Guys, I did it. I broke out the sewing machine to make something for Clara’s third birthday. It’s a little tradition of ours to make her something instead of buying it since she gets a ton of store-bought presents from family and friends. I even used her big ol’ stash of monthly photo fabrics, which have also come in handy for making her a quilt, a table runner, a beanbag, and even a birthday banner (remember that epic battle of woman vs. sewing machine?).
It all started when I saw these fabric tea bags on Pinterest and thought they’d be really fun for Clara’s play kitchen since she’s so into making food and pretending to eat it and have tea parties with her stuffed animals. And really, what’s a tea party without tea? So even though there weren’t any directions to be found, I thought I’d just wing it. What’s the worst that could happen? Wait, don’t answer that. You’ve seen my previous work…
First I cut a few little squares from ten of my favorite fabrics.
Then I grabbed some twine that I had in the gift closet for the string part (it’s leftover from a gift someone gave me a while back). I also brought in a few cotton balls from the bathroom because I figured the tea bags had to be stuffed with something. And then I just cut two tea bag shaped pieces of fabric from each swatch (so although you see 10 tea-bag-shaped swatches below, there are two in each stack, right on top of each other for a total of 20). I also cut a long rectangle from each fabric to make the tag on the top of the tea bag.
Then I sat down at the sewing machine, said a small please-don’t-make-me-throw-you-out-the-window prayer, and got sewing. Within about five minutes I had this mess, and had completely ruined my first tea bag. There might have been a few whispered obscenities. Nothing gets me heated like my sewing machine, guys. Nothing.
But I resisted the urge to Hulk Smash it and started in on my second attempt. This time I came up with the idea of putting both of the right sides of the tea bags together (with the bad ones facing out) while tucking the string between it like you see in the photo below. Then I sewed up all of the sides of it except for the bottom where the string sticks out. You can see how bad I am about following the edges of the tea-bag shape here. Better work on that.
Then I turned it right-side out. The good news? The string was securely sewn to the top of the bag. The bad news? It looked like a feminine hygiene product. I allllmost gave up for the second time. There were more mumbled obscenities.
But before I threw in the towel, I figured it might look better if I could tuck half a cotton ball in there, fold the bottom part up to seal it, and add a little stitching to hold it closed, thereby finishing the bag part. Thankfully things started to turn around at this point, because it actually got cute-ish (and less tampon-esque in shape). Hallelujah!
To attach the tag part at the top I just folded that piece of fabric in half and put a few stitches into it so it caught the string and stayed folded.
Then I put my head down, said a few more “please don’t make me pound you with a hammer” prayers to my sewing machine, and in about ten more minutes I had three more of these guys knocked out. Wahoo!
About half an hour later I was left with nine tea bag babies. They’re definitely not perfect, but that first attempt was my only casualty. And my sewing machine is still alive and well. So…. success!
Clara especially loves them because I have tea every night and most mornings. So she sees me with it and now has her own tea bags so she can sip with me.
So this is the project that almost wasn’t, but is! And I think we all learned a lesson today, guys. No matter how much something looks like a feminine hygiene product when it’s half done, at least try finishing it before flushing it down the toilet. Both literally or figuratively.
Anyone else sewing stuff? How’s your relationship with your sewing machine? I hear that so many people love to sew (and even that it calms them?!) but my experiences can best be described as tumultuous with a side of anxiety. So far in the end it has always been worth it though. And seeing Clara and her stuffed giraffe sitting down for a little tea party is pretty much the cutest thing ever.
Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint color we used? Just click on this button:
I’m glad that you said “feminine hygeine product” — it was exactly what I thought, but I immediately felt so bad! Luckily, the finished product is incredibly cute. Sewing is just like decorating: the middle makes no sense.
Haha, it is!
xo
s
When Sherry mentioned it I almost had tears in my eyes from laughing!
Oh my goodness, Val. That’s brilliant. I’d never thought about that before.
This former seamstress has a DIY-as-necessity home in her future and you’ve totally helped me realise I can tap into some of my past experiences with that frustrating-yet-ultimately-so-fulfilling-crazy-in-the-middle feeling! My future self thanks you!
Awww…this is so cute! I have a 11 month old girl and I am very inspired to make a handmade gift for her birthdays!!
