what you learn from sewing

[Zoe Girl]

i am making very simple linen pants with a drawstring elastic waist today. i have my typical pants pattern that is more fitted with a side zipper but this fabric needs to be a softer style. So i have been checking out the patter and comparing measurements. the measure from the waist to crotch for me is about 5 inches and the pattern allows 9! i wish i had a local sewing friend to help me decide how much to really shorten this part with confidence. i am thinking at least to do 2 inches. the overall length is a little closer fit body to pattern, so i found out i am short waisted (that is i think what it is called). it makes sense because i fold over the pants at the waist most of the time. even petite pants. if i get soft or elastic waist i get sometimes a small, usually a medium, with a regular fitted waist then i am a large.

it is a lot like woodworking/construction, measure 2-3 times, spend a LOT of time working with the pattern and a little time cutting and sewing.

[sweetana3]

Several measurements to check are those on actual clothing that fits well and is comfortable.

[Float On]

I can't look at youtube where I am right now but I bet there is a good video out there regarding adjusting a pattern waist for someone short waisted. I'd be very careful with linen, it's not very forgiving and I'd had to sit down and have half my hiney showing. I am not good at sewing pants at all. I always mess up something. Last time I tried to make a pair of pjs and I ended up with one leg inside out.

[kib]

Good news is a drawstring is a forgiving pattern! I have to say that every pair of drawstring linen pants I've ever owned has a stupidly long crotch for some reason, I always wind up pulling them apart. Then when the crotch isn't at my knees, the legs get too short. If you're really worried err on the side of caution and stitch the last 5" or so at the waist end by hand with a big running stitch first - and don't hem the bottoms until you're totally and completely satisfied with everything else.

[Zoe Girl]

so i have cut them, i shortened from the waist 2 1/2 inches and first compared to another sewing pattern i have which was great for my confidence. i also went down one size even based on my hip measurement because there is so much ease built into sewing patterns i have found. i checked that against my muslin for my usual pattern. i did not shorten the length at all, it could leave it up to 5 inches at the hem but i can work with that much easier than if i was on the short size. my muslin is for side zip slim pants that are a bit shorter, ankle length is is called, which is flattering as a petite person.

i have had no luck posting photos here for some reason, but i will tell you how it turns out.

[lessisbest]

I took a class at the County Extension Office "eons" ago, on how to tailor a pattern for slacks that fit. It took a lot of measuring and adjusting a pattern so it was correct for our body, but that was time well spent. Then we cut a permanent pattern out of muslin. My mother-in-law had severe scoliosis and one hip was much higher than the other, and when I shared the lesson plans with her, we were able to create a pattern that worked for her. For the first time she had slacks that actually "fit". Kansas State University had a computer program where you could get tailored patterns for clothing. It was very expensive, but a wonderful benefit for people who can't wear off-the-rack clothing.

You can also take apart a pair of slacks that fit you and use it as a pattern.

This link has guidelines for measuring and adjusting the pattern similar to what I learned in my classes on the subject. http://www.simplicity.com/t-sewing-how-to-tailor-fit-pants.aspx

[catherine]

You're making me nostalgic for my sewing days. I used to love the whole process--I LOVED unfolding the new yards of material and spreading them out on the table. I loved gently opening up the tissue patterns and finding the most efficient way to lay them out. I loved listening to the groovy sounds of the 60s (that's when I did most of my sewing) while pinning, cutting, trimming the notches.

Watching the garment come to life was also a joy and a challenge--making sure you fit the sleeve to the sleeve hole just right--trying to get the topstitching perfectly straight.

And then the pride of wearing it was great. Back then you would be proud to wear a home-made outfit. I know that in the generation prior the pride was in "store-bought" and the generation after the attitude was "why bother" but it was always a very fulfilling way to express myself.

[Zoe Girl]

lessisbest, that is so inspiring! i saw a wonderful thing on Facebook about a company that made clothes just for girls with Down Syndrome. because of their unique bodies it is hard to get cute clothes that they want to wear as they get older. it goes a long way to have something that just fits well. i have a few other things to do today and then i can hopefully sew up the pants in about an hour.

i think i am seeing a resurgence in sewing and crafting. you really have to want to and have some people around who don't think you are wasting your time. Life is so very busy, even with simplifying it is hard to get through it all on a very basic level,. However the process of sewing is very relaxing so i will keep doing it.

[awakenedsoul]

Oh yeah. For me, I can't put a price on the pleasure I get out of making clothes. I knit mine, but sew the pieces together by hand. I love to tailor clothing so that it fits just right. It's very satisfying. I made my fist pair of winter gloves a couple of months ago. I thought they would be too hard, but they weren't. It just took time and patience. I wear them all the time: on the bus, when I ride the bike, and for hikes in the mountains.

