tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post4459140496760541650..comments2024-03-23T16:46:47.415-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Friday Open ThreadGertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger168125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-83763670005082248872011-06-02T14:19:42.783-04:002011-06-02T14:19:42.783-04:00I fall into the category of beginner. There was a...I fall into the category of beginner. There was a period of about 2-3 days where I couldn't get my sewing machine to work because I had the sewing length and width dials backwards in my head and cloth wouldn't feed. That was before I had to re-thread it like 10 times to get the bobbin to feed properly. All is well now and I am working on my first ever skirt after making a few smaller projects, but beginner type stuff is definitely welcomed.Erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08896431036339191450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-42812864132903883322011-06-01T14:29:13.849-04:002011-06-01T14:29:13.849-04:00So, I know I'm like a week late, but I have be...So, I know I'm like a week late, but I have been away and I'm just catching up. I am not a new sewer, but my clothing sewing experience to date includes one self-drafted skirt that falls firmly in the "OK, but not good" category and a pair of shorts I don't even like to wear at home. My only true success would be a size 2T dress for my daughter. It had a split at the top and a button and loop closure, it just pulled on! I'd love to learn to make my own clothes, or at the very least alter RTW shirts.Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04722008736918235757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-71655495273086086702011-05-27T12:33:54.964-04:002011-05-27T12:33:54.964-04:00I hope it isn't too late to contribute to this...I hope it isn't too late to contribute to this post. I don't sew but enjoy your enthusiasm and fun. <br /><br />What I'm looking for is information about fabric and what to look for in a well made garment. All too often I buy clothes with no clue of what to look for other than 'does this suit me'. Fashion blogs give very little guidance. I do find blogs written by men on men's clothing far better but of course irrelevant for me. For me the clothing of yesteryear offer quality as well as good design. Today you have to part with a king's ransom to purchase clothing that match. I wish I could sew but can't operate a machine. So sadly I can't enjoy this past time. <br /><br />Keep up the wonderful work.Gardenianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29399962107998167412011-05-26T02:42:26.051-04:002011-05-26T02:42:26.051-04:00Please do beginner posts! I love your blog and wh...Please do beginner posts! I love your blog and while I have sewn a few garments, I'm still kind of a "scared sewer." <br />Do you have any thoughts about bust-cup alterations or cute patterns for those of us with a little more going on up top? That is definitely the biggest concern for me as a more busty lady. :)Amy Carstenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11792606862621197123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-89731648798645634262011-05-25T19:44:57.725-04:002011-05-25T19:44:57.725-04:00This is late but I hope you still read it! I love,...This is late but I hope you still read it! I love, love, love your blog. I do not know how to sew but you are inspiring me to build up some confidence. I have a sewing machine (and can thread it) but other than straight-ish lines, I have no skills. It would be great if you could put up some 'first' project posts. I just read your work from home post and I need some cute dresses for chasing my daughter around the house in. Maybe you would be willing to pick and easy pattern and have a a sew-along for the sewing challenged!Adam, Erin, and Clairehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15877863957212434330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-16193650638097794352011-05-23T20:54:02.476-04:002011-05-23T20:54:02.476-04:00The scene where Firth takes Zellweger into his arm...The scene where Firth takes Zellweger into his arms in BJ's Diary is one of the sexiest on the screen.Denisehttp://thebluegardenia.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-10666908167952508312011-05-23T17:29:06.414-04:002011-05-23T17:29:06.414-04:00You Must watch Downton Abby. BBC costume drama th...You <b>Must</b> watch Downton Abby. BBC costume drama that starts out with the sinking of the Titanic and ends with the start of WWII. Lots of plot and sub-plot lines, fully formed characters, beautiful dresses/interiors/exteriors...Katiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15328838737727654644noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-86826097506792164732011-05-23T15:31:30.215-04:002011-05-23T15:31:30.215-04:00i am also a beginner and would love some posts tha...i am also a beginner and would love some posts that are directed at beginners. unfortunately i can't find any classes within my age group in my area and my family is no help. i've begun to try things out on my own but to no avail. but i will continue to try.jackie m.