It’s all about the quality of the sewing machine. I was a sewing cusser until I got a quality machine and surprise, I can actually sew. I have skillz. It wasn’t me! LOL. Sewing can be calming with the right project. (easy, cute, and quick!)
Yup! With sewing machines, quality matters. And worst of all, a bad machine for a beginner can make them give up sewing entirely, when the problem was never them.
I agree! My aunt taught me to sew and bought me my first machine but it was a cheap one and it messes up every time I try to use it. I would get so frustrated. I borrowed my mom’s machine and haven’t had a problem since – my projects turn out so cute!
Could not agree more! Sherry, that Brother you have is a crap sewing machine. I guarantee you that’s the problem. ANYONE can sew on a decent machine. You need to look for an older Singer machine that has all metal parts. I have two amazing Singer Fashion Mates from the 60’s that are a dream to sew on! You should be able to find something on Craigslist for pretty cheap.
Thanks for all the get-a-new-machine tips guys! I’d love to invest in one down the line, but I bought the machine I did because it had amazing reviews (hundreds of them) on amazon! So I think it’s mostly user error in my case :)
xo
s
My brother works great but my old brother was a mess. So I think it depends on the machine. My grandma’s expensive singer is better of course.
Machine sewing can be so much fun, but a cranky machine can halt all that really quick. Check to see if adjusting the tension of the bobbin keeps the thread from piling up all crazy-pants (check your manual, usually a knob on the side).
Does your machine have feed dogs? Little toothy plates that move the fabric through at the same rate? If not, try to evenly guide the fabric through at an even rate to avoid bunching or jamming the needle.
Use the edge of your sewing “foot” and any marks on the surface of the machine to help guide your sewing. Someone below explains the pivot at corners method really well.
These tea bags are adorable and good luck with your future sewing projects! ^_^
Thanks for the tips Christine!
xo
s
Totally wanted to ditto this comment. I started out with a cheapo walmart variety and used it for years. I knew it wasn’t the best, but I wanted to make sure sewing wasn’t a fad for me before I invested in a better machine. I cannot express how much a difference having a quality machine makes in my enjoyment of this hobby and execution of my projects! I was a great seamstress all along. It was my machine working against me. Find a friend with a better machine and try hers out.
Yes and no, I have the cheapest crappiest sewing machine on the market, but managed a whole etsy business based around sewing. It teaches you patience and skill.
(I wouldn’t have cut the tiny shapes first….that just makes it harder. Draw out the shapes on bigger pieces of fabric, sew on the lines, THEN cut.)
Aww, super cute, Sherry. Congrats on not hammering your sewing machine. An accomplishment indeed!
I too have a love-hate relationship with the sewing machine…I am leaning towards blaming the machine. Love the hand made gift tradition, we try to do the same. I think that Clara needs some tea cups though- she will be more careful than you may think and if they are thrifted, so what if they break!
That’s a sweet idea!
xo
s
I miss my sewing machine so much it broke a year ago and I haven’t been able to get a new one yet. (-$) So envy you machine!!!! Been jonesing to make a shade for the kitchen after I saw the ones you made. I thing I’ll try your no sew method. Love all your great ideas. I am hooked on you guys. As so as I get into work everyday before my computer is turn on to your site!!! lol
Um, hello! So cute!! I’m sure she’s going to love it with that creative little mind of hers!
Those a so great they inspired me to finally post a comment to tell you. And look! I’m the first one :)
In addition to telling you they are wayyy cute, I wanted to say old thread can sometimes cause rats nests. I used to get them all the time until I tossed all the wooden spools I got from Grandma and went with new thread.
Thanks for a great blog!
No way! That could be it since a lot of my thread is handed down from my mom’s sewing box!
xo
s
Ditto on the thread– cheap thread is almost as bad as old thread. And old, cheap thread is the worst of all! Use a coupon and buy some good stuff. Also, play around with the thread tension on your machine. That’s ususally where to rats nests come from. Maybe buy some muslin and just practice on that until you find your zen :)
Me again! While I agree with the folks who are saying a better machine makes a huge difference (it does), I happily sewed on my cheap, Wal-Mart Brother for years before I upgraded. Don’t think you have to pay up to enjoy it. You’ll get the hang of it!!
