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: MaryW
Date: 04-17-2007, 08:38 AM (1 of 32)
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I have a pattern graciously donated by www.petitepluspatterns.com for a Jean Jacket. This pattern is designed for women with full curves, narrow shoulders and rounded tummy. Kathleen Cheetham's perfect fit guide with instructions is included. Sizes 14-24 included. Posting will begin now until midnight April 24/07. Post here and tell us about your greatest achievement in sewing for yourself. It could be anything from a fitting technique to a drop dead gorgeous outfit. You can post as many times as you want as long as the posts apply to the topic and contribute something to the overall challenge. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 04-17-2007, 10:35 AM (2 of 32)
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OHHH! I love that pattern. Narrow shoulders, full bust, and rounded tummy. It is like they built that pattern just for me. So I guess I need to post about my greatest achievement. My greatest achievment in sewing for myself happened 16 yrs ago. I have been sewing for as long as I can remember but I have always had self confidence issues. So every step of the way when I was sewing something I would ask my mom "Did I do this right?" I would not go on to the next step until she said it was OK. So there I was, my senior year in highschool. I needed a prom dress. Mom took me to the store helped me buy the pattern and fabric and got me started on the dress. Then in the middle of my making the dress she up and goes to spend two weeks with my brother. I was so frustrated! "How could she leave me to do this alone" I thought. I took a lot of will power to finish that dress without my mom there to tell me I was doing it right. Mom returned home just in time to help me with the final fitting (I remember making my date wait while I did some last minute sewing). The dress fit wonderfully and even stayed up (strapless). I learned so much in making that dress. Not only did it build up my self confidence tremendously but I learned how to budget my time. I was going to school and working 40 hours a week. I was not in one of those job programs so I attended a full day of school. I had to work out a deal with my sewing teacher so that I could work on my dress during class and I even stayed after school until it was time to go to work (right across the street). I also learned how important it is that if you set something aside to finish one thing you need to work extra hard to finish the thing that was set aside. I had to stay after on the last day of school sewing button holes and buttons on the blouse that I needed to finish in order to pass my sewing class.  I also learned the value of a true friend. My best friend dug through her mom's sewing stash to find me enough buttons to finish my blouse and brought them to school for me. She couldn't find enough of one type so they were half white and half black. My sewing teacher was willing to let me slide so that I could have all matching buttons but I thought it was better to use what my friend gave to me. Really those two garments, the dress and the blouse, are worth so much more than the piece of paper I was handed when I graduated. Both garments still hang in my closet and I can still wear the blouse (big oversized clothes from the early 90's fit nicely on the big oversized mom of the milenium). So that, my friends, is my biggest sewing achievement. The two garments that took me from a school girl to a young woman ready to tackle the world.
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 04-17-2007, 08:44 PM (3 of 32)
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I always found that I could sew for others and do a beautiful job, but when I sewed for myself, I usually ended up tossing it, cause it either didn't fit or looked horrible. I learned after sewing my daughters wedding dress, which found me this forum, that I needed to take my time and sew each item like it was for someone special. Now I find I can sew for myself and be proud of what I've made, and I love it when someone says, did you MAKE that??? Can you make one for me??? I don't remember who gave me that tidbit of information, but honestly, it made a whole world of difference for me. Thanks SWN! Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: pucktricks
Date: 04-17-2007, 10:12 PM (4 of 32)
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Okay, well I missed the part about for myself at first......... Because I had a different answer in mind then. Now this question is much harder........ OH! I know, I made a maternity Renaissance costume for myself, which turned out really cool, and I love to pieces, that or another maternity dress. Both, of which I didn't wear often enough to hate them, and I'm actually thinking of sometime changing it into a normal dress, they just turned out so well. Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: pucktricks
Date: 04-17-2007, 10:14 PM (5 of 32)
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But, my favorite thing I made, that I just got back, was a dress up outfit for my nephew when he was 2. It was a knight outfit, and I used super hi-loft batting, 2 layers, and then did all sorts of cool looking quilting to look like muscles, it turned out so neat, he's outgrown it and my boys are now playing with it. Once I fix the velcro that is. Of course, I need to get cloth to make a second, because they both want to wear it, and there's only one  .Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570
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From: texasmom_35
Date: 04-17-2007, 10:25 PM (6 of 32)
My biggest sewing achievement has to be one that was enjoyed by many people, family, friends and visitors. I moved back to my small home town and moved back into a house I had for 10 years. The home is older and has MANY windows, 22 to be exact. I need certain things for these windows; extra long, extra wide on some, and something that would cut down on the sunlight allowed in and the heat/cold allowed to escape from my home. I figured out that the perfect curtain was one I would have to make myself, fabric of choice with insulation (old quilts) between them. These curtains are more like a quilt for each window but do exactly what I need them to. Because of the curtains that I made our heating and cooling cost were greatly dropped and enjoyed over the last 2 years. Currently I am in the process of moving to yet another old and large home that will require me to sew another 19 curtains for even larger and longer and much older windows; the home is 100 years old  . Because of my wonderful experience with my first curtains I will be doing the same basic curtain but the face of the curtains will be a quilt that I will make myself.
