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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: temom
Date: 01-24-2007, 08:32 AM (1 of 11)
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Hi Everyone! I've been lurking for quite a while, and finally took the plunge and registered. For a long time I thought everyone was just too advanced. Well, you are all more advanced, but seem like the friendly type who don't mind helping those of us in our babysteps. I've been officially sewing for 11 months now. I've had a sewing machine for years, but it was so incredibly hard to use and frustrating, that it just took up space. Then when our carpet was ruined in our sunroom (aluminum add-on), and my husband refused to install another, I knew I had to do something. The room is 12 X 20 feet, and 3 sides of it are glass. Without the carpet the noise was very uncomfortable (I have 2 kids, ages 12 and 6). About a bazillion years ago (maybe a bazillion and a half), I had read an article about making a floor cloth. I thought that might be a viable alternative to carpeting, so I forged ahead, making it up as I went along. Well now I know how not to make a floor cloth! I made tons of mistakes, but it is done. In the process, I killed my sewing machine -no love lost there. My little one really wanted me to make something for her when I finished the project, and I promised I would. So I set out to make a little sleeveless dress for her, and matching shorts. The machine just wouldn't work halfway through the shorts, so I ended up going to the only dealer in town and plunking down a huge amount of money (in my opinion, not their's) for a very nice machine that I love love love. So I've been learning ever since, reading books and trying things. There are so many things that I want to try but either haven't worked up the courage or the time to do, but I am ever the optimist. This Christmas I received a serger, so I have another toy that I don't play with as much as I'd like to. OK, that is probably more information than anyone wanted. 
Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410 
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From: IsabelleB
Date: 01-24-2007, 09:08 AM (2 of 11)
Welcome, Temom! You'll find the boards are twice as much fun now you've officially delurked.  (I don't visit and participate as often as I'd like, but I do enjoy each and every time I do manage to come over here!) Congrats on the new machine and the serger! You're all set to improve by leaps and bounds now. That floor cloth sounds interesting, by the way! What kind of material did you use for it? You must be so proud to have made this, I bet it makes you smile every time you tread on it! (it would for me!)
Isabelle
Sewing blog: Kitty Couture |
User: IsabelleB
Member since: 10-25-2006 Total posts: 265 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 01-24-2007, 04:42 PM (3 of 11)
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temom, muddling through is my _favorite_ way to learn new things! There are so many good things that come from it. For ex, you burned out a machine, but then you went and got a new one, and it's a better match b/c you got it with some experience under your belt to help you choose. Fiddle around, visit often, and make sure you leave yourself time in your sewing room!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-24-2007, 04:59 PM (4 of 11)
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Hi Temom and welcome to Sew Whats New. I love making kids clothes. Go to the Sewing for Children forum and ask all the questions you like. There are loads of people to meet there who will be more than happy to give suggestions and advice.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: lendube
Date: 01-24-2007, 09:47 PM (5 of 11)
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Hi Temom, How brave you are! You'll do great. Plugging ahead is the best way to learn. Now you've got the right tools. Good luck, Lennie
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User: lendube
Member since: 08-06-2006 Total posts: 1548 |
From: temom
Date: 01-24-2007, 10:10 PM (6 of 11)
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Thanks everyone. IsabelleB, I used canvas, in the form of painters' drop cloths. I bought 3 of them at a home improvement store, sewed them together, then put family pics on them with iron on transfers that you put through your computer. I then sealed it with wood floor sealer, and layed it over carpet padding. It was all an experiment, and I had a ton of set backs, but overall I am pleased. There is one picture that is messed up from something heavy being dragged across it, but that is ok with me, as it isn't something that I thought would last forever.
Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: grandma C
Date: 01-24-2007, 10:57 PM (7 of 11)
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Temom, welcome, I'm new too. I am Just beginning to sew again after 20+ years and terrible sewing machines also. I have carpet from the 1960's-70's. I want it replaced but just can't afford hardwood and do not want more carpet. Floor cloths like you made sounds wonderful. How inventive!!!!!! I hope you share some of the pitfalls with us! So I know what not to do. Grandma C |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
From: temom
Date: 01-26-2007, 11:49 AM (8 of 11)
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Grandma C, I'll post in the Home Dec forum as soon as I have a few minutes.
Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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From: Sancin
Date: 01-26-2007, 08:13 PM (9 of 11)
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Temom I add my welcome. Don't be nervous about being a beginner. I am a looooong time sewer and quilter and I am continually surprised at how fast beginners move ahead in sewing and how much they accomplish!! Makes me wish I was starting over .... with a new machine like Andrea mentions!! *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: PaulineG
Date: 01-27-2007, 03:56 AM (10 of 11)
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Welcome from another who not so long ago felt like I was taking baby steps too. I'm certainly not anywhere near as advanced as many of them here but confidence can take you a long way. The assistance (and interest and support) of others also helps a lot. You've come to exactly the right place.
Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: temom
Date: 01-28-2007, 10:48 PM (11 of 11)
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I finally posted about the floor cloth in the Home Dec forum!
Theresa
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User: temom
Member since: 01-19-2007 Total posts: 410
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