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Ask the readers: What intimidates you?
After reviewing what I learned in 2012, I decided to start a new series on the blog: Ask the Readers. Since discussion and ideas from you guys are so central to what makes this blog great, it seems appropriate to have a space dedicated to weekly discussions.
So here is our first topic. My question to you is:
What part of the sewing process intimidates you?
Everyone seems to have something that makes them hesitant or nervous, whether it’s zippers and buttons or just choosing the right fabric. What about you?
Comments
Kelly
February 20, 2013 #
It’s so interesting to read everyone’s comments! My biggest problem is set-in sleeves in woven fabrics. There is that never ending battle with puckering (though reducing seam allowances to 1/4″ helps a lot), but then I am also rarely happy with the fit and look of a plain sleeve. I almost always get unsightly wrinkles radiating out from the underarm after wearing and moving around for a day. I’ve taken to just going sleeveless, which really works best since you usually need a cardigan in San Francisco anyway.
Mugsy
February 20, 2013 #
My biggest fear is…me. I worry that I’ll slide back into the old routine of beating myself up emotionally and mentally over every mistake I make. After all, I used to have to be perfect, at ALL costs. While I’ve learned from that (and my previously mentioned nervous breakdown), for some strange reason I still cannot get beyond that fear/lack of confidence, whatever you want to call it. Hence my procrastination.
Sheesh! *LOL*
Heloise
March 2, 2013 #
I am currently working on this myself… to rather do, and do “wrong” than not do at all!!
good luck
H
ELISE
March 5, 2013 #
Oh, I so hear you, I’m totally like that myself !
Elise
Melissa
February 20, 2013 #
Fitting is the most intimidating for me. I need to do more research on making alterations to patterns to fit my body type.
Aubrey
February 20, 2013 #
Zippers. I still can’t figure them out!
Emily
February 20, 2013 #
Fitting! And sewing a zipper into a garment that has a lining.
Merryl Chantrell
February 20, 2013 #
Lack of motivation. Don’t get me wrong I have been sewing my own garments for 50 years but sometimes it takes me some time to get motivated. I have no excuse either as I was given a new Singer Limited Edition 160 for my recent 60th birthday.
Sarah
February 20, 2013 #
What intimidates me?
Easy:
– getting the fit right…….I’m useless if it doesn’t fit first time, I struggle for a while and then give up, I wish i was better and understood what to do to make it right.
– buying the right type of fabric for the project…….I tend to play safe and stick with cotton, but I know there is so much more out there i’m just scared to give it a go!
Sharonnz
February 20, 2013 #
Definitely getting the fit right and zippers.
KayoticSewing
February 20, 2013 #
1. Fitting – esp what adjustments to make in what order
2. Lining anything – skirt/ pants
3. Would love to see a video on bagging a jacket lining
Sarai, Thanks so much for asking where we need help.
Chelsea
February 20, 2013 #
Zippers and buttonholes.
Sometimes I put a zipper in and its a breeze, sometimes I have to rip it out a ton of tons. I think the buttonhole problem is partially a problem with my machine.
Mandy
February 20, 2013 #
There are a few things which really bother me when I am planning to sew something:
1. Choosing the right pattern for my shape. Finding the ones which will really suit me.
2. Finding the right fabric – not always easy round here. However, we have just had a sewing shop open up in the local town…… I am looking forward to being able to seek advice from the shop owner.
3. Cutting the fabric. I always hesitate here, worried that I have missed a piece out, got something the wrong way round.
4. Fit – even when I make a muslin first, I find it hard to understand what alterations to do if it just doesn’t fit.
The answer to most of these is to practise, of course. To keep on going until it all becomes easier.
knitmo
February 20, 2013 #
1. Marking patterns accurately and quickly. My mom taught me to sew and she never measured to make sure things were on grain. I’m sure her marking techniques were lackluster as well.
2. Like everyone else, refining my ability to evaluate what changes need to be made to a pattern based on how a muslin fits or doesn’t fit.
3. Rules of thumb in sewing. If I see this awesome red cotton baby whale corduroy, generally speaking how much should I pick up if I want to make a pencil skirt. What’s the rule of thumb for how much to buy. My grandmother was a whiz at this, but it still seems like magic to me.
Tips on evaluating body type and pairing it with pattern selection would always be welcome. I never feel like I know what will look good on me, and that’s changed since I had kids.