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User: texasmom_35
Member since: 08-05-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 04-17-2007, 10:58 PM (7 of 32)
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My biggest accomplishment I have sewn for myself was my wedding dress & veil. It was an empire waist dress in white satin crepe with a lace overlay on the bodice & cuffs & Lace trim all around the bottom. The veil was floor length & had matching trim around the bottom & medallians of lace stitched randomly around the veil.That was over 28 years ago. I think it was special because it was for my special day with the most special man in my life. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
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From: Judi
Date: 04-17-2007, 11:25 PM (8 of 32)
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One of my best memories of a sewing challenge was back in '81 - just a few months after my DH passed. My DS and his girlfriend/fiance came to me one day, in late January. They told me they wanted to get married - really soon. No, they were not expecting, they thought getting married ought to come first. They'd chosen a date only 3 weeks or so away, because 'that's the only day you don't have anything on your calendar, Mom' they said. We talked, and they wanted to get married across the street, in the park, and have a small reception here, at home. "Nothing much Mom, we know we can't do that." DS would be wearing his 'top hat and tails, (he was a chimney sweep) I then asked my soon to be DDIL what she would be wearing. Looking a bit sad, she 'didn't know'. I knew her mom would do nothing [that type] so I asked her what she'd hoped to be married in. I asked her if she wanted satin and lace. She kind of nodded, knowing that would not happen - they had a very tiny budget. Well, if that's what she wanted, that's what she'd get. Even though I was working full time, and had a very busy schedule with my OES commitments, I made designed the dress - white satin, with an empire waist, very full skirt with lace around the neckline, waist, and hem. I hand stitched the lace motifs onto the short veil too. I also made the wedding cake [36' top to table] and with DD's help we did the hors d'ourves too. It was a beautiful wedding, and they are still married, 26 years later. And she still gives me the very best DDIL hugs.
Judi
Sewing is almost better than Chocolate. |
User: Judi
Member since: 06-22-2000 Total posts: 85 |
From: IsabelleB
Date: 04-18-2007, 05:44 AM (9 of 32)
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My greatest achievement remains the first dress I made. I was teaching myself how to sew (boy were the Internet and those boards of help!), and didn't have a sewing machine as we were living in the US (I couldn't buy a machine as I couldn't have brought it back to France). I so much wanted to make a dress anyway, that I decided to bite the bullet and sew it by hand. The fabric was a lilac broadcloth bought at Britex Fabrics in San Francisco. The pattern was a vintage one from the 1970s, which I'd got off Ebay. You can see the dress here (http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/kittyzabelle/SewingGarmentsCoutureVTements/photo#5037363561579363362). It was exactly 3 years ago (I sewed it in April, 2004). Yes, I have made many clothes since then, and have learned lots, but never as much as with that first dress. I think sewing it completely by hand was a wonderful way to learn - it gave me time to think thoroughly about the next step while sewing a part. It's funny, I've been thinking about it a good deal lately, as I'm currently making a Vintage Vogue dress which requires lots of hand-sewing. (you can see my progress here (http://e-zabelle.blogspot.com/2007/04/vogue-dress-for-spring-summer-spring.html)) This is bringing back all the memories of that first, completely hand-sewn, dress. Sewing by hand is so soothing and accurate - you know exactly what you are doing. (PS: I'm not posting to win, just for the love of sharing an experience with fellow seamsters. The pattern doesn't correspond to my body type, I'd rather someone else had it!  )
Isabelle
Sewing blog: Kitty Couture |
User: IsabelleB
Member since: 10-25-2006 Total posts: 265 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 04-18-2007, 09:26 AM (10 of 32)
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Isabelle you are incredibly talented. I cannot believe the job you did on your first dress - handsewn no less and you just keep getting better and better. Of course you could make anything look good but even when the photos are taken on dress forms they look terrific. BTW did you never consider a longer version of the Olivia gown for your wedding dress? Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: jwright
Date: 04-18-2007, 03:58 PM (11 of 32)