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-3457612785309471542011-05-23T12:32:40.979-04:002011-05-23T12:32:40.979-04:00It's waaay past Friday, but I worked all weeke...It's waaay past Friday, but I worked all weekend and am just now catching up on teh interwebs. And here's my book suggestion: Materializing Queer Desire: Oscar Wilde to Any Warhol, by Elisa Glick. I haven't read it yet, but it's an examination of the dandy as an iconic figure of the interplay between the public and private modes of consumption and desire that occur in and through capitalism. And the cover photo is of Dickon Edwards, another favorite blogger!thatgrrlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-37360719418238532242011-05-23T11:35:35.667-04:002011-05-23T11:35:35.667-04:00Wow, everyone LOVES Colin Firth! I saw a British f...Wow, everyone LOVES Colin Firth! I saw a British film a couple of weeks ago called An Education - assume it's been out in the States? It's set in London in the early Sixties, so some great costumes and hair(check out Rosamund Pike's Chelsea girl!) and stars the dashing Peter Sarsgaard who I think has something of the young Firth about him in this film. I do recommend if you haven't already stumbled upon...<br /><br />This weekend I sewed a 1976 Butterick pattern for a cross over bodice dress in a paisley cotton. It's still early days, so I don't know if my various modifications are ill advised or not yet!Liznoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-45642297488226979662011-05-23T09:35:21.976-04:002011-05-23T09:35:21.976-04:00I'm a few days behind, but love the idea of be...I'm a few days behind, but love the idea of beginner sewing posts. My most recent project was pillows, but really, my mom did the whole thing with me, and all I had to do was sew straight lines. Not too complicated...Meganhttp://worldtravelforcouples.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-79189919777256405162011-05-23T00:22:44.712-04:002011-05-23T00:22:44.712-04:00Yes to the beginner posts! I love the idea of sew...Yes to the beginner posts! I love the idea of sewing, can thread my machine, and then it all falls apart from there. So, yes, please!Miss E.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15216905356492912338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-50182076621106072732011-05-22T22:24:42.297-04:002011-05-22T22:24:42.297-04:00Hi Gertie, I've been reading your blog for abo...Hi Gertie, I've been reading your blog for about a year and a half and love it, but this is the first time I've made a comment. So although I'm not officially a "follower" of your blog, I make sure to read your posts every week.<br />Every time I read a post I'm inspired to sew - but, alas, I am an absolute beginner. I own a machine and have managed to thread it (although I always refer to the manual) and I have made a few very wonky pillowcases. I would LOVE some absolute beginner tutorials, a place to start and build some confidence.Nicolenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53814495756448868002011-05-22T20:56:42.586-04:002011-05-22T20:56:42.586-04:00I'd love to sew clothing but don't know wh...I'd love to sew clothing but don't know where to start. I sew quilts, can thread a machine, etc. but clothing freaks me out, especially b/c I'm curvy and thus, want to sew with knits. Where to start? So, yes, please post!<br /><br />Also, Kings Speech- the love!Alexandrahttp://craftnook.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-65228810963488186692011-05-22T18:01:25.102-04:002011-05-22T18:01:25.102-04:00This is my first time commenting but i've been...This is my first time commenting but i've been reading your blog for some time and love it. I am a (sort of) beginner sewist, I haven't done any sewing since 4th form (that would be about 8th grade to you Americans) and have forgotten almost everything I knew so would love beginner level sewing posts to get me back into it :)Vanessanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-23772149351561598552011-05-22T13:06:53.283-04:002011-05-22T13:06:53.283-04:00Hi Gertie! I only recently stumbled upon your blo...Hi Gertie! I only recently stumbled upon your blog. LOVE IT! I too am looking forward to your posts for beginner sewers. AND I really enjoy reading and viewing your how to videos on the more couture aspects of sewing/tailoring. As I read and watch it really gives me a sense that I too can do this. You (and others) make it seem so easy. I am one of those sewers who read tons but when it comes to actually going into my sewing room and making something it becomes overwhelming for me. I "need" to have everything else done like laundry, working out,clean the house, taxes...before I can concentrate on making something. I need someone to hold my hand so to speak. I do not know anyone that sews garments in my area. This weekend I FINALLY shorten the hems on my MIL's 4 tee shirts with my serger. I'm so intimidated with that machine! On the movie front I saw "I Am" at the theater Friday night http://www.iamthedoc.com/ A must see in IMHO. Sending out good vibes for a drier week ahead! ColeenMiss Coleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02293923203258308242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-25329505009753437732011-05-22T11:17:08.543-04:002011-05-22T11:17:08.543-04:00I know I'm late to the party on this one, but ...I know I'm late to the party on this one, but for my two cents...<br /><br />I do not sew... yet. I was shown how to thread a machine and topsew in school aged 12, but unforunately at the time I thought home economics was boring and pointless and chose to give it up as soon as possible (the choice being to pick two out of science, business and home ec). <br /><br />Much to my now-25-year-old self's surprise, turns out I love craftwork, cooking and baking, and all that jazz. Still love science too, though. So between my full time job and the postgraduate degree from hell, I currently have barely enough time to read this and a number of other pretty awesome blogs. <br /><br />Next year, though. Oh, bring on next year. Completed MSc in hand, I plan to indulge whatever creative side I can find, and will definitely be on the look for really basic tutorials. So I'm very excited about this plan! I haven't been reading your blog for long, but everything on it looks fabulous.