Thanks Emily! I think someday I’d love to upgrade, but I bought my machine since it had so many great reviews on Amazon.com and I’m sure it’s mostly user error :)
xo
s
I have a love-hate relationship with my sewing machine. I am a self taught sew-er. I get so angry with my sewing machine sometimes that it too knows a few choice words not commonly used in the company of others. I am super stubborn, so after I kick and scream, I get back to things and I usually absolutely love the end result and so does my now 3 years old. It makes a mama proud when her favorite things to wear are what you made, imperfections and all.
My relationship with my sewing machine is absolute love with an occasional spat…..kinda like my marriage!
Sherry, I am one of those people that loves to sew and I do it 6 out of 7 days of the week. I am a textile artist here in RVA. However I understand your frustration because even now, after getting a BFA in craft, specifically textiles, and even after sewing for years after that and before that…. there are days when I want to pick up my machine and throw it in the woods behind my house to get swallowed by poison ivy.I have noticed there some tricks to keeping calm and fixing the problems when sewing.IF you ever want some sewing tips… or a brief lesson feel free to crash my studio I would be happy to help you with some machine, or sewing advice.
Aw you’re so sweet Ana!
xo
s
I was going to offer the same thing! I have been sewing since I was a little girl, have made everything from coats to curtains to pillows to dresses. If you ever want a lesson, I’d be happy to help. I’m here in the RVA. And not a kook.
Aw thanks so much!
xo,
s
Also, check your tension. That could be making the rats nest!
OMG! This post made me laugh so hard at work, I literally spit coffee all over my keyboard. Nice job on the final product though. Those tea bags are super-cute. Clara’s lucky to have a mommy that cares enough to make her some custom handmade goodies.
I love my sewing machine- can’t live without it. I actually have a stack of about 15 things that need to be taken care of over this long weekend. Time to haul her out of the closet and put on some bad movies and get stuff done! I made some pillows a couple months ago and it’s time to do some for the front porch now.
http://www.brokeasshome.com/2013/03/3-seams-6-pillows-1-hour.html
I love sewing! I started about a year and a half ago and this morning I went on a workshop on how to make knickers!!
I find sewing at the machine isn’t always calming and sometimes makes me want to hulk smash / cry, but the whole process gives me great joy.
Hand sewing (particularly embroidery) I do find very calming. Maybe because there’s no mechanics!
Just curious…what is your tea of choice, Sherry? I love my earl grey and english breakfast in the morning, and like to mix it up with a cinnamon spice in the afternoon/evening. #obsessedwithtea :)
Green tea all the way. And I love chai tea too – but there’s no cute bag for that :(
xo
s
I’m totally an “extra sleepytime” at night type of person but I love a good rooibos. I don’t drink caffeine, so herbal tea is totally my thing! There’s an awesome celestial seasonings one that’s a totally herbal version of a chai that I really really like. I can’t remember the name of it…but it has a tiger on it, so I’m guessing Bengal something. (I have no idea).
Bengal Spice! I have some in my cabinet, but we always just call it tiger tea. Chai is my go-to tea when I decide to take a caffeine reprieve.
LOVE THESE!!! Leave it up to you to break out the ole sewing machine to get me inspired ;) Maybe I’ll drum something up for Emma’s 3rd b-day in a few months.
I wanted to add that I love green, too, but have been hooked on Green with Mint from Bigelow. Not sure if mint is your cup of tea (har har) but check that flavor out if you get a chance. Emma is addicted to it, too!
I sew. I love to sew. Your machine is crap. (sorry, Sherry’s sewing machine, just sayin….)
The biggest mistake a novice sewist can make, imo, is buying a cheap machine off the rack at Target, or Walmart or where ever. I get the mindset “Why spend money if I don’t know if I’ll want to keepdoing this?” Well, the answer is, “Because you don’t want the problems with a bad machine to convince you that the problem is YOU, when it’s really a bad machine.”
If you MUST spend less than $300 for a beginner sewing machine, then go find a Janome dealer. Those are, imo, the best low-cost machines on the market. Bring the fabrics you’re most likely to sew, the thread you’re most likely to use (and it should be a name brand like Coats & Coats or Guttermans or some such, not bought from the bargain bin), and have the dealer let you try out all the machines in your price range.
