My studio’s still a bit of a mess, but I finally have something that I’ve dreamed of since I was about 8 (I fell in love with sewing long before knitting) – a space to sew that doesn’t require any setup. A couple on nights ago I threw together a cover for my chair’s cushion, something that’s been desperately needed for a long time.
The scissor bows are making me so happy, they’re made from tape printed by Jezze. It’s not weird to adorn everything with craft related imagery, is it?
Spurred on by the success of my wee cushion project this evening I started cutting out fabric for something bigger – Macaron from Colette patterns.
I find cutting into fabric so very difficult, I’m always worried that the project will go wrong, or that I’ll find a much better use for that particular piece. The result of this of course is that I have a bunch of fabric that I never use, which is ridiculous. No more! If it does go wrong, while it might be harder to fix than knitting, it will at least have been a learning experience – and I’ve got plenty more fabric.
Sewing
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{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
So happy you have a designated sewing area. I too fell in love with sewing well before knitting. Your cushion is lovely!
oh wow, this is a little weird. Just yesterday I discovered Collette patterns, and spent a good portion of time drooling over this exact pattern, and now, while talking about my brand new hobby to a friend, I discovered you had a new post on your blog…and what was it about?? Nothing other than the exact same thing I was thinking about this very minute!! Just…wow!
I have always had trouble with cutting into fabric, too. I’m going to take this as a challenge to finish setting up my space and start the quilt that I have all the materials for!
I was just telling my mom that the other night – how hard it is to cut fabric as there’s no going back. If you get something wrong in knitting you can unravel it all and start over. She made my babe the cutest pair of booties, and they were too small. So sad because there was no undoing them and making them a wee bit bigger!
I love, love, love the ribbon on your cushion. And isn’t cutting fabric so much more fun with a rotary cutter?!
It’s always ok if something goes wrong in knitting, because then you can use the cut pieces on something else. Like an awesome quilt. :)
I started sewing (and crocheting) long before I actually started knitting (ok, about 25 years for both). For some weird reason I get bent ALL out of proportion when something goes wrong with the sewing. Completely lose my temper. Quit for a few months. I can’t quite figure that one out, because generally I’m mellow to a fault.
Ah well. The mysteries of the human mind, right?
And I’m VERY jealous of your sewing spot. I do not have one. I want one. Seriously considering kicking someone out of my apartment so that I can get one.
That is exactly what makes me nervous about sewing. I have been ogling most of the Colette patterns for a while, but haven’t plucked up the courage to slice into – and potentially irreparably ruin – something pretty. Speaking of which, can I ask what the fabric you’re using is? It looks lovely!
soooo sweet! I also am dying to try a colette pattern, they are so retro and look perfect to wear. can’t wait to see your results!
I hear you on the not cutting up fabric! I am getting better but some of my very precious japanese fairy tale fabric is a little too precious to cut up and enjoy but I try!
love your patterns and love your blog!
Corrie:)
Good on ya, for getting your space. I so understand it as I loved sewing before knitting too. I grew up always eating at the formal table, as Mum took the eat-in kitchen nook for her sewing spaced. I have been know to do that as well. Now I have taken the loft area for the dedicated sewing space.
Love you cushion, those ties are made of fabulous fabric I must say.
That seat cover is so dang cute! Great to have a dedicated sewing space, isn’t it? I want so badly to make some new seat covers and curtains for my sewing space, but my “to make” list just keeps growing and growing. There’s just not enough hours in a day.
Happy sewing in the new year!
Sewing is my first love as well! I just moved into a new place and for the first time get to set up a permanent sewing area. Please show us yours!
I love that fabric you’re using and can totally understand the difficulty of bringing yourself to cut it. It’s going to be worth it though, that pattern is gorgeous.
Yeah for a good craft space. I just turned the spare bedroom into a guest room / craft room that requires minimal set up for sewing. All it needs is my new sewing machine which I normally get tomorrow.
I have just received a copy of your latest book in the post today. My son bought a copy for me when you were in Gourock. He has only just posted it!! There is a really good photograph of you and John included in the package. It was worth the wait. I too have been thinking of making a dress;aa tweed one. I have been reading Kates blog.
the cushion ties make me smile! still dreaming of a sewing nook. having toddler grandchildren running around means anything sharp must be shut up. i have problems finding fabric i enjoy enough to actually buy. once i have it, i can hardly wait to put it all together!
That is a beautiful pattern and beautiful fabric!
What a perfect use for the scissors tape! It’s so lovely to see it there. That’s beautiful fabric for your dress, too – hope the sewing goes well!
I *love* that scissor ribbon–it’s brilliant!
What you’re saying here about cutting fabric being so permanent is one of the many reasons I like knitting better – but I also learned to sew first, and I think that gave me an understanding of garment construction that knitters frequently don’t get.
We’ve got the same chair! Except mine has a shoogly leg…
Cut that fabric!!! I, too, suffer from that same reticence to cut into fabric and, as a consequence, have a beautiful piece of Irish tweed in my cedar chest that was purchased in the 1970s!!! Don’t let that happen to you. :) (I might be smiling, but I really do have that piece of fabric!)
Hi! my name is María I’m from Spain and have just received your Whimsical Little Knits 1 as a present from my boyfriend, I really love your designs and I’m going to start with Isbhel!!!!!!! congratulations for your work is great!!!!!!
I love Colette patterns. I just received several of them this Christmas. Can’t wait to see how your dress turns out.
Its exciting to see what can be done with a little creativity and some ingenuity. You seem to be doing a great job of decorating!
Great ethos! What a very excellent idea :) Look forward to seeing the results and journey!
I love the scissor ribbon! Perfect for the chair at the sewing table! I made chair cushions for the ikea folding chairs that are the dining room/everything chairs that i own. i sewed them by hand since I didn’t have my machine at the time but they made a huge difference to me in the way i felt in my tiny apt. and they are a quick and easy project. a good way to get motivated! Can’t wait to see the dress!!!
Cutting my fabric scares me too. It’s partly why I have all these sewing plans and half finished pieces around me. I s’pose I should get over that and get them finished up! :)
Ooh, this pattern is my favorite! The sleeves are especially clever. Happy stitching!
Go on, cut that fabric! The snip-snip sound of scissors can be very satisfying because it means that a project gets that bit closer to completion. Great feeling!
And if you ever end up with too little fabric because of a mistake in cutting, then when not piece that last piece together from smaller pieces (of the same fabric), as if making a quilt? If you make it look as if it was ‘meant’ to be that way, then it’ll be gorgeous and no-one will know any better!
I got idea from your site,many inspiration for me as designer,thanks a lot for article and image
That pattern looks great. I can’t wait to see how it goes.
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