A Sewist Purchasing Guide

A Sewist Purchasing Guide

by | Dec 23, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Fitting, Lucy's Sewing Lab

I wish I would have had a Guide to Sewing tools and accessories guide with me my first sewing Christmas. Christmas for a sewist is a dream come true! My sewist’s first Christmas was so fun!  That was me last year, with gift card in hand and twinkle in my eye.  I had an idea of what I wanted, but the things I bought were and still are, lifesavers for me.

Even though a purchasing guide would’ve been a great help, I still spent the money!  The first purchase was cutting board.ds. I bought a and have never regretted it.  Actually I purchased two!  One extra large cardboard one like this,

I also purchased a recovering cutting mat that works perfect with my rotary rotary cutter.  It’s perfect for any sewist, it cuts through several layers at once and never seems to dull.I also purchased a roll of iron on interfacing.  Good grief, we go through that like mad, don’t we?  The purchase was wise, because I’m still working on that roll.  I’m so glad I have no need to panic when I’m sewing and realize I don’t have the supplies I need.

Since it was Christmas, I splurged on some really nice scissors also.  It changed my sewing game.  They are so sharp and cut so well. I bought these but wish I had seen the gold ones, aren’t they cute?

Of course I hit the fabric bargains and stocked up on fabric I just knew I couldn’t live without.  If I had it to do over, I may have purchased a dress form.  I still don’t have one of those. I really think a dress form is a must have for any sewist. The hanger just doesn’t do the garment justice.  Maybe this year I’ll purchase one?  I’ve been eyeing the Dritz one, I don’t know though. I’m pretty thrifty so I’d really have to consider  all the options before making that purchase.  Maybe if she came in pink?  lol

Those are my suggestions for purchases if you happen to receive a gift card or some cash for Christmas.  No matter what, I hope you ENJOY!

Janome, Singer Comparison which comes out on top?

by | Dec 9, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Reviews

As sewists, are we continually researching and Right now I am enduring the Janome, Singer comparison. Are either superior  machines to the one we use the most? Right now I’m smack dab in the middle of a Janome or Singer Heavy Duty comparison.  I own the boastful best machine according to the best of list here. I love my Singer, really I do. But, we seem to fight a lot.  She’s not enough for me.  I work that poor girl to death and beyond.  I need a machine that can handle the pressure I put on it. You and your machine become like an old married couple.  It is very important to do a lot of research and analyze your needs prior to purchase.

  1. WHY? Where will I find the time and why am I really considering buying a sewing machine? Some of us came back from a sewing hiatus although many more are fresh beginners. For this very reason, learn from my mistakes. Purchase the best machine with the fewest options.  Learning to sew is hard enough. Learning all the functions adds to the complications. Unless you are planning to make everything in the world, a basic machine is more than enough.
    • If your plan is to make a career change, a basic machine is going to frustrate you. Most prefer an overlock machine for speed and complicated projects, otherwise go back to plan A.
    • You can always upgrade later, and most sewists own more than one sewing machine to meet all their needs.
  2. HOW? How much can you afford to spend without feeling guilty if you are not sewing 24/7? I set my limit around $150.  I really wanted that pretty black computerized anniversary edition Singer machine.  It didn’t fit my budget, and it did not have the options I was looking for in a machine. A lot of machines are plastic, I am sorry about this especially when that plastic costs $100 and up. I made a list of the things I “thought” I needed in a sewing machine.
    • I wanted state of the art
    • New and fancy
    • Pretty
    • Which should I choose? Janome or a Singer
    • Yes, I’m shallow and didn’t think beyond those things.  The machine I balked at, was my second purchase, and I never use the fancy pretty state of the art computerized machine.
  3. WHO This is often more a sentimental answer than logical.  Without a doubt I was only looking at Singer machines.  To me, they are the only machine, lol.  I learned on them and felt a certain comfort using a singer.
    • Learn about the different brands prior to purchase. The Sewing Machine Wizard, found here is the most informative site I’ve found.  Real people tell you what they love and hate about their choice of machine.


I did my own research and actually, sad for me, because I wanted a reason for another machine, my Heavy Duty Singer outperforms the Janome of the same class. Sewing is an art and no two people are going to have exactly the same opinion on sewing machine.

