Monday, March 19, 2012

Disastrous Undies - Kwik Sew 3881

Dear readers,

While on a quilting break - I returned to my regularly scheduled program of making clothes, in this case some panties.  I enclose the picture for muslin purposes only.  I cut out a medium - using a jersey knit for a muslin.  Result:  Ridiculously too big.

Please ignore the awful execution - I sewed them for muslin purposes only to check sizing.  I made them using Kwik Sew 3881, the hipster version (middle of the column on the right).  Horrible on my hips -  so I'm headed back to the drawing board for alterations.  I will also check the stretch content.  Perhaps my jersey had a bit too much stretch (I believe this pattern calls for 25% stretch).   I cut the M but seemingly a S or XS may be appropriate.  On  positive note - these go together really fast.
I am studying execution styles for undies once I get these right.   Apparently, according to Singer's guide to sewing lingerie - there are three techniques you can use to sew these - "in the round construction" and "flat construction."

If I ever get these right perhaps I'll post my trials and tribulations with each methodology.

If anyone wants to recommend supplies - I'm all ears.  I'm merely using plush elastic from my local fabric store.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Perfection is the enemy of good . . . Ok, I'm a lazy quilter.

Dear readers,

I've finished piecing my quilt top - I hope to assemble it for quilting today.
Well, I didn't really follow the directions - which were fairly simple.  I also made this lap quilt a bit longer for sitting on the couch  - it always seems that lap quilts are too short.

One item I didn't do well (and it's not in the directions) - is that I should have "trued" my 14" quilt squares.  I didn't think to do it - I'm a quilting luddite, apparently.  This made some of my seams on the quilt top not quite matching.  Once it's quilted I don't think it will be noticeable - except by me.
I realized it on block 7 of 15.  I could have opened the quilt up - but I'm a lazy quilter.

In my mind, perfection is the enemy of good.  This affects my entire life I think.  Perfect people are really irritating.  I delay many projects and writing because I am afflicted by this need for perfection.  I'm certainly not perfect myself in my personal life.  For example, I can't find my keys at least once a day.  I'm completely unorganized and messy, generally.  Although I pride myself on logic - I am not a linear thinker.

What do you think  - is perfection the enemy of good?

Thursday, March 15, 2012

I'm making a Quilt? Really? Really? and a cool tip.

Dear Readers,

Yes, I said it!  I'm doing it.  A quilt.  It was on my New Year's Resolutions list.  I never thought I'd make one again but somehow I've become roped in with the wonderful fabric from Moda, Big Apples and eyes toward a modern quilt pattern.
I've spent a week sorting Jelly Rolls, Charm Squares and cutting pieces.   I forgot how long this portion takes to finish.  Below is the backing:
This is the quilt pattern I've downloaded from the Fat Quarter Shop - I'm only making a longer lap quilt - mostly due to laziness, I think . . . . plus any quilt on the bed will suffer depreciation from both our Kerries.   This is a modern quilt and I am dying to making something really fun and newish.  I am starting with a pattern but want to make one of my own soon.
One cool tip - I received my ASG Los Angeles newsletter and it has a link to The Scientific Seamstress' Blog and Template Download. Look what I downloaded for free onto cardstock:  two templates for a hemming pattern.  Wonderful - I can't wait to use them - I have jeans to hem this weekend!
Have a great weekend  - on my next post hopefully I'll have the top done!

Happy St. Patty's Day (in advance) Corn Beef and Cabbage for all this weekend!!