paid my way out of the house in my early 20’s. It also created many craft show and shop items and household fixes. I finally splurged a couple of years ago and got a Husqvarna from Joanne’s. It has been an absolute dream and put my tattered Brother to shame. I wish I had known then what I know now. It was worth it to spend the extra. If only I had bought this one sooner I would have avoided all kinds of frustrations. Plus, Joanne’s has classes you get for free when you buy one of those extree-expensive mah-cheens! I actually only spent around $400.00 on sale, which isn’t bad compared to the ones the price of a used car.
Okay, my two cents. Brother is a good starter, but you may want to dive in to something a little nicer. May save you from many a future headache.
Nancy says
From the look of Burger’s ears, I think he sensed your frustration.
Claudia says
I love to sew. Love it. 95% of the time it is a relaxing, peaceful, cathartic way for me to create…. The other 5% of the time the @!#$%* tension does something that brings me to tears and cursing. Don’t give up. Your banner looks great and I’m sure Clara will love it for years to come!
JourneyBeyondSurvival says
You probably DON’T need this. But, here is a tutorial I saw on a blog I just found. Sewing Basics Sewing Along Lines
Good luck. You are still a very valuable human being. YHL ya know.
r8chel says
I love to sew and have never had much trouble with it, so I’m sorry that you found it to be such a frustrating experience! I’m probably just a sewing snob, but I wouldn’t even bother with a beginner sewing machine. That’s like trying to make dinner for your in-laws in an Easy-Bake Oven or something. Haha. :)
Shannon says
I can totally relate! I made one for my daughter’s first bday and I think it was more or a hassle than anything else. I always make my husband wind the bobbin, etc since I don’t like dealing with the sewing machine =)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kayuandshannon/4980446567/in/set-72157624811117019/
Mel says
I so feel your pain, I was all set for a DIY project of making bunting/flags for our wedding, till the #*^(@&% machine decided it didn’t want to play!!
http://oursurpriseweddingjuly2011.blogspot.com/2011/04/temporarily-aborted-bunting-diy.html
Lizzy says
When I see Clara and Burger together I always start humming “We’re the three(two) best friends that anyone can have” from the movie Hangover.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s the perfect anthem for them!
xo,
s
Angela B says
My mum has been quilting for about six years now and belongs to a quilting group who jokingly call themselves ‘Stitch and B*tch’. She spends so much time doing the second part of that name, that she often stuffs up the first part and has to unpick huge amounts of her work.
With your not-so-perfect sewing you could say you are inspired by the Amish. They make exquisite quilts but apparently always put in one small defect as they believe only God can make something that is perfect.
Rhonda says
Okay, I didn’t read all the comments so you may have already heard this about your Oh, Brother. For the record, I sew and I wanted some fancier embroidery stitches than my very boring, basic but sews smooth like butter Elna offers. Fast forward…found a brother at estate sale great deal, bought it, brought it home and had quite the tangled mess you experienced. The Brother machines are very picky about how you start to sew. You have to hold both the top and bottom threads and give a little tension manually for several stitches at the beginning or you get some amazing snags and knots. Arrgh…cursed machine. My 13 yo daughter has a plain singer and it is far better at sewing than the brother. You are such a motivation to me, I don’t want to see you get discouraged because of the truly problematic machine. If you can find an simple mechanical machine used you’ll have a much better experience and you may surprise yourself:)
Erin L. says
Ha – Sherry, I think we call that a ‘Type A’ meltdown… The “I’m a perfectionist and refuse to lose (much like Charlie Sheen)” mentality. It also helps if you put your hands on your hips and stomp every once in awhile.
Keep up the good work – such a cute banner! I can’t wait to see Clara’s homemade Halloween costume next year… perhaps a coffee bean? And you and John as Starbucks cups???
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- cute! I was thinking about a mexican jumping bean since she’s so bouncy and squirmy. Haha. And maybe John and I can be mexican hats.
xo,
s
Kirsten says
You have always intimidated me with your seemingly superhuman household competence, but now I feel like you are my long-lost sister. I have the SAME problems with sewing machines. I feel your pain! The bunting looks amazing and I am sure you’ll get even better in no time. (Then I can go back to being intimidated again!)
