A Simple Sewing Project

Material
@BettyB (4117)
Summerville, South Carolina
May 22, 2017 7:19am CST
I love to sew but I mostly make lap robes and baby blankets now days. I haven’t completed a serious sewing project in ages. I’m not sure if I have to patience for it now, but I need some new shirts. I came across this material in Walmart and it was marked down to a buck fifty a yard. I haven’t seen material, even scraps, marked down that low in ages. I figured it was worth a shot. If I mess it up the only true investment is time and I have plenty of that. When I sat down at the pattern books, I remembered why I gave up sewing clothes. Even at half price the pattern cost twice what I paid for the material. As I really want some simple cotton shirts for the hot days ahead, I went ahead and bought the pattern. So that’s my project for the week. Do you sew? Do you cringe at the cost of patterns now days?
19 people like this
19 responses
@Kandae11 (55164)
22 May 17
I was sewing since age ten - but nothing too elaborate. I tried using patterns only once.
4 people like this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
22 May 17
I've created some of my patterns over the years, but I'm not good at that. I need something to start with and then I can start adjusting and changing it.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (472087)
• Switzerland
22 May 17
I like to sew and as pattern I use old shirts, I cut them and I use the pieces as patterns.
2 people like this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 17
I've done that but its been a while. I figured it would be easier to work with a premade pattern.
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (472087)
• Switzerland
23 May 17
@BettyB It's easier to work with a premade pattern, but it works even using old shirts.
2 people like this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
25 May 17
@LadyDuck I haven't created a pattern from old clothes in so long that I would probably mess it up. I'm going to make these shirts and then probably go back to sewing lap robes and baby blankets.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50536)
• United States
22 May 17
I can barely put a button on
2 people like this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 17
I like to sew but my projects have gotten simpler over time. I'm afraid to start. I'm afraid I'll screw it up.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21852)
• Canada
24 May 17
Good luck, I did sew years ago but out of necessity, when my daughter grew up I gave her my sewing machine and have not missed it at all. My creativity is used in my art. And when I need something fixed, there is a small business in town where 5 women do repairs and all things with sewing machines and I sent my husband there and I go too when needed.
1 person likes this
• Canada
26 May 17
@BettyB I made a lot of our clothes in the past but just lost the urge probably as we aged we had more money then when we were younger...
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
25 May 17
I usually limit my sewing to baby blankets and lap robes. I want some new blouses and I couldn't find anything I liked in the store. I'll sew these two but then I'll probably go back to sewing baby blankets and lap robes.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
27 May 17
@PainsOnSlate That makes a difference. When I was a teen, I sewed out of necessity. I kept it up into adulthood but the busier I got, the less I sewed. Maybe if I had a little girl to sew for instead of boys, I might of kept it up longer. I made a few things for the boys but my husband always said they looked girlish.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99405)
• Atlanta, Georgia
24 May 17
I used to sew more than I do now. I like quilting an I sew something for myself once in awhile. I have materials .i should make tops with. I have lots of old patterns but no new ones.
1 person likes this
@RubyHawk (99405)
• Atlanta, Georgia
26 May 17
@BettyB I do the same. I just can't seem to get myself going.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
27 May 17
@RubyHawk There's too many other things I would rather be doing.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
25 May 17
I've been slowly using up my surplus material sewing lap robes for a couple of nursing homes. That's about the extent of my sewing lately. I'm not sure how this is going to go. I look at the material, and then sit down to do something else.
1 person likes this
@atoz1to10 (6780)
• Australia
22 May 17
I can sew but not very good. At the moment I'm planning to make my own curtains. Is that the dress you are going to make with the materials shown?
2 people like this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
22 May 17
There's a dress version on the pattern and if the shirts turn out, I may try that as well. My plan in a couple of simple sleeveless shirts for summer.
