Monday, February 04, 2008

Are you ready to sew?

Someone posted the following on the sewing board I'm on, and I found it so charming that I had to put it up here too:

Tips for Preparing Yourself for Sewing
(from a 1949 Singer Sewing manual)

Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do ... never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew with a sink full of dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.

When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress ... Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on with care ... If you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should.


And a random question for you all: If this was your fabric, what would you make with it? I bought 11-1/2 yards from a S&S member who has an etsy shop, and it was so cheap that I almost feel like I stole it from her! =)

Anyway, I fell in love with it. It sort of has that toile look (Which I love! English stuff intrigues me. It probably doesn't have anything to do with family history and being prodomantly English... ::wink::) and I do have a couple ideas, I'm open to more!

7 comments:

Rachel said...

Oooh...it says Colonial all over to me! I'd probably use it as part of a costume...vest or jacket, most likely. I'll look forward to seeing what you make!

Cheri said...

LOL, I had a feeling you'd say that! =) Do you think it is accurate for that time period?

Michelle said...

OH! I'd either use it for curtains or a duvet cover and matching shams - using some blue and white fabric for a contrast piping.

Rachel said...

Well, I'm honestly not sure about its being totally period-correct. It's closer than a lot of things would be, though. I think they did have toile. It would make a lovely gown, too.

Crystal Arcand said...

This screams skirt to me. Straight or full, it would be beautiful.

reinigej said...

Very pretty. I like English things too. I would make a circle skirt and jacket out of the Paisly Pincushion pattern for a ruffle skirt and blouse. I'd leave off most or all of the ruffles and make the "blouse" into a long sleeved jacket. Sort of a Beatrice Potter or riding outfit look but still wearable. Sorry I don't have the link here. We have very slow dial up from home. Sigh...

Joanne R.

Cheri said...

Thanks for sharing all of your excellant idea's ladies! I have pretty much come to the conclusion with what I want to do with it. (Shhh! It's a surprise, so you all will just have to wait!)

I don't know exactly how many yards "it" will eat up, but hopefully there will be some left over for another project. =)