Jen Jeffries says
Omg you terrified me and inspired me all in one post!! haha I got a beginner’s sewing machine for Christmas and I have yet to try it out. Part of the reason is just being super busy…I think the other is a subconscious fear that it will be too hard and I’ll give up too easily. I bought it because I really want to get creative (and save money) and make pillows and things too. When I just read what a hard time you had, it freaked me out…but then I saw the adorable banner and now I feel much better and am ready to tackle my “Oh Brother” in the very near future! :)
Ofelia says
Sewing is not easy at all. I used to take one curse to learn to, but, as many things, it takes time and practice, or como decimos en México: la práctica hace al maestro. Today, I can sew curtains, pillows, quilt, pants, dresses… and got a tons of fun.
Crafty Texas Girls says
BEST POST EVER! I have been there. Still go there on a daily basis. At one point I thought “I am just not a sewer” but a good sewing friend of mine said that even the experts ‘throw down’ with their machines. So I keep at it. I am definitely better with a glue gun. But practice makes perfect and I am getting better with my machine. I think it is actually learning to work with me- not the other way around.
The banner looks adorable- Happy Birthday Bean!
:) crafty texas girls
Rach says
Haha. Sorry, lady. That kind of frustration is awful. If it makes you feel any better, when I was learning to quilt (which is the first sewing I ever did) i worked with a very finicky machine. I nick-named her Christine, because she was a machine I was pretty sure would kill me if she could.
If I might make a suggestion- if you really want to make a quilt for Clara by her birthday, and you are still having this much trouble while you are piecing it, then consider hand-tying instead of quilting it. I only say that because you don’t have much time and all of the irritating problems you are having with the machine will be magnified when you start the quilting, and ripping quilting stitches is time consuming. Or, you know, if you piece it yourself but have someone quilt it for you, it still totally counts as made-by-mommy :-) I say this from a place of total love and respect, because I still remember the Christine-instigated sew-crying while trying to finish up a baby shower gift.
Mary says
I learned to sew at a young age with my mom nearby. Whenever I would get frustrated and cry my mom made me stop and come back later when I was in a more positive frame of mind. Sewing needs to be taught in the least stressful manner lttle by little and not for a grade. A sewing buddy who is learning along with you would be great.
Heather says
Aww Sherry! Muffin! If I had been there I would have Oh Brother’d that thing into submission like Chuck Norris on The Situation’s Abs (I imagine he could destroy them just by looking at them, he is Chuck Norris afterall).
That being said, you did a WONDERFUL job. I actually prefer the look of the hem tape over sewn, it can be hard to get a perfectly straight line and it may have driven you up a wall. Some ribbons, once you have a need hole you can never get rid of so I feel it was a wise choice.
Just keep in mind with that machine, that despite good reviews it’s still a cheap machine, so if down the line it gives you trouble just know it could easily be the machine – not you.
Talent is something you’re born with, skill is something you work hard for. It doesn’t matter if you have talent if you don’t have skill, and there are plenty of people who have no talent who have plenty of skill in the long run. Keep on truckin little lady, you’ll get there! So far, so good!
Chrissie says
I can truly empathise with you, I am not a sewer myself. I must have gotten my mum’s genes in that regard, she can’t sew or knit very well, meanwhile my dad knits like a champ, sews very neatly and darns holes in his own socks.
Of course he did gift me with broad shoulders and short-sightedness. Gee, thanks dad!
I had to ask though, what are those funky letters on the wall that Clara is playing with? I love them, they look like lots of fun and a great potential project for my friends’ kids (it’s never too early to start them reading!)
YoungHouseLove says
Those are from Etsy. Aren’t they sweet? There’s more info for ya here: http://blogs.babycenter.com/life_and_home/not-your-mothers-magnetic-letters/
xo,
s
Kymberly says
I had tension trouble as well last weekend trying to follow a dress pattern for the first time for my daughter’s Easter dress. I learn a lot but didn’t get an Easter dress out of it :( Whenever I would get into trouble I’d have hubby pull out the stitches while I took a break. I’m going to keep at it though. I don’t think having a deadline helps. I’m going to start on the Christmas stockings soon. Maybe I’ll get them done. Good luck with your sewing!
P.S If you ever want to try a dress for Clara The Handmade Dress has some easy patterns for beginners.
Jane @ The Borrowed Abode says
My first few sewing attempts definitely involved tears, all-nighters, and may or may not have involved my throwing things. Oh, and huge wads of thread stuck in the machine. For sure. But now, 1.5 years later, I’m getting ready to sell my stuff at a booth in an arts festival. During those first few nights with the machine, I never imagined I’d actually be able to make something I could sell. So there is hope for you guys.
