I took my first class, “Intro to Garment Sewing” a few weeks ago with Jean Sando at Modern Textiles. You want to know what I learned? I learned I should have taken a class 6 months ago, before I started to sew garments. Below is a picture of Jean and I.
She had the perfect mix of humor and knowledge. I like humor. Humor makes even the most annoying experience fun. That is why I married my husband. He is annoying but funny, so I keep him.
Anyway, Jean said that when starting your garment sewing journey, you should start with a nice cotton woven fabric. You should stay away from things like plaid or knit.
My first project…plaid.
My second project, also plaid.
My third project…KNIT!
Seriously, I am not making this up. No cotton woven fabric for me. Why? Because no one told me! Now I know! I have spent many hours ripping and starting over. “It’s called ripping not picking, ladies.” Jean says. I am pretty sure I am a picker, but that is a discussion for another day.
Apparently, you should not start with plaid because it is hard to line up the pattern on the seams. I agree, this is a very hard thing to do. That is why I do not do it.
The thing is, I DO NOT CARE. Is this because I am just beginning, and have so many other things to worry about? Will I care once I get better at sewing? It seems anyone over the age of 50 cares about matched plaids. My mother-in-law cares, Kerry cares, Jean cares. “It’s the difference between a well-made garment and a crappy one.” I get that…kind of. All of my friends couldn’t care less, I couldn’t care less. I am curious about your thoughts. Please leave your comments below. I truly would love to know.
Knits are hard because they are “rolly”. If you read my blog last week, you know my struggle! I will completely agree that knits are not the easiest of fabrics. However, they are stretchy. I love stretchy. It’s worth the effort in the end!
My take away from this lecture, was that I need to take a class! I signed up for the “Garment Sew In” class on February 23rd from 6-9pm. I’d love it if anyone would like to join me!
My goal is to figure out my actual size. Darren did take my measurements, but we had wine, and I am pretty sure he made my bust a few sizes bigger in hopes it would be true. I will need to re-check.
Jean says that very few people are one size. Most people are in-between sizes. I have been choosing the size that is closest to my measurements and hoping for the best. So far, I have had to alter everything I have made. I would love to not do that! I am putting a lot of pressure on you, Jean! HELP ME!
Long story short, TAKE A CLASS. I think this would have been a smart thing to do. LIVE & LEARN!
Cheers!
Andrea
