My First Sewing Project
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My First Sewing Project
Okay, I lied. This isn't my first. However, I haven't sewn anything except the edges of my cross stitch projects since I was a teenager. I stopped because I would always get dizzy whenever I leaned over the sewing machine. Now, the anemia I suffered from then is gone. The doctor even told me I don't have to take any iron supplements anymore. Also, my hypotension (low bp) is under better control now. I thought it would be safe to give it another try. Besides, my arm hasn't been letting me stitch for days. I need to be making something. So far, it hasn't made me dizzy.
I decided that a stuffed animal would be a good start. If it winds up a little misshapen, that's okay. I could just say it survived a war. I picked out an elephant pattern that looked easy. I've already done most of the sewing. I just need to rip out some horribly messed up seams before I can continue. Now, story time.
So, I'm coming up on the last leg, the finish in sight, when the thread breaks. That's okay, just rethread the needle and slow down. Then it breaks again. *sigh* Okay, rethread it again. We can do this. It's almost over. Then... The machine stops. What happened? I release the fabric and find... THERE'S A BIG, HORRIBLE MESS OF THREAD UNDER IT!!!! I run to my mommy for help. Mom unjams it, rewinds the bobbin, and tries stitching some more. It jams again. She wiggles the thread and comes to a horrible conclusion: the machine has lost all tension. Oh, no! I broke my mom's sewing machine. I don't know what I did, but I broke it. Everything I touch breaks.
Mom points out the part she thinks is causing the problem and says she'll see if she can fix it tomorrow. I wait until she's fast asleep and break out the tool box. I take the malfunctioning machine apart, look at the part in question, see nothing wrong with it, and put it all back together. I also tighten a single screw in another part of the machine. The next day, Mom tries to sew and... IT WORKS! I FIXED IT!!! Somehow. Either that single loose screw caused a huge problem or the sewing machine was copying Windows. It just needed to be restarted.
Anywho... I'll post pictures later. I'm feeling all muddle-brained right now.
Any tips on seam ripping without using my right arm?
I decided that a stuffed animal would be a good start. If it winds up a little misshapen, that's okay. I could just say it survived a war. I picked out an elephant pattern that looked easy. I've already done most of the sewing. I just need to rip out some horribly messed up seams before I can continue. Now, story time.
So, I'm coming up on the last leg, the finish in sight, when the thread breaks. That's okay, just rethread the needle and slow down. Then it breaks again. *sigh* Okay, rethread it again. We can do this. It's almost over. Then... The machine stops. What happened? I release the fabric and find... THERE'S A BIG, HORRIBLE MESS OF THREAD UNDER IT!!!! I run to my mommy for help. Mom unjams it, rewinds the bobbin, and tries stitching some more. It jams again. She wiggles the thread and comes to a horrible conclusion: the machine has lost all tension. Oh, no! I broke my mom's sewing machine. I don't know what I did, but I broke it. Everything I touch breaks.
Mom points out the part she thinks is causing the problem and says she'll see if she can fix it tomorrow. I wait until she's fast asleep and break out the tool box. I take the malfunctioning machine apart, look at the part in question, see nothing wrong with it, and put it all back together. I also tighten a single screw in another part of the machine. The next day, Mom tries to sew and... IT WORKS! I FIXED IT!!! Somehow. Either that single loose screw caused a huge problem or the sewing machine was copying Windows. It just needed to be restarted.
Anywho... I'll post pictures later. I'm feeling all muddle-brained right now.
Any tips on seam ripping without using my right arm?
Re: My First Sewing Project
Wow, look at you being all mechanic-y! Well done.
I don't have any tips for seam ripping one-armed.
I don't have any tips for seam ripping one-armed.
Debby
(main) WIPs
Angel of Love
Book of Mythical Creatures
Cache la Poudre
Past Present Forever
Fishing Friends
(main) WIPs
Angel of Love
Book of Mythical Creatures
Cache la Poudre
Past Present Forever
Fishing Friends
Re: My First Sewing Project
Okay, I gave my hand a massage and fixed the messed up seams. My hand is in need of another massage now, but the elephant is nearly finished!