Yes, going with a dealer will likely cost you more than going to Sears or WalMart, but going with a dealer almost always means free lessons to learn all the features of your machine, as well as free or sharply discounted service on the machine.
The teabags? Are absolutely adorable. And you’ve done a fabulous job with bad tools. Go get a good tool :)
I agree – I’ve been wanting to get into sewing for awhile now, but I’m holding out until I can afford a good model, and one that COMES WITH LESSONS. I figure that’s my best bet to avoid those frustrated moments!
TOTALLY agree. I’ve been sewing on Walmart Brother for several years. It got the job done. I even managed to quilt on it. But, OH, the frustration!!! For my birthday/mother’s day, my husband got me a $600 Janome. A lot of money for us for sure, but worth EVERY penny!!!
I’m sure the more expensive machines are really good, but you can have great experiences on cheap ones too! I got my Kenmore mini ultra in college about 10 years ago for less than $100 and still love using it. I sew a lot and have never found anything it can’t handle. Check out my blog to see my projects: http://theprojectdiary.blogspot.com/search/label/sewing
I keep saying I’m going to upgrade when it dies, but it won’t quit!
I found my Janome on Craigslist for $100! It’s not new, but it works amazingly. My mother in law loves to sew so without her guidance and expertise, I probably would have gone to Walmart and bought a new Singer or Brother for much more. I agree that the machine is a big part of it, but also good quality needles and thread.
Agree! My Janome beginner machine is absolutely amazing. I used to hate sewing and turns out, it was the machine. I went with a dealer and bought the last year’s model on sale and got the free lessons. Worth it all the way.
Michelle, the Kenmore Mini Ultra *is* a great, inexpensive sewing machine–it’s made by Janome. :D The only reason I didn’t recommend any of the Kenmore machines is that Sears has discontinued the Kenmore sewing machine line, and because I still think for someone with beginner level skills, the services provided by a dealer (lessons, maintenance) can’t be matched by the big box stores.
My dad bought my sister and I a Janome, and I really like it. I don’t sew much, so it works for me. My mom’s was an old Singer from the 60’s, he kept it after she passed, and it still does the job.
I’ve learned to sew in the past few years, and while I definitely get a lot of satisfaction from my finished products, I can’t imagine it as relaxing – it’s loud, it requires a lot of precision, etc.
I’m glad I sew and even crave it some times to make something new, but for relaxing, I’ll stick with knitting and other diversions!
This is a brilliant idea! Really really love it – and especially using fabrics that are meaningful to you. Do you think putting a piece of cardboard shaped like a tea-bag inside of the fabric pocket would result in a better shape? You should store them in a leftover real tea box or tin in her play kitchen :)
Never even thought of that! I think I wanted them to be puffy/soft (sort of like a stuffed toy) so that’s why my brain went to cotton balls. I LOVE the leftover tea box idea for storage :)
xo
s
I think if you clipped the corners really closely after sewing, before flipping them right side out you would also get a better tea bag shape!
Ooh that’s a good idea!
xo
s
I drink tons of tea and the cupboard was overflowing so I made some pretty tea-holding boxes by cutting the tops off of leftover tea boxes and then using mod podge + pretty paper to cover them. Totally recommend it as a quickie project that gives the cupboard a face lift and they are still truckin’ after several years. Picture: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UgICo9RMFCA/UZ-Re9gfK2I/AAAAAAAAIYo/oiwVmxJOUQ4/s720/20130524_090931.jpg
On an unrelated note – Sherry, your sewing posts are my absolute favorite. My older sister has a hate/hate relationship with her sewing machine as well, and has been known to settle in to sew with a glass of wine at her side. I claim that’s the problem, but she says it’s the only solution. ;)
Haha!
xo
s
I am trying to figure out where you went wrong and I think I have an idea.
1. when turning a corner, stop, turn the crank on the side of the machine by hand so the needle is IN the fabric, lift the foot, and turn the fabric by hand. Then lower the foot and keep sewing. It is easier to pivot like that then to keep sewing along.
2. get a seam ripper for taking out stitches. I restart a lot!
