Growing up my aunt and mom sewed all the time (they made all my Halloween costumes and my aunt even sewed my mom’s wedding dress) but whenever I tried to learn on my mom’s machine I broke it. Not just jammed it or temporarily messed it up, I legitimately ruined it (at least six episodes ended with my mom carting it off to the shop and paying lots of money to get it repaired). And then I wasn’t encouraged to use it quite as much if you catch my drift. I don’t blame my mom at all. I was clearly cursed.
So in an insane turn of events, I recently purchased a nice affordable beginner sewing machine of my own with high hopes of DIYing a quilt and a fabric flag banner for Clara’s first birthday (using all of the fabrics that we picked up for her weekly photo project to create them). I figured it would come in handy for things like pillow and curtain making as well.
And I specifically picked something with great ratings (4.5 stars and over 150 customer reviews) on amazon.com (a Brother XL2600I) because I wanted something good for a beginner devoid of any “natural ability” whatsoever. Of course it didn’t hurt that it was around $100-200 cheaper than most fancy machines (on sale for just $89 – down from $149 – with free shipping). You know just in case I irreparably maimed it within a week of use. Which would not have surprised me. Hence the I’m-not-going-to-splurge-for-anything-great-just-yet approach.
So it arrived a few weeks ago. It has been testing me. Oh my goodness has it been testing me. Like, walk-calmly-into-the-bedroom-and-scream-into-a-pillow testing me.
I even had a hilariously miserable and desperate text message exchange with Katie B where I basically asked her to come over and peel me off the floor and wipe away my tears and spank my disobedient machine. Yeah, she didn’t come. But she did make me laugh by comparing me to Martha. I suggested that perhaps I was Martha’s uncoordinated lesser known sister (who I dubbed Bertha) and by the end of the little iPhone fest Katie had me smiling. Gotta hand it to that girl for providing some much needed comic relief when you’re dealing with this sort of ugliness:
The actual issue was that I was having all sorts of tension problems (broken needles, loopy tangled underside stitches, etc) and then after two nights of despair and at least five solid hours of sheer misery I realized that I was using an unsanctioned bobbin. Seriously. After five hundred attempts at rethreading the needle and rereading the manual and googling around for ideas and texting my poor friends (who all had better things to do than listen to me whine I’m sure) it was my stupid one tenth of an inch too tall bobbin that was sabotaging me. But at least I got the root of the issue, which ended up being hilariously easy to fix (hilarious in that you-laugh-but-kind-of-cry-at-the-same-time-because-it’s-so-pathetic-and-embarrassing way).
But at least at that lowest ever point in my sewing career I figured it could only get better from there. So I kept on keeping on. Slowly but surely I’m getting to know “Oh Brother” (my sarcastically pessimistic nickname for the sewing machine slash bane of my existence) and I’ve actually made some decent progress in the world of novice sewing. For example, I made this little fabric flag banner for the bean’s big one year birthday par-tay using small triangles that I cut out of various weekly fabrics.
I’m not going to say that it was easy. It was harder and more annoying than The Situation’s abs. In fact, I refer to the debacle that was me attempting to sew that fabric banner as “The Real Situation.”
It took me waaaaaay too long and I probably legitimately cried ten times (we’re not talking whiny fake crying, we’re talking actual frustrated hot tears that you swipe away before anyone looks at you like you’re crazy for sew-crying). Give me a sledgehammer or a paint brush and I have no fear. But give me a robot with a motorized needle and I will show you the definition of misery. It’s just not something I can even remotely pretend to be good at. Oh well, I’ll learn. Or I won’t and I’ll get another hobby. Haha.
As for exactly how long it took, I’d guess that cutting each of the flags out took me about forty minutes in front of the TV (I used a cardstock template and placed it over the prewashed – so it was preshrunk – fabric). Then I hemmed each of the three sides of the triangle with Oh Brother, which took me well over five hours.
Yes, you read that right. Let’s just say there were a lot of do-overs and seam ripping and more tension issues but in the end I was left with around a dozen perfect enough triangles that I wouldn’t die from embarrassment if a teenage Clara looked closely at her beloved birthday banner (I hope the banner becomes a tradition for every b-day until the bean is too old to indulge me, so I don’t just want it to look not-terrible I want it to last for a while and look halfway decent). So although you see about 27 flags on the table above, so many of them were just garbage when you got any closer, so I picked my favorite dozen and tossed the rest unceremoniously into my rag pile.