1 person likes this
@atoz1to10 (6780)
• Australia
23 May 17
@BettyB Make sure you take a photo of you wearing it to show us please.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 May 17
I love to sew. My sewing machine needs some tlc and I don't have the patience to figure out what is wrong with it. Not sure if there is anyone locally who fixes the dang things anymore. I look at the Goodwill for patterns when I am in the market for one.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 May 17
@BettyB check out used patterns online too. Often times people buy a pattern thinking they will complete a project and never do it.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
22 May 17
My sister took her machine in for repairs. It cost more than buying a new machine. I didn't think to look at the Goodwill. I need to check that out.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
25 May 17
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
23 May 17
I can only sew simple things such as a simple curtain or a plain blanket of bedsheet. Really, the pattern's price is much more expensive than the sewing cloth. I guess, i would be deterred by that, if I am a sewer.
1 person likes this
@SIMPLYD (90721)
• Philippines
24 May 17
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 17
The only time its worth it is if you make several versions from the same pattern.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 May 17
I haven't the patience or I guess know how to follow patterns. I haven't a sewing machine and if I did, would barely use it. Admire anyone that knows how to sew. I could piece together something if I had to though. Hope these turn out nicely and will love to see your work when done.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 17
It's not a common hobby now days. I only know a few young people that sew.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (51407)
• Canada
22 May 17
I am hoping to get back into sewing again. I know that patterns are costly, but can't you get some for next to nothing online these days?
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
22 May 17
Patterns for small items are easy to download, but I don't like downloading bigger items. It's hard to get the pattern laid out right.
1 person likes this
• United States
22 May 17
Good luck with your project! I didn't even know they still sold patterns these days. Guess I've been away from sewing longer than I thought. My patience and my eyes keep me from sewing clothes but I used to make clothes for myself and my daughters many, many years ago. Keep us posted on your shirts
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 17
The huge sewing stores of yesteryear are gone. The new ones have more crafts than material.
@JudyEv (342179)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 May 17
I used to sew for my young sons but I was always pretty bad at it. I know patterns cost a lot. Good luck with your shirts.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342179)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 May 17
@BettyB I think as you get older your mind turns to more simple pleasures.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
27 May 17
@JudyEv So true. When I have leisure time I usually put on an audiobook and crochet.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
22 May 17
I used to be a really good seamstress, but I don't sew enough anymore. I'm not sure if I want to 'really' start sewing again. Lap robes and baby blankets are fun and easy.
1 person likes this
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
23 May 17
Yes I also sew, but only simple ones like bedsheets, curtains, pillow cases or shorts! I could not make a pattern!
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 17
I'm not sure I could make a pattern anymore either. It's been a very long time. I looked at the material yesterday but couldn't talk myself into working on it. I was too tired and unfocused.
@AnthOcean (407)
22 May 17
yes i sew.. and i am learning doing more. i sewed a few purses in hand and next planning to sew shirts in leisure times.
1 person likes this
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
22 May 17
I hope to get one of the shirts sewn this week. We'll see.
1 person likes this
23 May 17
@BettyB ohh no.. it's not possible this recent. i am busy with work. but hopefully by the end of this year i may upload my self sewed shirt
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61101)
• United States
26 May 17
I only sew things that don't need a pattern like pillow covers. I would much rather buy my clothes. lol Trust me, it is better that I do!!
@marlina (154130)
• Canada
25 May 17
I used to sew but was not very good or patient for it. But I still love to look at fabric.
@DianneN (247184)
• United States
23 May 17
I used to sew simple A-line skirts and dresses in high school and college. Haven't done any sewing since. Good luck!
@BettyB (4117)
• Summerville, South Carolina
23 May 17
Thanks. I had planned on making it this week, but by the time I get home from the clinic, all I want to do is take a nap. It may be a while.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130213)
• Israel
3 Apr 18
@BettyB It sounds like you do amazing things with a sewing machine. I hate sewing and am not good at it but do what I have to do.
@responsiveme (22926)
• India
27 May 17
I saw the other projects you had made...Good luck with the shirt.Cant you download free patterns