tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post4937113313649236577..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Friday Open Thread!Gertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-44276413689327076022012-07-13T22:02:34.616-04:002012-07-13T22:02:34.616-04:00I'm not sewing this weekend, instead I am gath...I'm not sewing this weekend, instead I am gathering up supplies to attempt the tailored jacket from your class on Craftsy!!!! I'm really excited. I don't care if it takes a year I'm going to attempt all of the hand-tailoring techniques after loads of practice. YAY!!! <br /><br />Love the blog, by the way xkaboosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05869521987219750823noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-34124194256734453252012-06-21T12:50:21.266-04:002012-06-21T12:50:21.266-04:00I saw on Pintrest that a loosely crumpled up piece...I saw on Pintrest that a loosely crumpled up piece of aluminum foil in the dryer takes the place of a dryer sheet...worth a try.Mount Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07182189486458722598noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-33511415101435660422012-04-12T11:58:39.514-04:002012-04-12T11:58:39.514-04:00Dryer sheets: I know it's not common in the US...Dryer sheets: I know it's not common in the US, but to me, there is nothing that makes clothes nicer to handle than drying them outside on the line. They smell incredibly fresh and feel great - and it's good for the environment. :)Katenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-85005061158863357062012-04-10T02:13:23.394-04:002012-04-10T02:13:23.394-04:00(I stopped using fabric softener a few years ago b...(I stopped using fabric softener a few years ago because it irritates my son's skin. I've got used to un-softened fabric now)<br /><br />I use white vinegar for softeingdenesenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-19167004688323332812012-04-10T02:11:15.899-04:002012-04-10T02:11:15.899-04:00Doing the retro jacket, just watched the button...Doing the retro jacket, just watched the button hole lesson, i never ever thought of this way, thank you' in aus, we thread our needle first, then quicly wind thread just below the eye pull thread down to bottom of thread. There is your knot<br />Really enoying tbe course gretchen you make it so much fun, i am a grandmother 'learning new things, thank you<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Ldenesenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-15346426154954340752012-04-09T19:48:53.565-04:002012-04-09T19:48:53.565-04:00I usually wash or soak my machine/hand washable fa...I usually wash or soak my machine/hand washable fabrics like cotton, linen, rayon or blends when I get it home so it's ready ands waiting to go whenever the I have the time and energy to sew it up. Wool fabrics get London shrink just before I'm ready to use it for my chosen pattern.Susewhttp://sewstyled.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-62055701706980527982012-04-09T13:29:07.054-04:002012-04-09T13:29:07.054-04:00Re: Fabric softener: I use "Bounce Bars"...Re: Fabric softener: I use "Bounce Bars", which stick to a fin of the dryer. They last 2 months or more, and don't leave any residue. I find it much easier than remembering to add fabric softener at the right time.<br />Re: Prewashing: who can plan ahead that far? And some fabrics can wait for months or years for the right project to come along, and then just need to be washed all over again.<br />Re: Seasonal: Yes! Spring and summer sewing is beginning!Marjiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14950085029835332900noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53268835950875616452012-04-09T10:59:37.912-04:002012-04-09T10:59:37.912-04:00I try to pre-wash right away, otherwise I'm te...I try to pre-wash right away, otherwise I'm tempted to sew with it. I got a new loom so I'm making scarves, and I have a couple of patterns for summer tops using woven fabric (yes, I know its all woven but this stuff is my creation).Cindy Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18322233032542198173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-65737843002522621152012-04-09T09:56:22.006-04:002012-04-09T09:56:22.006-04:00I make a stack of new fabrics by color so when I h...I make a stack of new fabrics by color so when I have a decent sized load I can pre-wash a quantity and be economical with the washer. I do use fabric softener in the washer but not in the drier.<br /><br />I'm doing some spring sewing now. It's not like I'm such a great planner, I just cannot make myself sew on wool or other winter projects when the weather is nice!Sewing Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00907568309756938880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-83407713596154115682012-04-08T23:01:20.607-04:002012-04-08T23:01:20.607-04:00Definitely pre-wash my fabrics and any sewable int...Definitely pre-wash my fabrics and any sewable interfacings! Love the BIGGER betty! Want to make some etsy inspired pillowcases, one say "sleep" the other says, ummm an unladylike four letter word which I won't repeat on your blog Gertie! LOL.Jaminenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-16672723334944431672012-04-08T22:20:36.346-04:002012-04-08T22:20:36.346-04:00Hi Gretchen!