Then in a stroke of desperation (or genius, you decide) I actually broke out some iron on hem tape to complete the project in about another half hour (for a total of 5.5+ hours spent).
It helped to lay out the remaining not-terrible flags on the floor to play around with order until I liked what I saw. Then it was just about firing up the iron and using my trusty hem tape to attach them to the blue ribbon that I already had laying around.
I’m pretty sure it would have easily been 10+ hours if I sewed each flag to the blue ribbon that I used for the top. But heck, I’m starting slow. I’m just glad I was able to sew those flags and not chuck Oh Brother out the slider in the sunroom (the problem with ranches is that you don’t get to dramatically drop things that you hate out of second story windows so you have to improvise). And iron-on hem tape is washable so it’s all good. And look at my little helpers. How cute were they to hang out in the kitchen while I tested my not-cursing-or-throwing-anything limits? They were some much needed sweetness for a pretty darn annoying personal challenge.
The banner looks fun and festive and it’ll be washable and hopefully will last for at least a decade or two, and best of all it was free except for the expense of Oh Brother (thanks to already having purchased each of the fabrics on clearance throughout the year for Clara’s weekly pics and using iron-on hem tape and blue ribbon that I already had).
But I’m still hoping that the sewing machine purchase will end up being worth it as I attempt more projects like a very very very simplified quilt for the bean and other house-related things (a few throw pillows, maybe some curtains, etc). I’m definitely going to start slow.
So there it is. The truth. I’m no Martha Stewart. I’m terrible at sewing and it makes me curse, sob, and scream into my pillow. But who knows, this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with that terrifying mechanical needle. Stranger things have happened…
Robin @ Our Semi Organic Life says
I (like everyone else here today) feel your pain. I used to have a machine but had to get rid of it since I couldn’t use it and it was taking up space. It frustrated me and thought that I should be the type of person who should know how to sew – but couldn’t. After 8th grade that gene left me.
Lisa says
I feel your pain. I have watched numerous YouTube tutorials, have even had two different people show me how….and I still can’t thread the machine. Ever. I can sew ok if someone else threads the machine and gets me started, but I am a non-starter on my own.
Molly says
Hi, Sherry. About a year ago, I took some expensive sewing lessons but was still terrible with a sewing machine! I may have given up too early, though. Have you purchased a book that you find helpful??? I’m trying to find the courage to get back into it without investing in anymore lessons.
YoungHouseLove says
I’m actually planning to take a local class or two so I’m unfortunately of no help! Although lots of sweet commenters have recommended some good books that I plan to check out soon so maybe try scrolling back through the comments for a recommendation? Good luck!
xo,
s
Polyvorina says
2 words came to mind while reading this post: fabric. glue.
You’re welcome! ;)
Lena says
If you hate it so much and don’t like it why don’t pass that job to John? Or does he hate it even more?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, let’s say I’m learning to love it. Hate is a strong word. But John hates it. Haha. He thinks a motorized needle is terrifying and has absolutely no interest in it. Which is fair enough because I have no interest in a motorized blade of death (aka: mowing the lawn). So I guess we switch off when it comes to scary motorized killing machines.
xo,
s
Pat C says
Don’t give up Sherry!
I hated sewing at first and used mountains of swear words too. Of course I learned on an ancient black hulk of a sewing machine at the local catholic high school.
Catholic school = no upgrades to machinery allowed!
Anyway – here I am 40 years later and although I still hate sewing clothes, I have love the money-saving options sewing offers, like:
– countless (no pattern) dress up clothes for my daughter
– curtains, drapes, roman and fan shades
– quilts, duvets
– slipcovers
– mini alterations to my own & daughters clothes.
The possibilities are endless once you get the basic straight stitch down. As a single mom – this saved me tons of money and kept my house running and beautiful. So take it from me – You CAN do it and it is SO worth it!
April says
Good grief…triangle pieces with narrow hems on the sides? What were you thinking, woman?! lol. Seriously, narrow-hemming something not cut on the straight grain is all kinds of nightmarish. I sew for a living, and even I hate and avoid it whenever possible.
Good for you for sticking it out and finishing a super-cute project!