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My greatest sewing achivement was a turkey that I hand sewed when I was about 12. I still have that turkey (and require it to be hung in my house somewhere at all times). It was a kit from Wal-Mart. I was bored one weekend and my parents let me get it to keep me busy. It took all weekend and lots of help from my mom but I eventually finished it. I entered it in the city fair and won $3.00 for it, and a first place ribbon. I have a sewing machine now but boy am I still proud!! Jen |
User: jwright
Member since: 12-28-2006 Total posts: 96 
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From: Jayde877
Date: 04-18-2007, 05:47 PM (12 of 32)
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I don't know that my post will qualify or not but here goes. I don't sew much for myself, it is very hard for me to correctly fit myself, I need to make my own body form with duct tape or something. Anyway, I have sewn a few things for myself, but none that I am extremely proud of. I do however love the bandana outfits I made for my daughter. They are actually made out of 98 cent bandanas from Wal Mart. I loved the colors and patterns they had on them and I thought they would make an adorable outfit. The pants are standard pattern, nothing special there, but on both I designed the tops myself. I have had so many compliments on these outfits, more than anything else I have made. And many people have tried to tell me to make a bunch up and sell them, but I haven't had time. You can see the bandana outfits here, I made the pink and blue one first, my daughter has since outgrown it and we have passed it on to my niece. The green one still fits I do believe. http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jayde778/album/576460762373152461#page1 |
User: Jayde877
Member since: 07-27-2005 Total posts: 106 
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From: Cathie.Tombs
Date: 04-18-2007, 07:25 PM (13 of 32)
| This is a great idea. I am very hard to fit, with a lot of petite proportions, D cup, yet long legs and arms. I am learning how to fit, thanks to you lovely ladies, and Hubby's patience, and "scientific" mind (measurements). However, just before I "met" you ladies, and started to have Hubby help me, I made a dress I love. I made it of vintage rayon, and altered a Butterick, as best as I knew how. The dress is funky, cheerful, and well- made. Also, I did not notice a small tear in fabric before I cut, and embroidered over it, on the machine, and this looks like part of the design. I love Kathleen's patterns. So will keep fingers crossed! |
User: Cathie.Tombs
Member since: 08-27-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: grandma C
Date: 04-18-2007, 11:22 PM (14 of 32)
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I havn't sewn for myself a lot because I am hard to fit now. When I was younger I made a few things I liked to wear. One was a knit dress and I made self knit banding gor collar and sleeves. I enjoyed that dress. That was when I was using a worn out Singer that was given to me. (It probably wasn't as worn out as that I didn't know how to take care of it and didn't know to change the needle often or what dirrection the bobbin should wind or to not use cheap thread). Other than that I made my boys clothing for a few years while money was short and I wasn't working. I got pretty good at those fly zippers. I got where I would cut a pattern apart and cut parts out of different fabric and put together a sharp looking shirt or pants. I especially enjoyed making the boys backpacks and overalls. I (made Charlie the oldest a suit coat for Easter one time and had to pin the linning in because it still wasn't finished on easter morning. I told him not to unbutten his coat. I also made some langerie and sold it. My greatest accomplishment though is getting back to sewing after not having time for many years and now though I work two jobs I am bac to sewing most of the time that I am free. Grandma C (Belinda) My Mom was an excellent seamstress and I could never measure up to her quality work. I had to overcome my fear of failing to be as good at sewing as she was. |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
From: MotherInLaw
Date: 04-19-2007, 01:36 AM (15 of 32)
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That's ME!!!! I'm chunky and Petite. 5'0ft. I love the patterns on that site I'll have to order some of those pj's. My most accomplished thing I've sewn I think besides the quilt I just finished was a dress I made last year. It was a sleeveless dress, sort of a shift type with buttons down the front with a nice large collar. I trimmed the collar with a scolloped lace. I really liked the fit until I gained weight so I guess that will be a goal for me to lose enough to get it to fit again. I think the thing that makes me feel so good about making my clothes is the way I can finish them to make them my own. A little of this or that and no one else has one. It's my own. I'm regressing back into my youth, I just have to figure out how I'm going to convience my body to come along with me.
