Vintage irons make me so happy! I remember them as a child. My grandmother had several with and without cords. I also remember being told pressing is the most important part of sewing. Nothing, in my opinion, compares to a vintage iron. They are heavy, get super hot, super fast, and look cool. 🙂
Saturday, I was driving through my neighborhood and stumbled upon an ESTATE SALE. Not one of those where the people come in and price everything and have their yellow signs everywhere. Those prices are generally too high to bring me happiness. This estate sale was operated by the family members. They were so kind and helpful. I walked in and immediately found my true love. A vintage ironing board! [envira-gallery id="1241"] [envira-gallery slug="ironing-board"]Is it just me or do they make these things today too flimsy to even use for fear of them bending under pressure? Okay, LOVE it, want it, need it, and it’s half price! So, the ironing board sold for half of $15 that was marked on it. I found lots of other wonderful things there as well, I’ll wait and share those later.
I purchased the new love of my life, a Sunbeam steam iron. The iron is so special, it has the date written inside of the box, “December 25, 1962.” [envira-gallery id="1237"] [envira-gallery slug="vintage-iron"]It works amazingly well. Of course, since the hubby does not sew, I had to explain to him how important this iron is to my life. How the weight of the iron helps set the seam. This was not an easy concept to explain. Thankfully I was wearing a color blocked dress I made. I pointed out where the two colors met. I told him, when the fabric is properly pressed, the two colors appear as one piece of fabric. I guess he understood that, he nodded. lol
When I came home I had to research the vintage irons, to make sure I was not just an emotional nut. Okay, I may be but there is validity to my love of vintage irons. Ebay explains it pretty well.
Reasons to LOVE and desire a Vintage Iron
. Made in the USA – back when that meant something.
. Heavy, which helps get the wrinkles out
. Put out a lot of heat
. Solid irons that are well-build, all metal
. Last decades
Choosing a sewing machine is a very trying experience. Who can you ask that will give you their honest opinion and not just hope for a sell? I asked around, different people had different ideas. The best advice was to visit Amazon and read the reviews. Then, make up my mind from there. I was pretty sure I wanted the best bang for my buck! What that entailed, I did not know.
When I first decided to sew again I was so baffled on how to choose a sewing machine. The first one I picked, I think I loved because of the wonderful memories of my mom and I sewing on the machine.
Seriously, look at it! It’s so pretty! It’s newfangled and has a computer, that’s pretty cool. But, it looks like the one I remember. My husband even said I could buy it, I was working then. So I could buy it. Then I got cold feet. The machine was $232, what if I hated sewing? Could I waste that much money? Looking back, I really wish I would have bought that one. Maybe one day.
There are so many choices out there. I studied Amazon for days. I would settle on one and find one similar but cheaper. No way was I ever going to buy one of those old clunky 1970 machines. I wanted the brightest and best. I knew a little about stitches. After all, my machine needed a zig zag, a buttonhole, and a zipper foot. Beyond that, everything was gravy.
The first machine I purchased after beginning sewing again (30 years later) was a Singer Brilliance. It is a wonderful computerized machine. Not bad for $145 compared to the Heritage I really wanted. lol All the bells and whistles. I loved it. I sewed my little heart out while the memories of how to actually sew returned to my creaky brain. It struggled and I abused it with 1-2inch layers of fabric when I was making 10 blankets for Christmas. I sewed knit on it, sweatshirt material, pretty much everything I could get my hands on I tried sewing.
The second machine I purchased was the Singer Heavy Duty machine. I picked this one for two reasons. I have and old (1970s) PFAFF machine that needs repairs. It was my grandma’s and I really wanted to fix it. It’s so solid, and makes me drool with the craftsmanship. But, more than that machine, I love to sew. Hence, the new machine. Plus, the price was amazing! A heavy duty Singer that stitches 1100 stitches per minute and has 32 stitch choices? The biggest deciding factor was the price, at that time this machine, made of metal was $134 and Amazon showed me saving $125! What a deal. I was in heaven. I wanted more than anything to sew denim. Now way was my Brilliance going to do that, plus my Brilliance was slow.
These are my experiences, but if you would like an in-depth video on the topic, check this one out. There is more to buying a machine than looks and price. Educate yourself through the internet and Facebook groups. Most of all ENJOY!
Sew, I was thinking the other day about sewing in the 1980s. Before all the wonderful technology we have now. I remember when I got stuck on a pattern, I had to travel 30 miles to my grandma’s house for help. Imagine when the first Singer machine in 1895. Singer machines then were not only a crafty useful tool but also a way to get some exercise. I cannot imagine wanting to sew and having to work that hard. People were passionate about it evidently.
Actually, I’ve been told by family members sewing was mostly out of necessity. Especially during wartime when so many things required sewing. My great grandmother worked at Camp Swift sewing during the war. My grandmother sewed for both her children and grandchildren. I am very happy to have been taught this wonderful art. Not only did I have a very experienced one on one teacher but, I also gained knowledge of historical sewing.
As grateful as I am for the experience of sewing without technology. I’m doubly grateful for the technology we have now. It is great that if I want to learn something I can login to Pinterest, or search Google for anything I need. I love the groups on Facebook that are so helpful. I use Girl Charlee, Sew Trendy,Sew Divas, and one of my very favorites, Sewing for Dummies. Help is always just a click away. When garments are complete posting photos is a great self esteem boost for those who like input. Several members of the group are sure to comment and make you feel wonderful about your hard work.