YoungHouseLove says
That almost makes me proud! So you’re saying I started with something hard? I thought it was laughably easy. Maybe everything will be cake from here- haha.
xo,
s
Emily says
I was thinking the same thing! Way to start on something difficult, Sherry! I think you’ll have better luck with the quilt squares – since they’ll be cut along the grain, plus the seams will be hidden!! Keep on trying! :)
Jaclyn H says
Hee hee… I made entire an entire bunting strip for my niece and nephew using iron-on sticky stuff like your hem tape. Viva la no-stitch sewing!
katrina says
Kudos for keeping with it and finishing the banner! It looks great!
I have been there, and I swear that sewing frustration is worse than any other kind!
Also, your machine is great. My sister-in-law has been a professional fashion designer for years and she selected a Brother for my first sewing machine too. I hope you keep sewing!
Sarah says
I hate that you feel so upset about sewing, but it does make me a feel a little happy to know that I’m not alone! Seriously, my mom and I made a DRESS for my first sewing project two summers ago and I almost literally threw temper tantrums every other half hour because of how stressful it was. Then I tried to do an apron…OOO-WEE! I wouldn’t have wanted to be around myself then. I think I’m going to stick to smaller projects for a while. You’ve inspired me to give it a few more shots, though!
Minda McDorman says
i have the EXACT same machine and have finally gotten to where i can make anything up to pillow shams (impressive, i know)….only after much turmoil as you have experienced….
what i have done that i would recommend is write down the tension and stitch-length settings that you use with each thread/fabric combo so its not guesswork each time you go back. i have a few “sets” of settings that i can share with you too…i have a little spreadsheet going…yea, leave it to an engineer to graph my sewing progress haha
YoungHouseLove says
That is hilarious! I love that you have a sewing settings spreadsheet. I’ll have to take some notes on what’s working now so I can recreate it should things go south again!
xo,
s
Melanie says
You are not alone. Growing up, I was good at sewing on my mom’s machine, although like your story – the machine would not behave and I’d be in frustrated tears as she would trouble shoot or bring it into the shop for repairs.
I was in a wedding and told the bride I could whip her up a ring bearer pillow, no problem, so I purchsed a pretty nice sewing maching on sale at Target, and just like your project, it turned into the most frustrating time ever. I knew how to sew fine, the machine was the problem. After I finished the only passable pillow after hours and hours, I never touched that sewing machine again. My husband said “Do you want me to build you a craft table for your sewing?” – No thanks! The bride probably wished she had splurged on the $20 storebought pillow.
You’ve given me inspiration though, maybe I’ll pull it out and try again someday soon. Your banner is cheery! :)
Michelle says
I feel your pain. I come from a long-line of talented seamstresses and have always regretted the fact that somehow that talent skipped by me. Like you, I am not afraid of tackling anything around the house, with the exception of electricity… I was a near complete failure in home ec (yes, I went to high school that long ago) and remember leaving that class in tears more than once. But then a crazy thing happened. I decided I could sew. (Kinda like when I decided I could be a neat and tidy painter!) There was nothing stopping me but my self-doubt. Now, you won’t catch me sewing a wedding dress or anything crazy like that, but I have turned out several knitting needle and crochet hook cases, curtains for several rooms in my house, seat covers for my friend’s car …and hey, I even managed button holes! I know, right? I was amazed too. So Sherry, don’t be scared. Just think of it as another power tool. Best to you.
eileen marie says
Oh Lord, I feel ya sister. My mother was like Super Woman (Is that even a real superhero??)! She could cook, sew, knit (or crochet -not sure which), mend, cross-stitch -you name it. And I can do…none of these. I tried to make my bridesmaids handmade clutches on what basically amounted to Baby’s 1st Sewing Machine with similar results to shot #3. So, my mother-in-law, who is also multi-talented ended up making them for me. I did hand-sew the button closure and whipstitch a corner or 2 closed so I could print MY name on the “handmade by” tags I bought! I think your bunting banner turned out great. I am sure you can conquer “Oh Brother”! I have since tossed Baby’s 1st Sewing Machine and am prepared to do battle w/ my niece’s machine now (even she can sew)! My first project? A pillow for my dog!
Terri says
Oi! I’ve killed 2 of my mother’s sewing machines also!! I’m a DIY much like yourself, my skills are vast (I designed my addition, built my horse barn, built barn doors just to name a few) but those pesky little sewing machines just baffle me! I think it’s the needle going a trillion miles an hour and I envision my fingers getting in the way because I’m thinking 10 steps ahead and not paying attention to my digits. Kudos to you for trying to conquer “Oh Brother”!