I took a couple of pictures while stuffing him.
flat face
all stuffed and ready to be sewn shut
After I sew him shut, I still need to cut out and sew on the eyes. All of this will require hand sewing, so we'll see how I do. My arm and hand are starting to recover, so I'm hoping to be able to grip a needle without too much pain.
I took a couple of pictures while stuffing him.
flat face
all stuffed and ready to be sewn shut
After I sew him shut, I still need to cut out and sew on the eyes. All of this will require hand sewing, so we'll see how I do. My arm and hand are starting to recover, so I'm hoping to be able to grip a needle without too much pain.
Re: My First Sewing Project
Really cute!! I'm sure the elephant won't mind going without eyes until your hand and arm are fully recovered.
Carole
Carole
WIPs
Star Wars Afghan:Chewbaca
HAEDs:
O Kitten Tree
Dancing with the Cat
Everything else "on hold"
2022 Finished: Star Wars Afghan: Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Finn, Rey, Poe, Han Solo,Darth Vader, BB8,Luke Skywalker
Star Wars Afghan:Chewbaca
HAEDs:
O Kitten Tree
Dancing with the Cat
Everything else "on hold"
2022 Finished: Star Wars Afghan: Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Finn, Rey, Poe, Han Solo,Darth Vader, BB8,Luke Skywalker
- Mabel Figworthy
- Posts: 33095
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Re: My First Sewing Project
Great progress on the elephant in spite of difficulties!
Visit Mabel's Fancies at www.mabelfigworthy.co.uk
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Elizabethan Beauty, RSN Certificate & Online
Waiting
Soli Deo Gloria, Mechthild, bling unicorn, goldwork & silk shading kits
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Mabel's FB page
WIPs
Elizabethan Beauty, RSN Certificate & Online
Waiting
Soli Deo Gloria, Mechthild, bling unicorn, goldwork & silk shading kits
Flights of Fancy (blog)
Mabel's FB page
Re: My First Sewing Project
I got the back all sewn up. I couldn't leave him open like that. However, I think I'll wait a few days at least to do his eyes. I want a steadier hand for that. I had this silly idea that I could tuck him under my right arm and stitch with my left hand. I quickly realized how very wrong I was. There was stuffing coming out all over and the seam got warped.
It's not too bad. I guess. Not bad enough to rip out, anyway.
The directions said to under-stuff the space between his body and his legs, so I did that. Now he doesn't sit up straight. That'll teach me to follow directions.
I'll take some nicer pictures when he's finished. Gotta keep the suspense up.
It's not too bad. I guess. Not bad enough to rip out, anyway.
The directions said to under-stuff the space between his body and his legs, so I did that. Now he doesn't sit up straight. That'll teach me to follow directions.
I'll take some nicer pictures when he's finished. Gotta keep the suspense up.
- richardandtracy
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Re: My First Sewing Project
Given the state of your hand, maybe a fabric adhesive (like those for sequins or other sparkly bits added to dresses) may be kinder on you.
Regards,
Richard.
Regards,
Richard.
Re: My First Sewing Project
Thank you for the suggestion, Richard. I did consider that, but since I will be giving it to a baby who's likely to stick it in his mouth, I decided a more secure method would be better. I just have no faith in adhesives.
He is finished now. Sorry it took so long. I didn't think about just how much sewing I would need to do with three pieces on each eye, plus the eyelashes. Mom did the eyelashes on one eye because we're going to visit my sister tomorrow, and I didn't think I could finish it before that.
He is finished now. Sorry it took so long. I didn't think about just how much sewing I would need to do with three pieces on each eye, plus the eyelashes. Mom did the eyelashes on one eye because we're going to visit my sister tomorrow, and I didn't think I could finish it before that.
Re: My First Sewing Project
Very cute - well done!!!
Debby
(main) WIPs
Angel of Love
Book of Mythical Creatures
Cache la Poudre
Past Present Forever
Fishing Friends
(main) WIPs
Angel of Love
Book of Mythical Creatures
Cache la Poudre
Past Present Forever
Fishing Friends
- Squirrel
- Posts: 16821
- Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2009 4:33 am
- Location: exChristhcurch NZ, now Brisbane, Australia
Re: My First Sewing Project
What an absolute cutie he is too. Well Done he is amazing.
