WaKeiSeiYo (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
wakeiseiyo) wrote2008-05-18 03:26 pm
wakeiseiyo) wrote2008-05-18 03:26 pm
Fweedle.
Well, took the Bernina in for service yesterday - it should be done by the middle of next week, since they said 7-10 days. They also said that for a 45+ year old machine, it was in showroom condition. Pretty sweet. (Seriously - it has all the parts and accessories, including the original outlet plug, presser feet, etc, and there are only two small chips in the enamel finish where metal parts fold up.) The guy was surprised - he thought the model was a good 20 years newer than I'd told him until I brought it in. Fun times. The best part is, the machine doesn't seem to need anything more than a good cleaning to get 15 years of dust out of it. The belts are still good, etc.
Since I have just the serger to tide me over (and I'm going to re-take the basic class on it, too), I did the Ceridwen method of making a dress - quarter-fold and cut using one that fits as the pattern. All that's left is Mom showing me how to use her machine so I can hem the sleeves and bottom edge (after I make one correction where the selvedge shows) and turn and hem the collar. Another 2-3 hours, max. Cutting and serging took all of 30 minutes, I think, not counting the need to press the fabric first because it was rumpled from the pre-wash.
I'm actually sad my sewing class is over Wednesday, because it's nice to have a place to go and sit and do nothing but sew for 3 hours twice a week; I get my creative Zen on, and there's someone who knows a TON about sewing at the front of the room to help me when I'm stuck (like commercial cutting layouts that mention the fold but the pattern piece doesn't SAY to cut on the fold - you don't unless the pattern piece itself says so, by the way).
Once I get my machine back from servicing, I'll be able to continue trying the Simplicity costume's Memoirs pattern - the kimono is only so-so on accuracy, but it comes with a vest that is worn underneath to simulate the under-kimono. And that vest, if I can follow the instructions and stitch it up properly, will make a perfect Tea vest. (And if the pattern works [my primary concern is L-over-R] , I'll be tracing it onto muslin and tallying up yardage, materials, and hours involved. It will not be cheap, even using broadcloth in solid colors.) It may require a bit of fudging, because the instructions right now show it as being off-centered in certain parts, which means it is designed to lap in a certain direction. I"m not so good with my left and right to figure out just what without actually sewing it out, first. We'll see. I may be scribbling on the inside with a marker so I know while I construct it.
Today started late, but at least things on my list are slowly getting done. (The camp dress? Only bought the fabric two years ago... Oy.)
Since I have just the serger to tide me over (and I'm going to re-take the basic class on it, too), I did the Ceridwen method of making a dress - quarter-fold and cut using one that fits as the pattern. All that's left is Mom showing me how to use her machine so I can hem the sleeves and bottom edge (after I make one correction where the selvedge shows) and turn and hem the collar. Another 2-3 hours, max. Cutting and serging took all of 30 minutes, I think, not counting the need to press the fabric first because it was rumpled from the pre-wash.
I'm actually sad my sewing class is over Wednesday, because it's nice to have a place to go and sit and do nothing but sew for 3 hours twice a week; I get my creative Zen on, and there's someone who knows a TON about sewing at the front of the room to help me when I'm stuck (like commercial cutting layouts that mention the fold but the pattern piece doesn't SAY to cut on the fold - you don't unless the pattern piece itself says so, by the way).
Once I get my machine back from servicing, I'll be able to continue trying the Simplicity costume's Memoirs pattern - the kimono is only so-so on accuracy, but it comes with a vest that is worn underneath to simulate the under-kimono. And that vest, if I can follow the instructions and stitch it up properly, will make a perfect Tea vest. (And if the pattern works [my primary concern is L-over-R] , I'll be tracing it onto muslin and tallying up yardage, materials, and hours involved. It will not be cheap, even using broadcloth in solid colors.) It may require a bit of fudging, because the instructions right now show it as being off-centered in certain parts, which means it is designed to lap in a certain direction. I"m not so good with my left and right to figure out just what without actually sewing it out, first. We'll see. I may be scribbling on the inside with a marker so I know while I construct it.
Today started late, but at least things on my list are slowly getting done. (The camp dress? Only bought the fabric two years ago... Oy.)