I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t found the time to write…busy sewing, with nothing to blog about? Since this is a sewing blog, that makes little to no sense at all.
I truly need to take the time to just write! I have started taking some new sewing classes which is so much fun! My husband bought me a Baby Lock Imagine serger in December as a birthday gift and I absolutely love it! The shop we purchased it from offers free classes with purchase. I attended my first class a couple weeks ago and am happy to report that I’m very confident in my ability to change my thread, adjust settings for each fabric weight and I can serge a pretty corner, inside and out! I’m very excited to attend my next Baby Lock class this upcoming weekend.
I also went to my first Bernina class since I got a new Bernina sewing machine. What a beauty it is…so different from my Brothers, Singer and New Home. With the new machine purchase, I’ll have 3 free classes, then pay for the more advanced classes 🙂
I’ve also been attending another class specifically learning how to take patterns and adjust them to customize your fitting. For those of you that have been following me awhile, you know I don’t use patterns. Patterns have always seemed like a foreign language to me, mostly because no one has taught me how to use them. So, I enrolled in this class because it seemed to fit me well, learning how to create custom clothing. I make everything in my boutique custom, using each of my clients body measurements to ensure a great fit!
This class has forced me out of my comfort zone and into the world of patterns. How fun it is to truly understand how to read, cut, adjust and customize a pattern to your own liking! I’ve learned how to measure flat patterns and to measure myself and others correctly. I’ve learned how to choose which pattern size to use even if it means adjusting just one part of it to fit a fuller bust or narrow hips! I’ve learned how to add a dart, remove another or create gathering in an area the pattern doesn’t call for. I now know how to go up or down 1/2 a size instead of dealing with something being slightly too snug or just a bit too loose. I’m amazed at how many little cuts, turns and adjustments can really be made to printed patterns.
Well, I’m off to finish this counting game with our 2-year-old night owl who never gets sleepy like the rest of us! She’s definitely my shadow and I love how much she loves playing, counting and reciting her ABCs, even if its nearing midnight 😉
Refashion, Repurpose, Redo... 
It’s so nice to be able to attend classes to learn about patterns. I wish there was a place that taught me that. While I do use patterns when I sew, I have no clue how to adjust them – hence, why I am a home decorating sewer most times!! Good luck with your serger and Bernina. I love my Bernina!
Thank you, Lisa! Do you happen to have any authorized dealers of sewing machines? Or any sewing/quilting shops or warehouses? Definitely call around to see if anyone offers sewing classes as it is well worth your time and money! Even JoAnns has classes, though I’ve never attended theirs.
I love my Bernina! I’m still just learning all of its capabilities but it is a great machine! And now that I have my serger, I have to wonder how I ever sewed without 😉
I have been sewing all my life. My mother taught me what she knew, then I picked up a few things in Home Ec. Class; now I’m dating myself, but I never learned the correct way of pattern alterations. Sounds like a lot of fun. We need to continue to past these skills down to our children. I hope you will post some of the things you will be learn.
Linda, what a wonderful thing to pass down to each generation! My daughter is only 2 but she has her own play area in my sewing studio where she will read her books, play or will take out my fabric and lay it out, straightening each corner and smoothing out any wrinkles. It amazes me that she’ll play with fabric longer than her toys! I look forward to teaching her how to sew in the future if her interest remains 🙂
Hi Refashion-Mama
I am a bit jealous – I have been trying to find a class in my area so I can learn how to make adjustments to patterns. I am not the best sewer but I get by, I had stop sewing because I could not get the finish project to fit me correctly. Now that I have taken up sewing again I want to learn how to custom fit patterns to fit my body.
Evelyn
Evelyn, I will be sharing my new found knowledge very soon! I am very excited about being able to customize most anything now!