Thursday 7 February 2013

True confession: I've gone off sewing


(Plus totally pinched my post title from the wonderful Karen).

Thankfully, I don't think it'll be permanent. God only knows what would happen to my sense of self if it was.

But I had such good ideas for February, and I feel like everything, including the ideas, has conspired against me over the last week, to the point where I'd like to just throw in the towel. Can you help me?? I'll show you the evidence - any and all creative rescue plans are welcome!

Exhibit #1:


It's a briar, of course. The pattern I was excited to get for Christmas and even more excited to be sewing along with this month. This was my trial version, in a jersey I didn't really like much any more (too sludgy), so in principle it's only a muslin. Nonetheless I sewed the whole thing meticulously to test-run, and the top indeed sews up beautifully. Or it would have if it weren't for my first pet hate - breaking my only double needle halfway through. The rate I get through double needles, it'd probably be cheaper in the long run to just buy a coverstitch machine and be done with it (mental note to self: actually do the maths on this).

Anyway, that's not really the point. The point is - look at that fit.


Gah! A twitter shout led to some kind hand-holding by Tanit-Isis who confirmed my suspicion that it'll be fine with an FBA and something about the swayback (plus a narrow back adjustment too? All thoughts welcome!). But I am just so utterly fed up with fitting. In my head this was going to be one of those knit tops that miraculously come out right first time. Boo.

On to sewing-grump Exhibit #2: an unfinished Jasmine.


This is why I am fed up with fitting, and frankly, with making an effort to get things right in general. Make no mistake, it'll be a beautiful blouse when it's done. I have finally got the fit of this right! After FOUR muslins. Yes FOUR. And it's a slinky, warm poly crepe with wonderful drape that takes just that little bit extra effort to sew nicely. BUT. But. I was planning this post a few days ago, at which point I thought the blouse would be finished that night and was in love with the idea - hence the photoshopped swooning. You know what? EVERY night for the last four days I have thought - tonight's the night! And guess what - it's still not done! It still hasn't got sleeves. And I am SO FED UP with sewing it but can't bring myself to move on till it's done. Gah and more gah....

Exhibit #3:


This one is not a bad thing per se but an attack of nerves. It's a dress that will involve Yet. More. Fitting. I just can't take it any more!! But I simultaneously so want to join in the February Frock Fest fun. Also, I'm not a natural polkadot person. I really don't know what inspired me to buy this in the first place, apart from the fact that it's chocolate brown and mint green and hence makes me think of mint-choc-chip ice cream.

click for source

I want to do the view shown made up on the pattern cover, but can't decide if with the collar it'd just be polkadot overkill. What say you, sewing stylists? I mean, it's a really good collar that I know will flatter, I just don't want to turn up at work looking like a fancy dress party of one.

And finally, Exhibit #4. Which is not illustrated. It's another true confession.

Last week when I was ill, I couldn't do much else than sleep, or sit on the sofa watching tv, drinking lemsip and sulking because I had gone off eating, and, well... I was knitting.

Indeed. After a gap of at least 20 years, it turns out I still know how to knit (thanks Mum/Grandma!) Just the basics, but enough to make myself a cowl which has hardly left my neck since. And I love it. It's like magic, the way this beautiful squishy fabric grows in your hands, and all you have to do is meditatively and rhythmically keep those needles moving. I can't wait to start my next project.

That's in fact what I really just need to admit to myself: I'd rather be knitting.

4 comments:

  1. Oh god, this post is a bit depressing... except of course for the icecream and knitting bits. I'm about to start on my Briar (post Harry Potter party madness) and am also hoping for a relaxing sew. If you find some jersey that you really love then do the adjustments, otherwise knit. Re the beautiful almost finished blouse.. wait for a really lovely day when you really want to wear it and then you will finish it.. for now, knit. Re the polka dots... this is a hard one. Do the versions allow you to change your mind half way through re the collar? I agree that it is very cute collar that would be flattering, but it would be nice to have the option of removing if once it's on it's too much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh dear, I didn't mean to get my mood across quite so tangibly! I think you'll be fine with the Briar - in fact I have to make pretty much all those adjustments to every top I make, starting from the size that fits my shoulders (which this one does), so I don't know what possessed me to hope that I wouldn't need to this time! I heard yesterday that my favourite fabric shop is doing 'buy a metre get one free' on knits, so I'll definitely be giving it another try. And the Jasmine is now done apart from the hem! Which means I feel free to let myself knit too if I want.

      Have fun with the party!

      Delete
    2. It wasn't that depressing!! :) Yay to the Jasmine. Can't wait to see it.

      Delete
  2. Yeah, I know that feeling! If it helps re the T-shirt, it took me at least four tries to get my first T-shirt wearable. I'd do just the FBA first and see how that affects the back, as it may sit better when the sides aren't being pulled forward.

    I'm not sure how fitted the blouse is, but would you be able to use that (well fitted) pattern to compare to the NL6000 pattern to get some ideas of where you are fit-wise.

    But hey, if you'd rather be knitting, knit. :)

    ReplyDelete

Please don't be anonymous or unpleasant!