DeaAnna says
Oh Sherry – this blog post made me laugh so hard!! I needed a good belly laugh today :).
Not to take delight in your Oh Brother misery, but girl, it is nice to know that I’m not the only one who had wrestled with the sewing maching and lost.
Keep it up – you’ll be a pro in no time!
-DeaAnna
Kerry says
Haha, this line cracked me up: “It was harder and more annoying than The Situation’s abs.”
Anyway, I have a very similar sewing machine – my father-in-law works for Brother, and I got it for Christmas (deeply discounted, I’m sure!) I’m an OK sew-er…not TERRIBLE with the machine (though I had some tangled up piles of thread like you did there because of incorrect threading at first) – I think I’m actually worse at hand-sewing that last side of a pillow. Maybe we can trade off – I’ll do your three sides and you do my one side!
katie f. says
why oh why did you hem each flag? That does sound annoying, even for a not so novice sewer. I just made some flags for my baby’s bday, and I did not hem each flag. Just cut em out, sewed them to some pre-made binding, and called it a day.
YoungHouseLove says
I want it to last forever and be washable! And maybe I’m a glutton for punishment. Haha. I don’t know!
xo,
s
Heather says
A non-sew heavy duty fusible backing is always a great option for something like this. Even a fusible interfacing. You will be able to cut it right out, like an applique, without sewing and it will be nice and stiff. You can still wash them and they won’t fray either (with most of them). :) Take a gander, this stuff is awesome (either the light or heavy weight).
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd2980
I made this little applique with the lighter sewable one. I just ironed it on and cut it out (then handstitched it on before finishing the bag):
http://www.etsy.com/listing/64825628/mason-jar-pleated-reversible-tote
JacquiBee says
I was lucky I learnt to sew at 9 or 10 and I can tell you even if you can sew it is a really frustrating process at times. I have regularly screamed and cryed and sewed the sleeve on back to front and upside down, having to unpick it and try again 3 or 4 times!!! One of the things I did was have a sewing day with my friend who is a great sewer. We’ed sit together and sew our garments and when we got to the throw it on the floor stage (don’t jump on it cos of the pins) the other one would swap with you for a while. So helpful. Best of luck, don’t give up because it is such a great skill.
Trude says
Hey, Martha had to start somewhere! And you did waaay better than I could have ever done! I would have had the same experience trying to teach myself. Maybe there’s some YouTube videos floating around that will help? :)
Handy Man, Crafty Woman says
You poor thing. Why did you torture yourself so much? that sounds awful! I would have given up WAY sooner.
I can’t sew either. I’ve tried, people have tried to teach me in the past. I’m hopeless. I just CANNOT do it. Not everyone can. I’m convinced there must be some sort of sewing gene. I do all kinds of crafts and DIY projects, but you will never see a sewing project on my blog (unless it’s someone else’s!)
when people ask me why I don’t sew, I say “Why do I need to learn, when I can just BUY clothes, bedding & curtains?” lol, sarcastic answer, but true.
Dee says
I really want to make pillows for my couch but have very bad memories of sewing. Reading this post made me laugh because I can so relate. Until I get up the nerve to attempt sewing again, I will make do with finding a good deal on pillows and maybe crocheting some covers for a couple. Love how the banner turned out!
Hilary says
Sherry, that is the exact sewing machine I have! I also bought it as an inexpensive beginner machine, and did not know the first thing about sewing. Since then, I’ve made several quilts on it, so it is definitely possible to start with that machine, no knowledge, and still come out okay!
Tension problems are a pain in the butt, I agree with you there! Once you find that “sweet spot” it goes a lot more smoothly!
Lavina D. says
My first machine was a Brother and I had similar issues. Turns out I was loading the bobbin backwards….for years!! I could not for the life of me figure out why sometimes it worked great and other times not so much. I upgraded to a machine with a drop in bobbin a couple of years ago and haven’t looked back. Tips: Read your manual, check out some blogs, and go for it.
Kim says
I got that same sewing machine for christmas in 2009. I was pregnant and thought I should have one for any little sewing projects that might come up with the new baby. I brought it home, took it out of the box, placed it in a nice carrying case, and haven’t looked at it since!
