Sewing secrets...
and how my sewing is going
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And just like that, it's September! On days when I could, I went into the sewing room this summer. I have plans for jackets, and am eager to get sewing on them. But, when it's hot enough out to turn on the air conditioning, I shut up the sewing room and the guest room to conserve energy.
On the days it was cool enough, and I had time, I went in and worked on tracing my pattern onto tracing paper. But bending over the old dining table hurts my back, so I could only do a few minutes on the days I could do any.
Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I need a counter height table to cut patterns, linings, fabric. To sit at and sew by hand. I ordered one. It is heavy, and will have to be put together (my granddaughter promised to do that for me). It should arrive any day now.
I have a few denim jackets to embellish. When I finish one, I can sell it to help pay for the table. Once I have the table, I should be able to finish more projects.
The table is not only tall, it also folds down to a mere two feet by three feet. This will be a nice replacement for the old dining table. I don't know when I've been so excited for a new piece of furniture. This will be the only new piece in the house. I bought the couch new nine years ago, but everything else was either bought second-hand, or obtained free from my Buy Nothing Group or friends.
I promised some sewing secrets. These are "secret" tools, a person might need. First, this one is not just for sewists, it's for anyone with clothing that snags. It's called a snag repair tool. It looks like a needle with no eye. If you've ever snagged a garment, you know that even when you smooth the garment out and get the thread as close to how it looked originally, there's a tiny bump left on the garment. This tool allows you to poke it back through to the side no one sees. Your garment now looks like new!
Second secret tool: Loop turner hook. This gadget slides into the tube you have sewn (which is currently inside out because one sews right sides together), hooks on the edge of the fabric, you latch it, and turn your tube right side out. This is especially necessary for things like spaghetti straps.
Third secret tool: Coil-less safety pins! Who knew? When you work with regular safety pins, sometimes a bit of fabric gets caught in the coil on the end opposite the closure end. Ugh! Here is the solution. And guess what? They're more attractive that pins with coiled ends. You might want to use them for anything you'd use a safety pin for.
I didn't discover these secret tools on my own. I learned them from a woman whose YouTube channel I follow. Her name is Evelyn Wood. She runs a Vintage Sewing School and has reels on so many things related to sewing. You can check out the reel related to the sewing tools here.
Did you accomplish your goals for the summer? Whatever they were or are, I'd love to hear about them.
I know about the back! You need a masseuse.🐰
I hear you about needing a work area that will not strain your back. I have created two higher surfaces by using the 6 inch plastic or wood blocks available to raise beds. The blocks are a little pricey IMO but they are certainly worth it for us crafty types! One needs to get help to lift the table or desk onto the blocks. Once that is done, all is good!!! This said, I love that your new table will also be collapsible to save space as needed. Looking forward to pictures of the embellished jacket you spoke of. I should think this would be the right time of year to sell it.