Intrepidly Making Mistakes

Em and I have been doing some bonding these past few weeks. I have had many small projects, so I have had lots of practice with bobbin winding. I have shortened the straps of both an Anthropologie top and a Catherine Malandrino top. I have repaired the busted seam near a pocket on a pair of one of my favorite pants. I have hemmed three pairs of pants to the desired lengths. My no-serger self loves the overcast stitch function on Em. With all these projects, I have had many opportunities to change out the presser feet.



I checked out the many decorative stitches that come with my machine. I also played with the blind hem stitch, which will be useful in repairing skirt and pant hems. I might have just made up the cost of Em.

I washed and dried the pink Joel Dewberry fabric that will become a shirt. Then I pinned and cut. Ugh - I cut by through the notches without making the notches. I'll just have to manually mark them on the fabric. I am a little anxious over the fit because while ease in sewing is the same discussion as it is in knitting, somehow I am feeling a little newbie-ish in proper garment fitting.



After buying a highly recommended sewing reference book - Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing - and reading some, I came to the realization that I should have placed the right sides facing together before pinning and cutting. Sure enough, I go back to my pattern and there it is - if you are doubling up the fabric, place right sides facing. However, I think I am okay. The pieces are symmetrical. I think the only thing I need to do is unpin and reverse my fabric. Then I can proceed with my tracing paper and wheel to make my markings.

I do like to just try things without fear of screwing up. The errors and failures I make along the way only help to learn from experience.