tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post6878501864965843816..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Cowls and CowardiceGertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-8492590709413936492010-07-30T18:36:34.131-04:002010-07-30T18:36:34.131-04:00well for me, sewing a collar is an advanced and sc...well for me, sewing a collar is an advanced and scary technique. But luckily that's not standing in the way of completing my first dress from a vintage pattern! (what IS standing in the way is that I don't own a sewing machine, so all sewing takes place over at my sister's, which thankfully is only walking distance away). <br /><br />So, meh, I say go for it - and if it doesn't go right first time, well that's why you make muslins, right?<br /><br />xx Charlotte<br /><a href="http://tuppencehapennyvintage.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Tuppence Ha'penny Vintage</a>Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14247551155021625654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-56393823919830321902010-07-29T05:57:57.972-04:002010-07-29T05:57:57.972-04:00Cowls and Cowardice - the lost Jane Austen novel.....Cowls and Cowardice - the lost Jane Austen novel... I'm forever getting in over my head, and I'm not nearly as good as you at doing things correctly. I say go for it, fortune favors the brave.Jodyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08730353815529442072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31701705158029181722010-07-29T00:34:07.838-04:002010-07-29T00:34:07.838-04:00Oh, that's a pretty cowl.
I go for the fancy...Oh, that's a pretty cowl. <br /><br />I go for the fancy tricky stuff first, it's the basics I don't understand. I can make perfect-fitting tailored pants with welt pockets and a tidy fly and inseam front pockets and belt loops - the whole shebang - from a pattern I worked out myself. <br /><br />Long-sleeved shirts with button cuffs and lovely collars and yokes and all kinds of princess seams and darts? No problem. <br /><br />But damned if I can figure out how to block fabric. And I can't make a skirt that fits.scoutnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-66778802776774444502010-07-28T17:19:08.407-04:002010-07-28T17:19:08.407-04:00The after learning how to make a cowl pattern I im...The after learning how to make a cowl pattern I immediately dove right in. It's not that bad, just remember to cut on the bias.<br />Draping actually scares meNikihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17412971709899674224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-87075971076632862010-07-28T16:48:43.402-04:002010-07-28T16:48:43.402-04:00Eeep! I love that look, but am too scared to try i...Eeep! I love that look, but am too scared to try it.<br /><br />Go forth and conquer, Gertie! :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-22760964719441540722010-07-28T16:09:54.423-04:002010-07-28T16:09:54.423-04:00While I totally agree with everyone about throwing...While I totally agree with everyone about throwing yourself into new skills (both to learn and to have fun!) I also must say I tend to have the opposite problem. I think, "oh, I can just whip that up, no problem, it doesn't seem that hard" only to realized after much wasted fabric and advil that yes, it is that hard.Miriamnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-52708649006391764252010-07-28T15:59:18.290-04:002010-07-28T15:59:18.290-04:00You never learn unless you try! How surprising to...You never learn unless you try! How surprising to have this comment in a teaching book!<br />Bias is not that hard anyway! You just need to understand how the cloth behaves. Unfortunately most books only cover the topic briefly, and there can be a lot of trial and error!<br />I was going to suggest it in yesterday's post, but since we are on the topic of bias today - I would consider putting the outer bodice panel of your yellow dress on the bias, so pleats are on true bias - you will then be able to avoid the bust dart and it will give a nice smooth look. Try it!Sheryllhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17460472835794108787noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-89546307238548043932010-07-28T15:09:16.699-04:002010-07-28T15:09:16.699-04:00That's how I learned to sew. I just jumped ri...That's how I learned to sew. I just jumped right in. Like I always say, "Before you're good at something you are going to be bad. And if you're bad at something long enough, eventually you'll be good."Marie-Annehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10693723263069292098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-80384614042054516722010-07-28T14:13:49.872-04:002010-07-28T14:13:49.872-04:00I guess I would say I'm an intermediate sewer,...I guess I would say I'm an intermediate sewer, but I have never made a bias cut garment.<br />Those scary diagonal lines going across by cutting mat can be pretty intimidating!<br />I have some store bought bias dresses in my wardrobe, and they are really figure hugging, so I know in sewing them, getting the proper cut and fit must be huge.