As a knitter, Amy Herzog’s work with her series Fit to Flatter, helped me tremendously about what I should wear, not only in hand knits. http://www.amyherzogdesigns.com/f2f/
Hannah
February 20, 2013 #
Sleeves are quite intimidating. Particularly, fitting sleeves. I have rounded, broad shoulders (compared to my bust and rib cage size) so getting sleeves to fit to the point where I can raise my arms more than bust height is difficult. I can hardly ever find store bought clothing with sleeves where this isn’t a problem, so learning to sew them would be very useful. In theory, I know that it has to do with needing additional fabric in the back of the armscye, but in practice, it is intimidating.
Also, lining garments is a struggle. I understand lining basic things – like a strapless dress with a dirndl skirt, but anything more complicated is difficult.
Lastly, I would love to learn to use french seams for sheer fabrics. I understand how to actually sew the seam, but it’s difficult to translate it to a more complicated pattern. For example, if I were sewing a dress with a lace overlay on the bodice, and it had sleeves, would I use a french seam to finish the armscye? Is that even possible? Is there a better seam finishing technique to use there? How do you calculate how much extra fabric to cut?
These are all things I would love to see tutorials on, and I know you would do them well!
paisley
February 20, 2013 #
darts
interfacing
figuring out when a fabric needs a special needle
linings
Michelle
February 20, 2013 #
* Lining most garment types (I’m okay with skirts and sleeveless bodices…but only okay with sleeveless bodices because I learned the easy pull-through-the-shoulder method before I knew I would be intimidated by most linings).
* Welt pockets. I massively messed up my “good” fabric on the first garment that I did these, even though I had practiced beforehand and thought I’d do an okay job. I’ve since done some passable ones, but I freak out every time I do them and try to avoid them when possible.
Cinnamon
February 20, 2013 #
Buttons and zippers never seem to turn out right or pretty, and I’ve yet to discover an effective way of transferring pattern markings to my fabric with out the markings disappearing, being in the wrong place, or not coming out of the fabric!
Rita
February 20, 2013 #
Fabric choice! I’ve gotten pretty good at invisible zippers and buttonholes, and I’m doing better with fitting, but fabric selection is still difficult for me. I finished a really adorable dress only to find that I looked like an extra on Little House on the Prairie due to my unfortunate fabric choice (which honestly didn’t seem so fuddy-duddy at the store!). It’s also hard for me to cough up hard earned cash on high-end fabric, since I’m so worried about making a mistake, or not loving the end result.
Too bad there’s not an app that allows you to scan in your pattern and fabric to view the finished result (if there IS an app, how do I not know about it?!!)!
Sharon Williams
February 20, 2013 #
Neck facings. I’ve always been rubbish at them. I cut and mark carefully (I think) but they rarely fit so I now partially attach the facing and sew facing seams afterwards. Just once for it to look like an illustration would be good. I can spend longer on a facing than the rest of the top or dress.
Sabs
February 20, 2013 #
Trousers and jackets. And fitting too.
I’ve just conquered my fear of invisible zips today – my concealed zip foot arrived in the post, I used it, it was bloody brilliant. EPIC WIN!
Rebecca Anderson
February 20, 2013 #
button holes on knit and small zippers
Aoife
February 20, 2013 #
Making adjustments for fit (big time) and I stall every time on choosing fabrics. Unless they’re clearly something I can envision as clothes (tweed or something, I’m seriously unlikely to sew with yet as a total beginner) then I get freaked out. How will that pattern I’m loving look when it’s all cut up in a dress? Does that colour really suit me? I don’t want to spend the money and the time making something I’ll hate as soon as it’s on me. Maybe it’s my own lack of vision or just lack of practise doing this??
Mimi
February 20, 2013 #
I know it probably sounds terrible but taking my size always terrifies me :p
But the thing I find the most difficult is fitting the pattern to my body shape and…invisible zippers. I really can’t figure them out.
On my current project I’m working with faux fur which I’ve found to be more difficult than I expected it to be
Helen
February 20, 2013 #
Sleeves, sleeves and sleeves!!! Whether it’s seamline puckers or too low/too high armscyes or unmatching left and right set-in sleeves, I’ve always had to re-work my sleeves, and with age there are now also fitting issues that I haven’t quite resolved. Guess I’m like so many others out there!