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User: MotherInLaw
Member since: 06-25-2005 Total posts: 1118 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 04-19-2007, 08:34 AM (16 of 32)
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Part of one of my favorite pieces was just finding the fabric. My mother-in-law bought me a super heavy fleece coat. It was reversible with brown on one side and polar bears on the other. It was warm and toasty but those bears made me cold! I decided I wanted to make one like it -- but with palm trees on one side and flamingos on the other. Well darn if I couldn't find fleece with palm trees or flamingos. I looked for a couple years, in JoAnn Fabrics and on line. Then I found the palm trees. I was so excited. Not cartoon ones either but those ethnic style ones that were popular a few years ago. I was half way there!! Flamingos, Flamingos. I bought some cotton with pink, orange and purple flamingos. I appliqued them to the bottom of the olive green fleece I cut for the reverse side of the coat and proceeded to wear that coat out. Oh yeah, I got some palm tree and some flamingo buttons to match. The jacket is falling apart now but I still wore it all winter to take the dog out. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: CodyGramma
Date: 04-19-2007, 10:24 AM (17 of 32)
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I too am chunky and petite...5'2" ...but I didn't use to be! I look at pics of myself from years ago and can't believe I ever had that "smokin hot body!" LOL I made myself a dress out of something other than cotton one time and I guess that would have to be my greatest ever achievement....I truly can't remember what the fabric was called...but it was a very silky, shimmery green floral and I had quite a time managing putting that dress together...however, I did finally get it done and wore it many times.... years later, my skinny sister needed a dress for an occasion and I borrowed it to her and later when she went to return it I told her to just keep it as I was quite certain I would never be able to wear it again! LOL I don't know if she still has it or not...but I have a picture of her wearing it to that party and she looks great in it! |
User: CodyGramma
Member since: 04-22-2005 Total posts: 133 
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From: smessier
Date: 04-19-2007, 12:17 PM (18 of 32)
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I've got an odd shaped body...big on top and average on bottom. I wear a RTW size 14/16 on top and a ten on bottom AND I'm only 5' 1/2" (that half inch is important!!). Needless to say, I am very hard to fit these last several years. Last year, though, I really took my time and concentrated. I made myself a beautiful jade-colored wool jersey top that I beaded around the neckline. It fits great and I always get compliments on it. I feel like a million bucks every time I wear it, and that feeling is a rarity these days for me. The beads are starting to fall off now, so I think I'll use it as a sloper type garment to judge the fit for future projects. Of course, I could re-bead it, too! Sandy |
User: smessier
Member since: 09-03-2004 Total posts: 114 |
From: h2ofitchef
Date: 04-19-2007, 02:28 PM (19 of 32)
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My greatest achievement is saving money... I'll never understand why one would spend $20 to $30 for pajama pants that are poorly made and adverstise for someone elses profit. I love making my extended family personalized pants that match their interests usually for less than $5! Pam |
User: h2ofitchef
Member since: 09-28-2006 Total posts: 14 |
From: leta
Date: 04-20-2007, 03:05 PM (20 of 32)
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A young lady contacted me about making her a riding costume for a particular type of horse show - I think it was called English Dressage. I was not familiar with this style ridding or costume and she had no pattern or picture of what she wanted, only a vision in her mind. She wanted it made from a heavy gray velveteen. The skirt was to be for sidesaddle riding so it was not the same length all around to fit the side saddle. Since I had no way of knowing what the lengths of the skirt should be, she brought her saddle and its wooden stand to my apartment! She wanted a fitted jacket, bolero lenght with a 4 inch peplum that had a gathered overlay in the front so that it would give her two pockets on the jacket. The sleeves were full to slightly below the elbow and then from there down fitted tightly to her wrist. The front of the jacket had a rolled collar and covered buttons down the front and the sleeves also had covered button closing for the last 3 inches. The only commercial pattern I could find for any of this was for a fitted bolero jacket with regular sleeves and a rolled collar. She brought me one of her old riding skirts to make a pattern from. After much cutting and fitting of muslin trials, I succeeded in making just what she wanted! The best part was when she wore it in a very prestigious horse show and was given the top prize for her costume! Unfortunately, the story has an unhappy ending. Approximately 1 year later she was walking her dogs on a country road in Mass. and was killed by an unknown killer! After the experience of making this costume, wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, etc. seem like a "piece of cake" to me when I have a real pattern! Oleta in Missouri |