And anyway, even if you’re not amazing with the sewing, you’ve got a way with words that, as someone working in marketing, I envy. No wonder you were a killer marketing genius in your former life :)
Kristy says
ya gotta start somewhere :)
I am a ‘munted’ knitter who knits rift-handed (left and right handed combination). My Mum swears she tried to teach me, and said to me last time she was here ‘I can’t believe you can produce good knitting with that technique’ lol
patience. ;)
Allyson Poyet says
Keep at it, you will get it down. I broke my moms sewing machine numerous times as a kid as well, haha! Hey, when you get really good, you can try making your own printable fabric sheets and the creativity will be endless!
http://h20247.www2.hp.com/hho/cache/313-0-0-39-121.html
Rachel says
At least your not as bad as my mother… she somehow managed to sew her fingers together! Ouchie…
OH! before i forget to tell you guys, i was thinking for her one year you should use the same background fabric as her first one… it would really show the difference from then and now :) just an idea!
Edna says
I have to blame the machine. A machine such as yours will put anyone off from ever sewing again. I used to work at the local shop and I hated showing that machine. Lots of people purchased them and we never saw them again. Others would come back and swear they were cursed. If you ever saw the inside of that machine, well, lets just say you would not have purchased it. A decent little machine will make your sewing time just fly by. You are welcome to email me if you need any suggestions :-)
Alyssa says
I feel your pain. I can absolutely sympathize with your bobbin mess! :) EVERY single attempt of mine to use my aunt’s vintage sewing machine (that was my great grandma’s), I have jammed or broken it…even a new one she bought. I’m terrible at it! Plus I have this irrational fear that I will sew across my finger.
Emily says
Uh, so you may have just solved literally years of battle between me and my sewing machine. All of my bobbins are from a random set I picked up at the fabric store when my mom gave me her old machine (which was actually her newer machine but she liked her older one better) back in 2004 or 2005. I had no idea there were different sizes. And I end up with messes just like you posted above. Going to have to look into it when I have some spare time. Thanks for what may end up being my solution too!!!!!!!!
And if not, you’ve encouraged me to get my lazy bum over to the local fabric store with a sewing store inside where they’ll look at it for me. :)
holly | bijou lovely says
Glad to hear you haven’t given up on sewing just yet!! Your skills will improve as you practice and you will look back on this and laugh. I have had so many moments of frustrated tears but it gets easier in time and it’s so much fun once you get the hang of it! If you need any help/advice when you start making your quilt (or for other sewing questions if you have them), feel free to email me.
Susie says
I”m a self taught sewer and it was painstaking in the beginning. For fabric banners though if you use store bought double fold bias tape to string them on it makes it really easy. I made 4 fabric banners for my youngest’s 1st birthday (you can check out a photo here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.10150166695285166.345404.513230165&l=1e4b293385)
I also made a fabric banner that says “Happy Birthday” (put the letters on via freeze paper stenciling (so awesome, google it) and fabric paint) and we break it out each year for my girls’ birthdays.
Keep at it, sewing gets better!
P.S. Love the blog!
CC says
Ahaha! I scrolled down only as far as that big wad of thread and declared, “She’s having tension problems.” Which is, I have decided, a double entendre, as it also describes the feeling it gives! I had that problem, too, when I finally got my own machine, and it took me way too long to figure out why my mom (and both grandmothers) usually did a little test run on a scrap before diving in. Keep going, though, and maybe even find yourself a little sewing guidebook, and one day you’ll even find that you’re making button holes and everything! *gasp!*
Wom-Mom Ethne says
Try not to sew your finger at least – I’ve done it twice. I’ve sewn for years, just been a little careless on occasion. And my sewing machine can still give me a headache too – it’s universal. Fabric banner is cute. ~Ethne
Kate S. says
Oh, stick with it, though! I was one of the (probably many) people who suggested making a quilt out of Clara’s weekly fabrics as soon as you announced your plan for the photo shoots.
My mother is a talented seamstress, but had never quilted before when she made me a custom quilt for my bedroom. It’s simple large block squares with a solid border, but she collected the fabrics and designed it herself. I used it on my bed for years and still have it today.