I've always really liked and admired people who could sew their own clothing. They have good energy, confidence, and enthusiasm. I never knew I could knit garmets until I was in my late forties. It's been one of the most rewarding hobbies that I've discovered. Enjoy your pants!

[Francie]

I used to sew a fair amount back in the '70s, when my kids were young, but as they grew up and I went to work that went by the way-side. So I just recently hauled out my '71 Singer (which I loved!) and had it worked-over, and before too much longer we'll clean out a spare bedroom and I'll have a place to set it up again. I never did any thing fancy, but I enjoyed what I did. I'm looking forward to get back to that.

[kimberlyf0]

it is a lot like woodworking/construction, measure 2-3 times, spend a LOT of time working with the pattern and a little time cutting and sewing.

And of course more time is spent at the ironing board than the sewing machine!

[jemmdotrull]

I learned a lot of technical things with sewing. But the most important thing that I learned: patience.

[pcooley]

The main thing I learned from sewing is that Thrift store clothes are an amazingly good deal. Occasionally, I'll think making my own clothes is a frugal thing to do, but I never get very far. I did make a fleece vest for my wife one year for Christmas. It turned out well, but I grossly underestimated how long it would take me - underestimating time and cost is one of my preeminent skills - and I ended up being up most of Christmas Eve sewing. (I don't know exactly, but I probably thought the whole job would take me an hour or two. How long should it take to cut some fabric out and sew it together?)

[JaneV2.0]

I'm mostly with Pcooley. By the time I'm finished with the process, I never want to see the finished product again. I can probably buy three or four items for what a good piece of fabric costs. And then there's the time involved. I can see where that would be worth it if you needed a very specific garment.

I'm more forgiving of craft work, like quilting, where no fitting is necessary. If I ever decide to venture into making clothing again, I'll invest in a good dress form--or maybe a dressmaker.

[beckyliz]

I used to sew a lot - in my teens and twenties. I finally learned to step back and put the project down when I was getting tired and cranky and things weren't going right.

[lessisbest]

I was looking through some older jeans I had in storage and found a pair that had a rip on the cuff from getting too close to some barbed wire. Rather than patch it, I converted the jeans to pedal pushers, including the slit on the side. I needed pedal pushers more than another pair of jeans, so it was a sewing win.

I agree with JaneV2.0. When the cost of fabric, the pattern, spool of thread, zipper/buttons etc., was far more expensive than buying good quality ready-made clothing from thrift stores, that's when I quit sewing my own clothing (in the early 1990's).

[Tussiemussies]

I have done some sewing and quilting. It is expensive, but I find it very challenging since I almost taught myself. I have yet to learn how to successfully put in sleeves, zippers and buttons yet. I hope to find an excellent teacher who would come to my home. For some reason I feel I would retain the information better if it is done in my sewing space...

[Aqua Blue]

I learned that I am not a good "pattern picker outer". What looks good in the pattern book does not necessarily look good on me. Stopped clothes sewing for the most part 30 years ago.

Stopped sewing quilts when I realized that it was a BIG waste of money and time. Put a lot of time and effort into several gifts only to have them never used. Decided I personally don't like quilts on my bed. I did however recently sew a bedspread from some drapery fabric I really liked. It turned out well.

[iris lilies]

Thrift store clothes are the greatest secret out there.

DH is easy to fit in shorts, and I just got him 4 pairs of NICE shorts at $3 each pair, all of a heavy cotton fabric and solid construction. He wears a 34" waist, and I told him if he'd gain a little weight, he'd have more shorts since 36" are more common.

Sewing for clothing nver worked for me. As a teenager I sewed but was never careful about seams, and ironing, and etc.In other words: sloppy construction. But I could put in a zipper like an SOB! Buttonholes-completely beyond me.

I have enjoyed sewing pillows and curtains for our house, and occasional bed spreads.

[Zoe Girl]

i have had many times that i ended up not wanting to wear something i sewed, as i get better at it however i like the stuff more and more. i finally just made myself wear these pants and notice how they fit and then wear some of the store clothes and realized they don't fit so perfectly either. the ones i sewed i have been able to go back and make adjustments for a better fit. the one thing i don't think i will wear at all is a pink skirt, i had such a great idea for it and at least it was super cheap and simple to make. i may make it a lining of another skirt.

i agree with slowing down. At first i wanted to power through a project in a weekend. that is definitely possible but sometimes is too stressful. So i slowed down and the pants i am doing right not are taking awhile. i started on spring clothes early. i am at a buttonhole step and i want to be not overtired or frustrated when i start it. when i get tired of it i remember the reasons why i sew, for a better fit (thrift clothes have the same issue as everything else, too small waists and when the chest fits it is basically a tent all over) and to avoid artificially cheap clothes. then i get into the mood and it is a very creative process that engages me. when it stops being that fun/flow for too long i put it aside.