User: leta
Member since: 08-27-1999 Total posts: 1 |
From: Hogmami
Date: 04-20-2007, 08:06 PM (21 of 32)
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I guess the best thing for me was finally making a quilt that was square. When I first started quilting, my quilts where a little lop sided. Since than I have gone on to make lots of quilted bags and quilted jackets. I love the jackets. The first one I made is wearing out.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: Just Duckee
Date: 04-21-2007, 11:15 AM (22 of 32)
| ..is making jeans that fit! I took a Sandra Betzina pattern, her article in Threads magazine, some poly/cotton for a test garment, some great denim, and over a weekend I learned to make jeans for myself that really fit ME. I have always loved and worn jeans but never had a pair that actually looked good - in 63 years!! Yahoo! |
User: Just Duckee
Member since: 05-29-2002 Total posts: 10 |
From: esrun3
Date: 04-21-2007, 12:37 PM (23 of 32)
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I love that jacket pattern! Ok, here goes. My parents back in (I think) 1977 went to Thailand. They brought back the most beautiful rose colored silk for me. I made a very simple sheath dress with an elastic waist out of it. I was so proud of that dress as I was a little short on fabric and of course, couldn't match it here. So with much planning and tripidation at making a mistake and messing up the fabric, I forged ahead. It turned out well and I still have it, even though I can't begin to get into it now. I can't bear the thought of cutting it up and making something else out of it or of getting rid of it. It is a beautiful reminder to me of a time my parents enjoyed and of a special gift to me. Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: jmm
Date: 04-21-2007, 01:02 PM (24 of 32)
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It is so hard to sew for yourself, but over the years I have accomplished it a few times. One of the times I was really proud of what I had done was when my children were small. I wanted dresses and hats for myself and my girls that all matched - Mother and Daughter outfits. I had to combine 3 different patterns to make what I wanted and have them all match. Whenever we wore them, some people that knew me knew I had made them, and it was the highest compliment to have someone say it was impossible that they were "Homemade"! I have always felt it is a compliment to make them guess! |
User: jmm
Member since: 02-23-2007 Total posts: 2 |
From: kmtpaints
Date: 04-21-2007, 01:36 PM (25 of 32)
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It's funny you posted this contest at this time when I had just completed my greatest sewing accomplishment. My Grandma taught me to quilt at 12 years old and started me out with the 9 patch. I hand stitched the blocks together and Grandma set the top together for me. Well years went by and when I was around 35 I decided I would hand quilt it. Grandma hadn't taught me about actually quilting it and she wasn't here to ask. I had a sheet and purchased some very fluffy batting and layered everything together and pinned it together with straight pins. Yes, you read right. My husband bought me a lap quilt frame and I got busy. The batting was too thick and it was not very easy to quilt by hand. Well, things came up and time went by and the quilt got laid to the side. But last weekend I woke up trying to decide which project to tackle that day and thought of the quilt. I spent all day Saturday finishing the hand sewing, then making binding, and attaching, and then I printed a label with the history of the quilt and made a pocket out of it and put it on the quilt back and put some extra binding in the pocket and an extra copy of the history I had printed on fabric. I washed the quilt and put it on the bed. It wasn't the best workmanship. It was puckered, the stitches were uneven and had thread loops on the back and the sheet backing barely reached the top edge on one side. But each time I worked with the quilt or when I see it, I think of my Grandma and the memories we made. It took 37 years but I finally completed my first hand-made quilt!! Grandma would be so proud.