Sally in Brisbane Australia
WIPS
Christmas Stocking from World of Cross Stitching mag. 262
WIPS
Christmas Stocking from World of Cross Stitching mag. 262
- karen4bells
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Re: My First Sewing Project
Simply adorable---the eyes are so cute!!
Work in Progress
Dimensions Passion Flower Angel
Tempting Tangles Welcome SAL
Various small designs
Dimensions Passion Flower Angel
Tempting Tangles Welcome SAL
Various small designs
- richardandtracy
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Re: My First Sewing Project
Grand job. I see why you don't want anything stuck on.
Looks rather nice.
Regards,
Richard
Looks rather nice.
Regards,
Richard
- Mabel Figworthy
- Posts: 33095
- Joined: Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:05 pm
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Re: My First Sewing Project
Great work !
Visit Mabel's Fancies at www.mabelfigworthy.co.uk
WIPs
Elizabethan Beauty, RSN Certificate & Online
Waiting
Soli Deo Gloria, Mechthild, bling unicorn, goldwork & silk shading kits
Flights of Fancy (blog)
Mabel's FB page
WIPs
Elizabethan Beauty, RSN Certificate & Online
Waiting
Soli Deo Gloria, Mechthild, bling unicorn, goldwork & silk shading kits
Flights of Fancy (blog)
Mabel's FB page
Re: My First Sewing Project
I agree completely!karen4bells wrote: Simply adorable---the eyes are so cute!!
Carole
WIPs
Star Wars Afghan:Chewbaca
HAEDs:
O Kitten Tree
Dancing with the Cat
Everything else "on hold"
2022 Finished: Star Wars Afghan: Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Finn, Rey, Poe, Han Solo,Darth Vader, BB8,Luke Skywalker
Star Wars Afghan:Chewbaca
HAEDs:
O Kitten Tree
Dancing with the Cat
Everything else "on hold"
2022 Finished: Star Wars Afghan: Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Finn, Rey, Poe, Han Solo,Darth Vader, BB8,Luke Skywalker
- AlwaysGoofy
- Posts: 1266
- Joined: Sun Aug 09, 2009 4:04 pm
- Location: North of Seattle, Washington, USA
Re: My First Sewing Project
What a sweet finish! I'm sure the little one who receives this will love it.
AlwaysGoofy's Blog with Cross Stitching, Quilting, and My Love of All Things Disney: http://goofinoffaroundtheblock.blogspot.com/
Re: My First Sewing Project
Adorable boy!! Love the expression on his face. Your quote says it all!
Carole
Carole
WIPs
Star Wars Afghan:Chewbaca
HAEDs:
O Kitten Tree
Dancing with the Cat
Everything else "on hold"
2022 Finished: Star Wars Afghan: Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Finn, Rey, Poe, Han Solo,Darth Vader, BB8,Luke Skywalker
Star Wars Afghan:Chewbaca
HAEDs:
O Kitten Tree
Dancing with the Cat
Everything else "on hold"
2022 Finished: Star Wars Afghan: Princess Leia, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Finn, Rey, Poe, Han Solo,Darth Vader, BB8,Luke Skywalker
- karen4bells
- Posts: 21817
- Joined: Sat Jan 30, 2010 3:53 pm
- Location: Florida
Re: My First Sewing Project
He's definitely a keeper!!!
Work in Progress
Dimensions Passion Flower Angel
Tempting Tangles Welcome SAL
Various small designs
Dimensions Passion Flower Angel
Tempting Tangles Welcome SAL
Various small designs
Re: My First Sewing Project
What a cute elephant!
Agi
"The world, as a colourful knot of threads, has turned into a memory, and now you cannot be sure whether it was real." (Géza Ottlik, Hungarian writer)
My blog
"The world, as a colourful knot of threads, has turned into a memory, and now you cannot be sure whether it was real." (Géza Ottlik, Hungarian writer)
My blog