Some Sewing Musings

So I’ve been a busy little bee, sewing.  I’m striving towards better “build quality” with each thing I sew… but…..

You know how there is a series of books called “The Missing Manual: The Book That Should Have Been In The Box”? (Pogue Press O’Reilly are awesome technical publishers, BTW. If you’re stuck on something techie, they are THE go- to books, IMHO.) Well, what I need is a “Missing Manual” for the Big 4 pattern companies!  It would include things like:

• cut the interfacing to the SEAM lines (not outside cutting lines) of pieces you need to interface, it reduces bulk and makes things turn in so much more nicely
• when to put in a grosgrain waist stay
• WHEN to finish which edges in construction – the stupid patterns assume you know this, except when they suddenly remember to say things like “Finish long facing edge…” – NOT HELPFUL, arrgh!
• reminders along the way to hand baste to check fit
• ideas about alternative ways to finish seams

40 is the new...

Yes, I have at various times read most of these things in my treasured collection of Threads magazines; but with my menopausal memory (like a steel… sieve!  Yep, that’s it, memory like a steel sieve, me!) I can’t keep so much in my head.  Most of my functioning brain space these days is taken up with thoughts such as “HOT!  Why is it so HOT In here?” and “What was I doing… why am I in this room?” and “Did I just eat that gingernut… or if not, where have I put it?”

Last night I spent HOURS – literally hours – trying to work out how to pin something together that should have been simple.  I know, I shouldn’t attempt to sew when I’m tired; but I reckon losing those brain cells to another general anaesthetic combined with the lack of hormones has made me even sillier than before!

Paris Frocks At Home

Actually, the more I look at this book at Vintage Pattern Info, the more I see where my Missing Manual went – this is all the sort of stuff I was talking about!  ARGGGGH!

Could it be that I’m not only menopausal, but need to TIME TRAVEL for sewing lessons as well?

(ooooh, imagine being able to grab that yummy David Tennant as Dr Who and travelling to various couturier’s workshops – who would you pick first?  I think I’d have to at least go to Charles Frederick Worth and see how HIS seamstresses managed those princess lines he allegedly invented!)

Right, I’m off to iron a frock – I’m going to a TUPPERWARE PARTY this arvo  – LOL! (It’s an excuse to eat yummy things and drink champagne and be giggly with the girls – gotta love that!)

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