Amanda
February 20, 2013 #
FITTING! It is my Godzilla style nemesis. Every time I tweak my muslin and I think “yup, got it this time” some weird diagonal lines appear to stomp through the Tokyo of my victory… I m may have taken the analogy too far but I hope that conveys what I mean ;)
Juliette
February 20, 2013 #
I never seem to be able to get bias binding right on a slippery fabric, in fact I detest sewing with slippery, sheer-type fabrics. Whilst I have invisible zippers down pat, exposed zippers are difficult for me to get my head around. I need much more practice with those.
Yana
February 20, 2013 #
Definitely choosing the right fabric. Both in terms of the fabric properties and the right colour/print for the project. There are lots of books on fabrics and their properties, but I need to be able to touch and feel the fabric to fully understand it. I may need to do my own fabric swatch catalogue to know what fabric is what (plain cotton and linen are the only fabrics I fully understand). And in terms of colour, there is always procrastination between the colours I like and ones that suit me (which I don’t fully know either)….
Nyssa Jayne
February 20, 2013 #
Even from reading these comments, overall there’s stuff we sewers don’t like doing, or are nervous about doing, but usually we do it anyway. I knit as well, and I find that people are more likely not to try a new technique (lace, cables, etc…) because they “can’t”, whereas sewers are like, “well, I’ll put this off for as long as possible, and then I’m going to read lots of blogs about it, and then I am going to DO IT.”
What intimidates me — making things for other people. I’m making my fiance a blazer. If something isn’t right, he has to live with it, not me. Eek!
molly
February 20, 2013 #
finishing something…realizing that the end result has not turned out to be the perfect garment i’d initially envisioned. buttons and buttonholes…lining them up properly so that they fit smoothly over larger bust and smaller waist. the shawl collar…i would love to be able to get this right. knowing what is right and good for my body before i spend the effort.
Rae @ Motherhood Handmade
February 20, 2013 #
I’m really scared of the serger I inherited. and knits. Those are probably related. Also, pants, though I’d love to learn more about them, because I only ever find “These aren’t awful” pants for my body post-babies.
Becky
February 20, 2013 #
I am quite new to sewing. I’ve only been sewing for a year, and my biggest issue by far is picking the right fabric. I just seem to have no sense when it comes to this. I see fabrics I love but then hate the fabric on me when I make something out of it. I just can’t seem to get it right. I’m sticking with solids for a while. Fit and hemming are also problems for me.
liza jane
February 20, 2013 #
Vents. Any sort of vent. I can never wrap my head around which way to sew, or fold, or whatever it is that’s done to make a vent sit properly. I always screw it up.
Kelli Cheales
February 20, 2013 #
I often struggle with finishing off the zipper tape at the back neck opening, especially if I am working with light fabrics. After practising different approaches (cutting the tape off, folding tape back etc) and research I now hand sew the zipper all the way to the top which enables me to mould the final inch of the tape away from the centre back fold.
Zarah
February 20, 2013 #
The thing that stops me up most is sleeves. I’ve actually figured out how to (mostly) set them in nicely; the problem is that I have no idea what to do with the raw edges. I know there are lots of different ways of finishing edges, but usually I French seam everything, and that won’t really work around an armscye, so nothing ever seems quite right and I wind up getting upset or avoiding/eliminating sleeves altogether–or, even more frequently, both.
I feel like that’s a super weird problem, though, so yeah, I too am intimidated by issues of fit. I doubt there is a single pattern in existence that would fit me as-is, and I’m fully aware that if I make up something without doing adjustments, the fit will be all weird, but I still don’t like to make any more than very minor (and usually inadequate) changes because I’m so scared I’ll wind up ruining the whole thing instead.
Mandy Carroll
February 20, 2013 #
Zippers for the longest time have scared me silly. I had to jump in recently when I did a deconstruction of two skirts to make one larger skirt. At first she wanted an elastic waistband, but to my dismay she wanted a zipper inserted in the side.
So I set out, put on my big girl panties and plundered away. I basted the seam, pinned the zipper in, basted it in and then while holding my breath…I sewed it in. And lo and behold it looked perty and worked great. I do not know what was scaring me….You know all one can do is try…and practice and practice…and I have found my greatest thing being..giving myself permission to make something..just because I do not know how to do it….yet…does not mean I cannot do it…
Now I will attempt to make a dress…for me…like my mother used to wear…it has been a long time I have worn a dress…baggy jeans have always been my calling card….yet it is time for a change…to step into being a woman….because she is alot like my mother…and those lovely dresses she would wear….
