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From: LittleGreyKitty
Date: 01-23-2005, 10:55 PM (1 of 9)
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OK, so I finally took the plunge and got an actual sewing machine- wow, that's so much faster than me trying to muddle through a hem by hand! I optimistically selected a blazer as my first project. Actually, it was going pretty well (so far!) until I realized, after getting the body constructed, that it's probably a size to a size and a half too big. Should I... 1. Take some of the waist seams in some or... 2. Just start over with the right size. After all larger pieces can be cut smaller. Since it's only half done, even if I take the sides in some (which is what I'm leaning towards) I'm not really going to know for sure if it worked until I invest some more time in it. And the fusible interfacing is up next, and I don't think I can cut those pieces down after fusing it- which, incidentally, takes me to my next query. I dunno how to use the fusible interfacing. Iron it? Steam or dry? I just got a few yards and didn't realize the pattern had no instructions. Whoops. Also, is there an easier way to finish a seam rather than me carefully knotting the threads one by one? Somehow I suspect so, but I can't seem to hit on the right word to Google here. If anyone has waded through this and has any advice, thanks in advance for taking pity on my cluelessness. And wish me luck with the sleeves, I fear the sleeves! |
User: LittleGreyKitty
Member since: 01-23-2005 Total posts: 3 
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From: sable
Date: 01-23-2005, 11:27 PM (2 of 9)
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There are a couple of options for the ends of seams rather than knotting the threads together, both methods have their devotees. 1. Backstitch at the beginning or end of each seam. Machines usually have a backstitch lever or button, check your manual 2. Start and end the seam using a shorter length stitch. As far as the fusible is concerned, best way to check is to test it. Get a piece of fusible and a piece of fashion fabric and try it with dry iron, and another steamed. Most seem to be dry iron. Then check to see if you get a result you like. If fabric too stiff or too flimsy after fusing, you may have the wrong weight interfacing. Also check that interfacing properly fused. Be aware some fusibles are designed for low temperature fuse, sometimes these will separate in the wash and refuse when ironed (this is what they are designed to do). Another thing to be aware of is that some fusibles will shrink when washed, if your garment is to be washed preshrink the fabric in warm water, then dry being careful not to let it crease (as you can't iron the creases out!) I know this doesn't answer all your questions, but hope it helps to some extent. |
User: sable
Member since: 01-10-2005 Total posts: 76 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 01-24-2005, 06:43 AM (3 of 9)
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You certainly can cut down pieces after the interfacing is fused to them. In fact I always apply the interfacing (fusible, of course) before I cut out the piece. That's because sometimes the interfacing will shrink up the fabric and your piece won't be the right size or shape if you cut it first. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: LittleGreyKitty
Date: 01-26-2005, 04:03 AM (4 of 9)
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I tried experimenting with various ways of fusing it (good suggestion, thanks- I'd like to think I would have eventually got to that notion myself, but, heh, I hadn't!) Basically, it turns out the brand of interfacing I got doesn't fuse very well no matter what I do with it- it's very peely. Oh well, it's just to stiffen the collar of the blazer, and it will be pretty well fully enclosed with seams, so I'm not to worried about it. I'll definitely have to try a different kind when I use this pattern again. If anyone else stumbles upon the problem of a too-large garment, just redo it. I eventually altered it to fit, even the bunchy baggy fabric around the shoulders and upper chest, but not without much fussing and ripping of seams. Bleh, would definitely have been easier to start over. Anyway, I actually finished the sucker tonight, after one last mishap involving an overzealous seam ripper overshooting a buttonhole, and now it's actually done. I do admit that I had to give up on the translated-from-original-Chinese (or whatever) instructions, because obviously a miracle had to occur between step 20 & 21, and completely threw out a piece of the lining that was obviously meant to be a practical joke (it would have to have teleportation abilities to go end up where it was supposed to be) but nobody needs to know that 
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User: LittleGreyKitty
Member since: 01-23-2005 Total posts: 3
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From: DorothyL
Date: 01-26-2005, 06:55 AM (5 of 9)
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It sounds like you will end up being the same kind of sewer I am. Next time you are making button holes try putting a pin across each end to keep over zealous seam rippers in line. I use good sharp stork embroidery scissors instead of a seam ripper most of the time. You have a lot more control but it's a little slower at first. If you can wear that blazer you are doing great. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: luv2sew
Date: 01-26-2005, 09:57 AM (6 of 9)
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Little Grey Kitty: There is a neat buttonhole cutter that will help in eliminating cutting too far. It is a chisel and small wood block. This has worked very well for me.
Luv2sew
An act of kindness is never wasted!! |
User: luv2sew
Member since: 05-21-2004 Total posts: 174 
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From: grandmasue
Date: 01-26-2005, 10:38 AM (7 of 9)
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Your first attempt at sewing you do a blazer and facing all the obsticles you had, and still end up with a jacket you can wear. SUPER JOB! You sound fearless and undaunted in your efferts and you will have great things in your future
Grandma Sue
------------ At the end I am not showing up at my grave all pretty and well preserved...I am coming in sliding, yelling "What a ride!" |
User: grandmasue
Member since: 10-26-2004 Total posts: 138 
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From: LittleGreyKitty
Date: 01-28-2005, 11:16 PM (8 of 9)
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I will definitely have to do something different next time I try a buttonhole. I was so furious when that sucker ripped right down the front! Oh man. The husband thought I was on fire or something. No, no, it was just *the very last thing I had to do* and I thought I was done! Ah well, it wasn't as bad as I thought, just an extra half inch or so. Ironically enough, I'm finding a ridiculously simple skirt pattern to be less likely to be wearable (a whole three, count 'em, three pieces). Silly! I may give up, the cat has cheerily ruined the fabric by grubbing his big hairy pointy paws on it. (It was a tester I was making before trying the expensive fabric.) After all, we play with thread, excitingly crackly paper, and cozy fabric for feline enjoyment, right? Of course! 
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User: LittleGreyKitty
Member since: 01-23-2005 Total posts: 3
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From: mommydionne
Date: 01-30-2005, 10:37 AM (9 of 9)
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what is it with cats? Mine only ever liked to lay on the quilt I was actually working on at the time, she would actually growl when I moved her!
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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