How is the dove gray eyelet dress fro...Hi Gretchen!<br />How is the dove gray eyelet dress from Palm Springs coming along?<br />Re: fabric softener-- it's horrible. If you don't over dry your clothes, and if there is no synthetic in them, you won't have static issues. <br />Re: the new bike, and puppies and baguettes-- You will rock that! But wait on the puppies until I bring you one! Daisy Anna is doing very well with her training, and her cat interactions....<br />Love what you are doing these days,<br />XXX<br />JeanPuppypimphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14464287701373961480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-26913524717490935332012-04-08T14:38:15.297-04:002012-04-08T14:38:15.297-04:00I stopped using fabric softener a few years ago be...I stopped using fabric softener a few years ago because it irritates my son's skin. I've got used to un-softened fabric now and prefer the way it feels.<br /><br />Also, could you dry your laundry outside? Your clothes would look so pretty hanging on a clothes line. I have ditched my dryer altogether - when it's raining I use a vintage ceiling pulley and if necessary I use a dehumidifier. I dry outside most of the year though - even though we have plenty of rain here in Scotland. My clothes last longer and they smell nice too.Wendynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-7483917835701543262012-04-08T08:01:25.185-04:002012-04-08T08:01:25.185-04:00I used to buy those fabric softener sheets, but no...I used to buy those fabric softener sheets, but now I use those crystals that go into the wash. They're great for softening fabrics. I can't remember if they're good for static cling, but it seems like there is a lot less of it now.<br /><br />Today I'm finishing up a dress from a vintage McCall's pattern in the peasant style. The main color is peach with a wide portion at the bottom in white. Perfect for Easter Sunday.<br /><br />Have a wonderful Easter!<br /><br />Debbie in Sunny,chilly Florida...(O:<br />><>Olyveoilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09836563216191945117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-91644239431430728062012-04-08T07:12:53.839-04:002012-04-08T07:12:53.839-04:00I wash fabric as soon as I buy it, and then it can...I wash fabric as soon as I buy it, and then it can be placed into the appropriate crate (leotard fabric/dress fabric).<br /><br /> I always handwash, so I can see what fabric leaks dye, and thus what I'll have to take care with and what can be chucked in the machine.<br /><br /> It's superbly handy, because it means when inspiration hits, I can deliver!Katienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-71200116565717820862012-04-07T19:08:54.881-04:002012-04-07T19:08:54.881-04:00I try to prewash when I bring it home, I don't...I try to prewash when I bring it home, I don't always succeed though. <br /><br />Fabric softener - we rarely use it now, except for jeans sometimes. After a while, the towels start not absorbing water very well, and doing separate loads of just towels just doesn't happen. The dryer lint filter also got buildup from dryer sheets. You can restore the towel absorbency with a wash in a strong vinegar.JustGailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08948391538309176039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-30604026059443619542012-04-07T16:53:40.994-04:002012-04-07T16:53:40.994-04:00Hi Gertie, congrats on the new house and your own ...Hi Gertie, congrats on the new house and your own laundry!! I use a pair of special cloths that you just leave in the dryer all the time - they remove lint and generally work for static, the only time they don't really work is if there is polar fleece in the dryer. I can't use chemicals so that is my solution these days. They were about $13 but totally worth it! Also, love the chubby Betty storyline, it was a huge surprise! Love your white eyelet plans, will have to trek to the store this afternoon to add to my already indecent fabric stash!Heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-75559106902545632792012-04-07T14:05:53.207-04:002012-04-07T14:05:53.207-04:00If you'd still prefer the ease of purchasing a...If you'd still prefer the ease of purchasing a product for the dryer, I highly recommend Method Squeaky Green Dryer Cloths. No yucky residue :) (And no, I was not paid to leave this comment ;))<br /><br />http://methodhome.com/shop/squeaky-green-dryer-cloths/ms. modistehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17538521450859920972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-87175515672650161382012-04-07T12:08:33.658-04:002012-04-07T12:08:33.658-04:00I love getting all my fabric prewashed! I feel so...I love getting all my fabric prewashed! I feel so ready for anything sewing-wise.<br /><br />I am kinda a laundry fanatic. I love doing laundry.