Jess
February 20, 2013 #
I think picking the right fabric for the pattern is a big one. There are limited options in my area for fabric shopping and I really want to purchase online, but don’t even know where to begin in searching for the right type.
Kat
February 20, 2013 #
Oh, definitely lining. The thought of making the *whole* garment over again (fussy princess seams and all) in an even fussier fabric makes me want to drink :P
Abby
February 20, 2013 #
Buying fabric online…. I have no clue what the difference between silk charmeuse, shantung, and dupioni is, so I’m so scared of buying fabric online that I’ve only done it once!
Lianne
February 20, 2013 #
Choosing fabric is still very tricky. I’m now clearer on what colors to stick to or stay away from, but weight and drape is still mysterious to me. I get confused about what the garment would look like in different fabric choices and get paralyzed.
The other anxious area for me is transferring fitting or style changes to the paper pattern. I just get so worried that I haven’t done it correctly and that the next time the garment won’t turn out well, despite the time I took to carefully fit and adjust.
Kathleen
February 20, 2013 #
Cutting slippery fabric on the bias! Terrifying!
Joy N
February 20, 2013 #
fitting and the amount of ease in patterns – the envelope is not correct, everything is huge!! Also the thought of modifying or adding (collars, sleeves, mixing and matching)
Graca
February 20, 2013 #
Pants, more specifically fitting pants for my um, generous back side and womanly hips. And bound buttonholes.
I’m over invisible zippers once I threw away the plastic invisible zipper foot I had and replaced it with a metal invisible zipper foot compatible with my sewing machine. Now I love sewing invisible zippers.
Karin
February 20, 2013 #
Buttonholes and zippers don’t scare me any more. Estimating yardage-I totally stink.
Always end up with too much… I always have trouble choosing fabric for myself, never for a client/show…but I seize up when it is for my personal use.
Faye Lewis
February 20, 2013 #
Collar stands and contour waistbands have me shaking in my boots!!! Can you please help!
Megan
February 20, 2013 #
I am perfectly at ease choosing fabric for any project for anyone but myself. So choosing the right fabric intimidates me – the print, the colour, the right weight. Will it look okay or not? I have had almost all disasters when it comes to choosing the fabric and fit on garments for myself. I do a brilliant job for anyone else, but when it comes to me, I am stuck. I have a gorgeous collection of Colette patterns but haven’t yet been game to begin as I am unsure what fabrics will look okay and if I will get the fit right! I’m working on being less intimidated by this so and hope to get making later this year! :-)
Kim D
February 20, 2013 #
DITTO DITTO DITTO on all the fitting comments.
Lisa
February 20, 2013 #
What an interesting read! Thanks for inviting us to comment.
Many years ago, I found zippers intimidating, but then I decided to practise. I must have put 30 visibles and invisibles into all types of scrap fabric, and it really helped to not feel the pressure of getting it perfect. Once that was out of the way, I got comfortable with the process and learned so much. Now they don’t faze me at all.
Fitting was always a bit murky, until we organized some workshops at our local theatre where a group of us design costumes. We shared tips and books and techniques, and I think we’re all a lot clearer and stronger in fitting now. It’s completely changed how I approach sewing and designing, because I’m no longer tied to a particular pattern or interpretation of a pattern. Once I have the measurements and dimensions I need, I can pretty well do anything.
Maybe intimidation is just the path not (yet) followed!
Leslie R.
February 20, 2013 #
Lining a skirt or pants.
Heather
February 20, 2013 #
I am intimidated everytime I sew. I keep pushing my knowledge every time and am always a bit nervous when I start a new project. In twelve months just by sewing a different pattern everytime I have gone from absolute beginner to attempting my first advanced patterns at the beginning of this year. Still lots of room for improvement but it’s never to late to learn a craft and at 35 I am now thinking maybe a tailors apprenticeship might even be possible.
Eleanor
February 20, 2013 #
Buttons. Can’t get them in the right place, can’t make the button hole line up, can’t sew the button hole even though the machine has 6 programmed into it. I just avoid buttons for now …
Amanda
February 20, 2013 #
Wow, what a question! I’ve been sewing for two years now, this spring, and I still feel like a complete beginner, in some aspects. Maybe it’s become I’m not super-ambitious and prefer to take it slow, or maybe it’s because of my perfectionist habits that are keeping me back from learning more… (btw, LOVED your post about patience last week. That one really spoke to me, and I’ve thought about it daily since…).