3. when sewing ends (like when u start and finish), I sew a couple stitches, then hit the “back” button so it goes back a couple, then I sew forward again. It helps hold the end from unraveling
4. Never pull the fabric through. Guide it with a hand to the side and one at the bottom
5. GO SLOW! no benefit to going pedal to the metal
Do you watch youtube videos of sewing? I find it helps a LOT to see the techniques for tricky parts.
Thanks for the tips Casey!
xo
s
Yes! I was going to comment on the pivot-thing but I didn’t know how to word it. Good advice!
I looooove these, Sherry! So sweet! I’m so glad the hate side of your relationship with Oh, Brother doesn’t keep you from busting it out from time to time. Keep up the great work!
Also do you know about sewing with “tails”? You take a little scrap of fabric and stick it under the feed dogs, with the sewing needle in the middle. Start sewing there and then put your real fabric so that it butts against the little starter piece. Sometimes it can be hard to start by the edge of the fabric because the machine hasn’t got itself figured out yet and wants to pull everything inside in a big mess.
Never knew about that!
xo
s
#1 mentioned here was a BIG help for me when my machine and I were trying to get along.
I’d also suggest taking a beginners sewing class. They have them at Joann’s and you can usually sign up for 50% off (making the class like $17). My girlfriend took me as a birthday gift and it really helped me learn a bunch of little things about sewing and my machine specifically since they let you bring your own in.
I have the Martha Stewart Singer machine from Target. It was all of $60 and the instructor told me it was basically crap but I’ve since managed to make tons of little projects like this AND reupholster a glider for my unborn babe’s nursery. You don’t need a new machine.
Emily
I grabbed one of your pictures to show where you need to stop and pivot the fabric. The lines show where you would snip off the excess fabric to make sharper corners.
http://tinypic.com/r/5caq74/5
Hugely helpful! I love you.
xo,
s
Great tips! Also, I think someone mentioned this, but to get the squared corners you were looking for, you needed to cut across the excess fabric by the corners after you’ve sewed, and when you turn it inside out, really poke into the corners to ‘turn’ the shape back to the right way. Ironing can help that too.
My Father-in-law is a tailor, and spent some time teaching me the basics last time he visited us (he helped me make a dog coat!) He showed me pretty much what Casey said, along with keeping things clean and how to load my machine and use and refill the bobbins. Before, I always hated sewing because of rats nest problems, but (touch wood) since then I haven’t had a single nest! And I have a cheapish Brother from Kohls.
These are so cute! All the femine product jokes were killing me. Seriously, hysterical!
Every time I use my sewing machine I cry. I have a huge box of t shirts from college that I would love to make into a quilt, but I am way too afraid of what it would do to my sanity.
It’s not you, it’s the machine.
I thought I couldn’t sew a straight line or wasn’t smart enough to solve tension issues until I recently upgraded my $60 crap machine to an updated version that was an Amazon special.
I think you won this battle with your machine though -cute!
i hear you on the not being too smart to resolve the tension issues. i’m not smart enough to attach the buttonhole doohickey WITHOUT INSTRUCTION, which exist neither in the owner’s manual or in the many PO’d customer forums online.
i pity the foo’.
Way to hang in there! They are adorable. It may indeed be the thread or machine setting – too much tension, too little, etc. I would recommend having someone who is a sewing pro try to sew on the machine and give you a tutorial. Don’t give up Sherry. It takes time.
I had to laugh, I totally saw me writing a post like that. My sewing machine is always out to get me too. Love the “food” ideas that you make.
I just attempted to make a “dammit doll” for my best friend. It came out looking like some kind of zombie cat toy. Sigh. I’ve only had a sewing machine since Christmas so I’m still learning….learning that I can’t sew anything other than straight lines. And even that is questionable.
Cute!
Frenemy. That’s my relationship with my sewing machine.
Hahaha!
xo
s
I too have a love-hate relationship with my sewing machine. The first and fourth picture could have been taken at my house! I love reading your blog. You inspire me and hope to put some if it to use someday. I do occasionally have a successful sewing project, but I only pull out the sewing machine about every two years. Keeps the blood pressure down! My mother-in-law is an expert at sewing and usually gets our repair jobs.
Good for you for pushing through the frustration. I have a new-to-me, but old sewing machine sitting on a table in my bedroom right now that I’m kind of scared to even start learning about for fear of having to replace a window. You’ve given me hope though! I LOVE the teabag idea for my 3yr old!