<br /><br />I never use softener or sheets -- dryer balls! (giggle now) I just love they way they take the static away without making the fabric feel weird.Lucy Maehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02592655655812892340noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29208793305302707402012-04-07T12:03:29.572-04:002012-04-07T12:03:29.572-04:00Fellow NYC girl here...Try Charlie's Soap for ...Fellow NYC girl here...Try Charlie's Soap for the laundry and you won't need any fabric softener. I started using it when we lived in NC, at the suggestion of a fabric store owner who sold me a beautiful length of what turned out to be a silk/cotton blend fabric. She was going out of business after 40 yrs. and selling off her "bits and bobs". She couldn't recall what it was made of but said I should wash it with Charlie's Soap...."That'll do for just about anything but fur!" And she was right. And a whole load of wash only takes a tablespoon of powder. And yes, I wash fabric as soon as I get it, otherwise I'll either forget or, in my haste to grab the scissors, neglect that step. I should know better, but...ATChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06409117828143237730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-15427474924846602322012-04-07T11:00:30.844-04:002012-04-07T11:00:30.844-04:00Where do I find a pattern for hot pants?! I love ...Where do I find a pattern for hot pants?! I love to sew but can't find patterns that look good. Most standard brands look worse than bargain basement clothes, except for kid patterns... Pattern recommendations from hip experienced sewers are wanted!<br /><br />Always prewash, I like Tide liquid and Bounce sheets in the dryer, our clothes look and feel good, and it gets out kid stains.<br /><br />I'm working on the yellow dress from the intro to Sew Retro. Mine is going to be a cotton with red cherries on a black background. Where does one look for help fitting? Are their any good books out there about fitting patterns?Jaehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01509492106496642008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-32163965063189849092012-04-07T10:38:54.443-04:002012-04-07T10:38:54.443-04:00I'm working on finishing up the diaper bag I s...I'm working on finishing up the diaper bag I started 2 weeks ago- just need to add handles and make the changing pad & some more retro maternity and baby clothes. Other than that, move moving of my sewing stuff out of the baby's room and into the basement for my expectant- mom cave.Peggyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08411846976683327253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-37386927467478436172012-04-07T08:35:23.192-04:002012-04-07T08:35:23.192-04:00Oh, Gertie, I can't wait to see your new paint...Oh, Gertie, I can't wait to see your new painted floor! And, regarding Mad Men - you know that January Jones was quite pregnant when they were filming and this was their creative way to 'hide' that fact. I'm glad they did not make her pregnant on the show at least. I like this storyline much better than that alternative.jknapp00https://www.blogger.com/profile/13884773068010139143noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-36905818840594868282012-04-07T01:45:18.969-04:002012-04-07T01:45:18.969-04:00All my sewing projects are on hold for the next tw...All my sewing projects are on hold for the next two weeks since we are moving apartments. But then I'd like to create a basic collection for this Spring/Summer season including dresses, skirts, shorts and pants. <br />I did not know anything about Mad Men before I read about the Mad Men challenge within the sewing community! Just started watching season 1 last week. Betty is an interesting character and I can't wait to see how it develops in the future. (Well, now I know a little bit hihi).<br />I never use softener nor drier. Our grandmothers survived without those and so will I. All my laundry dries outside in the summer or inside in the winter. To give my bedsheets nice smell (I own only 2 sets), I put a small bag filled with dried herbs (varies on season) inside the sheets after they are washed and stored in the closet. The sheets smell nicely after that. I really hate chemical smell. Also as Emily pointed out earlier it tends to scud in the washing maniche.<br />I used to pre-wach my fabric 1 day before I start a new project.Innahttp://thewallinna.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53293610470687525102012-04-06T23:27:25.366-04:002012-04-06T23:27:25.366-04:00Others have mentioned vinegar - I highly recommend...Others have mentioned vinegar - I highly recommend it, if only because so many fabric softeners contain carnuba wax or some other form of wax, and that ruins clothes over time.<br /><br />I'm finishing up some pants for my son and then am making him a bathrobe. (both are Ottobre patterns) I'm starting to look at spring and summer sewing, although it's still so cool here in the PNW that I can't wear anything too lightweight yet. I have a couple of things that are finished but need tweaking in one way or another so that's on my list. Oh, and I'm finishing a baby quilt for my brother and SIL's little girl and then starting on another for a neighbor. I do all the quilting by hand, so I sit in front of a video or whatever and quilt while I catch up on movies or TV.<br /><br />Haven't seen the Mad Men but I think that it's a neat way to explain the weight gain from January Jones' pregnancy IRL.Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11447949592701882774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-76734006273756837492012-04-06T23:23:12.736-04:002012-04-06T23:23:12.736-04:00After sewing up some button down Easter shirts for...After sewing up some button down Easter shirts for my grandsons and a bow tie for my son-in-law, I decided to whip up a simple Sorbetto top for myself. I ended up driving 40 miles to pick up extra fabric to finish the top...but I love it and can't wait to wear it! Next week sewing is all about me! Blogged here: www.seasonedhomemaker.comLesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12075899144165854069noreply@blogger.com