So.. here are things that intimidate me most about sewing, in no particular order:
1. FIT. I always want things to fit me perfectly, but the perfect fit is so hard to accomplish. Am I too hard on myself in this aspect? Sometimes I feel like I take it too far, and overfit a lot of my muslins.
2. Sleeves. I have only attempted sleeves once in my life, and they turned out bad. I haven’t had the courage to approach them again since.
3. KNITS. I really want to learn to sew knits, and sew them well. I see there’s a lot of info out there about sewing this type of fabric, but for some reason I’m just afraid to attempt them in general. I think the reason is because I know knit patterns have specific requirements (amount of stretch, stable knits, etc..), and I don’t have many fabric stores to choose from, so I’m afraid I’ll attempt a project and not be able to find the “right” kind of knit fabric. But, that being said, I think I would enjoy my garments a lot more if I could sew some knit pieces, only because they’re so comfortable and flattering (if correctly fitted), but I’m just afraid to approach them in the first place. Hopefully I’ll gain the courage to approach them soon, because I would really love to fill my closet with some more beautiful, HOMEMADE, knit pieces.
Thanks for asking the question, Sarai! This has been some great insight, reading everyone else’s response here. :)
xo ~ Amanda
Jennifer
February 27, 2013 #
LOL sounds like me….I’m such a hopeless perfectionist, so even when something comes out “OK”, ok simply isn’t good enough. I’ve been sewing for quite a bit longer than two years and I’m still not as good as I’d like (or feel like I ought to be by this point). Sigh! I guess I take it pretty slow too.
Lisa S.
February 20, 2013 #
Adjusting fit and sewing knit fabrics are tasks that I’ve been much less than succesful at in the past and would love your guidance there.
Sara
February 20, 2013 #
Fitting and truing up! I actually have no idea how to “true up” my fabric, and honestly I’m usually just too lazy to bother worrying so much about everything being on grain (which is bad, I know, but I cut out everything on the floor and it just gets so tedious and uncomfortable). I have thrown so many garments out because they don’t fit properly!
kittee
February 20, 2013 #
oh my gosh! sleeves and making pattern adjustments. but oh oh oh sleeves.
xo
kittee
Natasha E
February 21, 2013 #
It the amount of tidying I need to do before I can cut out and the insane amount of time it usually takes me because I lollygag about
Amy
February 21, 2013 #
I think committing a fabric to a pattern is what intimidates me most. An uncut piece of fabric is full of such eager joy and untapped potential. You start getting stressed about whether you’ve picked the perfect garment for it! And if you don’t you feel like you’ve wasted it.
Jennifer
February 21, 2013 #
Apart from choosing the correct size (I find that especially with the big pattern companies, looking at the back of the envelope my measurements tell me to cut one size but this always turns out too big, I’m only just beginning to get to grips with looking at the finished measurements and working out what ease or not works for me – but I always trace the pattern onto Burda tissue so I don’t wreck the original because of this) it is the cutting and transferring of pattern markings especially in a limited space.
I would love to use my rotary cutter for dress making projects but I don’t have the space for laying a project out like that and I am yet to find away of really marking the fabric especially for the darts and the circles accurately for both sides/halves of the fabric that is easily visible and long lasting enough for me, especially as my greatest sewing successes of late have come from taking advice I came across on this blog about sewing in short blocks, focusing on achieving one aspect and then taking a break. It has been something of a revelation!
Jayne
February 21, 2013 #
I have been sewing for more than 30 years, for the last 18 years getting paid to sew & I literally spent years hand stitching zips into wedding & formal dresses because I was so scared of getting it wrong.
Last year I was booked to do alterations on Alex Perry’s L’oreal runway parade & several dresses turned up with no zips. I had to get over my fear of zips in a massive hurry. 6 zips in designer eveningwear in an afternoon with the designer sitting right in the same room. I still feel a little apprehensive, but I’m getting better at it.
Kessem
February 21, 2013 #
I don’t like buttonholes! I always dread that point in the process. I don’t know if it’s because my machine isn’t the easiest machine to do them with.
