Who would have guessed that sewing 5 little girl's swimsuits in a row could make one go mad. I was growling at inanimate objects (namely ill behaved thread), talking to myself, and even threatened to give up sewing entirely. It was that bad.
I cut the entire top off one in an effort to salvage it. Chopped it clean off. After several surgeries, it fits...barely. Tighter than a glove. I guess that's what you get when you ask to be the first recipient. I have almost finished 4, Olive's is last, and I am perfecting the method.
I'm lining them all, which I haven't done in the past, but am finding it makes for a much more solid suit. Also, I chose this project to learn how to use my new serger. I think it is the cause for my chronic headache this week. But, boy have I learned. I have studied the user's manual like my semester's grade depended on it.
What? You mean that little tiny switch makes a difference between jumbled threads and a pretty stitch? Psh. It is making me miss my Gladys. Why, yes, I just named my sewing machine. Is there a club for that?
I even got online one night after the top chopping to buy some swimsuits instead, it got that bad, but I couldn't justify spending $100 on swimsuits for everyone when I had 3 yards crumpled on the sewing studio floor waiting to be used. So, I went at it again.
Yes, I'm ready for some solid wovens and just two threads to meddle with. But, (there's always a but, right?) the girls are so excited about their new swimsuits, and the fact that I let a little $2/yard sparkle slip into the designs. And I have a newfound confidence in coverstitching. I ought to name her as well, since I no longer loathe her. Suggestions?
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And speaking of new machines, this is my new lint roller. He's currently working on sprouting two little teeth. I'll miss his gummy smile.
Just wondering where you bought the cute swimsuit fabric?! I can't find good fabric for swimsuits anywhere!
ReplyDeleteWhat about Agatha? That's a great sewing machine name isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteCynthia-I don't remember where I got the polka-dot (I'm thinking my mom sent it to me years ago) and the sparkly is some I bought from some leftover stock at a factory, but take a look at www.spandexworld.com and there's bound to be something that appeals to you.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra--I like it! Gladys and Agatha...
I have a sneaking suspicion that I may be getting a serger at my bridal shower and I am already both super scared to figure it out, and eagerly anticipating trying out many fun projects in the future.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that someone else feels sewing frustrations sometimes! But I just have to remind myself that it's worth it when something FITS.... it's always better than the store :)
ReplyDeleteWhich brand of serger did you go with? I have a babylock imagine that I LOVE that I got 9 years ago, and I have never had a moments worry with it (and it has air jet threading so no tweezers involved!)
ReplyDeleteLast summer my hunny bought me the babylock coverstitch machine, and I have been crazy happy with it too! (a whole world of knits has opened up to me since it looks so much more professional then a double needle) I thought about getting a new serger with coverstitch features, but then I decided I would rather have them in the 2 machines so I didn't have to swap the machine back and forth a couple of times a project when the steps called for going back and forth!
What kind of serger did you get and are you happy with it? I've been looking around trying to decide what i want.
ReplyDeleteI empathize. And wooly nylon thread (which is necessary for give in knits and swimsuit fabric) is a pain to work with. And just wait until you accidentally chop holes in things with your serger because it didn't go exactly how you wanted it to, and took the curve too fast and....
ReplyDeleteThere are days when I hate my serger and days when I love it. I'm doing swimsuits for my two, also. I just need to do a bit more re-measuring first. I'm sure they've grown since the last time I did it, and the almost four-year-old is getting a tankini that looks like a one-piece because the top and the bottom are going to overlap on purpose...
I vote "Maude" for the new serger's name. I've never used a serger but my regular machine doesn't have a name...which is surprising because I love to name inanimate objects. I think I'm going to have to name her ASAP.
ReplyDeleteRebekah--I got the Bernina 1300mdc and now that I know how to use it (mostly) I am happy with it. It was my own lack of knowledge that caused frustrations. I still need to learn how to use the different feet and fancier functions, but look forward to a long and happy relationship with her.
ReplyDeleteLinoleum--Maude!! That's fantastic!
My sewing machine's name is Victoria, but she goes by Tori. I look forward to the day we can welcome a serger to the family.
ReplyDeleteI think yours should be named Gertrude (she goes by Trudie; I must like nickname). Gladys and Gertrude. Gladys and Trudie. They're an unstoppable team!!
moonlightsewing--stop! :) all these names are so great! I think I should put it to a vote.