Shopping for supplies is much easier as well. We don’t even have to leave our sewing room to find the supplies needed. Amazon, the retail giant is always my go to for supplies. I am sure there are others out there, and I have used them. But, Amazon is just an easy and timely fix for what I need. Yes, I may have to wait a few days for my items, but I never had to leave my home. I cannot imagine sewing without technology. It makes life so much more enjoyable.
I only have one friend who sews currently. If she was not home prior to technology my project would just have to wait until I could find her to help me. Our life is certainly easier now isn’t it?
A few weeks ago there was a big uproar on Facebook about how to use the seam ripper properly. Something like 95% of the people didn’t know how to use it. I didn’t read the blog at the time. I should have though. Every, single, time, I use my seam ripper I wonder if I am using it wrong. That’s so silly. It works the way I use it, does it matter how I use a seam ripper? The sewing police isn’t going to get me! But, needless to say, I would fret over and over every time I looked at a seam ripper. “Am I using it the right way?” UGH! I would turn the seam ripper over and over and search on google for ways to use the seam ripper. Such agony over a small tool.
Well, today I was tired of hearing those taunting words….”95% of people do not use it properly” over and over in my head. So, I Googled How to Use a Seam Ripper properly. There it was….the top entry! I FOUND PEACE at last! Only to find out I was among the 5% who already knew how to use the seam ripper properly. But, I can now use it and not hear those taunting words in my head. YAY ME!
Let me tell you, there are many parts to a seam ripper. The point, is used to catch the stitches, the blade cuts them, and that cute little round ball? It protects your fabric. If you are using a seam ripper on the backside of a seam, pulling every forth stitch out, you will never need the red ball. They wouldn’t decorate a seam ripper, trust me! The red ball is very important. So, in order to get the best use out of the red ball, it must be used properly.
The ball should always be down to protect the fabric.
The blade can then get to the stitches to cut them.
It will take 50% less time to rip out seams this way.
If you need a visual, I’m attaching a YouTube video. 🙂
Here is Pam Damour’s video on how to use a seam ripper.
Dritz also has a great visual on the parts of a seam ripper.
Now, I just need that brass seam ripper she has on her video. Well, if you get one before me,
ENJOY!
PS. I was not paid for this blog by the kind people of Dritz, Pam Damour, or anyone else. These are strictly opinions of my own.
Knits are very on trend currently. They are so popular one might say it’s a revolution of knits, they seem to be taking over the fashion industry. I really don’t think anyone minds either. They are comfortable, wear well, and require little maintenance. As a Fashion and Psychology Major, I have this need, desire, drive to know all there is to know about fashion. Textiles have always had me intrigued. How can cotton and poly blend together and create so many different fabrics? Why is double knit in 2015 completely different than the fabric of the same name in the 1970s? Why do fabrics behave so differently? The questions are endless.
I feel it’s the evolution of textiles. Think about when all clothing was made of cotton. I cannot imagine wearing clothing without at least a little stretch. That sounds horrible to me. I remember fashions trends resulting in new social rules. NO SHIRT NO SHOES NO SERVICE. As a child of the 70s this was devastating. I did not go topless, just to be clear haha. I did not like and still do not like shoes though.
Knit is a good example of a fabric with a personality that has evolved over the years. I started sewing my clothes in the 1980s. Knit was one of my favorite fabrics. I love the way it feels, or the hand of the fabric. I never considered it as a difficult fabric to work with. But, as I got back into sewing earlier this year, the internet is FULL of techniques for sewing with knit. Threads Magazine defines slinky knit, jersey knit, and stretch velvet as moderately difficult to sew with. Everything else is considered easy by this magazine.
When sewing, how do you choose which knit is the perfect match for your pattern? On the back of the pattern there is usually an area that says, “must stretch from here to here” To determine the amount of stretch use a single layer of the fabric on the crossgrain. I borrowed this info graphic from Threads Magazine to better explain the crossgrain of fabric. Simply place the fabric on the measuring device printed on the pattern envelope. Then pull to stretch the fabric comparing the stretch to the ruler. If it has enough stretch it is suitable for the pattern. If not, keep looking until you find a material that is suitable. If you really love the fabric, then by all means adjust the pattern to work with the fabric. How to adjust the pattern will be discussed in another blog.
This, is the edge stitching foot! I have had this about a month and never used it until last night. You know, I get in a rush and don’t always want to stop and change feet.
It’s easy to master. Just put your fabric next to the “wall” and get moving. I don’t own a serger or plan on ever buying one. This is a lifesaver for me and my denim obsession! I use the stitch that looks like the over lock stitch. The needle position determines how close to the edge it sews. On the right you can see the stitches. Yay!!!!! No homemade looking jeans for me. It is perfect for top stitching also! Again, a must have for making jeans. I really like using the right needle position. I hope you enjoyed and learned something! Until next time sew, love, and happiness!
UPDATE!
I’ve been sewing denim again…but now I have more toys to play with. I purchased the Levi’s buttons from Amazon. At the same time I also purchased more denim needles, the top stitching thread, and stronger fusible facing. I’ve recently found some really strong elastic that even makes the waistband of stretch lightweight denim hold it’s own around your middle. Probably not a problem for some of you 😉 but, as I age things like this are pretty important.
I really hesitated about the Levis buttons, I thought a special tool was needed to attach them to the garment. As it turns out there are a few really good tutorials online about installing these into your garment. I think they are going to be pretty snazzy on a jean jacket. I am amazed at all the variety of sewing notions available online. We are so lucky to have them at our fingertips.
