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Ask the readers: What intimidates you?

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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?

Sarai Mitnick

Founder

Sarai started Colette back in 2009. She believes the primary role of a business should be to help people. She loves good books, sewing with wool, her charming cats, working in her garden, and eating salsa.

Comments

Jennifer

February 27, 2013 #

Cutting the fabric and fitting. I’d love to get more confident with fitting, as well as flat-pattern adjustments! And as simple as it is for some people, cutting is one of the parts of sewing I dread, because I can never seem to get a perfectly straight cut. Believe me, I’ve changed my shears more times than I’d care to count, tried hard NOT to lift the fabric off the table while cutting, etc….and every time, at least one piece is cut unevenly. No wonder my garments always come out a bit funny. I would love some tips on how to cut better!!

Milly

February 27, 2013 #

Working with stripes, plaids, and one-way fabrics. How much extra fabric do we need? Any tips for laying out pattern pieces to make sure things match?

Anastasia

February 27, 2013 #

I find that my biggest hang up lately is matching fabric to pattern. I took fashion design in college but after moving back home life took over & I did not pursue fashion as a career. Things have been getting in the way of sewing over the last few years, space to cut/sew, time, a large stash of fabric but not the right pattern (even in my large stash of patterns), lots of patterns but not the right fabric. There is no particular technique that scares me, after all I did draft and sew a dress & jacket in leather so there’s not a lot I don’t know how to do. But I keep second guessing my choice of matching pattern to fabric to the point that I just put it away for another day.

Blanca

March 1, 2013 #

There are several but the 2 that jump out the most: sleeves and sheer fabrics. Those two are by far the most intimidating. And I need to learn how since I love to make little girl dressy dresses.

Heloise

March 2, 2013 #

mmmmm… so many things that I can think of! Zippers, darts, zippers and darts on slippery fabric like satin. (not like we wear satin anymore, unless you are a bridesmaid ?) I have often given up on a project because I just could not perfect these. So now I stick with childrens clothing, working with all natural fabrics and using button closures. I love just how creative one can be, and of course there is no real “fitting”, as a little roominess will soon be grown into.
love your site
H

Hopeless

March 3, 2013 #

My fear to start sewing a garment always starts way before I get to the sewing stage.. I always worry I’ll mess up the pattern stage because I messed it up before! I’ve Sewn a dress, leggins, shirt and even a t-shirt and ruined them all. After that I feel anxous to begin any projects. It seems where I live I cant find any one to teach me how to do these things without getting discouraged. It is depressing I can’t even bring myself to start something I love so much for fear of ruining it :(..

Elise Cole

March 8, 2013 #

I’m _really_ intimidated by sheer and/or slippery fabrics. I have a dress now that’s just screaming to made up in chiffon and I dare not do it (although the fabric is already purchased). I also made a dress out of velvet which I tried to line with satin and that was one big mess. Since then, I’ve largely stuck with more sensible and utilitarian fabrics. My other fear is trimming seams– especially corners, since I’ve had a ton of corners where the edges start to fray. Oh, one more– joining edges like that on notched collars. That totally intimidates me.

Helen

March 9, 2013 #

A few things….

Re-drafting a pattern to fit my measurements, darts – lining up darts especially, waist bands and hemming.

velvet6981

March 17, 2013 #

Lots of things ! but I’m a beginner, so…
Stretch fabrics mostly, but also bags or clothes with lining, details which need precision.
And I don’t like putting the pattern on the fabric and cut it – problem of precision once again – it usually slips !

Laverne Smare

June 5, 2014 #

Trying to get patterns or toilets to fit by bust and armhole accurately.

Laverne Smare

June 5, 2014 #

Oops……. Predictive spelling has a lot to answer for! That was meant to say TOILES not toilets…. Lol

Laverne Smare

June 5, 2014 #

Start again Laverne…..
Trying to get patterns and Toiles to fit my bust accurately. I am a 36GG.