ReplyDeleteMy sewing machine is named Ethel and my serger is named Lucy. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe real question is: how many times have you had to re-thread the serger? My first project with a serger involved SEVERAL re-threads (did you know you can't just pull out your project, you have to "sew nothing" for a bit?!!). On the bright side, now I'm pretty much a pro at re-threading. Maybe better at re-threading than the actual sewing part! I vote for Linoleum's name vote. My serger doesn't have a name, she's not really mine, I'm borrowing her. I did name my machine, though, Josephine (after her previous owner - a little old quilting lady).
ReplyDeleteI totally understand frustration with sewing and the learning curve that goes along with that. People think it must be so easy to make stuff, but both of us know about all the cursing that goes along with it. Although my kids LOVE what I make so it makes the frustration worth it. I really want a coverstitch machine. I am JEALOUS!
ReplyDeleteHello, a while ago that I follow the site, I find beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYou are an example of a mother! Six children?!? TOO! Congratulations!
Do not want one more? Complement the colors of the rainbow! Daria beautiful photos, I guess.
I'm from Brazil, the text is poorly written because they do not speak English, but Google Translate helped me ...
Just wanted to say that I admire everything you do!
Kisses and God bless all your beautiful family....
Good job. The idea of sewing 5 of anything in a row makes me cringe a bit and I've still never braved swimwear.
ReplyDeleteMy machine is called Bertha after a magical but temperamental machine who could make anything - from a cartoon I loved as a child. Sadly she (my machine) turned out just as moody as the one in the TV show!
ReplyDeleteChoose a name for your serger that has good 'references' or you may end up regretting it!
PS - beautiful 'still lives' - can't wait to see the finished suits
Perhaps there's a club for women who threaten to stop sewing but persist.
ReplyDeleteI'm in it.
The suits look great so far! You may have persuaded me to wait longer to get a serger and longer to try making a swim suit. . . . I will miss those gummy smiles too!!
ReplyDeleteMy sewing machine's name is Frank (am I the only one whose machine is male?) but my serger doesn't have a name because I've never actually used it.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteI never knew I could get that mad at a machine. It took my husband AND I a whole day of grumbling and cursing at my serger, and just when I thought we did it, the threads bunched up.
I put it in the closet, and walked away.
*sigh*
Maybe in a few years I'll take it out again.
~Michelle
Katy--this is why you sew and I do not. You have infinite patience with sewing. Yes, I gave you the polka dot fabric and I love how you worked that sparkle fabric in. Can't wait to see them all!
ReplyDeleteOkay when you finish up, maybe we need a "sewing swimsuits, round 2" post!! I'd love to try to sew a swimsuit for my little gal this summer, lining it seems like a must, and it seems a bit intimidating.
ReplyDeleteMy 201-2's name is The Dressmaker. I call it worse names most of the time, though.
ReplyDeleteWarning (though of course you know this already): the first two teeth are very sharp.
I'm a bit partial to red and dotty for swimsuits and very envious of your lovely coverstitch finished binding.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they will be worth all the effort once done - and I agree - lining makes a big difference.
I named my machines after my grandmothers (one of whom I never knew, hence why I named my overlocker after her - I don't understand her either!)
ReplyDeleteEsmay & Muriel cosily reside on my sewing table together. Though from all accounts, in real life they wouldn't have gotten along at all ;)
For the Serger Esmeralda! I was my daughters nickname from her nan when she was little (now 21!)
ReplyDeleteps. love your blog, adore you kids names, admire your stitching abilities, sympathize with the sewing frustrations and smile at your writing wit :-)
I have so been there!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see how they turned out!
Katy,
ReplyDeleteBrings back memories. I used to sew swimsuits for my three girls. I "copied" a HannaAndersson suit and it was fantastic, a cross back one piece that stayed on like it should. I remember making stretchy headbands to match. Such fun. - Kendra
Is the coverstich making everything easier? I keep thinking I should make the change, but the learning curve, the expense, am I sewing that much? Thanks for any input.
ReplyDeleteNames....my daughter and I name just about everything :) My son in law pointed this out to us.
ReplyDeleteMy heavy dusty machine is 'Kraul' the Warrior King, my everyday machine 'Princess Sofia.' We were in our 'How to Lose A Guy' movie phase. Just as your serger still has no name yet...we too are waiting for the right one to come along :)
We name each outfit/article of clothing...not consciencely, it just happens during the creating process.
Betsy. I call everything Betsy
ReplyDeleteI think the serger's name should be Sergei. Because he is definitely of Russian temperament. (Not that I know about Russian temperaments, but I read old Agatha Christie mysteries, and there is often a dancer of Russian temperament. And Sergei just fits a serger.)
