I've been doing a lot of sewing lately, so I thought i'd show you what i've been up to. I've been making dryer balls (I really thought i'd get tired of making them, but I still enjoy it!) to sell at this summer's fiber fairs. They are great for keeping my hands busy. I cut the wool and wind the balls while I watch tv, and I like to do the final hand sewn seam while i'm waiting places, like my son's hour long gymnastics class. Ever since I posted that blanket tutorial last week, i've also started on a blanket. I have been making "bricks", 6" x 12" pieces, that I will make into 1' squares for my blanket when I have enough of them. I plan to use a vintage wool blanket as the backing, so it will be super warm!
Dryer ball pieces, and finished dryer balls (I have over 40 completed!):
The blanket "bricks", and an "egg" I need to improve on. I want to make an Easter basket for my son, and sew egg appliques to the side, made from this sweater with fair isle stripes.
Here is where it all happens, my beautiful antique sewing machine. My mom sewed, and taught me to sew when I was little. I also took Home Ec classes when I was little, but it had been so long since then. When my elderly neighbor's wife passed away, he gave me her sewing machine, so it means a lot to me. I had no clue how to use it, but I was not going to let it sit unused. I took a private sewing lesson a little over a year ago, and now i'm a sewing fool, as apposed to just a fool ;) !
18 comments:
have you ever considered showing the most economical way to cut up a sweater? or maybe i should ask, do you leave sweaters uncut until you have a project or is there a special way that you cut them so they are ready for any project?
I generally like to leave a sweater uncut until i'm ready to use it, so I have less pieces to keep track of. I always cut along all the seams when I am ready to use it. I cut my biggest pieces first, and go from there... bricks, dryer ball cover pieces, long scraps go for the dryer ball cores. I cut 1" squares out of the craps that are left, for future ornaments. The teeny scraps after that make the very center of my dryer balls. I even use the seams on my dryer ball cores now. The only thing left over at the end is the tag :)
My mom has that sewing machine. I used it for years. I'm glad to know it can handle the felt. I haven't tried sewing felt yet with my "newfangled" one, but I can't hand sew well enough by hand to do justice even to tiny things, like mittens so I'll have to drag out my machine soon. I LOVE what you're doing
If that's your kitchen table, I will feel so much better about myself... mine always looks like that! (minus the gorgeous antique sewing machine, that is).
Yep! That's my kitchen table. Lately we've just been eating at our son's table with him (thankfully it's a really sturdy wooden set!). I feel like a giant at meal times ;) I can't remember the last time we ate a meal together at the kitchen table, lol. One day I will have a permanent sewing station... I hope!
What a cool work space, I am no sewer, so well done you, Cheers Marie
I love that sewing machine!
you are so lucky to have such a great machine! the old ones sew so smoothly.
I might just be inspired to make some dryer balls. I need something to stop the static. your ends look so neat! my last ball was all wonky...
Victoria,
Oh good, then it wasn't just me! My ends were all crazy when making the ball, and I thought I just wasn't a good enough sewer. I just started running across the tops of the ends with a straight line of stitching (are you still with me? I am so bad at explaining!)before I turn it right side out, and it gives it a cleaner look. Let me know if that made sense. If not, I may have to take pictures.
In case anyone was wondering about the first comment, in chinese, I found a site that loosely translated it. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't anything awful, or an advertisement for something awful... plus I was curious ;) This is the translation I got:
"People must harbor hope, will live happy, days after a rich, meaningful, full of vigor, a letter"
I've been working on the same things! (dryer balls and a pieces for a blanket) I'm no where NEAR 40 balls, but I'd like to be!
When I saw the photo of your work space, my eye was immediately drawn to your awesome sewing machine. I was so glad to scroll down and see a close up photo. How cool to sew on a machine with all that history! I love how you've come up with ways to use every bit of wool. I've started making dryer balls myself after your suggestion. Love using those scraps!
I use a signer feather light too. For all my wool and other sewing. I love it. See your just made me smile!!!!
Okay, I was way behind on my reading. Now I've caught up on your blog and I have 10 new projects to add to my to-do list.
Hello! I've just discovered your blog this morning, linked to recycled+revamped. It's a lovely blog and I'm thoroughly enjoying reading through your posts.
Those dryer balls are just beautiful. They seem too nice to put in the dryer! They look cool just sitting all together in a bunch.
I'm a sweater recycling fiend as well. I also have an old sewing machine, though not as old as yours.
I love the banner you created for your fiber arts shows. I'm going to check out your wares at Artfire! (I sell on Etsy)
Best wishes to you...
Barbara
Blue Kimono Studio
www.bluekimonostudio.etsy.com
I love the little singer featherweights. I've had mine a while and my mom got one for herself less than a year ago. They are so cute.
Just reading through some old posts and love the idea of dryer balls. I have a featherweight from my MIL that I adore and can't wait to make some with.
hello
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