Despite not matching any color in our house and being woefully dated, it’s still my favorite blanket to warm up with in the winter. I will save it forever because I can’t even look at it without thinking of the love my mother put into it. I know Clara will feel exactly the same way about her quilt. Hard as it may seem, it will be so worth it to have it completed!
Morgan G says
Only the very best gifts ’cause the giver ‘frustrating hot tears’. You did great, but…I think Burger’s wondering where the heck his triangle birthday flag is.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s true. I thought about trying to make him a shirt or something but he might hate me for that. Haha.
xo,
s
Christie says
Bad news. I don’t think you are related to Martha because I think you are related to me! !!!!! I hate to sew. I have never had a sewing session with out wanting to throw the machine out the window. I bought a little Martha Stewart craft machine and it is okay. It is very simple – which I like. I would never understand the new computerized machines. I need on/off and forward/reverse. The crazy thing is that I LOVE fabric stores! But, I think I should just buy the throw pillow covers at Pottery Barn. They go on sale for $15. Finished. With a ZIPPER ….
I can’t grasp the concept that some people find it relaxing. ????
~ Christie
It is good to learn new things. But, if it doesn’t bring you joy then move on to something that does.
Robyn says
LOL! That was quite a story, but the best part is that you didn’t give up and made a great first banner! It does get easier and I think a beginners course is a great idea. I’m doing the same for my daughters 13th, buying a beginner machine and some lessons although she has already started learning everything at school.
After the sewing, comes the overlocking! Now THERE’s something to look forward to ;-)
Meg says
Sherry, Sherry, Sherry…
A pinking sheers would have been perfect for your little flags with no sewing except sewing them all to the ribbon!
I sewed dozens of little sundresses for my daughter when she was between 1 and 4 years old. I made a quilt with the left over fabric from all the dresses and it always reminds me of her at different ages in those dresses – I cherish that quilt! She’s going to high school next year, so enjoy it while it lasts – it goes SO fast!
Aaroohii says
Where did you find the washable iron on hem tape from? I am searching all over the net but can’t find a washable one.
I plan to turn 2 bedsheets into a Duvet, u think hem tape is a good idea for this?
Aaroohii says
All I had to do is search on YHL and not on google. I found that you use Heat N’Bond tape from Michaels and that you have washed your curtains and the hems still hold firm. No where on google would I have been able to find such detailed info!
You guys rock cos u make every project easier than the conventional method..I love ur practical approach and you even made a video on how to use it… the best DIY’ers ever!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re sweet. Glad you found that info so easily! Sometimes searching our site can be more painful than google- haha. You got lucky!
xo,
s
Alina says
Ohmylanta…this post could NOT have been more timely. I LITERALLY just experienced this two hours before reading this. I literally dropped my project on the floor, screamed into a pillow, sew-cried and stomped into my bedroom to grab my running shoes and ran out the door. Let’s just say…fastest tempo run in quite some time. I guess it’s affecting my life positively in SOME way…but I really want to finish that project. I’m taking it in this weekend to a shop so I can figure out what’s going on!
Cute banner, by the way. :)
Frances says
Ah, the evil unsanctioned bobbin. May I suggest you rid the house of all such? They have a nasty habit of sneaking back into circulation otherwise. But you did good regardless, the bunting is wonderful.
So, um, I sew…and my toddler’s simple quilt, started in January, is still not remotely close to done. But the fleece blanket with his name on — done in 3 hours. He loves it. Why not start with something simple? Fleece is forgiving, sticks to itself so the appliques don’t shift, and best of all, does not need hemming. Though a simple zigzag round the edge is pretty. Have fun!
Meg says
You will love the birthday banner tradition. I made birthday wall hangings for each of my 3 sons and they get hung up every year. (I’m less crafty than you; mine are just “Happy Birthday (kid’s name)” felt letters in rainbow colors appliqued on a plain quilted backing and bound around the edges–rather childish, really). Each year I cut numbers out of same colored origami paper to indicate the birthday being celebrated. I originally planned to stop when the eye rolling started (middle school, I thought), but I just recently found myself cutting out a bunch of “20”s to decorate my oldest’s banner. There are no signs that our birthday tradition will ever stop. I envision eventually giving the banners to their wives. Once you get the knack of sewing (you will!), you may want to reinforce those triangles for the long haul!
Patricia says
A friend of mine makes those flags all the time, but she just uses textile glue – it’s so much faster and the results are the same!