Your post makes me think I’ll leave it in the case a little while longer… Cute banner though!
Abigayle says
the banner really does look great and is a super cute idea! i’m actually in the process of making a bunch for my wedding in september, and one little piece of advice that i learned through trial and error: the way you did it (hemming all the edges) is super hard, which you already know. if you cut out two triangles and put them front to front (so they are inside out) and then just sew the two sides (but not the top!) and then flip it inside out, it goes so much quicker! and once you iron it, it lies nice and flat. just a little tip for future reference! (i tried one just hemming the edges and stopped and googled how to make the banner the other way instead. i don’t know how you got through as many as you did!) i gotta give you mad props lady!
Jenny says
I dont have that exact machine, but I have a brother that’s very similar. I was initially very frustrated with it and had a lot of issues until i found out that there is a little notch you have to pull the bobbin thread into in order for it to work properly. wind the bobbin as usual, but then when you drop it into its compartment, pull the string all the way into place (you should feel it click into its little notch). That little tiny detail worked wonders for me!
however, even the best of machines can, in the words of my sweet grandma, cause one to lose their religion. it just takes patience and time to get the hang of. you’re doing great!:)
Jennifer says
Love the banner! I have an extremely old hand-me-down machine from my mom (my husband wanted to know why I had the antique in the house) that I’m going to attempt to repurpose the old curtains that came with our house purchase. I think I will probably have just as many frustrating episodes as you, but it should all be worth it in the end. Right?!
Just saw this cute DIY project and thought of Clara’s fabrics https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fetsy.me%2FewF2x2&h=04ae1. Maybe this will have to wait until you get a little more savy? Anyway, happy sewing!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so cute! I just saw it on Pinterest and thought it was adorable! But – uh – it looks hard. Haha.
xo,
s
Alison Headley says
Whatever you do, don’t sew over that ribbon later. The hem tape will gunk up the needle and mess up your machine and your creation. I learned that the hard way with sticky-back velcro.
See? Everyone learns these things the hard way. You’re not alone, and you can totally do this! Good luck.
YoungHouseLove says
Wow- such a good tip! You guys are smart cookies and I totally appreciate all the advice.
xo,
s
Emma says
I Have the same machine:) I too had some problems with it at first, just be careful that you’re also using good quietly thread, that can cause many a problem too. Been there, done that.
I made my first quilt in this machine, quilted it and everything, I would recommend buying a quater inch foot ( so that you get accurate seams, most important ) and either a walking foot, or a free motion quilting/darning foot. Depending on how you were going to quilt the quilt. Keep going with it you’ll get there, I have faith, I’m just about to buy my new machine, one to make quilting just that bit easier :)
Natalie says
Everybody sew-cries. You’ll be awesome before you know it!
Kay says
Sherry,
It’s not you, it’s the machine. It’s counter-intuitive, but my mom always says that beginners are the ones who should spend as much money as they can on a good machine– advanced sewers can get away with any crap machine.
I didn’t believe my mom until, after years of tears and frustration, she bought me an expensive (for us) machine. Sewing is still sometimes frustrating, but it’s amazing what a difference the right tools can make.
kaley says
I got the exact same machine for Christmas this year! It took me a few very frusterdated days but now I LOVE it! You will too, just stick with it. You will be a seamstress in no time, and you will be sewing up all sorts of fun things for Clara.
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! So glad to hear it gets better- esp since we have twin machines. I’m looking forward to tackling more projects and hopefully showing Oh Brother who’s boss. Haha.
xo,
s
Jessica says
1. It took me probably 5 projects before I fell in love with sewing. Now, I lurve it.
2. You can dramatically throw machinery out of a ranch. Just ask my mom and her last coffee maker…..
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, I love that visual. Thanks for the giggle.
xo,
s
Yozka says
Oh dear– sewing machines are definitely a you-get-what-you-pay-for kind of situation. If you take a class and you end up wanting to sew more, you’re going to have to upgrade. If you can find one, a used, non-electronic Bernina will serve you very well. You also need to take good machines in for annual servicing, and make sure that you use new needles, adjust tension, and remove thread dust with every project.
My mom bought here Bernina in 1985 (after a lot of hand wringing) for $1600. She finally passed it on to me last year, and I’m using it all the time, problem free.
