Sorry - I am very late today. It's already dark here in Germany but I've been very busy lately and then my daughter put my name down to attend a one-day sewing event "One day - one project" in order to make up the numbers. I am not a good needlewoman though I did make a few things at school (apron and blouse), hand-sewed a summer dress for school - a shirt-waister with soft pleats, wide belt, shirt front and collar from a Vogue pattern. (How did I manage that?) Since then a few items for my daughters, when they were small, and various failures for myself.
I was expecting semi-professionals to attend the course but knew my own limitations. I purchased a simple (easy Burda) pattern for a top (or mini-dress) and enough material for my top with plenty left over for my daughter to make herself something later.
At the start of the day we were measured - bust, waist, hips and various lengths. My measurements corresponded to 3 different clothing sizes so I was instructed to make the largest size! Having cut it out, completed the neck and sewn the shoulder seams, I tried it on over my clothes and it fell over my shoulders! By the end of the day, my project was a shapeless poncho, and, although it no longer fell off my shoulders, a lot of material would still have to be cut away before I will be able to sew up the side seams again. I know why I don't much like dressmaking for myself - I'm a very strange shape!
The others attending the course were maybe more ambitious than I was, but they all had their problems. One woman had made her dress a size too small and had to insert strips up the sides to make it more comfortable. Many spent the day trying to get their sewing machines to behave and the overlock machine refused to cooperate. But, when things go wrong in good company, it's not nearly so frustrating as when you are sitting on your own and making no progress. At least we all had a good laugh when my daughter told her story about how she managed to cut out 5 sleeves for a jacket!
Have you made your own clothes, (or furniture)? Any amusing experiences you would like to share?
I was expecting semi-professionals to attend the course but knew my own limitations. I purchased a simple (easy Burda) pattern for a top (or mini-dress) and enough material for my top with plenty left over for my daughter to make herself something later.
At the start of the day we were measured - bust, waist, hips and various lengths. My measurements corresponded to 3 different clothing sizes so I was instructed to make the largest size! Having cut it out, completed the neck and sewn the shoulder seams, I tried it on over my clothes and it fell over my shoulders! By the end of the day, my project was a shapeless poncho, and, although it no longer fell off my shoulders, a lot of material would still have to be cut away before I will be able to sew up the side seams again. I know why I don't much like dressmaking for myself - I'm a very strange shape!
The others attending the course were maybe more ambitious than I was, but they all had their problems. One woman had made her dress a size too small and had to insert strips up the sides to make it more comfortable. Many spent the day trying to get their sewing machines to behave and the overlock machine refused to cooperate. But, when things go wrong in good company, it's not nearly so frustrating as when you are sitting on your own and making no progress. At least we all had a good laugh when my daughter told her story about how she managed to cut out 5 sleeves for a jacket!
Have you made your own clothes, (or furniture)? Any amusing experiences you would like to share?