Jane
February 21, 2013 #
Definitely my biggest stumbling point is getting fit with sewing patterns, or making alterations to a size to fit. I’m a knitter, so I understand garment fitting from a different perspective – I have trouble sometimes seeing how the flat piece will translate into three-dimensional shapes, or figuring out how to make changes where I have extra fabric.
Marie F.
February 21, 2013 #
What scares me the most, is buttonholes. They make me really nervous. And also working with slippery fabrics.
donna
February 21, 2013 #
I’m still a beginner – even though I’ve been a beginner for a few years now. The aspects that intimidate me: the math, confronting my body, not knowing how my sewing machine will react to different fabrics and tasks, and not knowing how to course-correct to make for smooth sewing.
Gayle
February 21, 2013 #
Like most people here (it seems) fitting and invisible zips scare me. But my biggest fear is the very general fear of buying expensive fabric I am absolutely in love with for the perfect pattern and then proceeding to completely mangle it with my incompetence.
But perhaps this is a basic beginner fear?
Rebecca
February 21, 2013 #
* Getting double-breasted buttons even
*Fitting things without having a sewing-aware friend to help (boyfriends are useless!)
*Sewing an even hem
*Sewing anything slippery or delicate
Rebecca
February 21, 2013 #
Also, everyone who’s scared of invisible zips should just get an appropriate foot for their machine – then they’re super duper easy.
ShanniLoves…
February 21, 2013 #
Fitting fo’ sho!
Rachael
February 21, 2013 #
I put off starting a project because I have to make so many pattern changes. I’m 6 ft. tall and a G cup. I know how to lengthen patterns and how to do a FBA but it NEVER translates. Every pattern is different and the adjustments cause serious fitting issues in the muslin. I’ve given up on so many projects before I even cut out the fashion fabric.
Tiffany
February 21, 2013 #
For me it’s getting a good fit. Not only do I find it the most complicated part of sewing, but its also the place I lose steam. I get all excited for a project, get everything prepped and make my first muslin. It almost always takes at least 3 muslins to get a garment that fits well and between the first and third I inevitably lose excitement for the project. Since I have very limited sewing time caring for my 2 kids under 3, I have quite a few UFOs stuck in the fitting & muslin making process. That said, I’m not confident enough yet to have standard pattern adjustments I can make in advance and cut the number of muslins I need to make.
Michelle
February 21, 2013 #
I’m so totally with you Tiffany. I get excited also but after all those muslins I’m ready to go out and buy something! My last fairly successful project took me 8 muslins ( and the fit still wasn’t right). I actually shed some tears over the fit issues! You’re def not alone. :-)
fitz
February 21, 2013 #
buttons and buttonholes. without a doubt. nothing like getting to the final stage and wrecking a perfectly good garment at the end. i can’t ever get the buttonholes to match.
Sølvi
February 21, 2013 #
Ah, what a great new feature!
I put off sewing jackets and coats lining sometimes. Even though I know that it will be right, and that it is more or less a thinner version of the jacket I´ve just made from some bulky material, I can put off attaching the lining for weeks! For months even. Don´t know why, it´s just one of those things, I guess!
Tanya
February 21, 2013 #
Adding a lining to a pattern that was originally for an unlined garment, I have no idea how to do that.
Also if there is a pattern for a sleeveless dress, top, etc., how would you go about constructing thatwould fit you as well as fit the armscye correctly?
Michelle
February 21, 2013 #
Tanya- lining is TOTALLY intimidating to me too!
Michelle
February 21, 2013 #
I’m intimidated lining, figuring out fit and seams that don’t match up. Out of all of those I think fully lining garments intimidate me the most!
Michelle
February 21, 2013 #
* intimidated BY lining…etc.
Alice
February 21, 2013 #
Getting that shirt collar stand to join up with the front band without a bump where they come together!!!! YUCK!!!
Raquel
February 21, 2013 #
Buttonholes, for sure! I am not able at all to choose a pattern with buttons… Zipers were a problem in the past but after a maxi skirt with invisible ziper I did last year, I can deal with it. Thanks to a tutorial from Tessuti Fabrics!
Tina
February 21, 2013 #
pattermaking/ grading & fitting are fears of mine! I’m trying to get better, but I’m always worried that I’m not doing it correctly. Online tutorials are my saving grace!
Shelley
February 21, 2013 #
A couple of things. First is fitting..that’s not so much a fear as a dread. As a mature petite plus things have shifted in various annoying ways so there’s always a lot of fiddling around to get things to work. A subset of the fit dread is sleeves. I have yet to get one to have one in a woven fabric not start to twist on me below the elbow.
Paola
February 21, 2013 #
These things don’t intimidate me so much as give me the willies EVERY single time:
Setting sleeves into an armhole. I always have to unpick and resew to get rid of tiny tucks.AARGH.
Neckline facings. No matter how much I grade and trim, clip , understitch and press, press, press the blasted things always want to flip out. They do my head in.
Cutting slippery fabrics. I’ve tried all sorts of methods, but the fabric always wants to move.
Mary Escott
February 22, 2013 #
Hi – Easy, concealed zips. If you can help with that I will be eternally grateful. Thanks.
Annemarie
February 22, 2013 #
It fitting pants properly for my flat butt/big tummy and fitting the arms for for my flabbier large upper arms. I mean adjusting the patterns that are made for a younger figure.
Chelsea
February 22, 2013 #
I’m very much a beginner, so there are many things that still intimidate me at this point. The 2 biggester are: 1. Anything that is potentially tedious & 2. Sewing with flimsy fabrics like knit & chiffon.
Trisha
February 22, 2013 #
I think one of the most intimidating things for me, as a beginner, is buttonholes. I had so much trouble with my first practice buttonholes that I chickened out and put snaps on my first blouse instead! I’m still somewhat leery of them, because whenever I do them, no matter how careful I think I am and how closely I use the pattern guide, my buttonholes still end up spaced a little off and I end up pulling out the stitches or just learning to live with my mistake. I hope with time and lots more practice, I’ll get better!
Rachel
February 22, 2013 #
I’m still a beginner, so I’m sure there’s much more to be intimidated by once I get to more intricate patterns, but right now, it’s two things: pattern alterations, and fabrics beyond cotton variations. i really want to try some of the light floaty blouses I see in the sewing world, but I don’t really know what fabric to work with, or how to work it!
Tiffany W
February 22, 2013 #
How to define a bad fit? How to correct a bad fit? Fabric selection. I love to sew ! I read tons on the subject. I want to create. However, I get frustrated sewing for myself because I struggle with fit. I have to balance the frustration by sewing for my kids which is complete fun.
Hethie
February 23, 2013 #
Going to tackle buttonholes for the first time soon… For me, it’s choosing the fabric – I’m always nervous the drape will be wrong or it won’t make the most of the prettiness of the fabric. I’m also a bit nervous of getting sleeves even, but I’m going to tackle that one soon!
Jennifer Lachman
February 23, 2013 #
Moving darts around. I have to do it on almost every pattern I sew for tops but it still makes me nervous.
Yvette
February 23, 2013 #
Tailoring and pattern piece placement for matching fabric design. I’m rusty!
Alessa
February 23, 2013 #
Since reading your invisible zipper tutorial and buying an invisible zipper foot, I’ve lost my fear of zippers. I have a very healthy respect for fitting, though. Side seams and darts are fine, but anything with more of a curve to it… neckline gaping… funny shoulder seams… eek! Which is also the reason why, after drafting and making my first pair of trousers in my third month of sewing, I’ve quietly ignored them in the three years since… ;)
Judi
February 23, 2013 #
Fitting. Fitting fitting fitting. Having to do more than a couple adjustments on a pattern for the various ways I DON’T conform to the norm boggles my mind. I get intimidated and shy away from more fitted items because of it.
Kristen
February 23, 2013 #
Fitting! At 56 and after 3 kids, a good fit straight out of a pattern envelope is no longer an option. I miss sewing for myself, but have had too many projects end up with my quilting scraps because they look terrible on me when I’m finished. I have several books on fitting, but it looks like it’s near impossible to accomplish without a second pair of hands!
Sassy T
February 24, 2013 #
Am petrified of doing a full bust adjustment. Despite having a DVD and chapters on it in my ref books. Am yet to sew a top.
Jeannette
February 24, 2013 #
Waist bands on fly front pants – or, now that I think of it, on anything! I just can’t seem to get them squared up over the zipper. . .
Njeri
February 26, 2013 #
How to make my handmade clothes look less homemade. What is the secret?
Annette S
February 26, 2013 #
I’ve heard that pressing and ironing at every step is crucial. Good luck!