Those are so cute! I’m the same way with my sewing machine, I would rather hand stitch something than use the sewing machine because it does not make anything faster for me. I’ll have to try my hand at making some for my niece.
“Tumultuous with a side of anxiety…”
That is PERFECT. Exactly how I feel about sewing. I WANT to love it… and sometimes, for brief moments I do… but usually I’m just sweating and praying nothing permanently damaging happens.
I have a pillow that needs to be covered in the nursery… baby will be a month old tomorrow… how long before that pillow gets done? Taking bets…
Also, my machine is a mid range Brother model that I got 20 YEARS AGO for Christmas. This year I finally broke down and paid the $60 to have it serviced and it works MUCH better now. So, if you continue to have hiccups with yours, I’d definitely recommend taking it in for a little tune up. Even if it’s relatively new it could benefit.
Great job on the tea bag btw!
Having your machine serviced if its old can really help. I learned to sew on my Grandma ancient machine and both my mom and hated it and were always frustrated. We always had rats nests of thread. When I sewed on my other grandmas equally ancient but well maintained machine I never had any issues. It also easier when someone can actually show you want to do. I use a 10 year old Europro now but if I’m doing anything fancy I beg my bbf to use her Husqvarna which is an awesome machine and I would buy one if they weren’t so expensive and I didn’t have easy access to one.
Good job Sherry! You can buy a little magnet that goes on your sewing machine (right next to the needle), so you can set your seam allowance at whatever you’d like it to be and have a guide there. It’s like $3 and I’ve found it very helpful. :) One less thing to think about! Sewing is so fun/nice when it goes smoothly; when anything goes wrong I’m immediately super-frustrated. It’s a love/hate relationship!
Thanks for the tip Meredith!
xo
s
Before you buy a magnet,check to be sure the bobbin case is not magnetized. If the user manual recommends plastic bobbins only, DON’T use a magnet on the machine bed.
Good to know!
xo
s
Cute!! I’m gonna hafta Pin that so I can remember to make them one day
I’m about to attempt a patchwork elephant. Either it will be fabulous, or it will kill me. .
Sewing is a great skill for a decorator. You might want to catch a basic class at Joanns or local fabric store. I’m sure you’d master the basics quickly. Is that upholstery thread? It looks really heavy. That may be causing some of the difficuiites.
Nah, it’s just regular white thread (just got close for my picture, so it looks big :)
xo
s
My grandma spent years trying to teach me how to sew well, but I can’t hold a candle to her talent. The most important thing is patience. If you try to rush a project, you’re going to ruin it. Also, a really good sewing machine DOES make a difference – there’s a lot less tangled thread and snagged fabric. Consider it a long-term investment.
Lol I immediately thought “it looks like a tampon” so I’m glad I’m not alone on that! This is exactly why I use no sew tape on everything, & if I can’t, I don’t make it. They turned out cute though they kinda remind me of little cat toys. But Clara loving them is all that matters, so in that case – operation big success – happy ending! :p
My guess is that you have an inexpensive machine. (Cheap). I am not a sewing machine salesman, but my experience has been if you use a quality machine sewing will be much easier. I have been sewing over 40 years and have tons of experience. I bought an inexpensive machine for my dil and when I use it I want to throw it out the window. Using a quality machine makes all the difference. Along with quality thread…throw out all the old thread…
Hi Sherry! It looks like you got it to work, but maybe you need to adjust the tension or stitch length on the sewing machine? Every time I sew I do a little warm up with a scrap piece of the fabric I’m sewing (2 together to simulate a seam). I try a variety of stitch lengths and tensions until I get a combo that works. I also go very slow on my seams. I have a very cheap machine and these two steps (practice strip plus going super slow) keeps me from going crazy! Also, sometimes the problem is in the bobbin inside the machine, that I have it reversed or something. Anyway, good luck :-)
Thanks for the tips Mary!
xo
s
What a cute idea and love the colors. Tea parties are sooo important!
I’m an older reader (58) and for years I thought I had missed the “sewing gene” that the rest of the women in my family got. Finally I bought a used sewing machine (I prefer the European origin ones) and suddenly…..I could sew! I have since upgraded twice and sewing is my joy and main creativity expression. Get the advice of some people who sew a lot and invest in a good used machine from a local shop that will give you support. You do enough home dec projects to give yourself this gift. It’s a very “frugal” thing to do.