ReplyDeleteEdith or Lydia ... "little old lady names" seem to fit well for sewing machines!
ReplyDeleteYou should consider naming your serger Juno. The name means "the Uniter". As Goddess of Women, Juno especially presided over marriages and children, and she has numerous other epithets relating to that function according to http://www.thaliatook.com/OGOD/jugalis.html.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for "Sergio"
ReplyDeleteAnd, is there a club for women who threaten to stop sewing but don't?
Hmmm, never thought to name my machine - I like that idea! Can't wait to see the girls (and hopefully Drummer) in their new suits!!!
ReplyDeleteGot a serger for Christmas. I was so intimidated but I took up the challenge. Everything was working great until all of a sudden it wasn't...I couldn't get the machine to keep the chain. Turns out the needle was slightly bent, but it took me days to figure that out.
ReplyDeleteAh! I was totally thinking you should name it Sergei and I see someone else thought it fit too! We name our vehicles (Foxy, Dough, Grandé and Spit) and kitchen alliances (Mother, Bill, Chin-Chin). I really look forward to seeing the swim suits!
ReplyDeleteWhat about Odette?
ReplyDeleteKaty! I'm not going to lie, i've had to take some time to adjust you using a serger. My knit sewing matto was, "Katy doesn't use a serger I don't need one!" I the truth is I want one bad, sooo bad, but I have no idea what I want it to be able to do! So when I've got it all sorted could you do a post on all the details, what you've found useful and what you wish you could do but can't? Also would you recommend new or used? I'd like to pass the info subtly along to the husband.
ReplyDeleteps. I can't believe Drummer is getting teeth! Stop growing boy!
Bizzy Dill-good name for a serger that does it's job..... lol
ReplyDeleteSerafina. Sounds like a "fine sewing stitch" to me.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter just gave me a framed graphic print of a sewing machine simply titled, "HELLO LOVER". I laugh so hard whenever I look at it!
My serger's name is Sergio.
ReplyDeleteMy sewing machine is named Knut. He's a Viking. :D
I am tempted, though, to name one of them Lionel. On a new fave TV program this year (Person of Interest), the main character is known for his growled-whispered "Hello, Lionel."
How about Bertha?
ReplyDeleteI don't have any good suggestions for you but I have to thank Caren for her inspiration to name my machines - my grandma Eileen bought my machine for me and my serger was previously owned by my mom's friend Maxine.
ReplyDeleteEileen and Maxine.
Thanks Caren!
Hi Katy, I couldn't imagine attempting bathing suits...God Bless you there, hon! I ran across Zaaberry, a sewing blog with some swim suit info I thought you would enjoy reading...http://zaaberry.blogspot.com/2012/03/girls-swimsuit-tutorial.html
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze me! Love!
I see someone else already had my idea---Sergio!!!
ReplyDelete-Amy
Wow...the fact that you attempted to sew all of those is amazing in itself.
ReplyDeleteBTW..there is a club for naming your machines...you can join mine. I'm the other weirdo who names my sewing machines, other knitting/crafty gadgets and all my pyrex & vintage bowls. yep...i'm not embarassed...it's slightly strange..but I love them all...so the more i love them the more i name them :)
My pfaff is named Poppy and she rocks. Your machine and mine should hang sometime :)
And holy cow...how cute is your little guy!!!! Love those cheeks!
This is such a cute post. I have such old machines - a Bernette overlocker from 1990, and a Husqvarna machine (with cams that you swap at the back) from the 1970s. But they don't have names, they don't seem to need them. They just ARE.
ReplyDeleteAnd although I don't really rate my sewing skills, I must have some kind of sportswear-nerd mind, as I have been making all kinds of swimsuits, athletics gear, basically whatever I could dream up, since I was about 17 or 18 (*cough*more than half my life ago*cough*). It's funny to see you, who can do things with fabric and styling that I couldn't even dream of, feeling that you're in your swimsuit-designing early years. I wish I could take you back to show you all my neck-to-knee inspired bathers (it was a phase when I was in my 20s), and my oldest daughter's Dalmatian print scoop back one piece (made for when she was about 2). I used to scour the stores for remnants for her little bits and pieces, due to a miniscule budget for clothing. Thanks for inspiring a trip through memory!
I have to get the nerve up and break open my serger box. I've had it since before the holidays and haven't even opened it up yet. I moved so that's one reason but it's really just my "old dog can't learn new tricks" hesitation that's keeping me from doing it. I hope your jumping in and learning yours inspires me to do it too.
ReplyDelete