The problem with successfully finishing a big project (the afghan) and a little project (the napkins) is it makes you think that you can do many things.
Things you haven't attempted since the days of home economics in maybe 7th or 8th grade?
Where I learned to pin the pattern to the fabric and cut it out. Nowadays are you supposed to trace the pattern on the fabric? That's what this pattern says. Is it easier that way? I don't see how it could be.
So I of course pinned the whole thing and cut it out. Like in the old days. Did your sewing teacher make you pin that tissue thin pattern together and try it on to be sure it would fit right before you started sewing? Ours did.
I am now up to step # 11 in the pattern which is something about pulling on the basting threads and somehow making the sleeve fit smoothly into the armhole.
It this all works out according to plan, I will have an octopus tee for the Grand Tour of California Adventure which I shall embark upon in a few days. Doesn't it seem fitting to have an octopus tee for the tidepool exploring segment of this trip? Sister says she can't wait to see it. She can't fool me. I know inside she is making fun of me. Wait until she see's the octopus adventure patch I have made to affix to her rain hat. We'll see who gets the last laugh.
Ha! Love this fabric and can't wait to see the finished product! :D
Posted by: Judy H. | 09/11/2015 at 09:13 AM
please wear it on the plane! i want to see you in it when i pick you up and cart you off for our jalapeno margaritas with the spicy rim. bring the badge i will affix it to my arse.
Posted by: sister | 09/11/2015 at 11:08 AM
Ha! I had to LOL at sister's comment about where she'll pin her patch! How fetching!
The Tee is perfect for the shore adventures you'll embark on. Sister will be very envious, maybe even green!
Yes, our Home Ec teacher made us pint the pattern first to a piece of muslin, sew together and make to fit our particular body shape. I hated that part. I just wanted to jump in and sew it together on the machine! Very impatient and not a "rule
follower. There had to be an easier way. Every piece and to be pre-basted even in the mock up garment. UGH!
If you machine gather with two rows quite close together on the arc of the sleeve, pull tightly together, spread out as you pin to the sleeve opening and then sew the permanent stitch between those two gathered rows, the puckers slide right into the curve of the arm hole. It's amazing. This is a trick shown to me by a woman who sewed all her famiily's garments when I lived in AK as a newly married, soon to be mommy young woman of 23. The women who were long time residents of that new state were remarkable, strong women who I admired so much. Oh, pull out both rows of gathers to have a perfectly fit sleeve. Your basting stitches done by hand are too large to make smooth gathers. Do it by a longer stitch on your machine.
I can't wait to tag along with you girls on this latest madcap adventure of the Moss sibs.
Posted by: Joan | 09/11/2015 at 12:47 PM
Our home ec teacher also had us leave an extra half inch seam allowance. The garment was HUGE. My mother, who was an excellent seamstress, was fit to be tied!
Posted by: Caroline Berk | 09/11/2015 at 08:54 PM
Luv the tee shirt!! I too cannot wait to follow the sisters along on this adventure!
Posted by: Angie A. | 09/12/2015 at 10:01 AM
It's these sorts of things that make me realize how old I am. Trace it onto the fabric? Bah. Plus, I don't like all of the sizes in one pattern. Way too easy to cut on the wrong line. In some things, I like the old ways. Bah humbug.
Your tee is going to be adorable. If I see a lady in octopus in my own beach wanderings, I'll try not to shriek with recognition. :)
Posted by: Linda Watson | 09/12/2015 at 11:10 AM