<br /><br />I haven't seen the King's Speech, but so many people have told me how awesome it is, I think I'll have to put it on the list of things to do! I briefly lost faith in Colin Firth around the time of Bridget Jones 2, but am currently trying to mend our strained relationship :)Kyerinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-26060326643127750622011-05-22T09:30:58.637-04:002011-05-22T09:30:58.637-04:00Oh, and what is ease? How can I sew in sleeves wit...Oh, and what is ease? How can I sew in sleeves without having them pucker at the top every time? D: Unless you help me I fear I'll be wearing sleeveless dresses for the rest of my life!Miss Emmihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07251628463640473391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-41855705185242631332011-05-22T09:27:26.830-04:002011-05-22T09:27:26.830-04:00Hi Gertie! I'd love to see some beginner's...Hi Gertie! I'd love to see some beginner's techniques and troubleshooting queries that are not covered in most How-To guides. I always hear things about tension on the machine being wrong, but for the life of me wouldn't know how to spot it or what to do to fix it! Also things like what the different feet on your sewing machine can be used for, or suggestions about sewing different kinds of fabric/what threads to use. A lot of this basic knowledge is missing from my brain!Miss Emmihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07251628463640473391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-63175043139484406572011-05-22T08:07:47.952-04:002011-05-22T08:07:47.952-04:00I am knitting this weekend currently a summer card...I am knitting this weekend currently a summer cardigan, so I want to get it finished while there's still some summer in which to wear it!<br /><br />I am a beginner at sewing - I have managed to thread my machine, following the instructions, and can sew two pieces of fabric together in a basic straight(ish) seam. But that is it. I have recently bought a pattern and some fabric, but have not yet been brave enough to cut into anything.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17479816292532374029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-44695447226213103852011-05-22T07:30:36.209-04:002011-05-22T07:30:36.209-04:00Hello! I'm a beginner sewist - I can thread my...Hello! I'm a beginner sewist - I can thread my machine, and hem pants, but that's about it so far! I love your blog and your style and would love some beginner friendly posts.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-5714518266327750362011-05-21T15:24:59.093-04:002011-05-21T15:24:59.093-04:00@Caitlin--
First, let me say how sorry I am that y...@Caitlin--<br />First, let me say how sorry I am that you have had this experience, and know I will hold you in my thoughts at the end of this month, hoping your time in court is as free of trauma as is possible. <br />I had hoped that questions of sexuality and seductiveness would have been removed from the issues of sexual assault. We have been fighting this battle for so long, and yet these same ridiculous arguments continue to come up, blaming victims for the actions of an aggressor. Maybe we need to change the name of the crime, so we don't have to entertain these horrible notions of "asking for it". We don't argue about who was asking for it when a man or woman is assaulted or killed, do we? How is it that adding the term "sexual" to the word assault makes us ponder these ideas of blame and fault? <br />I know this could go on for days, but to sum up-- no, wearing a miniskirt doesn't make one a slut, and being a "slut" doesn't make one worthy of assault. Best of luck with the trial, and keep your chin up!Jennhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10517649568887540126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-19995790165177494822011-05-21T14:28:23.910-04:002011-05-21T14:28:23.910-04:00"My boyfriend Colin Firth" Words out of ..."My boyfriend Colin Firth" Words out of my own mind :) The King's Speech is my new favorite.<br />I've got my eyes on some Vouge dress Patterns since it looks like it's sales day @ McCalls.<br />I've just started sewing (thanks to you Gertie!), so I'm still a beginner. Your blog is super helpful and inspiring. I can't think of any specific questions at the moment, everything's been pretty clean cut.lilbaileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11881523074484379629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-10674849029752168932011-05-21T13:15:40.044-04:002011-05-21T13:15:40.044-04:00I've sewn on and off in the past, but I don...I've sewn on and off in the past, but I don't right now. My living situation is... not ideal right now, and I have no place to set up a machine, and no money to spend on fabric anyway. I'm in an unusual place for a beginner, I think, in that I know what fine work and a good fit is supposed to look like, but I don't have the skills to match.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-71217538881947098302011-05-21T11:58:50.047-04:002011-05-21T11:58:50.047-04:00Please please please do a beginner's series. I...Please please please do a beginner's series. I've been reading your blog for so long and was so disappointed when I couldn't do the Lady Grey Sew Along. I still enjoyed all the posts about it but it really sucks always being so far behind the techniques you write about.<br /><br />Also, I just love your style.. both writing and fashion!Cheska Bahamanoreply@blogger.com