Janome, Singer Comparison

  1. Best Reviews– made a great comparison chart for similar Janome and Singer machines.
    • Singer’s selling point is the 1,110 stitches a minute. I love sewing fast 🙂
    • Janome paled in comparison, their strongest point being ease of use.
    • The Singer sales currently on Amazon for $126 and the Janome for $135.  Fewer options and a higher price?  I’m sticking with my Singer, for now.
  2. Amazon– came up with completely different results via purchasers reviews.  It was a Brother and Singer war.  Still the Singer 4423 ranked 3 while the Janome 2212 came in eleventh.
  3. Everyone has their own opinion based on their needs.  Today, until I have about $400 to blow, I’ll stick with my Heavy Duty Singer.  At least now I know my machine is superior.

 

 

My Clothing Tags UPDATE

by | Nov 22, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Fashion, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique

UPDATE

The labels went through some change prior to printing. The original draft didn’t seem to fit my  branding.  The final image is now shown in the feature photo. I love it!  I love the thought of putting clothes on with this label.

Are Clothing Tags Important?

I don’t know about you, but, I make a great deal of the gifts during the holiday season.  Clothing tags have become necessary. Gifts go home and used without my supervision.  Thank  goodness lol  So, when my granddaughter gets dressed in LucyLou 918 originals.  She needs to know her clothing is on her the right way. Also, when I make blankets, purses, scarves, and other wearable items, I want bragging rights.  Don’t we all want people to know about our art?

 I have tried so many methods of making clothing tags.  I’ve used cotton ribbon similar to shoestrings and written on it with a marker.  I didn’t like the way it looked.  I am professional and my clothing and other items should reflect such in the clothing tags. In the olden days, haha, my grandmother would sew a 1″ piece of lace in the back, she didn’t want me looking silly either.

I’m going to make mine like this:

  • I’m using my lovely printer, its honestly nothing special.  It was free with the purchase of my MacBook Pro about five years ago.
  • First I’m going to design my logo. Using an illustrator program and possibly a clip art or symbol you create to represent your line.
  • Then, when I feel fully satisfied with the appearance, I’ll reverse it.  This is the MOST IMPORTANT part.
  • Reversing the image will ensure perfection when ironed onto your ribbon or whatever you choose to use for your clothing tags.
  • I will do a rough run with printer paper and inspect the logo.
  • If you need a visual, this is a great video on my channel.
  • When I’m satisified with the look I’ll print it onto the transfer paper, I bought mine at Amazon.  I love their free and fast delivery special! I’ve included a link for you.[envira-gallery id="2444"]
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  • I’ll probably use 1″ ribbon to make my labels.
  • The internet has a great application on the Avery site.
  • Enjoy!  Knowing everyone will know who made your item 🙂

Inspirational, Fashionable, Tutorials

by | Nov 20, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Fashion, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Reviews

I surf the web quite a bit, the blogs incorporating  inspirational, fashionable, tutorials are my favorites! I don’t know about you, but I get inspired with other people’s creations.  Fashion sewing blogs keep me on my toes. I take it all as a challenge. My ultimate favorite is not even aimed at the sewing community.

Who, What, Wear is a daily inspiration.  I especially love the fashion trends section.

Inspirational Sewing Related Blogs

Colertterie: Has been mentioned many times on my blog.  I love her instructional manner.  I read her book!  I seriously went to the library and checked it out.  She is such an inspiration. Make a wardrobe that’s truly yours. That is exactly what I love about her!  She doesn’t want you as a clone of her, she wants you to learn and be your own person.

Dixie DIY: Is inspirational, I love how she mixes a circle skirt with  a sweatshirt, but for the most part, we don’t share the same style.  Which is fine.  The completed projects section is a great place to start if you are looking for overall ideas.

Cloth Habit:  I love to dream that one day I won’t even need Victoria’s Secret.  Well, so far in my few attempts, they have nothing to worry about.

Ladybird: Is not only inspirational she’s quite the teacher as well.  Check this out, she goes into great detail about how to create your own personal croquis.[envira-gallery id="2415"]
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Julia bobbin: I love this blog.  Not only does she look cute and hip, she can sew!  She’s also into pop culture and shows the reader how to make things you see people wearing on TV.  An actual “as seen on TV” blog lol. You, too, can look like Jess from New Girl, or someone from Mad Men, who cares?  She has great sew alongs as well.  Check her out!