<br />I just bought a bias skirt pattern though, and I think I'm almost ready to take the plunge!Abigail B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01611160587324107125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-23877070974831036602010-07-28T13:56:49.861-04:002010-07-28T13:56:49.861-04:00Well, I have yet to try an FBA, so so far I have o...Well, I have yet to try an FBA, so so far I have only made top patterns that come with cup sizes, or tops that are too small in the bust ;) I don't know why, but this technique is scary - maybe because there are so many ways of doing it? But you are right, if I don't try it out, I will never learn how!Jen Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-23396349311579753182010-07-28T13:39:15.645-04:002010-07-28T13:39:15.645-04:00Advanced techniques have never stopped me from sew...Advanced techniques have never stopped me from sewing. (However, fear of breaking my machine did keep me from sewing for about a year after it was purchased!) I always figure there's a book or blog post on every technique somewhere, or someone who knows better and will help me out. My mother has actually had to keep me in check a few times when we've been out buying patterns and fabric together. She's reminded me that I'm still a beginner and more advanced projects will most likely look "beginner" so it may not be smart to spend lots of money on fabric I love to sew with now.aechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17393750184966172685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-41926747265095721182010-07-28T13:28:12.400-04:002010-07-28T13:28:12.400-04:00You are absolutely right. You never know whether y...You are absolutely right. You never know whether you can swim or not unless you take the plunge. I am new to sewing and have adopted that philosophy. I make sooo many mistakes but I learn even more. So go for it! Good Luck!!<br /><br />ChiChi<br />http://www.chillien.etsy.comAbetterZhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02943584605363749795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-77045149488909979472010-07-28T13:19:52.242-04:002010-07-28T13:19:52.242-04:00Cowls are my fave neckline the first shirt I ever ...Cowls are my fave neckline the first shirt I ever made was a cowl - no one bothered to tell me it was difficult! (Of course, I didn't know anything about sewing anything, so it was much of a muchness to me.)K.Linehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15350615302797686048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-52908242344066355562010-07-28T12:28:08.175-04:002010-07-28T12:28:08.175-04:00Gertie, you might consider practicing that bias co...Gertie, you might consider practicing that bias cowl pattern at half-scale, just to get some experience with the technique. I've been trying everything small-scale first and am learning so much. If a patten doesn't work half-scale then I don't even attempt a full-size toile or muslin. <br />That's a great cowl pattern and seems like it would be a nice complement to the wiggle dress - even if you left the curved bodice insert (but maybe not the bows...although you could incorporate them at a slant along the stitched part of the cowl).<br />I love your experiments!toile la lahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02062461404198265226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-14396734173531339712010-07-28T11:47:49.134-04:002010-07-28T11:47:49.134-04:00Do it lady, do it! I believe in you!Do it lady, do it! I believe in you!Emily Kennedyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13988003316018583580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-87812008812207561092010-07-28T11:40:59.549-04:002010-07-28T11:40:59.549-04:00Seconding (thirding? fourthing?) the Helen Armstr...Seconding (thirding? fourthing?) the Helen Armstrong rec - the book has a whole chapter on cowls and goes into quite a bit of detail. And is generally very awesome and extremely useful.<br /><br />Go for it - like you said, you'll never learn if you don't try.Emmy Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14665241940139066897noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-31440397368462655692010-07-28T11:39:07.352-04:002010-07-28T11:39:07.352-04:00I will try anything because I love the challenge. ...I will try anything because I love the challenge. I usually design from drawings; and the construction-thought-process of how to accomplish the design is an all consuming joyful/agonizing activity for me. I'm a real geek that likes that journey, I guess. But I also feel such an accomplishment when the piece is finished.....well, usually. :)<br /><br />Should I mention that when I come across something that has me baffled or just isn't working - I go for solitary drives. I do my best thinking while driving. I go for a lot of drives! :) I recently finished a gown that gave me more issues than any other thing I have ever sewn. In my umpteenth time out the door for yet another drive my son said, "Mom, you're probably over thinking this. What is the simplest solution?" Bless his heart; he solved my problem! <br /><br />When my kids were young enough for Halloween was the best time! They would design the costume or give me the basic idea - no holds barred!! Then I could try something new without the fear of failure; after all, it was just for Halloween! That's what started me trying anything and everything, I think.<br /><br />I am a voracious reader when it comes to sewing. I frequently come across a technique AFTER I have just finished an item. It's nice when I figured it out correctly. If not, well...I just remind myself that there is more than one way to do everything; that you can't make a 'Mona Lisa" every time; and it's a lesson learned. Besides, even if not perfect...it is still made better than most RTW!