Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Shai
Date: 10-29-2006, 02:26 PM (1 of 8)
|
I've found the most wonderful books to help me learn and expand my skills in making bags - however - I'm having a terrible time figuring out the transfer directions. They are laid out in the book as one square equals two inches. I'm with them here. But, of course, some of the pattern pieces are drawn in curves and scallops and ovals, which cover only parts of certain squares and then it's left up to me (bad choice) to figure out if a pattern is taking up 1/4 inch or 1/5 or 2/3 etc. Unfortunately, up to now, I've always guessed wrong. My bag don't come out right because the measurements are off.  Then, to add insult to my injury (throwing away projects upsets my stomach - there are only so many times you can rip things out and re-cut them) some of the pattern pieces are laid within others. ie: facing for a bag will be included inside the lines of the pattern for the body of the bag. The base of the bag will be included partially inside the pattern piece of a flap or some other part. When this happens I'm not sure if they mean for me to cut the underlying pattern piece to include the width of the overlying pattern piece or to cut the bottom pattern only to the lines of the top pattern....  I can't tell you how stupid I feel. I think I must be the only living person who can't figure this out. These books sell. They are very popular - they wouldn't be unless the bags they show (which are very nice) could actually be made. Maybe I'm not destined to work with fabric and a sewing machine. Is it possible some people aren't?  Shai |
User: Shai
Member since: 09-05-2006 Total posts: 17 |
From: Magot
Date: 10-29-2006, 03:36 PM (2 of 8)
|
Would it be easier to photocopy or scan the patterns and then enlarge them to the right size?
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
|
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-29-2006, 11:48 PM (3 of 8)
|
Shai, don't feel bad! We all have those 'moments' when we are ready to toss the machine into the garbage and burn the whole lot of stash. Is there a friend you have who does a lot of sewing or someone at a store that sells fabric and machines that can help?? Sometimes all I need is to show it to my mother in law and between the two of us we get it figured out. Good luck!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: EmaCon
Date: 10-31-2006, 03:55 AM (4 of 8)
|
"When all else fails, read the directons." You mention the grid and pattern layout but do not say if there are assembling instructions included in the book as well. Perhaps there are some general guidelines somewhere at the beginning that tell you how to handle the parts marked within other parts? I know that even if they exist, sometimes the directions are so short and cryptic they may as well not be there. |
User: EmaCon
Member since: 07-28-2006 Total posts: 67 |
From: Shai
Date: 11-01-2006, 02:50 PM (5 of 8)
|
Magot - Bridesmom - Emacon; thank you all so much for your thoughts, advice and comiseration. I'm still trying to figure out these odd directions. Yes, there are some general assembly directions at the beginning of the book - however, the couple of questions I have are not addressed there. I guess I need to do more trial and error - and allow that to be okay. My mom had a wonderful saying - being the incredible cook she was - ' you don't get great chicken soup unless you allow the scum to come to the top and carefully skim it off.' So, I guess all these thow aways are the scum and the great soup will be the wonderful projects I get finished after. love to all; Shai |
User: Shai
Member since: 09-05-2006 Total posts: 17 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-02-2006, 05:59 PM (6 of 8)
|
Most of the time when pieces are laid out like that, they overlay some to save space.. Usually you need to cut each piece , and if there is an overlay, it only means that the piece underneath needs to cover all of that space also.. In other words if you have a top, and the facing is overlaying the neckline, then you need the facing piece, and then the neckline underneath that would be cut on the larger piece (the top) also.. I am confusing myself trying to answer your ??.. Sorry..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: sewmuchfun
Date: 11-06-2006, 03:00 PM (7 of 8)
|
Shari You said that each square = 2" What is the measurement of the square in the book... Say for arguement sake the square in the book is 1" and you need to transfer the directions to 2".. The top curve is on 1/4" the bottom curve is on 3/8" You would transfer those measurement to 1/2" for top and 3/4 for the bottom then you would connect the dots.. I would take several measurements on a curve.. Maybe 5. The top, bottom, middle and 1/4 marks that way you get the curve even... Hope this helps This is how I scale baby clothing to make doll clothing.. it's really easy once you've done it a couple of times MM Marilyn
Sewforme Stashaway |
User: sewmuchfun
Member since: 07-22-2005 Total posts: 67 |
From: Shai
Date: 11-07-2006, 02:54 PM (8 of 8)
|
Oh, thank you, thank you Libby and MM - both of your posts are wonderful and helpful. I just love this forum. Shai |
User: Shai
Member since: 09-05-2006 Total posts: 17 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-20569.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft