Learn something everyday!

It's true what they say - you learn something everyday, at least I do!

Today I read about 50 pages of Fantastic Fit For Every Body by Gale G. Hazen. I had considered not getting this book due to reviews on Amazon.com, but I am now finding it a very nice reference to have and I am dying to try some of the fitting techniques in here. I am by no means obese, but I am slightly overweight and slightly curvy. Anyway....

I found out that the term "petite" does not mean small-boned, it means under 5 feet 1 inch. Or according to some pattern company standards - under 5 feet 4 inches. Well, I am indeed petite! I didn't think I was because of the retail standards for petite which are usually short and very slim. But I am learning more and more that retail stores and pattern companies rely on a "perfect" mannequin. It's really not perfect or even near what Americans or anyone really look like. Flat tummy and very skinny. Not very curvy either.

Only 5 % of people are like that of the mannequin they use because we are all so different in our body shapes. We cannot all aspire to be one body type. There are so many different body types, and I have seen this through experience - I am a massage therapist and see many walks of life and different shapes walk into work.

Anyway, now that I've been reading this wonderful book which I was hesitant to read, I am looking around for some sturdy, semi-cheap tracing paper to practice on. I also want to try out the Lutterloh System I have in my posession. I would just hate having to ruin fabric with pattern alteration. I don't quilt (yet) so I have nothing to do with the scraps I have left over.


I am also trying to get motivated to get off my butt and away from the light of this monitor to sew something up, but I don't want to get discouraged when I am in front of my sewing machine. I actually want a miniature doll to create clothes for, and I just might use my little art buddy mannequin dude, let's call him Woody. He's my posable art model. About 1/15 of the actual size of a person. Hell, maybe less. I need something small to practice on if I can't get tracing paper. I'll even make Woody some fake boobies, haha.

Oh yeah, and here's what my halter currently looks like (sorta)

Threading a Horizontal Sewing Machine

My first video post! I am still considering uploading my sewing journey, but for now, here's how to thread a horizontal sewing machine. The video below is still being processed, so it won't be viewable for a small while.

Video Blogging... hmm

I'm considering also doing video blogs of sewing rants, finds, experiences, and revalations. I just started with my intro today - had to cut down 20 minutes into ten. I still have about 20-30 more seconds to go, but it's getting late so I will cut it down later. I'll post the blog up tomorrow here for you all to see :)

Motivation ensues...

Well, after talking to Ben and my mother today about sewing ...not to mention the wonderful support I have on the Fedora Lounge, I am thinking more often about sewing. And now that I somewhat have a job, I'm seriously thinking of ordering presser feet. 200 dollars worth of 'em. And then after all my mag subscriptions are paid off, I want 12 serger feet and a membership to the American Sewing Guild for more social interaction and more knowledge on sewing, especially hands on.

I also got a look at U Sew at the bookstore today. I'm thinking about getting it from Amazon.com if I decide to get it. They have a sale going on for that book right now. But I don't know if the book is quite for me. The "recipe" idea is cool and all, but I'm not too hip on the "add in" recipe cards - the variations supplied. Not only that, but in my honest opinion, I think her pattern designs are aesthetically atrocious. I liked what she wrote in the book though, I give her that, but the rest of the sections were very basic. I'll have to ponder this one some more in order for me to consider buying it for myself, or convince someone close to me that I'd die without it. It's a pretty hefty bill for a generalized, 'inspirational,' motivational book on sewing.

Yesterday we (Ben and I) went to Target for window clothes shopping (for me)and it helped me realize why I started sewing in the first place. The style of the clothing wasn't bad, I did like it. However, the cut and fit of the garments, at least for me, were not flattering. I had to suck it in and be still. Not only that, but my shoulders are broad, my arms are short, and so are my legs. So I have a medium build on a short body. It motivated me, and discouraged me. I was motivated to sew more, and discouraged to buy retail. Because either way, there'd be sewing involved. Why not make something I like even more in the first place?

Today, we went to Joann's to buy fabric for a friend's birthday present. It's about a week past due, but I haven't talked to her yet, and when I do, I will hope to be done or at least started on her project. Should be fun. I hope she loves her gifts. I love sewing things I know I will be able to sew, it's the difficult things that are frustrating (doesn't that go for all things in life?)

I'm back, full of knowledge, and hesitant to attack.

Helloooo cyberland!

It's been a long while since I've updated this blog, but it's about time for a change. I've been out of home ec (and high school) for almost 2 years now. I don't have much to show for it, except that I'm now interning to be a massage therapist, and I have a library of sewing books.

I might also add that I have accumulated a new Kenmore Serger and Sewing Machine. I love them both, had them both a year and am still teaching myself how to use them. I'll tell you, I've had quite a time with that!

I've made neck pillows, a cat bed, some garments of which several or most don't fit, I have some WIPs that haven't even been in progress for months now, I've made a bath mitt, and well that's about all I can remember for now.

OH! The most IMPORTANT thing to note (as any pattern sewer can probably appreciate) - I now have over 100 patterns, most of which are vintage/retro inspired garment patterns! I do admit to having about 10 or so patterns that I sortof regret ever getting my hands on - things I don't actually need patterns for. ALSO! I've only really sewn a handful of the patterns I do have due to time and money constraints - AND sewing knowledge.

Which brings me to my next point - I have read a lot of books on the subject of home sewing, garment sewing, tailoring, and pattern adjustment. I have yet to really apply any of my knowledge. I have also read books on T-shirt reconstruction (which is getting quite popular if you haven't noticed).

And if ANYONE has been following my blog (Highly doubt it), I have changed my url and my title. I was previously "2much2sew" and I forgot the name my blog was. Well, now I actually do have too much to sew, and too little resources for it. So I am trying to teach myself. It's a hard and trying process, but I have faith in myself.

Signing off - for now,
Humble Stumble aka: cro-knit_monkey