<br /><br />DoreenDoreennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-43262034659990335412010-07-28T11:16:29.096-04:002010-07-28T11:16:29.096-04:00I love this book. I've had it for years and th...I love this book. I've had it for years and this is the place to look for instructions on some tricky little detail. Many years ago I made a silk crepe de chine blouse with a cowl neck and I was not proficient in bias. It came out fine.Nancy Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02235347323004026695noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-41462386331108082762010-07-28T11:12:22.114-04:002010-07-28T11:12:22.114-04:00I usually have more enthusiasm than skill or exper...I usually have more enthusiasm than skill or experience, so I just jump in. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. It's just fabric, for pete's sake!<br /><br />Love the cowl neck pattern! I snapped it up, to have in my stash for the day that I decide to make a sexy sheath dress. The sheath can be tricky for the flat-chested pear shape, but the cowl will help balance my proportions. In theory, anyway. Maybe in raspberry silk jersey...Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408008074242523257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-81264170263566510772010-07-28T11:05:59.946-04:002010-07-28T11:05:59.946-04:00How often has an advanced technique made me back d...How often has an advanced technique made me back down in fear? <br /><br />Never. In fact, the desire to create something that I am excited about, but that incorporates an unfamiliar advanced technique, is the perfect motivation to learn the skill. <br /><br />Who wants to sit down and say: "Today, I am going to go through the challenging (and perhaps frustrating) process of learning an advanced skill that I may SOMEDAY want to use?"<br /><br />It is much better to learn it in a motivating context. Where it begins to be overwhelming is when you are trying to learn too many advanced skills at once. I think they call that "in over your head!" But ONE advanced technique? Totally doable! Enjoy!Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03686477759898404431noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6318659381232426302010-07-28T11:05:26.667-04:002010-07-28T11:05:26.667-04:00I'm freaked out CONSTANTLY with new sewing ski...I'm freaked out CONSTANTLY with new sewing skills, but how will I learn if I don't try? Failure's a way of learning, too -- learning how NOT to do something, not learning how to give up.<br /><br />Hurray for the new cowl adventure!Darcihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02936847220360997738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-51104487210310634362010-07-28T10:47:59.629-04:002010-07-28T10:47:59.629-04:00I read somewhere recently that when you start sewi...I read somewhere recently that when you start sewing, you should put a zipper in right away. The idea was that you shouldn't be scared of them.<br />This makes sense to me, because the only way to learn a skill is to try it. Sometimes you have to rip it out and try it a few times, but eventually you will learn! There has to be a balance between gaining confidence by starting with easier things, but not being scared to try new things.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-34129388438566036372010-07-28T10:46:27.685-04:002010-07-28T10:46:27.685-04:00My latest project was a 1946 little girls' dre...My latest project was a 1946 little girls' dress that had a scary new skill in it-- it suggested bound buttonholes. I've never done one before, though I did get my hands on a bound buttonhole tool on ebay. Because of all the work going into it before the buttonholes, I skipped them and did regular ones; they were optional anyway. I'm determined that I'll learn how to do it... just not on a deadline with a dress that I spent a week embroidering.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07717835382469677601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-41901484389065657732010-07-28T09:47:21.490-04:002010-07-28T09:47:21.490-04:00I think there's something to be said for havin...I think there's something to be said for having a good foundation. I was looking for an intermediate sewing class but none was available. So I took a couture class, for which I was technically qualified. I learned a lot, but I had to do everything four and five times. There were over 30 samples and I wasn't able to finish everything because I was exhausted.<br /><br />For example, the teacher said to cut a rectangle of silk organza as prep for one sample. I figured, how hard could that be? I didn't realize it would be so slippery.<br /><br />Weeks later, I was still working on it, having used five different methods for cutting slippery fabrics.<br /><br />I didn't realize that cowls were that difficult (I don't think they are), but they don't teach them in introductory draping classes. <br /><br />I commend a book that actually observes that design and garment instruction aren't easy.Advanced Beginnernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-14257345712388957412010-07-28T09:44:17.725-04:002010-07-28T09:44:17.725-04:00I agree. Just do it. That's how you learn. I l...I agree. Just do it. That's how you learn. I love the drape of a cowl. It will be gorgeos.Trudyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11649677045881448393noreply@blogger.com