Cricket says
I feel your pain… I don’t really care for sewing (I, too, love stitch-witchery), but persevere because of the personalization options. My sisters are the real seamstresses around here…
Glad you figured out that problem with your bobbin!
Amanda Wells says
I can’t sew, but decided a couple of years ago I wanted to try. Two Christmases ago, my husband gave me the Brother sewing machine and, well, it’s still in the box. It intimidates me to no end. Maybe you’ll inspire me to break it out…
Camille @ the vintique object says
See? See? This is why I will not sew. I will have not of that. None.
Camille
Janny A. says
Dear Sherry,
I’m sorry you have had such a terrible time with the sewing machine. I promise if you keep trying patiently you will learn how to master it. You are a strong, creative, driven woman and this is just another mountain to climb! One step at a time. I was never taught how to sew but I watched my grandma and when I got out of college and then married I decided to teach myself. My hubby got me a sewing machine for one of my birthdays and I just bought a book and began there. I can now say…I LOVE to sew and like others here I am a fabric fanatic!!
Just don’t give up!! ;-)
Sara says
You got this one Sherry! I believe in you. Just note that size DOES matter, I mean Bobbin size matters! I sew and like sewing, but have a machine that doesn’t take the regular sized bobbins Jo-Ann Fabric’s sells so had to go on a total mission to find ones that fit. Finally I got the right ones but it took me months.
One sewing machine hint: if you are sewing and stop, and the thread seems stuck, giggle the wheel on the right side of your machine, until you feel it get unstuck. The bobbin has been half way engaged, and the stitch is still in that mechanism. This also shows up some times as more than one thread coming out of the bobbin hole… just giggle it and gently pull to fix it.
Rachel says
“sew crying” that’s hilarious! Only because I’ve been there done that kind of thing….the swears are completely appropriate. : )
Kate @ Savour Fare says
Oh Sherry, I’m laughing WITH you. A sewing machine is INVALUABLE to have around the house (I have a few sewing projects I’ll be posting soon) but I have the same issues — was sewing pillow covers last week and spent the evenings cursing the damn machine, because my tension was off, and it was birdsnesting like crazy and I broke 3 needles. Will have to try switching bobbins. It turned out to be a tension issue. Which is pretty much always the case.
Rachel Z. says
Sherry I can relate! I am terrible at sewing! And I love that line at the bottom..”stranger things have happened!” I heard Bethenny say that from last night’s episode..haha I love her too!
Ashley says
I love this! I think you should turn the rest of that fabric into a quilt. Nice straight lines :) then do what I do, let someone else do the hard work… like the quilting.
Keri Beth says
I love fabric birthday banners! Here’s mine:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/keribeth/4871110767/
YoungHouseLove says
Gorgeous! I love it!
xo,
s
Carole says
I could give lots of sewing advice, but instead will share a quote from Randy Pausch: “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out; the brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something.”
You *can* figure it out, if you are persistent (or you can use hem tape or ask for help, and that’s a-okay too! :). Great post!
Chelsea says
Oh Sherry! I feel your pain! My mom and grandmother are expert seamstresses….they even made the bridesmaids dresses for my mom’s wedding! Unfortunately, I did not inherit that talent. I have my mom’s old Singer sewing machine that is wonderful but has brought me to frustrated tears many times. It does get easier! After you make the same mistake 5 times you will learn, I know from experience :)
Liz says
I have the perfect place for a learn to sew or beginning quilting class- Quilting Adventures at Willow Lawn. http://www.quiltingadventures.com/classes.php They are super nice, priced reasonably and have THE MOST AMAZING selection of fabrics. Love that place!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much! They’re on my short list for sure!
xo,
s
tracy a says
That darn bobbin…just had a trip to the sewing repair store myself becuase of bad bobbins! Lots of underside gobbledy-gook that kept tangling at weird times during what should have been an easy straight line to sew. I know all about screaming into pillows! Thanks for sharing your misery with us and making me laugh. And as for your banner….love it!
Gina says
So many comments I can’t read them all, please accept my apologies if this is repetitious.
I learned to sew years ago and eventually became pretty competent (smocking, applique, advanced construction techniques) but my early efforts were painfully amateurish. I just wanted to encourage you to stay at it. Each mistake teaches you something, and it DOES get easier and you WILL get better! Don’t give up, it’s very rewarding and such a creative outlet. Good luck, and the banner is so cute! Great Job!