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Erica B. : Look at that ^^^^^^^^ love at first site.  If you need me, I’ll be over at her place. I want to know the art of cultivating a stylish wardrobe!  I know how I do it, but WOW, someone with blog I can relate to…YESSSSS! She sews like I do by looking through fashion mags.  LOVE

WOW, if you have not hung out on any of these blogs, I hope you do now!  Enjoy!

Blanket Tutorial

by | Oct 30, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab, Tools and Technique

I sew a lot this time of year.  I try to be like Santa, HO…HO…HO, time to sew.  One thing I’ve made in the past is fleece blankets.  No, not the ones with fringe, mine are special and extra cuddly on the back side. I use fleece for the top, well you can use it as the bottom, but the side with the decoration or color the person would like. The backside I use a special minky fabric that coordinates with the top.  For children, I use only one yard each of fabric.  Adults, I found out by trial and error, mostly error 🙂 need two yards of fabric.

Pins are a necessity!  Do not attempt without pinning first.  You’ll be really unhappy and it will take twice as long because you will have to use your seam ripper more than anyone would ever like.  These fabrics slide a little so they need to be pinned down.

Blanket Tutorial

  1. Measure the fleece and the pinky fabric.  They MUST be exactly the same size.
  2. Cut any edges the store may have messed up on cutting.  Sometimes the edge may not be exactly straight.  The first two steps are the most important.
  3. Pin right sides* together.  Pin fabric together at 2 inch or less  intervals. This is another opportunity to make sure the fabrics match up properly.
  4. Ready to sew?  I use a stretch stitch when I sew mine.  I want to make sure these last a long long time.  If you do not have a stretch stitch, the zig zag is a good choice.  Make sure your seams are 5/8″.  Do not sew too close to the edge.
  5. Sew, leaving an 18′ opening to turn the  blanket so the design is showing.
  6. Turn the blanket so the design is showing.  Hand sew the final 18 inches.
  7. It’s ready for giving.  Good Job!  I hope you enjoyed it.

For children, this gift can average $20, depending on the fabrics used.  Anytime you use a licensed print such as Disney, the fabric is going to cost more.  I’m able to make the adult blankets out of two yards using plaid or something non licensed for under $30.  These blankets sell retail beginning at $40 and hand made presents are priceless!

*right sides- the side you want facing out when the blanket is complete.  Usually the softest side of the fabric or the side with the design.

A Sewist Purchasing Guide

Sewing for your Man

by | Oct 29, 2015 | Beginner Tips, Blog, Experimentation, Fitting, Inspiration, Lucy's Sewing Lab

I sew a lot for myself and my granddaughter.   I don’t know about you, but I have never tried sewing for my man.  He told me he wanted something cool and unique like my clothes. Let me tell you sewing for your man is not the same as sewing for yourself.  I self drafted a pattern. Those armsyces are gigantic in comparison to the amount of garment used on women’s clothing. Also, when sewing for your man, the sleeve pattern shape is slightly different.  This, upon reflection, makes sense.  Men don’t want to look curvy, they want to look solid like a brick wall 🙂Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

I designed him a tee shirt.  Not just a plain ole, I can buy this at Walmart, tee shirt.  The one I designed for him has plaid sleeves, neckline, and pocket!  He LOVES it!  Before I was finished, he put it on and shared on Facebook. That’s pretty sweet huh?[envira-gallery id="2290"]
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You know, as the weather gets cooler, sewing for your man is something you may want to consider. I don’t know if you want to make a 

 wardrobe or just add a few pieces here and there. I’ve actually made him one other thing, PJs lol.  Poor guy, he wears those too.  I just started sewing again and he was one of my guinea pigs. 🙂 I made a shirt to match for out littlest dog too.  If I were to sew him more pieces I’d start with a henley, maybe make a cardigan, flannel shirt, and maybe even some sweats.  I do not think I’m ready or he’s ready for me to sew his jeans yet. 🙂 Whatever you sew for your man…ENJOY!