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User: kmtpaints
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 3 |
From: Sancin
Date: 04-21-2007, 04:44 PM (26 of 32)
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I made a drop dead dress when I was a swinging single - many years ago, but the dress stands out in my mind. It was a Vogue designer dress - a simple sheath dress with a zipper down the back (Jackie Kennedy style and that period). I made it out of fine worsted wool and lined it. I would kill to find fabric like it anywhere now. The top part of the dress to where the bust darts would be was was black with short fitted sleeves. From there down it was lime green. The black from the top came down in a V from just under the bust to the hem line. Very striking. The biggest challenge for me was to get the point of the V exactly at the hem line. I am short and need to adjust everything so it was a challenge. I still dream about that dress tho heaven knows I would not fit it now but I could wear it and it would still be a drop dead dress and not old fashioned - if dresses were in. I have had other clothing I remember with joy but invariably it is the fabric I recall rather than the design or challenge of the article of clothing. Like a simple unfitted jacket made out of drop dead black velvet with small abstract prints in many colours. The first time I wore it I wore it to a graduation ceremony over another intriguingly fitted Vogue dress made of bright pink silk noire. I was a little late entering the church where the ceremony was held and everyone stopped talking and stared as I came down to the faculty seats and a few of my colleagues gasped. I wondered I had tucked my dress into my panty hose!! *~*~*~* 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: Shellymoon
Date: 04-22-2007, 12:05 AM (27 of 32)
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My favorite sewing project was inspired by a garment that I saw in a sale ad. It was a simple button up shirt with animal print accents. I made the simple black shirt, then made the sleeves out of a brown/black animal print (can't identify the animal, sorry!). The fabric was also repeated on the front pocket and collar. Then, I made a reversible vest out of the fabric and some nice black lining. I made a pair of black pants that went with it. I got a lot of mileage out of that outfit and still have about 1 1/2 yards of the fabric in my stash. I had planned to make a skirt and never did. Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: CCCQuilter
Date: 04-22-2007, 12:27 AM (28 of 32)
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I made my winter coat this year; not my first time, but I so pleased with it - I wore it all winter! I used tan camel hair fabric I inherited from my mother and scraps of suede close I had on hand to free-hand color block strips on the front, and embroidered Jacobean florals on the front. I free handed the pockets and later created a pattern for the hood. I also embroidered my initial on the pocket. The entire coat is lined with a tan polyester lining and I used some of the suede scraps and made strips from one of the color blocks and sewed them all around the edge instead of a hem. I found some very unusual buttons and made loops from my suede scraps and as the buttons were not shank buttons I used buttonhole thread and did my own shanks. I have received a LOT of compliments on it; most are astonished that I made it myself. I also made a heavier winter coat a few years ago that I still use and did some seminole piecing across the front in denims and calicoes; the wood is a denim color; I lined it in the best coat lining that has still not shredded to this day after several years wear. I wish I could post a pic of my new coat/jacket. I have made both my daughter wedding outfits and many of my own clothes, including clothing I wear to work. I teach a class of junior high girls in my home twice a month to give them the skills they can enjoy and employ for a lifetime in sewing and decorating their own things, and by doing so hope to be able to pass on my own enjoyment of the creative process of sewing. I have also made well over 25 or more quilts that have been given to expectant parents. Sewing affords me a creative outlet that is sew very enjoyable, and my sewing/embroidery machine gives me great pleasure in even more creative abilities. Catherin F. Clark Proud owner of a Pfaff 2140/70 Cathy Clark
Embroidery from the Heart www.fromtheheartembroidery.com |
User: CCCQuilter
Member since: 06-05-2004 Total posts: 1
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From: morningrose
Date: 04-23-2007, 12:02 PM (29 of 32)
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First - I love reading about everyone's experiences, this is a wonderful idea to add to the forum. My greatest acheivement to date would have to be the first suit I made. During my first pregnancy, I needed business clothing, but couldn't afford to purchase maternity suits, so I decided to make one. If anyone has looked, there isn't much variety in maternity patterns, so I found a basic pattern and made all my own adjustments and details. Oddly enough, for my first suit and semi-custom outfit, I had very little difficulty. Also, I received many compliments on how well it fit and looked on me, even before anyone knew I made it. The best part though was afterwards - It sold in a consignment for $65. This is by far one of the biggest reasons I have since started custom sewing to include historic, prom and weddding wear. There aren't many choices in this type of wear either, so I've learned to drape and draft patterns myself. Raven
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User: morningrose
Member since: 12-16-2004 Total posts: 15 |
From: MaryW
Date: 04-25-2007, 09:45 AM (30 of 32)
Challenge is closed! Thank you everyone for your wonderful stories. I will announce the winner soon. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: MaryW
Date: 05-02-2007, 11:46 AM (31 of 32)
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And the winner is..........................drum roll please.....leta. Congratulations! Your story was most compelling and heartfelt. It showed how perseverance and a little sewing know how can really be recognized and appreciated. Please email me privately <email address removed for privacy> with your real name and mailing address so I may send out your prize. Congratulations again. Thanks everyone for your stories. You are all winners with me. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: MaryW
Date: 05-17-2007, 09:12 AM (32 of 32)
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Leta has not responded in two weeks to claim her prize. I will announce a new winner this week. Stay tuned, it may be you.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
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