Gabriella
February 26, 2013 #
Buttonholes and zippers, it’s such a crucial detail that can ruin a garment if I mess it up!
Alice
February 26, 2013 #
Fitting pants. For practice, I am altering slacks right now for my sister who went from sz. 20 to 12. I want to learn to do alterations. This is more challenge than I expected. I completely deconstructed and realized early on that I just can’t take them in all the way around so I’m studying a sz 12-16 pants pattern to try to figure out what I need to do. So far I think I’ve discovered that I should not change the center front seam and not to cut away any of the crotch area curve. If I need to shorten crotch, I’ll have to redo/shorten from waistline. Anyway, I wish I could find a step-by-step for altering slacks.
Kathi sorensen
February 26, 2013 #
Buttonholes! Bound, machine, any kind. My machine (Viking Rose) is supposed to produce a perfect machine buttonhole, but it seems to sense my fear, and like a horse with a timid rider it will wad up just often enough to make me sweat. The repair man can find nothing wrong with it- except me!
Annette S
February 26, 2013 #
Cutting out fabric and fitting issues scare me. The cutting out has to be perfect, IMHO, or the pattern just doesn’t come together correctly. And then the fitting, oh my. But I forge ahead anyway.
Jennifer
February 27, 2013 #
Exactly! These are my issues too…we should get together, LOL!
Donna
February 26, 2013 #
#1 Finding patterns and fabrics to go with them that don’t look frumpy or costume-y (which I usually get when I try to be “fashion forward”). I tend to err on the side of frumpy, but I have the same issue w/ RTW.
#2 Hand sewing – not sure why I hate this so much, as I’ve done embroidery most of my life, and enjoy making beaded necklaces and earrings. I even sew on (flat) buttons using my machine!
Zippers didn’t intimidate me (I only ever did the “regular” insertion where you baste the seam closed first, or the semi-visible version you get with bags) until I tried my first invisible zip. Disaster. And not because of the foot (even though it’s the plastic kind) – it’s because I can’t seem to get the sides even. I also need help getting the seam below the zip to blend in.
And hemming, especially on pants. I have to hem most RTW pants – I’m petite, but not enough for Petite-length pants. My hems all end up either dragging on the ground (and fraying) or way too short. And yes, even though I sometimes hand stitch them, mostly I either use my machine or iron-on seam tape. LOL
Kathleen
February 26, 2013 #
Collars and cuffs. No matter how I grade the seams, they always look bulky and imprecise.
laurellaurel
February 26, 2013 #
Sarai:
Interesting so many have nightmares over zippers, which isn’t my issue. Zippers are OK. But one comment about problems in firmly attaching buttons did catch my eye.The secret is to make a strong shank. Position the button, sew repeatedly through the holes (at least four in-and-out stitches in each hole, then poke the needle from the bottom of the fabric up UNDER the button to the right side, then wrap the thread around all the looped stitches under the button at least half a dozen times. Poke your needle back under the button to the wrong side and finish off with several strong knots. That button is not coming off! My grandmother taught me that method when I was a child making doll clothes.It never fails. Now if I could just make decent button holes to go with my well-sewn buttons.
Cynthia Simpson
February 26, 2013 #
My serger. I can’t get the stitches to look right on it no matter what I do. I went to a class with my own machine, and the teacher showed me a few things that worked great while I was there, but as soon as I got home back to uneven stitches and a machine that won’t stay threaded. The instruction manual was no help; it might as well have been written in Martian for the sense it made. As for regular sewing, I can’t get a collar to look right to save my life. About the only pattern where I had no problems getting a collar to look good was one where the collar was sewed between the yoke and the yoke lining and the front facing was attached to the yoke lining. The rest of the time, forget it. Also, I’ve been looking for years and haven’t found another pattern that attached the collar the way I described; I finally found an old shirt I’d made in about 1992 that was worn and faded, and I took it apart and made a pattern from it.
ELISE
February 26, 2013 #
I’ve got to say that what intimidates me (today in fact) was the notching and finishing of the crotch seam, as I was sewing my Clover’s . I did a flat felled seam for the other finished seams. I had to pull the pants out twice, do to the fact that I did them incorrectly.
I’m referring to the excellent book you wrote, as well as the blog. This is how I’m learning to sew.
Thank you for the website.
Best,
Elise