I could not stop laughing at your feminine hygiene product reference because I didn’t see it until you said something. But those are super cute and I’m glad Clara can be like mama with her tea bags.
I do hand stitching…the last time I touched a sewing machine was in Home Ec in high school. I’m so intimidated by it.
What a great idea!!! I may have to do the same for our little girl once she is older.
I sew a lot for my etsy shop and I still feel like a beginner. I’m working on this really easy blanket and suddenly I broke two needles and couldn’t figure out why! Thank you, Google. Sometimes things go so well, and then it is relaxing just sewing along, listening to music, fixing a few caught bobbins or something little, and other times you’re just yelling into the ceiling about how Singer must expect you to have two degrees in rocket science.
Plus, when you take time out from your busy day to sew, and two hours later you have a six inch line of a seam, two broken needles and screwdrivers and pliers everywhere… it doesn’t seem fair! Glad we stick with it, though. The finished product is precious.
Just had to say, this was the funniest post. I had to stop my mad giggles in my cubicle so I didn’t get strange looks as people walk by. You guys are the best!
I second the old thread caution and will add dull needle and wrong thread/bobbin tension. I have sewn since I was seven and love it. That said I had a hand me down machine for awhile that didn’t hold the tension right and thread broke all the time. Lots of times it’s the machine, but a lot of machine problems can be avoided by knowing your machine.
So reading this post and my 2 1/2 year old daughter leans over to look and says ‘I want to go play this house’ Thought I would share that more little loves than just Clara admire your sewing skills…
Aw that’s so sweet Michelle!
xo
s
You kind of set yourself up for frustration with that project. It’s actually easier to sew larger pieces of fabric than smaller ones, though you had no choice. I sew a lot! And even I get frustrated when trying to sew with small pieces of fabric. Machines like to eat small pieces of fabric. Good recovery, though! And keep at it! It will get easier.
My sewing machine and I are NOT friends. I used it once and it was wonderful. And then I tried to use it a second time and it turned on me! Now I really can’t do anything at all with it and I keep meaning to bring it to a sewing shop and asking some nice person to help me. In the meantime, I’ll just keep being jealous of your ability to move past your sewing machine’s mean streak. Love the homemade gift!
You are killin’ me softly this morning! I needed the laugh after a night of my daughter’s coughing fits. I am 38 years old and just started sewing two months ago. My 70 year old mom is teaching me for the first time. You can never underestimate the fun in a mommy/daughter teaching moment at any age! Needless to say, hilarity ensues. I can relate to the cursing but I keep mine to a simple “Danggit!”to ensure all those around of any age are not offended. I have found that what keeps me going is picking one small project to complete every other week. A small pillowcase, a small bag for my daughter to carry etc. They are all crude but make me more comfortable with the machine and way less nervous each time I approach the monster. BTW, I am sewing on a sixty year old Singer sewing machine. Everything does get better with age!
Hang in there, it will get better! Here’s a tip for sharper corners (and less tampon looking tea bags). Don’t try to sew around the corner with your needle still moving. Stop sewing at the corner point, leave your needle down in the fabric, then lift the presser foot of the sewing machine and physically turn the fabric until you are ready to sew down the next side. This will allow the needle to act as a pivot point. If you are trying to turn a corner with the needle constantly moving, you are really just sewing a curve, not a corner.
Then, when you are ready to turn it inside out, trim off some of the excess fabric at the corners. Be careful not to snip too close to your stitch line, but snipping off some of the extra at the corner will mean less fabric inside the corner when the piece is flipped, and that means it will iron as a sharper corner.
Hope this helps!
Love those tips Abby! Thanks!
xo
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Sherdog…you are hilarious! Thanks for a good laugh. :D Yeah, I get excited about new sewing projects but sometimes I want to take a sledgehammer to my machine. I feel your pain!
Totally unrelated to the post, but I saw this on AT the other day and it made me think of your little desk area in the new kitchen:
http://www.designsponge.com/2013/05/before-after-rebekahs-kitchen-corner-makeover.html
Or rather, Design*Sponge, not Apartment Therapy.
So cute I love it!
xo
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